Finally, after three false starts we got away! We were up at 3.30am and locked out around 4.45am - yes that's early - especially for us! The flags were not flying North, South, East or West - perfect. It was already warm and forecast to be a lovely summers day. As we left Hull I felt quite sad. I have always loved Hull, stemming from my years at University and have loved being back in the city, so if we return at the end of this adventure it won't be a huge disappointment.
We locked out and began our trip down river heading for the sea, all was calm and quiet and lovely, then it began.... The first ferry, followed by one, two, three, four more. No problem, they were going the other way and there is plenty of water for all. The problem came when we needed to cross the river to the South side, two ferries coming our way and a cargo vessel followed by an extremely large tanker in a hurry coming up behind us. We had no choice but to go for it, the ferries passed no problem, as did the cargo vessel, the tanker was an experience I won't be in a hurry to repeat. Water rolled off the back of it into huge swells, Martyn and the boat did a fantastic job and our only casualty was one glass. The fridge spilled it's contents but even the happy eggs survived! We have not yet managed to find the tomato ketchup! One thing is for certain, this boat loves a good wave, she just dug in and got on with it - thank you Elephant Daze.
Once we had got out to sea things were so much calmer, in fact it was amazing. I saw seals and nearly cried, embarrasingly, I waved and I do believe they waved back! We saw quite a few seals and each time seemed just as special as the last, they have such an amazing personality.
For a long period of time we couldn't see land, that's a strange feeling. We didn't even see any other boats. The sea sparkles and mesmirizes you, you think you have seen something but it's just a reflection or trick of the light. I can see why people can go mad at sea, it's all quite overwhelming. I just thought how amazing, between us myself and Martyn have created / restored this boat and brought her back to life and now here she is taking us across the sea.
We arrived at the entrance to the channel for at 1.48pm - absolutely on time for the first entrance into the harbour. It was busy, after not really seeing any boats after Spurn Point they appeared to be everywhere, sail boats coming out, fishing boats going in. We called through to the Harbour Master for permission to enter the harbour - no reply - panic!! Let's go in a bit closer, let's follow that fishing boat - we got through to the Harbour Master who gave us permission to enter - now where's that fishing boat quick...... Not a chance, they know that channel like the back of their hands they does! So we plodded our way through, we took that long the Harbour Master eventually came to find us - thank goodness! We moored up on the visitor pontoon right in front of the car park where Harbour watching is a daily sport. People actually bring their deck chairs and a picnic with them. So we had an audience whilst mooring up, thankfully we didn't disgrace ourselves too much - I hope...
We paid our dues to the office and went for a celebratary drink in the town before sitting out on the roof of the boat with a glass of Champagne. Moments like these don't come every day.....
We locked out and began our trip down river heading for the sea, all was calm and quiet and lovely, then it began.... The first ferry, followed by one, two, three, four more. No problem, they were going the other way and there is plenty of water for all. The problem came when we needed to cross the river to the South side, two ferries coming our way and a cargo vessel followed by an extremely large tanker in a hurry coming up behind us. We had no choice but to go for it, the ferries passed no problem, as did the cargo vessel, the tanker was an experience I won't be in a hurry to repeat. Water rolled off the back of it into huge swells, Martyn and the boat did a fantastic job and our only casualty was one glass. The fridge spilled it's contents but even the happy eggs survived! We have not yet managed to find the tomato ketchup! One thing is for certain, this boat loves a good wave, she just dug in and got on with it - thank you Elephant Daze.
Once we had got out to sea things were so much calmer, in fact it was amazing. I saw seals and nearly cried, embarrasingly, I waved and I do believe they waved back! We saw quite a few seals and each time seemed just as special as the last, they have such an amazing personality.
For a long period of time we couldn't see land, that's a strange feeling. We didn't even see any other boats. The sea sparkles and mesmirizes you, you think you have seen something but it's just a reflection or trick of the light. I can see why people can go mad at sea, it's all quite overwhelming. I just thought how amazing, between us myself and Martyn have created / restored this boat and brought her back to life and now here she is taking us across the sea.
We arrived at the entrance to the channel for at 1.48pm - absolutely on time for the first entrance into the harbour. It was busy, after not really seeing any boats after Spurn Point they appeared to be everywhere, sail boats coming out, fishing boats going in. We called through to the Harbour Master for permission to enter the harbour - no reply - panic!! Let's go in a bit closer, let's follow that fishing boat - we got through to the Harbour Master who gave us permission to enter - now where's that fishing boat quick...... Not a chance, they know that channel like the back of their hands they does! So we plodded our way through, we took that long the Harbour Master eventually came to find us - thank goodness! We moored up on the visitor pontoon right in front of the car park where Harbour watching is a daily sport. People actually bring their deck chairs and a picnic with them. So we had an audience whilst mooring up, thankfully we didn't disgrace ourselves too much - I hope...
We paid our dues to the office and went for a celebratary drink in the town before sitting out on the roof of the boat with a glass of Champagne. Moments like these don't come every day.....
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