River Yealm when the morning mist is lifting

At 7 am this morning it was still pretty dark on the River Yealm. A sole person paddling a kayak past Queen's Ransom with his red head lamp. Darkness lifted, but the morning mist was still lying over the river and the surrounding valleys. We waited for enough water over the entrance bar and set out at 10.30. Light sunny conditions met us. Still Summer in second half of October??Water temperature between 15-16 degrees. Sarah Jane talked about swimming... We raced against Spindrift of Yealm who motored out of the river just behind us. down towards Bolt Tail. Gained on her first, but then lost badly despite our size advantage. Maybe due to heavier weight or not enough attention paid....

We had to tack a few times around Bolt Head. Then we past Prawle Point with good speed and finished lunch. We hoisted the spinnaker at Start Point and had a couple of hours enjoying the light good wind conditions under the beautiful balloon sail. Not another yacht in sight on Start Bay. Where have they all disappeared? Sun was setting as we motored past Dartmouth up the peaceful River Dart to Dittisham. I never been up the Dart before. What a mistake! We reached Anchor Rock. An enormous seal with their offspring had crawled up on the rock. Here we wanted to stay for the night! We picked up a mooring buoy. Vegetarian roast in in the cockpit under the oil lamp. Accompanied by the loud sounds of the seals......