Rose, Ant and I left early on Saturday morning for a weekend trip around to Poole. We’d not been further east than Lulworth cove, and wondered what lay beyond the headland. Well, actually we did know – it’s Swanage and Poole – but it always feels more of an adventure when you’re approaching somewhere new from the sea.
Every headland has it’s own characteristics and Things To Watch Out For, especially around this part of the south coast where the tides can add some extra spice. We left early to make use of the eastbound spring tide, and as it was calm we felt it OK to cut it close around St Albans head, which can have a treacherous tidal race when there’s wind against tide. As we approached the headland, we saw a line of breakers on the horizon … had we misjudged? Perhaps we were a little too close? Not much we could do now …
We powered through the short, steep waves without any trouble at all, though I’d not like to be here in rougher conditions. Once in Poole harbour, we motored around to the back of Brownsea island, dropped the hook and took the dinghy ashore.
There are no cars on the island, and not much accommodation, which means that most people have to catch the last ferry back to the mainland at about 5pm. This left us with the whole island to ourselves, with plenty of day left. It was beautifully peaceful watching the birds and local red squirrel population going about their evening chores; finding grubs for their chicks and burying nuts respectively.
Experienced provisioners as we are, there was plenty of rum aboard, which led to a cheery night aboard! Next day we upped anchor, motored our way gently around the rest of the island and back out to sea. After a short sail, we were back in Weymouth. Another great weekend.
Road and Ocean 