Summer Holiday - at last!

 

Kilmore Fleet in Harbour

We whiled away a couple of days in Kilmore Quay as the strong winds blew through, reckoning that if the fishing fleet had decided to stay in port, we would as well!  We took the bus to Wexford and enjoyed a few hours walking round the town, reading the history plaques about the dastardly deeds carried out by Cromwell in the past (don't mention that we're British).

Then on Wednesday 28th August, we put to sea at 08:00 to start our long beat south towards the Scillies, 135 miles away.

We were unable to make directly for the Scillies, due to a SSW F3-4 headwind at first but this later lifted to a more reasonable direction as it turned SW, then W.  However, the strength rose to F6 at times, giving us an uncomfortable passage and we were concerned not to arrive in Scilly during the dark.

Closing the Scillies under a wonderful sky

However, the wind moderated overnight and with the help of an adverse tide (thankfully slowing us down :) we happily made landfall on the Scillies just after dawn - phew!

Sunrise as we approach New Grimsby Sound

We were very relieved to sail into New Grimsby Sound between the islands of Tresco and Bryher and pick up a visitor's mooring before sinking into our bunk - sleeping at sea had not been easy with lumpy seas and watch-keeping duties.

We later found ourselves in a sunny, calm, warm destination - Summer was here at last!

Old Grimsby Sound - from Tresco

We had a take-away Paella meal that evening with local prawns and lobster from Island Fish on Bryher - heavenly.

Next day we walked ashore after a fine fish and chips at Tresco's New Inn.  This is what being on holiday should feel like!

Mast maintenance work

In the calm weather we were able to get Doug up the mast to sort out a sticky block on the upper spreaders for the lazy jacks.

Seems like we are in home waters now... ahhhhh.




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