Current position:
50 43 49N
001 24 27W
Clamerkin Lake - Newtown, Isle of Wight
It was a very gentle sail down the Solent on the tide with only F1 - F2 winds from the SE. The sea was flat calm and blue as was the sky. We threw in a few tacks to make sure all the lines were running OK as we have changed the position of the dinghy and now have the kayak on the portside rail and this new arrangement may well impede on the smooth running of our lines. After a few adjustments they all ran perfectly and we were in East Cowes Marina by 2.15 . We had arranged to meet friends for supper in Coast - now one of the coolest places to eat in Cowes- but boy it gets busy!!! So make a reservation !!!
Next morning there was heavy fog on the mainland but the island was clear. No wind so we motored down to Newtown River aka Newtown Creek, passing the new "floating bridge" chain link ferry that links East to West Cowes, on her way to the Medina River. The island residents have chosen her name.......FloatyMcFloatFace......... yes REALLY!!! Having entered Newtown Creek we then made for Clamerkin Lake where we picked up a buoy and after lunch I sat in the cockpit reading and dozing while Andreas watched F1 Qualifying. At last a chance to unwind. We plan to stay here until Monday as we are both desperate to do absolutely nothing! It is a beautiful location, one of our favourites, and although it was busy due to the amazing weather, we had a nice spot and were very happy. Newtown is a quiet backwater with a busy Medieval past, now bursting with wildlife. The only National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight , owned and managed by the National Trust. Newtown Harbour was saved in the 1960's from the threat of a nuclear power station being built near the harbour entrance . The efforts of the local people conducting wildlife surveys proved to the authorities how special the place is . The harbour is loved for its unspoilt beauty and tranquillity. The river and adjoining land are regarded as one of the best examples of an undisturbed natural harbour on the south coast , with its varied habitats. The area is an AONB (area of natural outstanding beauty) and an SSSI ( site of special scientific interest) . Long may it stay that way. Whilst sat enjoying the ambience, I heard some extraordinary noises coming from the shoreline and spotted seals playing in the shallows. They then spent the rest of the day, like us, basking in the glorious sunshine in what is one of our most favourite places.
Song for this post: This could be heaven by Seal
Thought for this post: People had real undisputed power in the 60's............
Highlight of this post: Our new friends the Seal Family