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Got up early ready to head off to the Scilly’s.  Bad weather predicted and we’re both pretty shattered from yesterday’s journey so decided that we’ll stay in Padstow a few more days until another window of opportunity presents itsefl.

So based on last weeks experiences (everybody peering into the hatch etc we put up the awning (sewed together by me prior the trip – that nearly cost us our marriage – even though it looks straight forward to make – which it is – it’s the sheer size of it that caused so much pain (sewing it on a coffee table didn’t help).  Funnily enough today there were not as many tourists / visitors but at least we have a bit of privacy. 

After consulting the various websites / sources and talking to Bob, we decided to make our way to Padstow (and Bob and Lisa to the Scilly’s).  We left at 6:00am (Bob and Lisa followed).  A little bit tumbly at first but otherwise a pretty decent run.  Put the sails up but as usual the wind died down and we had a deadline (Lock opening times) to meet so in they came again.

Saw three sets of dolphins as we left Milford Haven.  It was disappointing not to see more but…. just as we were approaching Camel Bay / River saw quite a number of basking sharks.  They came so close to the boat incredible.  The photo’s probably do not do justice of just how large these sharks are. 

Some photo’s of the basking sharks and Padstow on the River Camel.

Well the weather is not improving – watching it constantly.  It looks like we may have the opportunity to turn back (left) on Thursday. 

Bob and Lisa who left the Hamble in May and are spending 5 months travelling around the UK and taking in France (to escape the weather) told us of a great weather website:  www.xcweather.co.uk  So we consult that as well as all the other sources. 

I think the powers at be took us literally regarding six weeks right and then turn around and take six weeks back.  The weather is not in our favour.  We were hoping to get further north but!  So current plans are to stick out this current weather situation and go further south than originally in the plans. 

So, tick we reached our destination, Pembrokeshire.  Now, if the weather persists we can explore other destinations.

Today we went into Tenby.  Nice town.  Possible hiding places should we decide to leave the marina. 

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After a pretty uncomfortable night on the pontoon – strong winds and swell – lots of rocking and rolling and noise from the fenders and ropes – decided with the pending bad weather to move to a marina.

But in between time took a short trek to Skokholm and Skomer Islands to look at the wild life.  Saw lots of gulls, one puffin and one seal.

Then took a mooring in Newland Yacht Haven. 

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