Sunday 23 June Portland Roads

Since leaving Lizard island all we've been doing is sailing in the daytime and anchoring at night. From Lizard we had a superfast 80 mile trip to Flinders Island where we caught up with Micromegas, Pulsion and three new boats, Footloose, Sir Swagman and Lardo. They'd arrived a little earlier and had been to visit a prawn boat also anchored who sold us 9 kgs of fresh caught king prawns for a bargain price. Chantal and Fredy generously invited everyone to Micromegas where she cooked and for us and we had a wonderful evening.

Next day our new formed group of boats departed Flinders islands bound for Morris island. Last night someone remarked on the constancy of the trade winds – always blowing SE 20 to 25 knots – and jinxed the day! For once the trade winds stopped blowing and we had a day of light airs. David refuses to switch on the engine until he absolutely has to. Fortunately for me the wind did pick up in the late afternoon and we made a fast arrival just before the sunset. Too late to go over to Footloose for drinks and to collect Spanish mackerel he's caught and was sharing with the fleet, but plenty of time to shower and relax before watching some TV and then bed.

Today was another early start to try to reach Portland Roads in daylight. In fact we made such good time we arrived mid afternoon. Portland Road is a small community with a restaurant. We'd like to go ashore and have a meal this evening but although I have a phone number there's no mobile phone coverage! However, we do have wi-fi so I'm able to post this blog.