The decision to stay on the river rather than stay in marina was just my personal preference. I see marinas as the place to go when you need something like shelter from a storm. They are built with high sides to provide shelter but you could be anywhere you cannot see out. Often a trendy housing estate surrounds them to give the goldfish bowl effect. Out on the river the estuary was alive with activity. Wading birds went about their business, fish jumped, river traffic waved as it passed and the sun set behind Puffin Island. The geography of our environment changed as the tide ebbed and flowed. The boat turned on every tide and changed the scenery. There is certain satisfaction in sitting on your boat watching the world go by. An element of solitude helps to re-discover areas of yourself you probably haven’t visited since you were a child. I have even found new places. If you wish to lie on your back in the cock pit star gazing and playing the harmonica you can. No longer restricted by the constraints of this modern world relaxation soon consumes you. This gypsy lifestyle is addictive. We did go the marina in the inflatable for fuel and water. We parked the tender there when we walked into the town. When the water taxi was unavailable we nipped over there for a drink in the well appointed restaurant bar area. The facilities In Conway Marina as with most marinas are excellent yacht chandlers, brokers, insurance, crane, haulage launderette, shops. It is a purpose built village. But to be efficient it has to pack the boats in like sardines. This is not a problem if it is a boat park you require. But to live aboard sailor would always choose that offshore island, hidden cove or isolated beach.
The adventure soon drew to an end and the journey home was plain sailing all the way. Storm clouds could be seen in distance but nothing could dampen our spirits. When I sailed into the lock at Liverpool Marina I felt as if I had crossed an ocean. The first cautious steps had been taken. Our appetite had been whetted and ambitious plans were on the drawing board for the next trip in two months time. We would not have believed that in a little over twelve months we would be sailing south down the Bay of Biscay.
Maiden Voyage page three
