Welcome

Welcome to my Blog.

I started this blog because I enjoy writing a diary when I'm on my travels, usually aboard Nomad, our Moody S31. She is currently kept at Conwy marina where she has been since we bought her seven seasons ago. So here are a few of my diary entries from the last couple of years. I hope to add to them in the future. Enjoy!

Carol

Easter 2016

After spending a sunny Good Friday travelling, along with the rest of the UK residents, Storm Katie set in for the holiday weekend. We endured high winds, torrential rain, hailstones and low temperatures for Saturday and Sunday. On Bank Holiday Monday the weather began to improve slightly, although all but the most hardy campers, sailors and caravanners had already left for home.

Graham and I spent our time getting Nomad ready for her 'lift out' on Thursday and improving her accommodation for our big trip to Scotland in the summer. I made a mosquito net for our cabin door while Graham fitted a brand spanking new toilet. In between the showers we made a dash for the car and took a trip to Rhos-on-Sea one day and Bangor the other.

Throughout the week the weather slowly improved with longer spells of sunshine and fewer bursts of rain (or other precipitations!) but it was still very cold. On Tuesday we took a trip to Liverpool to collect our life raft which had been for a service at Norwest Marine. The staff  were very helpful and explained how the life rafts were tested and replenished with perishables like sea-sick tablets, flares and batteries. Then the clever bit is getting it all folded back up again into it's bag which is little more than a 'carry-on' suitcase!

As we were already north of the city we continued on towards Crosby to 'play' with the standing statues on the beach.  Anthony Gormley's 'Another Place' are a series of 'iron men' dotted along the beach for about two miles. I loved the contrast of a metal statue stood in sand with the industrial backdrop of the docks in one direction and the opposite view of endless sky, sea and sand. The tide was out so we met at leasts three men before reaching the sea, with at least one other out to sea up to his neck. I've been experimenting with some film making so this location was an ideal opportunity to have some fun with my new camera. If the results are any good then I'll be pleased to share the finished film!

Nomad was booked to be lifted out of the water on Thursday, what we've been waiting for all week. We motored around to the crane and lifting area where the slings were attached under the hull and then hoisted upwards. As the cables tightened, the boat shuddered and it felt like we were slipping,  not a pleasant sensation.  However, it all went well. Within half an hour, the hull had been steam cleaned and Nomad was placed on a cradle in the yard where she will sit for the next few weeks while we work on her 'underneath'. We could still stay on-board but it is much harder to get on and off the boat, having to climb a ladder onto the stern which is about three meters above the ground. It also feels very precarious walking around the deck, as she is balanced in the cradle. We ended the day with a walk along Deganwy beach to watch the sunset over Anglesey. It was stunning!

Watch Nomad being lifted out - in double-quick time. Watch here or use the link to Vimeo:

https://vimeo.com/163310752

Follow the link below to watch us with the 'Iron Men'. 

https://vimeo.com/162544059

Circumnavigating Anglesey

Aug Bank Holiday weekend 2015

August Bank holiday was the last opportunity for a long weekend away this season so Moody 35, Pinch of Thyme joined Graham and I aboard Nomad, our Moody S31 for a trip around Anglesey, along with the crews of Twilight, Stryker and Lady Jules. We set off at 11am, High Tide on Saturday morning with a forecast of F4/5. It was a bumpy trip with a steady 25kn of wind across Conwy bay with gusts up to 31kn across Red Wharf Bay. We put in a reef in both main and Genoa while still in the channel and added a second reef in the Genoa off the cost of Moelfre. Nomad was now well balanced and was going well at 9.8kn SOG at one stage, having the tide with us all the way. She was still pointing well up-wind as we rounded Port Lynas but eventually we added some engine to give us another 10⁰ to windward so that we could make the inland passage at Middle Mouse and avoid putting in a tack.

                                                Storm clouds in the Straits

                                               

We passed Porth Wen and the brickworks where three or four yachts had gone to seek shelter but we pushed on around the corner to Cemaes Bay. We were heading for the Westward corner under the power station near Lamb Island where there is good shelter from the headland cliff and the holding is good, as was evident when we pulled up anchors the next morning. It is important to enter Cemaes Bay from the centre of the bay which is then divided into three distinct parts because a sand bank extends across the bay on the eastern side, running across its entrance. Once you are half way across the bay, you can make your way towards the shore in the middle before heading for your chosen spot.

Lamb Island was particularly sheltered in these very strong SW winds especially when we tucked ourselves under the cliff, but staying clear of the fishing buoys.  We went ashore on Twilight's 'taxi service' for some much needed food and drink and enjoyed swapping sailing stories and passage planning for the following day. As promised, the wind died with the sunset and from the shore the boats sat still and quiet. However there was just enough of a swell to keep most people awake during the night.

Going ashore in Cemaes Bay

                                                                    

 Stryker at sunset

  

We began Sunday morning watching dolphins in the bay. At  least four large dolphins swan in circles, one of which jumped and splashed before us. Wow! The day's plan which was formed the previous evening, was to motor around Carmel Head and the Stacks on route to Pilot's Cove. However, three of our five boat flotilla decided to head back in the other direction to spend the evening in the Straits having had little sleep and with the prospect of the possible overfalls to come. So we bid them farewell as they set off with the last of the tide while ourselves and Pinch of Thyme set off at 0845 pushing the tide towards Carmel Head.

We passed the Harry Furlong buoy at 0915 where we saw a porpoise or two in the tidal waters. It was slow going and when we reached the tidal race off Carmel Head, Nomad slowed from 5.9kn to 1.7k. It felt like we had stopped dead! It took ages to round the head at this speed even though the engine was on 2800 Revs. Still, once around the corner we headed into Holyhead bay to pick up a back eddy Graham knew about which gave us a lift while looking out for ferries crossing from Ireland and the Isle of Man. We had passed the end of the harbour wall when an Irish ferry grew rapidly on our Starboard side, like Alice in Wonderland after taking the growing potion. Unfortunately, Pinch of Thyme were still crossing the bay and were not confident they could cross in front of the ferry and so made evasive maneuvers. putting an extra mile onto their journey.

The sea conditions were still very calm so the overfalls below North Stack were minimal, just some choppy waters which we splashed through for a few minutes. I was lucky enough to see a dolphin's fin in the waves and then, clearly I saw a common dolphin with its creamy yellow belly swim towards me on the starboard side but he was quickly lost again in all the soup.  There were no more rough waters to endure, just some swirling and bubbling below the majestic lighthouse of South Stack before we turned south down the west coast of Anglesey.

The weather was dull and cloudy but surprisingly warm. We hadn't yet worn a coat and the warmth remained as enough of a breeze blew up to allow us to put out the Genoa and turn off the engine for a while. Aboard Pinch of Thyme, the crew were ambitious enough to put up their beautiful blue cruising chute. It took them quite a while, no doubt due to lack of practice which was the reason we didn't put up our own, and in doing so they lost a lot of ground. However, once up they came steaming along (at about 2.5kn) to eventually overtake us as the white spot of Llanddwyn Island lighthouse came into sight.

Before going around the Llanddwyn headland we investigated a possible anchorage near Malltraeth beach. A green buoy marks a wreck at 2m, Chart datum, with an anchorage between it and the shore, between two small headlands. This could be a possible safe haven against north westerly winds if Pilot's Cove is too crowded. On approach to the cove we spotted a couple of seals basking in the warm hazy sun on the rocks. We were rather angry, but sadly not surprised, when a jet skier and speed boat roared up towards them for a dangerously close look. Why is it that speed merchants often lack common sense and respect for wildlife?

The cove was quite busy but we were able to anchor close to the rocks to the east of the cove where there was a good view of the beach and the vast stretch of sand that sweeps from the so called island, all the way to Aber Menai and the narrows. We relaxed and enjoyed a meal aboard before we were kindly ferried ashore to meet up with family that had walked that long stretch of sand to meet us. It was lovely to be ashore at the end of the day when most of the day trippers were heading home. The cove becomes quiet and peaceful before the spectacular sunset starts. I have often taken photographs from this spot aboard Nomad, but tonight's sunset was as beautiful as ever. As the sun dipped below the clouds which had hung in the air all day, it lit up the steep countryside that leads up to the mountains on the mainland. For the first time today the land was clear and bright. Piercing lights were dotted along the hillsides, reflecting the sun light in the many farm house and cottage windows that spread out across the hills. I smiled when I noticed that all the crews were on their decks with cameras in hand. It was a lovely way to end the day.  

Bank holiday Monday began with

an equally gorgeous sunrise bathing

the boats and the shore in a lovely

lemon glow as it shone under the

cloud base. We left the anchorage

at 0900, well rested after a very

peaceful night, bidding good

morning to other crews who were

fishing for their breakfast. We put

out our own fishing line hoping for

a bite as we crossed the shallow

waters of the bar having had no

luck fishing the previous afternoon.

The water speed was only 2.5kn but

as we entered the narrows at 1000 we were making 10kn SOG. Normally we would be leaving Pilot's Cove earlier on the tide to make the Swellies at slack water so it was unusual for us to be traveling this late and we were expecting slacker water. However, this weekend was predicting particularly High  and Low tides (for some celestial reasons beyond me) and so we were still 'skating' on the water's surface through whirlpools and boiling bubbles. Looking back at Pinch of Thyme who were following, we could see how the tide takes the vessels sideways as we were 'ferry gliding' from one buoy to the next. Passing Caernarfon we took in the view, glad that this had not been our final destination this weekend but that we had been able to go all the way around Anglesey. We have spent much of our summer in Caernarfon, waiting for better weather so we could move on. The sun was now hiding above the clouds as we set off up the Straits towards Port Dinowrick or Y Felinheli as it is now known. We kept the marker buoys for Traeth Gwyllt on our Port (meaning wild  sands) but didn't bother to go around the buoys marking the next bank which shows 1.7m at chart datum. Instead we aimed for the dinghies moored at Plas Menai. It was HT after all and the lowest depth we found was 4.7m.

At Cable Bay, West of Y Felinheli lies a trot of ten large buoys nestled in a narrow bay against the trees. We took no.7 with Pinch of Thyme taking the one behind. At only a boat length apart it made communication easier between us. A stiff breeze had blown up against us during our trip here with an Autumnal feel but in the cockpit with the protection of the spray hood we enjoyed a lovely  warm and sunny afternoon. It was a bank holiday after all!

We had arranged to go ashore at 1700 to meet and eat with friends at the local pub but as we awaited our lift from Pinch of Thyme I thought I could see a sandy bottom beneath the swim ladder. It looked as though I could jump in with water up to my thighs. Graham tried to move the tiller to fasten it in place while we were away but the keel was stuck fast. That was the bottom I could see! The depth gauge measured only 1.5m and the keel is 1.7m. Ooops! There was an hour to go before low water and the tide had another 0.9m to drop. The big concern was not the keel but pressure on the rudder. Graham turned on the engine, and with me bouncing on the bow, we managed to motor forwards and free us from the sand. There was 4.7m at the buoy so as long as we could stay in the flow of the river  then there would be plenty of water. With help from S & M in the tender, we set up a line from our stern to the no.8 buoy behind us and added three fenders along the line in case anyone tried to go between us. The only other concern was that Pinch of Thyme might turn with the tide and our sterns may touch so we also set up fenders on both our sterns before alighting Nomad and setting out for the pub.

We had a lovely evening with Arrow's crew from Conwy and set off back to the moorings in the fading light. It was now perfectly still and the reflection of the sunset sky rippled in the waves of a passing boat. Pinch of Thyme was now pointing into the tide towards Caernarfon while Nomad was held tight in the opposite direction with the line set up earlier. We weren't quite touching but there was only the tender's  width between us! The line was very tight and Graham was worried that it may snap or cause some other damage so we decided to release the line - but that was easier said than done! In hindsight (a wonderful thing!) we could have tied the two sterns together while we loosened the line and collected it in. However,  what actually happened was that as Graham tried to loosen the line, Nomad began to turn as far as she could into the tide until the line stopped her again. By now the light was all but gone and things were getting a bit fraught. We solved the problem eventually by using the engine to reverse Nomad, slackening the line and letting it go, but that was not as easy as it sounds! S & M then collected it up in their tender. With gratitude we took the line back on board and bid them goodnight. But that wasn't the end of the story ...

There was the issue of the problem reoccurring at low tide the following morning at 0700. Our solution was to set the alarm for 0545 when the tide would be at the same stage as when we went aground the previous evening. We could then use the engine if necessary to keep us afloat in the right direction. As it happened there was no need. When we awoke to the alarm our stern was pointing out into the river, the tide was slack and it was perfectly still. We checked every 15 min or so until we finally got up around 0730. Disaster averted!

At 1030 we left the mooring for our trip home through the Swellies and across the Swatch. We were 45 minutes early for slack water at the Swellies, but usually, provided you are with the tide this is not a problem. You just need enough engine power to be able to steer in the fast waters around the rocks which is why the power boats can travel at almost any state of the tide. With such highs and lows this weekend though, the tide was as fast as we'd ever seen it and we got through the Swellies from one bridge to the other in just under seven minutes! At the bridges, the water stepped down around the columns and thundered past the cardinal marking Swellies rock. Very exciting! 

The rest of the trip was uneventful. We motored towards Beaumaris while being followed by creeping rain clouds which eventually caught up with us off the coast of Dwygyfylchi before dissipating once again. We finally berthed in Conwy marina around 1400 and spent the afternoon cleaning up the debris from anchoring and mooring offshore for several days. The weekend had cost us nothing other than a pub meal, but we found friendship, excitement and satisfaction having circumnavigated Anglesey this Bank holiday weekend! 

 Crews from the weekend's flotilla.

Summer Expedition in North Wales 2015

                            Summer Expedition 2015

4th July - 19th July

After experiencing the hottest day on record this week, (37 degrees at Heathrow) and glorious sunshine, it was disappointing to leave Conwy for our annual holiday aboard Nomad in windy and overcast conditions. However, with a flotilla of 3 we set off for Menai Bridge, the gateway to our escape from these beautiful but much sailed waters.

Leaving at 1.15pm, High Water (HW) and with the tide heading out into the channel, we fully expected a forecasted Southerly wind to blow us all the way to Puffin Island.  However, the wind was coming from Penmaenmawr and down the Menai Straits, so wind against tide and shallow waters in the channel gave some very rough conditions. The waves were deep and short causing the bow to plummet into the first then smack down on top of the next. This continued all the way to the Fairway and made for a  very slow and uncomfortable trip. We didn't use the spray hood because it was easier (and more fun) to spot the waves as they approached. Instead we resorted to ducking to avoid the spray although we didn't always manage to miss them! Beyond the channel the water was less rough and we were able to sail for a short while with two reefs in the Genoa. Nomad was going well in the conditions and with the tide we were doing between 4 to 6 knots. Eventually we reached Menai Bridge and picked up a buoy for the night.

Liverpool Arms, Menai Bridge

Our flotilla consisted of ourselves aboard Nomad, Stryker, a Hallberg Rassy 36 and Lady Jules, a Dufour 325 . Twilight was also in Menai Bridge and kindly taxied all our crews ashore where we enjoyed a lovely meal together at The Liverpool Arms. This was  a great start to the trip!

SS Balmoral at Menai Bridge

Next morning, Sunday, we watched as the ship SS Balmoral sailed passed us and docked alongside the pier. More passengers boarded her before she turned to make passage through the Swellies with our flotilla in persuit. However, there was little chance of us keeping up with her. She was passing under Britannia Bridge before we had even reached the suspension bridge. We could only marvel at her speed and size as she made her way 'the wrong way' around the Swellie rock! (For more information and photos of her docking at Menai Bridge, look up her Facebook page on - MV Balmoral.) We plodded on in what was now persistent rain and took up moorings near the beach beyond Y Felinheli called Cable Bay.

 Eventually the rain petered out in the late afternoon and we were able to dingy ashore where we left the tenders and walked into the village for a few drinks at Y Garddfon pub. (The food there recently was excellent although we didn't eat in today.) After whiling a few hours looking out onto the Menai Straits, we headed back to the beach where the fun of getting back to ship started! There was now a stronger on-shore wind, making it difficult to push us away from the beach and start the little engines. Both ours and Lady Jules' engines were struggling. Ours just seemed to be 'missing' badly and theirs just wouldn't get started. We have learned from previous experiences of sailing in company that it is always safer to have more than one tender to go ashore with, just in case there is a problem. In this case we were both able to row back safely to our yachts but it might have been a different story where the tide runs stronger or faster. We  were fortunate to be able to borrow a friend's outboard for the rest of the trip which proved much more reliable. Thanks P.

After a peaceful and quiet night in the bay we awoke to torrential rain which didn't let up all day. By 12.30pm Stryker and Lady Jules were fed up and ready to head off to Caernarfon without waiting for the slack water at HT to make entry into the dock easier. The tide runs fiercely past the small entrance to Victoria Dock and you have to make a run at it at good speed, ferry-gliding your way towards the entrance then pulling back on the throttle as soon as the boat enters the thick dock walls.  We followed the others, arriving just after 1 pm. by which time the tide was beginning to slacken.

The wind strengthened and the rain became horizontal, the sort of rain that gets under and through everything, and so it remained for the next few days. Finally, by Wednesday evening, the wind abated and with better weather promised, we left the safety of the dock and headed across the river to Aber Menai, a sandy spit off the most Westerly and Southern end of Anglesey, where we could set sail early the next morning for Bardsey Sound.

You need to take care entering the anchorage as a channel of about 8 metres depth sits very close to the pebbly shore. Aim for the narrows then point towards the light on the end of the headland before turning towards the anchorage. You need plenty of power as the tide is very strong. Don't be tempted to turn directly after the red channel marker buoy as it is sitting on the outer edge of a sandbank. Go well past it before turning or you may well end up sitting on the bank as we have seen others do. We caught the bank ourselves on our first visit but were able to get off the bank on a rising tide.

BBQ at Aber Menai

We anchored in about 7 meters of water opposite the sand dunes and enjoyed our first BBQ ashore together in the sand dunes while watching the tide fall and expose the large sand banks beyond the channel. It was disappointing to see that others had not cleared away their rubbish after them. It reminded me of the saying;

            Take only photographs,

            Leave only footprints,

            Make only memories.

We made lots of memories that evening and took many photos but we all need to do our bit to keep these beautiful places so special.

Sunrise over Caernarfon Bar

 We were up at dawn and set off at 5 am over Caernarfon Bar towards Bardsey Island with a fabulous golden sunrise on our stern. Unfortunately, the sunshine didn't last once it rose above the cloud level and the sea was still very lumpy from the last few days' windy weather and was uncomfortable for some of us. We needed to arrive at Bardsey Sound by 11.30 am for slack water but we were sailing well and with the tide on our side we arrived an hour and a half early. The wind was calm so we decided to go straight through. The tide carried us quickly between the very tip of the Lleyn Peninsula and Bardsey Island, which can be notoriously rough if crossed in bad weather or against the tide. But the conditions were ideal for the porpoises feeding just off the rocks. The other side of the peninsula was much calmer with no waves at all and by now the sun was beginning to warm us. We motored into Aberdaron for a nap and some breakfast (or was it lunch) before continuing on to Pwllheli with some help from the tide, arriving after HW at 4 pm. We were lucky to see several pods of bottle nose dolphins fishing and swimming around the St Tudwal Islands among the fishermen in their little boats bobbing about on the water. We had the view of the mountains as a backdrop, stretching across the whole of the skyline for as far as the eye could see. It was quite breathtaking and this particular view is only visible from our privileged position out at sea. All in all this was a wonderful day's sailing.  

BBQ at Pwllheli

After an early night, we awoke early and refreshed to a beautiful warm and sunny day. Graham and I borrowed folding bikes from Lady Jules and set off shopping to town.  We cycled all along the sea front until we ran out of road and marvelled at the shimmering sea and the pristine coastline along the bay towards the Tudwals. Our flotilla set up an afternoon BBQ on the beach behind the marina where it felt more like the mediteranean than Wales and was exactly what we'd hoped for on our holidays. The food, the drink and the company was first class, then we headed back to our vessels as the skies darkened for the expected rain.

 As the bright morning met us, we and Stryker made plans for a day out; a bus trip to Llanddoged up the coast and then a walk back along the beach. Rain was expected later so we dressed for warm sunshine and carried rain gear as we walked the 20 minute trip to the bus station in town. From the bus stop at Llanddoged we found our way to the beach where we had a picnic lunch among the young families playing in the sand and sea before climbing the rocky cliff to find the Tin Man. (Visit www.llanbedrog.info/llanbedrogtinman.htm for more information.) There was a

The Tin Man - Llanddoged

fabulous view of the bay from the top with Pwllheli and the Snowdonia mountains in the distance. Then we descended  back onto the beach and walked the four or five miles along the beach and the golf links back to Pwllheli and on to the marina. Halfway, the rain set in followed by howling winds which whipped up about 6 o'clock. It couldn't be more different to the mediterranean afernoon we had enjoyed on Saturday but then that's the British weather and the reason we spent an extra day in Pwllheli.

  

With the weather still unsettled and forecasting strong southerly winds, we set off northwards at 9.30 am and followed the channel gingerly out of Pwllheli marina where the water level dropped to 3 metres in places. We had by now abandoned our plans of sailing south into Milford Haven, Fishguard and around Skomer Island as the weather pattern was so changeable with frontal systems passing over us every few days. So with strong SW winds forecast for Tues we headed north for the shelter of Porth Dinllaen on the north coast of the Lleyn Peninsula. Once out beyond the Fairway buoy we found enough wind for a fantastic sail, tacking out and back across the bay while making our way towards the Tudwal Islands. Stryker followed behind while Lady Jules motored on up ahead. Through the sound of the two islands we saw dolphins once again, jumping playfully next to the boat. I went on deck for a better view and watched as one rode our bow wave, crossing the boat from one side to the other before heading off back towards Stryker. They too got a thrilling look at them as they played and jumped close to the boat. The conditions were quite choppy and there was a good swell thanks to the winds of the previous night but by the time we reached Aberdaron for a quick lunch stop, the sea state was much calmer. We passed through Bardsey Sound at Slack water and then headed east along the opposite coast of the peninsula. The sea was flat and calm here with very little wind. After motoring for a short while we put up sails and sauntered along the coast on route to Porth Dinllaen. We were in no hurry to

The calm before the storm - Porth Dinllaen

arrive as there were no tide restrictions for getting in or out, unlike the marinas we have visited on this trip. We tried fishing along the way but we lost one set of tackle to the sea and then as the wind started to build up again we were just "too fast for fishing"! Eventually we sailed into the bay and then anchored beyond the buoys in the middle of the bay. It had been a beautiful day's sailing. As the evening was still and calm I got out my fishing rod to try again. Miraculously, I caught my first mackrel within a few minutes. It was so exciting but as I landed the catch into the cockpit, the poor fish started flapping and splattering blood everywhere. I quickly learned that you need a bucket at the ready! Graham gutted it ready for our next meal. Fresh makrel for breakfast. Lovely!

Fishing for makrel

The wind blew up fiercely during the night as expected and by morning it was clear we would be spending the day aboard, keeping ourselves busy and enjoying some 'quality time' together.  The wind peaked at lunch time to Force 6 from the land, so although there were no sea waves it was still a little rough as the boat swung around on the chain and bobbed about on the mini waves. By tea time some of us suffered from 'cabin fever' and were keen to go ashore in the tenders. We blew ours up ready but then retreated below for a cuppa as the wind still seemed very strong on deck. We watched a guy row to his yacht just behind us and when he eventually was able to row safely back to shore we decided it was safe to have a go ourselves, especially as we all had outboard engines. So we all set off to meet on the shore by the Ty Coch (Red House) pub on the beach. On shore it was like a different world. It was peaceful and sheltered from the wind. Young children played in the sea and sand while parents watched on from the pub wall, pints in hands. We had a lovely time, regaling all the wonderful things we had got up to during the day. The list included; bread making, pedicures, showering, mending leaks and colouring, to name but a few. Sally & John were keen to eat out so as the Ty Coch stops serving food at 4 pm, we set off in the dinghies once more to cross the bay towards Morfa Nefyn where the road from the beach leads into the village. The Cliff Inn served food so we set off in convoy, looking and feeling like the over 50s SAS! We enjoyed our meal together,  planned our sailing for the following day then headed back to our  respective yachts for the night. Both Sally and Graham had a mishap getting back on board the dinghies which  only added to the fun of the trip. Our trip back out into the bay was in stark contrast to when we went ashore a few hours earlier. The sea was now calm and the wind had dropped completely. There was only a slight rolling motion on board as the light winds changed to a northerly direction. 

By 6 am we considered getting up and moving on in the outgoing tide because the motion of the boat was so severe. Although the winds were very light as forecast, the swell made it very uncomfortable to be on board, in fact it was like sailing along in a strong wind. We were unable to stand up without holding on and it was impossible to concentrate on any tasks. We waited until 8 am before contacting the others for fear of waking them up, only to discover that everyone had been awake since the early hours, all thinking the same thing. So we weighed anchor and set off about 9 am for Pilot's Cove on Llanddwyn Island on South West Anglesey. We had expected to be pushing the tide all the way but amazingly, we had a knot of tide with us. There must be some kind of 'eddie' which circulates the water in the wrong direction. This phenomena was certainly not shown on any of our tidal diagrams. Still, we were far from complaining and within an hour we had the white lighthouse of Llanddwyn Island in our sights. An hour later we were arriving at the rocky outcrops off the headland, just where we caught sight of a small group of dolphins making their way leisurely in the opposite direction.

We spent the day at Pilot's Cove, my favourite place in North Wales where the waters were calm and it was warm in the sunshine and out of the northerly wind. We spent  time both on board and ashore where I enjoyed the sand between my toes and yoga on the beach. Stryker and Lady Jules left to cross the bar at **** to meet up with family and shop for vitles while we stayed at the cove overnight.

The next day was the most wonderful day and made the holiday for us! We awoke to clear blue skies and bright sunshine in beautiful Pilot's Cove on Llanddwyn Island. Only four boats had stayed over night, two yachts and two motor cruisers so it was quiet and peaceful before the visiting walkers arrived from nearby Newborough beach. We spent some time ashore; walking, taking photographs and just admiring the majestic views of the Snowdonia mountains and the West coast of Anglesey. The sky was so clear and blue today that through the binoculars, you could see the cafe on Snowdon's summit, the railway track making its way down to Llanberis and even the main walking paths, etched into the mountain on both sides.

 

Pilot's Cove

We went back on board for lunch just as our flotilla partners arrived and anchored in the bay after enjoying a leisurely sail out in the bay. We spent the afternoon sunbathing, relaxing, fishing and baking bread. We watched the rocks around us rising out of the water as the tide slowly ebbed out, and as it was nearly spring tide, the water went out further than normal. By 4 pm it was LW and Graham and I motored ashore to take photographs of the topography of the two bays for future reference. Later we all met ashore for tea on the beach before walking over the brow of the hill to

Llanddwyn Island lighthouse at sunset

watch the sun go down over the Irish Sea. We had a wonderful time. Just as we were getting back in our tenders to go out to our yachts, a nosy seal kept bobbing up in the bay to see what we were doing. It really was a super day, the sort that holidays are made of.  

Although there were three days left of our holiday, we left Pilot's Cove for home at 8 am because of strong to gale force winds forecast for Thursday night. Leaving at ***** we could follow the tide across the bar and through the narrows, go through the Swellies 45 minutes early, before slack water, and still have enough tide to take us up to Beaumaris. We then followed our track on the GPS to cross the sandbanks via the Swatchway. This was Lady Jules' first trip across this way and they were keen to make a track for future use. We turned into the Swatch just before the red marker buoy **** and were able to sail gently on a broad reach. We had fun 'racing' each other for a while until the wind died and we needed to use the engines. Our definition of racing is - "When sailing along and you are the boat in front!"

As we approached the headland at Penmaenmawr we could see the strong winds coming towards us across the water and instantly we were heeling over hard. The wind was very gusty but we managed to sail towards the perch, not always in the channel, then let the main down when we headed directly into the wind as we motored up the river towards the marina. Once we were safely alongside we congratulated ourselves on a wonderful and successful holiday. We hadn't done everything we'd planned, but then that's sailing for you. You can plan the day, the time, the tide, the company but you can't plan the weather. Here's to the next trip!

 Carol & Graham

 Nomad - Moody S31