Meetings with Friends

Current Location: Fowey River, Cornwall

We had a great week with Harry and Sandra. Not much sailing but then that was the plan as it was Sandra's first time on a big boat. But first it was 'gardens'. There are several famous ones around Helford and Falmouth and we made the most of them all. For once our National Trust memberships came in handy. One day Dick and Mary came to visit.

Dick, Mary, Gill, Sandra, Harry and Me.

We also spent time with Harry and Sandra at Frenchman's Creek of Daphne du Maurier fame. Unfortunately for Gilly, who has a bit of a thing going for the Frenchman, La Mouette was nowhere to be seen. I've since started and finished reading the book.

Where's that Frenchman?

Soon it was off to the anchorage at Falmouth and a bit of sailing for us all. The anchorage cleared out nicely and we had a good night before making our way up the River Fal. Beautiful. Nice pontoons to tie up to and interesting people to meet. We dinghied up to Trellisick House and sneaked a sneaky overnight in the car park first for Harry after an adventurous road trip to retrieve his car from Helford and then for us once we realised that no one really cared. Our car is still there after I drove it back down from Ebley (thanks for the lift back there Harry). Fishing is good. Horse mackerel have fed us on several occasions.

Hand lining on the Fal near Malpas.

Then it was Gill's Uncle Sydney's turn. Well into his nineties he's one of our favourite people. He never got to see 'The Good Ship Petrronella' but he came down to King Harry Ferry with son John and daughter-in-law Julie. We did a 'fly past' for him on Mehalah, dodging the ferry as it crossed the River Fal. Great to see you Sydney.

Hey there Sydney.

Later we met up again with Simon and JoJo for Gilly's birthday lunch at the famous Heron Inn Malpas. Unfortunately I took no pictures of the event and with a series of other omissions it was, to say the least, not Gilly's best birthday. [Serious note to self....].

After a few days we felt it was time to move on so yesterday in 20 knot winds we sailed eastwards to Fowey, a major sailing centre. Dinghies, big boats, old gaffers, there's a bit of everything here. And at last the weather is brightening up.

Fowey with Mehalah (blue hull) in the centre.

We're getting back into life aboard now. Here's a pretty picture.

Washing Day.

Somehow it reminded me of our days in Greece!

Drying Day.