Spluttering Around on the Dart

Up bright and early, on a nice sunny Sunday morning, as me and Dot went to our respective churches in Brixham.

I was slightly disappointed that I wasn’t able to hear the wonderful sermon of the Priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church http://www.stellamarisbrixham.org.uk/ , and instead had to listen to a pastoral letter from the bishop !

After mass I had a brief walk around Brixham shops http://www.brixham.com/(that’s all it takes) and meeting Dot after her service had a quick drink and biscuits in the hall with Aubrey ( 81 years, day before) and Eileen ( ?? years 2 days before) -Susan’s Godmother, then it was up the hill for the car, and a dash back, change and across to Kingsweir to go sailing on the River Dart…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Dart

I was joined on the River by ‘Captain Matt’, and deck hands Phillippa and Jen, for an experience not to be missed. The moorings were extremely busy with lots of yacht crews coming and going, as we got to ‘Lulu’- Lesley and David's latest addition – I’m not sure how it should be described , a flat bottomed boat, with an outboard engine, should be sufficient !

Matt and Jen had already had the morning out on the River, with no incidents reported – if only things stayed the same ! As we weaved our way from the moorings, around what appeared to be quite expensive yachts and motor boats we happily chugged into the body of the River, splashing through the watery waves. The plan was to get up the River to a pub, for a drink, however , best laid plans etc…

The engine started sputtering, and cut out, just after Jen, much to Matt’s surprise said ‘Your Dad says, it keeps cutting out !’. Well, what to do now ? Captain Matt, unflustered calmly restarted the engine, with some deft pulls on the starter cable, and off we continued –right into the centre of the River, as – guess what? – Yes, spluttered out again, and again coaxed into action by Matt, although it sounded worse than before. We continued up River towards our destination, but, after several more ‘splutters’ of inaction Matt,rightly decided to turn around, and try to get back…. easier said than done !

At one stage we had to refuel in mid River, Leslie having thoughtfully provided extra fuel, which seemed to do the trick, as we dodged the car ferry crossing the River, and back towards Kingsweir, passing the Royal Naval College http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/establishments/training-establishments/brnc-dartmouth/ , and several Navy ships .

Captain Matt safely brought us to shore, and as we speedily walked up the hill to Leslies, we realised we were ‘just’ in time ( surprise, surprise) , to watch Manchester United thrash Arsenal 8 (yes EIGHT) –2, what a result ,and a great start to the season, especially as we overtook Manchester City ! (as usual)

Then it was back to Dot’s for a quiet dinner, and watching spy thrillers on the television !

My sojourn in Devon was at an end, and further travels beckoned….thanks everyone !