The first decent high pressure of the summer saw hot weather, clear blue skies and light winds. Family matters kept us in Neath until 5pm, but we were at Dale by 7pm, chomping and the bit to get out to Ishtar.
A lovely warm evening saw crowds outside the Griffin, however, and we were waylaid and forced to drink pints of foaming ale, or, in Louise's case, distinctly non-foaming but chilled cider. We didn't get out to Ishtar until much later, and I think the hot sun had addled my brain somewhat......
I was still sleeping when the engine started at 06:00 on Saturday morning. Louise was up and about, and motored Ishtar around the corner to Castlebeach bay. Tigger was jumping about, ready for a beach trip and a swim, and Louise was already setting the anchor when I clambered out of the cabin, bleary-eyed.
I left them to it and put the kettle on. I could hear Louise rowing away, and then Tigger barking on the beach. It was still only just after 06:30, but the day was already hot, as was the coffee.
With no wind whatsoever, there seemed little point in moving. Louise cooked some pitta breads stuffed with melted cheese, 'quesadilla-style' and we enjoyed the very rare and beautiful weather.
A couple of hours later the wind picked up. It was still only 7 knots or so, but it was lovely to put the sails up and drift along on the blue sparkling waters, other sailors, fishermen, divers, and all the other ships and boats of the bustling port going about their business:
Sadly, our enjoyment was short lived. We received a phonecall with some sad news, and had to dash back home very quickly. Still lovely to get out on such a beautiful day, though.
