My sister Steph joined me on Thursday evening, ready for a short sail up to the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne / Holy Island.

We started the day by refuelling. Recall that the last time I did this I discovered water in the tank and had a miserable few days! So this time, I took a sample from the bottom of the tank which was indeed a bit grungy, disposed of that in the waste oil tank ashore, and put the new fuel only in the upper reserve tank. All went well, and the engine is happily still running!

We then sailed north in "light and variable" winds. Some times on one gybe, some times the other. Main up and down. But pleasant sunshine, and not too cold. We anchored for an hour or so in "The Kettle" by Inner Farne island. Beautiful, but what a stink of bird guano! It was also like Piccadilly Circus with a constant stream of trip boats coming in to circle the anchorage while reeling off their commentary. I should think the birds can recite it by now!

After a welcome cup of tea, we continued on to Lindisfarne. It was getting cold and gusty by the time we anchored so we opted for supper instead of inflating the dinghy to go ashore. Yes, we're wimps! The anchorage is peaceful except for the occasional wail and splash from a seal! Marvellous.

Tomorrow it's on to Berwick so Steph can get home. I'll have to come back to Lindisfarne by car to explore the island.

Log of this passage