Milford Haven to Neyland under engine.

Friday:
We arrived mid-afternoon on Friday, with warnings of gales and storms on the way over the radio. We found around 6" of water in her bilge over the week, which was solved by switching on the bilge pump!!!

We paid a whole £54.60 for a week's mooring at Milford Marina, then waited for the 16.09 freeflow through the lock to start. Knowing gales and bad weather were forecast we decided to stay under engine down to Neyland, -with mainsail on standby incase that failed.

We radioed into get an exit slot, eventually being granted permission at 16.30, another nightmare undocking from Milford. This time we got caught by a cross wind and scratched the side of Shoestring on the pontoon. -more on that later.

So off and through the lock, clearing it we caught for a little in a cross current rocking her quite a lot, but this all cleared as we passed by the Petrol terminals, and around past the Weir Spit buoy.

Suddenly all calm, light winds, no waves to speak of, and lovely sunset sky. We quite enjoyed the short 4 mile cruise, MW taking the helm most of the way while I checked position and pilot guide for the approaches to Neyland Marina.

We were very tempted to cruise on further -maybe even sail in the wonderful weather, but after the radio warnings and listening to other ships talking about oncoming storms on the VHF we decided to head into Shoestrings new home.

Instantly we felt happier, no locks, no tankers or commercial vessels, just a few tight maneuvers around the bend, and waiting for a motorcrusier to dock ahead of us.

We found our mooring, tied up and MW put the Taylors Cooker on. -He's had fun with that this weekend.

We settled down, explored the new marina and had a drink (or two). Feeling quite happy with our first 'proper' cruise.

Sadly although I brought the camera, the battery was dead. Sorry!