So the journey begins....

Well having left Fambridge and spent 2 cheeky nights on a mooring on the Crouch at Burnham (free I hasten to add as no one came looking for money), waiting for a weather window we have now really started the adventure. The plan was to sail to Dover, anchor in the harbour for the night then on to the Isle of Wight. However with fair (if only slight) winds we reached Dover in good time, the forecast was looking dodgy for late Thurs, Fri/Sat so we decided to push on and beat the bad weather. After warnings from the met office of showers, thundery at times, we actually sailed on through the night and into the morning, which saw us off the coast of Brighton/ Hove (We waved to Pete's brother and family in case they were looking but somehow doubt it).
Taking turns to stay awake (Pete actually only had a total of 1 1/2 hours sleep!!) we continued through a fantastic sun rise and into a day with blue sky, occassional clouds and good wind blowing us down towards the Isle of Wight and NO RAIN!!! Result!

We arrived in Cowes at about 1400 hrs - not bad about 32 hours from Burnham to Cowes. We found a visitor pontoon on the river just opposite the UK sailing association school, moored up had a quick hot meal then fell into bed for a couple of hours sleep.
Friday saw blue sky but lot of wind. We decided a lazy day in Cowes was called for. Got ready, called the water taxi and as we stepped on board the long expected rain fell in torrents soaking us to the skin. Typical all that way in our foul weather gear and just as we think we are safe- splosh - down it comes and no oilies in sight. Still had a good mooch around and then back to boat for some general maintenance and sewing - got to mend Pete's jacket as he somehow tried ripping the sleave off- its not that warm yet!

So.. our journey has begun. No funnies this time, just good sailing, good company and hope for warmer climes soon.