21/05/2018
Saro's Gyda
Derrick Thorrington
Sat 9 Jun 2018 19:00
Dartmouth
After our little
break in Worbarrow we set off on the tide to round Portland Bill. We hoped to
reach Salcombe before the tide turned around the next obstacle, Start Point.
This passage was notable for the lack of wind and cold foggy weather which had
us layering up as if it was winter. (We later learned that members of the family
were enjoying a barbeque in the sunshine in Bournemouth!) It soon became
apparent that reaching Salcombe was too ambitious so we aimed for Dartmouth
instead. Such was the visibility that we only began to see the murky outline of
land 1/2 mile before reaching the entrance to the Dart.We were pleased to drop
the anchor off the lovely town at dusk. Dartmouth is a favourite so it was no
sacrifice to spend a night here.
The next day was
glorious, just right for a beautiful walk out into the countryside of the South
Hams. Superb scenery, little hamlets with characterful old houses, wild flowers
galore and warm sunshine. Pasties were a must of course on returning to the
town, after which we raised the anchor and headed out into Start Bay.
Unfortunately again, no wind. we motored to the picturesque lighthouse perched
on the end of Start Point and then were pleased to pick up some wind which
allowed a short sail into Salcombe. We anchored on the opposite side of the
river alongside beautiful little sandy beaches opposite the
town.