The Adventure begins............

Hellen dived under the boat to clean the prop. Marie Soibhan rafted alonside, and we were stowing the kit, when Tony Harvey thrust a case of the red stuff into my arms. An evening with family and friends in the club bar made a great send off. Thanks for the Talisker Pete. Thanks to all for coming down.

The first rays of the sun pierced the dawn as we slipped out of the harbour - well OK perhaps it was nearer 8.00. Horse Sand Fort, then the Owers and Selsey Bill slipped astern. A Plan is only valid til first contact with the enemy. So Fecamp and Boulogne slipped quietly by on the other side of La Manche, as we reached up-channel at 8-9kts. Rounding-up we dropped sails entered our first lock and friendly Dutch hands took our lines. Yes, Eastbourne is a great stop whichever way you are traveling up/down the channel.

It was great to have friends, Kate and Spike with their little lad Oscar for drinks that evening, followed by Ray and John to lunch the next day.

The sun was hot, the sky blue, but the wind did not come out to play as we motored up to Dungeness and crossed to France. Dunkerque was, well French. Lots of industrial archaeology, but not much else. Belgium has 39 miles of coast. Been there, done that. Nieuwpoot was worth a stop, a small town, nice people, and the best moules ever in the KYCN.

Middelburg is a lovely town. Interesting architecture, and friendly natives. Avocette is tied-up in the canal having entered Holland via Vlissengen yesterday.

Now, where's that mouse, the little one with clogs on..............