Tuesday 7 May and that was Great Keppel

downwind on a less windy day

After enduring the roly anchorage and rain, rain, rain and a most uncomfortable second night being flipped from once side of the bed to the other we threw in the literal towel. A quick conflab with our friends on Chilli Heat and Circe and the decision was made to leave. Naturally I was disappointed not to be able to get ashore and take one of the walks we'd told about and it's always a disappointment to travel somewhere and be forced to leave without visiting. However, we did share another fantastic meal with Chilli and Circe care of Jane on Circe.

Today our need was to find a secure spot without swell and safe to anchor for a few days while a bad weather system passes. Port Clinton, a commodious river estuary, ticks the boxes on both counts, not as much wind shelter as would be desirable but an easy entrance, good holding, lots of space and nice and flat. For part of the year Port Clinton is a military practice zone and closed to visiting boats. The army is elsewhere at the moment so the water is open to us boaters.

The Circe's and the Chillis braved the elements (and a ripping river current) to come over for a curry night aboard Jackster. I don't whether it was the flat water, full stomach or the wine, but we slept very soundly tonight.