18th September Milford Haven to Padstow

Although the weather was in our favour to make the passage to Padstow,  the tides were not, and it meant a night passage.  Entry to Padstow is safer in daylight due to rocks, a sand bar, shifting sands and a lock gate that opens +/- 2 hours either side of high water.    We timed our departure to take account of the strong tides of the Bristol Channel  that would  change direction  during our crossing.  It was a good test of our navigation skills!   

 After informing Milford Haven Coastguard of our intended passage to Padstow, we checked our navigation lights, torches and safety equipment.  Finally we turned off the cabin lights to adjust our eyes to night vision and left  Dale just after midnight to make the 53 mile crossing to Padstow. 

 A very lumpy sea greeted us as we left the Haven which made us feel apprehensive.  The next weather forecast was due at 0150hrs. We agreed to turn back if the weather deteriorated from the previous forecast.  

The lights of Milford Haven were very comforting as we left and once we lost sight of them  we felt very alone!   Apart from a few fishing boats near the 12 mile fishing limit, we didn't see another vessel until we were nearer to Padstow.   

 About two hours into the passage we saw luminous streaks shooting through the water towards our bow.   The dolphins were back!  At a very fast speed they were coming from the port and starboard quarters, jumping into the bow wave.   We had seen dolphins on our crossing earlier in the year,  but this time they had brought their babies to see us!  They stayed for some time, delighting us with their antics such as darting in and out of the beam of the boat, rolling on their sides, jumping almost clear of the water and zig zagging along side of us.   We were disappointed when they left, but just before dawn they returned.     At the same time we spotted a whale.  He was big!  Unlike the minky whales that glide,  arch then disappear, this one remained on the surface and gave a large blow.  The sea was moderate and in the grey dawn  we watched him float horizontal to the surface and swim in the opposite direction to us.  We could not see a fin, which would have made him easier to identify.   He had a wide back and quite a flat body.    The three blows we witnessed were at least 3 metres high.

Our arrival in Padstow was spot on.  We got there just as the lock gate opened and tied up along the harbour wall.  We treated ourselves to Rick Steins Fish and chips and a mug of hot tea as a reward for the long passage.