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As predicted, when we returned to the dinghy for the row back to Isabella, the tide was well out, so we had some fun dragging/carrying the dinghy and Lunar over some mud.
That evening we took advantage of the now rising tide and pushed our way up to Totnes, touching the mud here and there as we tried to work out where the deepest water was. At one point we were stuck in the mud and the tourist ferry was coming up river close behind us. Had to go hard astern to get off, and then move over to let them through. We weren't overly concerned about ground contact as with a rising tide, if you get stuck you just have to wait to get lifted off a few minutes later. So eventually we made it to Totnes and managed to find somewhere to tie up so we could go ashore for supplies - then we motored all the way back down to anchor for the nigh - now with more than enough water in the river.
Next day we relocated to Dittisham where we had a fab meal in the FBI (Ferry Boat Inn), a well deservedly popular eatery and pub with an amazing view, and then proceeded to win a bottle of wine by coming second in the weirdest pub quiz we've ever entered (not just weird because we won something). If you have the chance, go, it's held every thursday night. If you want food, any night of the week or day of the year, booking is essential.
Back aboard Isabella, now in the dark, we got out the searchlight and relocated ourselves to an anchorage a little own river, tucked in behind the "anchor stone". A tight little spot to anchor as it's quite deep, but there's not a lot of room, so we had to carefully guage how much anchor chain to put out. Felt might close to the anchor stone, so slept with a tight radius on the anchor drag alarm - which didn't make a sound thank goodness.
Since then we've been anchored off Dartmouth town - which has been great as it was the "Dartmouth Music Festival". We'd heard it was on but didn't know anything about it. It's absolutely brilliant! I'm not a big fan of watching musicians on stage if I'm honest, but this was really something special. In almost every nook and cranny of Dartmouth was a live performance going on, from Friday to Sunday, all day and well into the night. Jazz, choirs, sea shantys, rock, blues... everything. All really exceptionally talented... or loud. As much as I hate this phrase which is repeated all too often on Radio 1 (which we listen to as Rose likes the tunes) 'the atmosphere was amazing'!
Oh also, we were joined in our anchorage by the HMS Kent. A 100+ meter long warship. Not happy with the racket from their generator, which was on constantly, we rowed over and went aboard to ask if they would turn it off for the evening. They wouldn't. Got a couple of photos of Isabella from the Kent though, so that was something.
Plan is to stay here anchored off the town until the strong northerlies we've been having come to an end, and then push north to Teignmouth and on to the Exeter Canal. The approach and entrance to the Exe and the canal is giving me palpitations as it's a touch on the tricky side and timing will be of the essence. Some early starts will be required (which might be giving palpitations to some of the other crew members!).
Here's some photos:
Negotiating the mud in Bow Creek
Isabella in the distance, in Totnes
Motoring back down river from Totnes
The view from the FBI (Ferryboat Inn)
Lunar and me on The Anchor Stone
Rose and Lunar - Isabella in the main anchorage behind
HMS Kent arrives and blocks our view
Isabella as viewed from the bridge of the HMS Kent
HMS Kent crew escorting us off
Rose and Lunar enjoying Dartmouth Music Festival
