With a plan in place for the next few days of sailing we had to get Ruffian into a state whereby she could take care of us for another week. This however had to wait to enable us to take in the most amazing March weather.
The day dawned with bright blue skies and a significant frost. So much frost in fact, that we had a deep frost on the deck for only the 3rd time all winter. With the day dawning it was time to walk up some hills in the Devonshire countryside. We don't think that those people who invented Devon had any idea how to make anything level. It's all either full on uphill or full on down. They don't do flat around here. Up and up and up we went until he had the most spectacular view of the town, the river and the historic naval academy.
The afternoon was spent with Fiona earning some money and Iain filling the boat with water and some other fettling jobs. This was not easy as the closest tap was a 5 minute walk away, we only have 2 x 10 litre jerry cans and these do not have wheels. This was made more difficult still when one of the rowlocks on the dingy broke meaning 'Thug' had to be skulled back and forth. After 4 trips and 80 litres of water put into the boat Iain felt like the missing link with his knuckles dragging on the ground after extending his arms.
There was also a trip ashore for the 3rd crewmember of Ruffian. Here I would like to introduce Larry. Larry is a Llama, he is no normal Llama but a special breed of Aquallama. He has been on board Ruffian on every sailing trip and although he is full is enthusiasm he's not that good a sailor. This all stems from him having hoofs and no opposing thumbs. This means that he can't grip winch handles, drive the boat, or even help put it to bed. He is however a constant source of amusement for both Fiona and more so Iain. Anyway, Larry took a trip up to the Naval Academy for his picture. The squaddie at the guardhouse was particularly perplexed as we don't think he has ever been asked to pose with a Llama before.
So tomorrow marks going to a brand new port with a 35 miles sail (or motor as there's not much wind, but at least there's no fog) to Plymouth.
Larry made his presence felt at the naval college.
Devon is really rather hilly.
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