Round Britain for the RNLI Blog

Paul has taken Stargate through the lock and she is now on a finger berth in the marina. More news tomorrow.

I said it would be lumpy and it certainly was… 2-3m in places but generally 1-2m for most of the trip. The wind stayed at a F3-4 so it never got any worse than when I left.

I was welcomed to the Isle of Man by Steve and Barbara Burrows, my sponsor for the next leg. It certainly was a welcome sight to see them on the visitors pontoon when I arrived into port and after a cup of coffee in the ferry terminal I was given a guided tour of the island. The first thing that struck me as a newcomer to the island is that it is so hilly. It makes sense when I think about it as the island is a southern extension of the Inner Hebrides and indeed, the Manx culture and language is celtic.

The flapgate on the marina goes down at about 8pm so I am returning to the boat then to move it from the visitors pontoon into the marina.

More details of the trip and photos will follow, probably tomorrow.

Paul has arrived safely in Douglas after a long day’s motoring. He is currently rafted up on the visitor’s holding pontoon, awaiting the opening of the lock gates when he will go through into the marina.

He plans to depart for Bangor, County Down, on Tuesday, weather permitting.

I don’t know what’s up with Google Maps but he’s well on his way and still nothing. Google Earth however is splendid, but apologies to those who can’t use Google Earth, whatever the reason. At 1350 he has approximately 10nm to go - couple of hours perhaps.

Four paintings, on the wall, in the correct position, plaster and paintwork intact. Bring it on…..

So pleased that Paul is on his way. I’ve not been feeling my best for a few days now, so having Paul on his way gives me a bit of a lift. He’s had a great time in Conwy by all accounts but he was ready to move on. Sounds as if it’s bumpy but safe.

I’ve not done much since last writing. I went out for a short bike ride each day just to get a bit of exercise - tends to make me feel worse at the mo but I’ll persevere. I finished off working on our friend’s PC, repainted a bit of lounge wall where a removed connection box had left a scar, and fixed a few more leaks on our complicated bath! There are now NO leaks, so it’s pushed back into position for the last time I hope. In between I’ve watched tennis and cricket, as is my wont (that’s an odd word!) and planned a walk and a bike ride that I will do once I am feeling up to it and I am decorator-free - read on…

On Monday the decorator Andy starts - redecorating the hall, stairs, landing and bathroom and downstairs loo. The builder Ed returns as well (youre a star Ed) to refurbish our shower, hang some vertical blinds, and replace four internal doors, among several other smaller drilling-into-the-wall type things. More of the progress of Andy and Ed as the week goes on…

I’m going to have a go at hanging a picture today. The last time I tapped a panel pin into the wall it took a chunk out of the plaster, so I’ll try again, confident in the knowledge that Andy and Ed are here on Monday to repair the damage!

Wind is down here to a F2-3 and forecast to be F3-4 today. I still expect a bumpy trip as the sea is still up from the winds last week but it is an improving situation and I expect it to be nearer slight soon.

Next stop Douglas…