So we jumped back in the car and set off for a walk. Found ourselves in the beautiful, secluded bay that is Monk Haven:
[caption id="attachment_238" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Xanthoria, Monk Haven"]
[/caption]A bit further around, we climbed the point to St Anne's Head. The gale made the waters around Skokholm boil: a beautiful and tranquil destination in the warmth of only a few short weeks ago.
[caption id="attachment_239" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Skokholm from St Annes head."]
[/caption]I've always loved Marloes when it's stormy, and the view of Gateholm was as good as it always is:
[caption id="attachment_240" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Gateholm"]
[/caption]A week later, and we just had time for a couple of hours on Friday afternoon. Winds still strong, but we set off, Louise in charge, with good heart.
[caption id="attachment_241" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Louise helming as we leave Llangwm"]
[/caption]The wind was forecast 4-5, but a gust hit us just above Lawrenny that was well above that. We'd put a reef in, but ended up with both genoa sheets over the side, trying to control the boat in the shallowing river as the tide ebbed. Minutes later it was dead calm. We glided silently past a house that Louise covets.
[caption id="attachment_242" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Louise's house"]
[/caption]I'm a little uncertain - front garden looks somewhat unkempt.
A few more strong gusts then Milford Haven Port Authority released an immediate Gale warning - 'Irish Sea, Gale Force 8, Now'. Aha! As we turned for the mooring, Castle Rocks showed their full extent, with Benton Castle hiding in the oaks.
[caption id="attachment_243" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Benton castle and Castle rocks"]
[/caption]Doesn't look like much, but the gale was ripping off the tops of the small wavelets in the river. It took me three attempts to point Ishtar onto our mooring buoy. We expected a soaking on our journey ashore in Tom, and were not disppointed.
[caption id="attachment_237" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Rough river, Llangwm."]
[/caption]I am ever hopeful of an Indian summer before our short stay in Llangwm comes to an end. As the days pass, August into September, and the nights draw in, darkness swept across on the gales, it looks remote. We'll be planning our trip back up to Cardiff soon, and a visit to Lundy seems like a dream in this weather.
