Day 18 - Devon knows how they make it so dreamy !

Hi there, Shaun again... two reasons really, Tim is a little weary of staggering home from the pub every night and then having to sit down and think of something original to write...quite daunting after 18 days at sea...and secondly because it is my last night on the 'Cat'...boo hoo.

This morning we had an early start for a change...The bridge was up at 10.00 hrs and we were showered, shaved and ready to go. Wind and tides conspired to give us a trouble free departure as we bade fairwell to Weymouth... We passed a huge sea cat as we exited the mouth of the harbour and set course for Dartmouth. The sea was a little raucous early on, with some cheeky waves to keep us alert. I tested my sea-faring skills by manually piloting the CAT across the Portland Shelf overfalls, south of Portland Bill ... just like surfing, fantastic !

There was little sea traffic to be seen, most of the yachty's keeping a low profile due to the wind (I thought that was what sailing was all about!) We had a 'securite' warning from Portland Coastguard about the wreck of the container ship 'Naploli' and her discarded cargo, floating (half submerged) in the bay. It seems a long time ago that she floundered, but they are still battling to salvage the remains of the cargo.

Despite a very misty outlook towards Dartmouth, we finally saw land and the clouds suddenly parted to reveal a very hot sun and the weather was set for a beautiful day. We entered the mouth of the River Dart at approx 13.30 hrs. There were no berths large enough to take us in the 3 marinas in Dartmouth, so we moored mid-river on a floating pontoon. A very friendly and helpful harbour master came to our assistance and guided us in the right direction. So, safely moored, we set off upstream in the tender to explore some of Tim's boyhood haunts (the Ferry Inn @ Dittisham amongst them). This lovely little pub had views to die for and served a wicked Adnam's Broadside ale, quite apt really!!.. I have to say this place is fantastic !! (Can't understand why it has taken Tim thirty years to return!)...

We then returned to the CAT to greet Tim's Uncle Len and youthful companion Anne. Len, being from Shrewsbury originally, spent many a holiday with the Grays in the 70's and now lives in Kingsbridge (very close to Dartmouth) Having spent many a long hour untangling young Tim & Chris' fishing lines - he was at least owed a cup of tea onboard Stray Cat.

We must have been a little behind schedule on the way back from the pub (in tender), because Tim was pulled over by the harbour master and warned about his speeding (that's unusual isn't it children...)

Having said goodbye to Len and Anne we set off to explore the town itself. We had been given some good advice on the haunts to visit and so were looking forward to the delights of Dartmouth. We weren't disappointed... except, the best looking menu in the town was displayed in a window of a restaurant which only opens on Friday and Saturday! What a bummer. Talking of which, I didn't mention finding Tim in his berth with three other guys the other night, did I?... (good explanation, ask for full details...)

Finally from me, we thought the circus was in town tonight when we came across the wierdest lady you could imagine, gallantry prevents me from expanding on the situation. It has been a wonderful few days and well worth the effort for such a good cause. Keep logging on to see the final few days.

See yah, (able seaman) Shaun Holloway "Roger that!"