Cradle of English Christianity

PROGRESS
Andrew and Hilary Clark
Fri 12 Jun 2009 17:34
55:40N 01:47.7W
 
 
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We have come north from the Tyne today, and are now anchored at Lindisfarne (or Holy Island). A stunning anchorage along the dramatic Northumbrian coast, with it miles of sandy beaches and enormous castles set against a backdrop of the high land of the Border Counties. Coming here we saw puffins, and then closer in seals.
 
Our last day in North Shields was overtaken by one of those simple maintenance jobs that grows. My routine inspection of the engine fuel pre-filter revealed an unhealthy gollop of diesel bug gunge. The only answer was to drain the fuel tank, which had more than 150 litres in it, so that we could suck out the contamination and clean the fuel. I also took the opportunity to fit a better pre-filter with a glass bowl so that I can get early warning of any future problems. Fortunately for us, the marina put us in touch with Geoff Douglass, an ex-Swan Hunters shipwright, who now runs his own small boat support business. Best described as a good lad. Between us we were able to muster a range of pumps and containers to get the job done.
 
So tonight we can enjoy the tranquility of this spot, before heading on to Port Edgar tomorrow. Once again, we have the sense that we are by-passing far more than we have time to do justice to.