We loved the summer. If there was any way that we could do something similar next year, it would be great. Tom's mooring was likely to be in use, so we enquired at Dale yacht club. Yes they had a mooring available for next year. We were told of a local company who would lay a mooring, but they wanted £700! We decided to do it ourselves.
I worked out that 3 large concrete blocks, about 4cwt each, and some good heavy 1.5 inch ground chain would do the trick. I made up the blocks,
and our friend Vince, from CYC helped us to move them.
So we set off from Bridgend to Dale. We arrived early. Low tide was at 17:00. The plan was to drop the mooring near the slip at low tide, then drag it out, bit by bit, using lifting bags, the following morning at high tide.
It had been hard work, so we played with Tigger on the beach, Louise did a spot of fishing and Vince and I had coffee and cakes.
We dropped the blocks and chain at 17:00, as planned. Not much to do in Dale.
'I know, why don't we go to the Griffin?'
suggested Vince. I ponted out that it was early, but he wouldn't be dissuaded. The Cwrw Haf was as fine as it was during the summer, and my tuna fishcakes were excellent. Vince managed a pile of bangers and mash, saving one sausage for Tigger. Louise had veggie lasagne. Always complains that there are not many veggie options, but always has veggie lasagne when there are.
An early start. Launched our rib just before 09:00. Weather windy and wet. I'd seen the mackeral sky the day before, but thought we might be ok. We marked the mooring position and I kitted up
We began the drawn out process of diving to find a concrete block, filling the lifting bag, towing it out to the mooring, sinking it, diving to get the lifting bag, repeat, repeat with chain, shackle chain to blocks. Took four hours in all, ably helped by Louise, Vince and another club member, Huw.
Here we are, all looking very happy.
Eventually, we got it all done. I was very tired. Vince, the only one not in diving gear, was soaking. To try and save him getting any wetter, I gave him a piggy back ashore. Thankfully, Louise was a little slow with the camera.
Huw and I then had a dive for 'pleasure'. It was windy and quite swelly on the wreck of the Dakotian. The visibility was less than 2m. We had a brief look around the stern section and dropped onto the sea bed. Quickly sirred up the silt and lost the wreck. It's only 400 feet long, so easily done.
A long trip back to Bridgend. All tired, but happy at a job well done. Thanks to Louise, Vince and Huw.
