Week 4 – From Azure Blue to Muddy Brown – St Ives, Padstow, Lundy, Portishead, Bristol
What a week of contrast! Sailing from the Scillies Sea Fever lifted her skirts for some a fast passage back to the mainland where we anchored in Carbis Bay through a windy night. Then a “pilgrim transfer” in St Ives and onward to Padstow where it was pouring with rain but we were conveniently moored right in front of the pub.
I have never been to Lundy before. All the memories I have heard from visitors is of them being seasick on the boat from Ilfracombe and very little about the Island itself! We were blessed with a fabulous sail there escorted by dolphins for much of the passage – a real treat to see them showing off. This is their domain – we are just visitors. What a fascinating island. Crystal clear waters, seals, deer, puffins, history, and even a pub! It was great to find the church open and holding regular worship.
An evening departure from the anchorage at Lundy for an overnight sail up the Bristol Channel. As the sun rose the following morning the beautiful clear waters of Lundy had been replaced by muddy brown. This was a very different domain – no dolphins here!
A quick stop in the super-helpful Portishead Marina and then up the River Avon on the tide to Bristol. A delightful team in the docks there – it is hard to imagine that they would open the huge lock into the Floating Harbour just for us, let alone stop the busy Bristol traffic so we could get through the bridge with our tall mast.
Jo and I first met in Bristol. It is great to be back, and really quite surreal for Sea Fever to be moored right in the centre of the City, in front of the Arnolfini. The weather has been hot and sunny and everyone is out and about. Don’t expect a quiet night! We really enjoyed a visit to Bristol Cathedral where it was calm and cool. There we met Kenneth Wilson on his “Pilgrim Cello” journey, travelling to 42 English Cathedrals with his cello on a bicycle! https://kennethwilsoncello.com/pilgrim-cello/
Whilst in Bristol it has been wonderful to welcome many visitors and pray with and for this vibrant, resilient City – more of that in next week’s Sunday Summary…
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