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This is it for me… no more holidays.

Left Mousehole after a lovely comfortable night and headed off for Falmouth.

Being a long weekend we were expecting a bit of traffic.

Got some really nice sailing in once we rounded Lizard.

Got woken up early with around 10 motor boats leaving the harbour with them returning 20 minutes later.  We left just after they settled back into their moorings.  Once we were past the entrance to the Camel the sails were up.  This time we weren’t too far off the coast.  Beautiful. 

Passed St Ives were a fairly large ship ran aground (listened in to the discussion between the bridge and the tugs – imagination was exercised with animated spanish discussion between the ship aground and the resuce boat).

The coast line to Lands End was brilliant – so much history (last trip we went on the outside of Long Ships).

Got some brilliant sailing in.  We were debating whether to go into Penzance or anchor off Mousehole.  Opted for the latter which offered the locals much entertainment – we think many have not seen a boat anchor off the islands.  The fishermen weren’t impressed. 

Left the anchorage early with the plan of getting to Padstow before the lock closes.

Not too much wind so had to motor sail. 

I thought we’d be too late in the season to see dolphins but…. we had dolphins swimming with us for the majority of the day.  The longest one pod was with us was for around 40 minutes – absolutely wonderful.  Tried to get photos but difficult due to their speed.  So loads of photos of splashes.

telephoned in for a spot in the harbour.  The harbour master assured us there was plenty of space and especially on the wall (as one boat 14 metres long had left in the morning) so we should be alright.

Got into the harbour and there was a spot along the wall but a very tight fit – Gen was amazing the way he squeezed her in – what was most annoying (which is typical of Padstow) was the audience – trying to attach lines was very difficult and stressful.  thankfully one gentleman asked if he could help – brilliant we’re secured (?).

Did a bit of a pub crawl, bought the last fish and chips and setlled in for the evening.

Deja vu!  After a fairly peaceful night at Castlebeach bay decided to move up river to escape the wind and swell. 

Going across the entrance to Milford Haven was interesting – thankfully the wind was on the stern so rode a few waves.

Looked for appropriate anchorage and settled on outside the Yacht Station.

The next day – still pretty strong winds moved anchorage to the river that leads to Pembroke.  Wanted to take the dinghy to the town but with the wind over tide decided to stay on board.

Left Fishguard early morning.  Strong winds are forecast.

Went through the Sound of Ramsey – strong current – we were going through at 10 knots.  Quite lumpy on the other side.

We passed Skomer Island around 12:30 which is roughly the time we had technically gone all the way around Britain (if you include our last trip).

We were aiming for Dale but once we saw how rough it was we went back a bay and anchored in Castebeach Bay.  Very pretty.

After a most enjoyable day it was time to push on.  We’re constantly checking the weather as it looks like bad severe weather is approaching.

Left in what felt like very little wind – still decided to sail regardless.   That cost us a bit of time as we need to tack a couple of times.   The wind totally died down so had to motor, and motor hard as we would not get to Fishguard before sunset.

Along the way we saw a whale about 15 metres away from the boat.  Unfortunately it didn’t surface enough times to get any photos.

We came into Fishguard in darkness as clouds covered the full moon.  Managed to anchor alright, not in the middle of the fairway.

The train journey from Holyhead to Euston is very interesting.   The train goes along the Menai Straits and right by Conwy Castle which is ever so impressive. 

There’s not much to Holyhead itself, in fact its very sad – many businesses are boarded up.  The yacht club is great, very friendly.

Left Holyhead in south westerlies.  A bit lumpy rounding the harbour but once we got the sails up all was fine.  Anchored in Porth Dinllaen which was a bit of a find.

Went ashore.  There were a few holiday shacks and a pub.  At the pub they had a DJ outside playing skanks music.  The whole atmosphere of the place was just magical.

Recommend visiting the Isle of Man – loads of history, interesting sites and very friendly people.

Left Port St Mary just before midday. Had a strong NW blowing, set the course, set the sails and basically on one course made itt to Holy Head 8 hours later..

Got a day explorer ticket and took the bus to Douglas.  Quite a lively resort town.

After having lunch near the marina, took the bus up to Ramsey, strolled around (bought some stuff for the boat) and took the bus back.  The route took us along the coast and also past Laxey where they have the worlds largest working water wheel.

Had a drink that the IoM yacht club and then headed back to the boat.  The wind had been blowing a F5 all day with the occassional F6 gusts, so getting back to the boat was interesting to say the least and we got very wet.

No point staying in Derbyhaven if you cant get ashore.  Moved on via Castletown bay to Port St Mary.  Decided anchoring in Castletown bay would not be comfortable.

Took the bus to Castletown.

The castle (Rushen) was just one of the best preserved we’ve visited.  Castletown itself is interesting but very quiet – maybe it was the time of the day or weekday.  Who knows.