Fans of the "Swallows and Amazons" books by Arthur Ransome (not the recent mockery of a film) may be aware that I'm in one of his heartlands. We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea started from Pin Mill, where I spent last night. I'm now anchored in Hamford Water, aka Secret Water in the eponymous book.

Leaving Harwich this morning, I passed three old lightships, which feature in We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea and the opening passage of Peter Duck.

Whomever named the Sunk Sand was being pretty descriptive, and its lightship of the same name must have been a nervy sight to see.

The wind has finally turned south, just as I made a short passage back on myself to come here. Sod's Law! I'm expecting a gale tomorrow through Tuesday, with winds gusting over 50 knots on Monday night. Lovely! Not sure if I'll stay here at anchor, or head back into the River Stour for better shelter.

When things calm down a bit on Wednesday, I'll continue up the coast, probably going into the R Deben. That has a very tricky entrance, so should be exciting, but it's beautiful once you're in. Beyond the Deben I'll be into new territory for me, so looking forward to that!