12th May - Monday – Howth to Arklow.

 

Sunny and Showers

We were in sight of Yacht Camira and its a nice feeling after not sailing for 10 days.

Arklow is approached down a large Harbour Wall and a river channel which leads to the town bridge.

The marina itself is very small with little turning space and fortunately we were advised to go on the Pontoons along the River Bank.  This gave us a nice view of the town and the bridge.

However, being on the river side there was very little security, a gang plank lead to the shore and although there was a gate, it had no lock at all.  Later that evening I said to Michael ‘There’s someone on the boat’ after a little tutting he stuck his head through the hatch and immediately said loudly, ‘What do you think you are doing?’ to the young man who was stood on the front of the boat having his picture taken by his friend who was stood on the shore.  I was quite shocked people could be so rude, he was standing on my house!!  After one of Mick’s hardest stares he left quickly.

Arklow Marina was disappointing in that there was no signage to the Marina Office, which we thought was a ram-shackled old cottage/store.  Once inside, what a surprise, some of the nicest and cleanest showers and toilets we have seen so far.  30 Euro per night was steep for the facilities provided.

Arklow has a modern shopping centre and Aldi, so we stocked up in preparation for the crossing to Milford Haven.

Howth continued

 

3rd May – Saturday

Town Walk – Bought cod from Wrights, Ratatouille and Spuds.  Met Camira Gordon and Louise in Yacht Club.

4th May – Sunday

Coastal Walk on the Fingal Trail from Howth centre to the summit.  It was a windy day and the wind made the walk quite tricky in parts, especially when passing people.  Great views over the cliffs which are thickly laiden with sea birds.  On the way back into town we stopped at the ‘Top Pub’ to have a drink and use the Wi-Fi.  The locals were watching Hurling on TV and ‘hurling’ every shade of abuse at the screen, very entertaining, and not for easily offended.  Sea Bass for Tea.

5th May – Monday

Lazy Day and Walk.

6th May – Tuesday

Cleaning and mending during the day for our visitors.  Laura and Damian arrived at 6.00pm and came to the boat for a drink, then we went to the Yacht club and on to the Restaurant.  ‘Aqua’ is situated on the end of the quayside and has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sea.  It feels like being on a cruise ship as the weather, sea and boats pass by.  Great food, if a little pricey.  Lovely evening had by all.

7th May – Wednesday

Walk on Harbour wall.  Pressure Cooker Spag Bol, no explosion. Drinks on Camira with Gordon and Louise.

8th May – Thursday

Into Dublin on the Dart today to have a look around and meet Laura and Damian for Dinner.  We went to the National Museum (free) which has a world class Viking exhibition.  There is a huge amount of Viking Gold and Treasures on display.  Really gives you an understanding of their level of sophistication. We thought we would pass an hour and spent three hours there.  The building itself is worth seeing, it was purpose built and reflects Victorian engineering and design.

Then to meet Laura in her flat, which was lovely, with over-the-city views of the hills.  Then to Toscana for tea.  She gave us loads of Videos for our trip, which will be very useful, when TV stops completely.

It was lovely to see them and is the last time we will meet face to face for a while, so even more special.

9th May - Friday

Walk on the Harbour wall.  Tuna Chilli Pasta.

10th May – Saturday

Mega Mixed Fish Pie, well, deconstructed pie, Potatoes, Carrots, White Sauce and Fish.

In search of Eurovision, as we have no TV in Howth.  First pub OK but all football, as it was raining we were about to go back to the boat and listen on the Radio.  Found TV at the Abbey Tavern, spent 2 and a half hours watching in amazement. The locals again helped the evening along and we all left slightly bewildered.

11th May – Sunday

Walked to Sutton and found a ‘Supervalu’ supermarket, which would give Tesco a run for its money.  AM – Cut out 246 work shirt squares for the quilt, I won’t need them all but need a choice.  Chicken Curry.

We really enjoyed Howth, especially its Fish shops, but it’s time to move on.  The weather has improved and the Wind has died down. 

Ardglass to Howth (Nr Dublin)

Friday - 2nd May 2014

Another early start to travel the 56 miles from Ardglass to Howth, which is 10 miles north of Dublin.

We set off from Ardglass at 06.45am, at low water and had to reverse out of the marina, as there was no room to turn and arrived at Howth at 17.00.  We were some way behind the other boat who had taken the inside track nearer to shore.

We performed an impromptu ‘Man over Board’ drill as due to the heavy swell and my poor knot tying we lost the ball fender from the front of the boat.  I turned the boat around and Michael managed to scoop up the fender with the boat hook on the first pass.  He now feels slightly more confident that I could rescue him. 

The sea was very bouncy after the previous days heavy wind and rain and the journey was cold and uncomfortable.  I steered for the first 2 and a half hours to prevent myself being sick.  This works well as the concentration overtakes the seasickness.  Fortunately we had prepared sandwiches and a flask prior to setting off so neither of us had to spend too much time below.

The weather improved in the afternoon and we had a great sail in bright sunshine.

 

We saw 5 dolphins and 2 seals today.

Howth is a real sailors destination, like Cowes with Guinness. 

The marina run by Howth Yacht Club is a hive of activity, with excellent food and drink facilities.  There is a vast array of foodie venues in town which we are looking forward to trying over the next week as we make this our base whilst visiting Michael’s daughter Laura and her boyfriend Damian.

Fish and Chips first night and went Fish shopping on the 3rd (Sat)

Bangor to Ardglass

Wed – 30th April 2014

Again tides dictated that we leave Bangor at 06.45am.  The journey involves transit through the Donaghadee Sound, between the Mainland and the Copeland Islands.  The tides can reach 4 knots so choosing the correct time is vital.  We streamed through the sound with a speed over the ground of between 7 and 8 knots and were soon back into the Irish Sea.  There were patches of dense fog with half mile visibility and the fog horn was used along with the AIS navigation system to identify other vessels before we saw them appear in the mist.

We arrived at Ardglass at 13.45pm, negotiated the narrow entrance, and stopped at the first vacant birth.

As the images show high tide and low tide vividly reveal the challenge of keeping to the channel. 

We stayed for 2 nights as the weather blew up and ate on board both nights, but had a warm welcome at the Ardglass Golf Club (the worlds oldest club building) for drinks and Free WiFi.

We met another boat who have a similar plan to ourselves, so we may meet again en-route.

Highlight – 2 seals playing in the harbour. 

Troon to Bangor – Away at Last

Monday 28th April 2014

Due to the tides across the North Channel of the Irish Sea and our desire to make the crossing in daylight we had a 5.30am start from Troon Harbour.

Annette and Julian were once again outstanding in their support of ourselves and our trip and got up to wave us off.  Final hugs and kisses were exchanged.  Julian had made flags, which they waved with great gusto as we passed them standing on the end of the jetty in the scant dawn light.

We cannot thank them enough.

We have made this crossing before and knew what to expect.  Half way between Troon and Bangor is a large Island called Ailsa Craig and normally we can see it for most of the journey either in front or behind us.  Today visibility was not great and we only saw it for a few miles.

 

  It was cold but fuelled by tea, coffee and Flapjack we arrived in Bangor at 18.00 hrs.  We re-fuelled the boat on arrival.

We stayed for 2 nights, as we were both tried from the sail and the previous weeks activities.

 

We had a look around the free museum at the Castle, which was worth a visit, and stocked up on food.

Highlight – Little Wings, for Pizza.  We had been on a previous trip and it did not disappoint.

Social Whirl and Final Departure

23rd April – Wed

Chinese Meal at The Ocean Palace with some of our work colleagues.

24th April – Thurs

My last Craft ‘n’ Chat meeting was a delightful mix of Chat and lovely food, as to my surprise everyone had brought food and wine.  I was presented with a Tapestry kit to make a beautiful seascape with a lighthouse and 2 Teddy Bears.  One wearing wet weather gear and a life jacket, which I think was me and another wearing a Captains hat and life jacket which is Michael.  I cried, some other people cried and there were lots of smiles and good wishes.

The group has been a highlight of the past few years and we have really got to know each other.  We share our projects and ideas and the best thing is, someone always know the answer, no matter what the question is.  I call it giggle therapy.  Long may it continue.

25th April – Fri – Last Day at Work

During the week we had both had lovely gifts and messages of Good Luck and Bon Voyage, and Friday continued to surprise us.  Michael has been at work for nearly 38 years so is an integral part of the business.  I have been there for nearly 22 years and our 60 year contribution was mentioned in the speeches.  Michael was given a book called ‘What Do You Know’ which is one of his many favourite phrases as he walks around the building.  I was given a ‘Build-a-Bear’ which was lovely enough however it held a secret.  The system the company sells makes a BingBong sound which Michael made on a synthesizer many years ago.  When the bears paw is pressed he too makes a BingBong sound, much to the appreciation of ourselves and the many people who had gathered to hear our final goodbyes.  His ‘Birth Certificate’ states him as BingBond bear.  Very clever and very thoughtful, more tears.

We have both watched apprentices and people come into the business over the years as teenagers and grow into adults with families of their own and it is these people which make life special.  Work is just work without a bond with the people we work with.

26th April – Sat – Meal with friends and family

Family members and friends gathered for our last Indian (actually Bangladeshi) meal at our favourite Dil Raj restaurant.  We then adjourned to the New Inn for final drinks.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to us over the last few days and cannot thank people enough.  You will all be missed.

27th April – Sun – Travel to Troon

Annette and Julian – Mick’s sister and Brother-in-law (and my friends) had kindly offered to take us on our last journey to Troon in their Campervan, then they would continue on a Scottish break of their own.  I had envisaged sitting on our bags and wishing we had not brought to much stuff, but our 4 bags easily fit in the T5 van and we had a lovely couch style seat to sit on.  We had great views out of the large windows and an elevated view over the fields.  It was perfect.  We were stoked up half way with Julian and Annette’s Flapjack, at a wooded picnic site, and were there in no time.

 

We unloaded the final stuff into the boat and met up for a lovely meal at Scott’s to round off the week’s activities.

Ready To Leave

18 April Largs to Troon MJB

After a month of checking, changing, stacking and storing we left Largs today for a test sail to Troon.

The weather was glorious but chilly and it was a good day to test out all the boat’s systems. Over the past few weeks we have changed all the running rigging (ropes) and moved all the stores around to ensure that the boat was level. With full tanks of fuel and water Fleur was as full as she has ever been.

We arrived at Troon after 4 ½ hours and moored up for the weekend. A big shop at Morrisons as this is the last time we will have a car.

We are back at work on Tuesday till our last day on Friday, Annette and Julian are going to bring us back at weekend and then off we go.