M&N came back after popping into Mylor to make arrangements for Jon and Linda’s upcoming visit and returning the rental car they had used for the trip to Dartmouth.
Next morning we headed to the Helford River and picked up a mooring buoy in this lovely area. M&N caught a taxi the next day from Helford to Coverack and walked back along the South West Coast Path. Overnight on the buoy again then round to Falmouth for a couple of nights at Falmouth Haven, the marina in the centre of town. M&N caught up on jobs and walked to Swanpool beach.
More of the South West Coast Path to do so it was off to St Mawes just across the Fal from Falmouth. M&N caught the water taxi across the water from St Mawes to Place as it is private and not able to leave Annie (dinghy) there. They walked along the South West Coast Path to Portscatho stopping at the excellent Thirstea tea van for refreshment. They caught the bus from pretty Portscatho back to St Mawes.
The next day we went up the Fal past the King Harry ferry and anchored just north of Trelissick, a National Trust property and gardens. M&N took Annie to the passenger ferry dock where yacht dinghies are allowed on the inside. They walked up the hill to explore Trelissick and find the café where there were excellent scones. Overnight at anchor was lovely in this quiet and peaceful spot. We were treated to the sight of a big seal who had hauled himself up onto a small mooring buoy to sunbathe.
The next day was back to St Mawes where we anchored to allow M&N to do a nice circular walk along the Fal estuary then up and over a hill to walk back along the banks of the Percuil River.
Next day we were back at Falmouth Haven for M&N to stock up with provisions. Then on to pretty Mylor for a nice dinner at Castaways and the arrival of Jon, Linda and Ezzie (their border terrier).
J&L had set off at around 5am from Finchampstead and, even allowing for a breakfast break and Ezzie walk at Jamaica Inn, were with us in Mylor by 10:30. After parking their car settling in on board they all went for a walk around the estuary to the Pandora Inn for a much-needed pint then dinner on board and a fairly early night.
Next day we sailed to the Helford River and picked up a mooring buoy. Ezzie had sailed briefly in Dartmouth and took to sailing like a regular sea dog. She also did really well on Annie for getting to and from the shore, including her last at night and first in the morning wees. M&N&J&L&E dinghied to the shore and moored Annie on the rickety pontoon off Helford Village. They did a nice walk along the coast path to St Anthony then an inland path back to Helford. The top of the dinghy dock was flooded by the tide so they had to wade down to Annie. M&J went barefoot through the water but, much to their amusement, N&L kept their thin socks on “in case of worms or other creatures or sharp things below the water”. It must be a Venus and Mars thing!
The weather was good so we decided to sail the 5 hours to lovely Fowey. Rather than a usual mooring buoy off the town quay we ventured upstream into uncharted territory (for us) to Mixtow Pill where we were really lucky and got a space on the end of the walk-ashore pontoon. Handy for humans and dogs! A walk to the Bodinnick ferry, a ferry ride across to Fowey then another ferry across the river to Polruan then a nice but hilly walk on the Hall Walk from Polruan back to Mixtow. Next day, still moored at Mixtow Pill, the crew took Annie down river to the Fowey town quay and did the Saints Way walk over to Polkerris. They had a drink there then walked on part of the coast path back into Fowey to return to Mixtow on Annie.
The next day we had a nice gentle sail back to St Mawes where we anchored. We were very lucky and saw a Minke whale and dophins on the way. The crew walked to the beach at St Just then back on board for drinks and dinner and the treat of a wonderful sunset over St Mawes and Pendennis castles.
Next morning M was treated to a lovely sunrise and tuneful rendition of “happy birthday” to start his birthday celebrations. M&J dinghied Ezzie to the shore to do her business and returned to the smell of bacon for bacon sandwiches. Also a bottle of prosecco while M opened cards and presents. Back to the shore for the St Mawes circular walk (opposite direction from the week before when M&N did it) then up anchor and 2 miles across the water to Falmouth Haven where we tied up in the marina. Much needed showers for the crew and gin on board including gin infusions which M had as a birthday present. Out for dinner in Falmouth.
The next morning Linda helmed as we sailed up the Fal to the anchorage beyond Trelissick. The crew dinghied to the shore and did the excellent North and South Woodland Walks around Trelissick including an ice cream stop at the café.
On Saturday we upped anchor and returned to Mylor marina. The crew walked around the headland to Flushing and back and had final dinner and drinks on board.
Sadly J&L&E had to go home on Sunday morning. A great week with lots of fun, sailing and walking. Ezzie was a real star on board and is a natural sea dog.
The rest of Sunday was catching up on jobs on board and laundry. The weather forecast for the next several days is awful so some careful passage planning needed to hit the right weather and tide windows to head east back towards Dartmouth and Brixham.
Monday morning was damp and drizzly but a reasonable forecast before Storm Helene arrived Monday night. M&N didn’t want to wait for a week or more to head east so they decided we would go the 8 hours from Mylor to Plymouth where they could wait out Storm Helene and Storm Ali which was hot on Helene’s tail. It was a very bumpy sea and a strong southerly wind but the weather improved so a lively but OK sail to Plymouth. We were the only boat out in Plymouth Sound which was an unusual experience. We are now holed up in Queen Anne’s Battery marina in Plymouth (we get reciprocal berthing here as it is the same company as Brixham Marina which is my “home” marina). Helene arrived last night and we were bashed about and M&N kept awake by 40+ knot winds. Lots of noise but M&N investigated to make sure it wasn’t me. A lot of it was from the movement of the pontoons and the bashing against the boom of the outhaul of the boat next door (now tied off). We are now waiting for Helene to abate and Ali to arrive and go again (potential 50+ knot winds forecast). Meanwhile we are safe (though bumpy) at the marina and will head for home as soon as the weather and tides allow.
Bye for now.
Katrina
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