After quite a bit of sailing up and down not being quite sure where the gentle wind was at points, I went up past Norfolk Island and found a stronger consistent wind blowing down the valley, so I enjoyed sailing back and forth on a reach parallel to the shore. Even then the wind direction became confusing, and I found the wind was coming from the South, aslo fairly strong, with stronger gusts. So then I sailed back up towards Glenridding and keeping the boat balanced through the gusts, as we had been taught.
When I reached the circular yellow buoy, I practised my man overboard procedure. The first one was perfect, just nuzzling up to the buoy. The second I turned too far at the end, and came in the windward side. The third time I ran straight into the buoy - it is best not to let go of the tiller. Then I had a few more attempts, mainly stopping short. Room for improvement there!
Coming back in was OK as well, the wind was blowing across the beach from Glenridding, so a reach from the other end from the jetty did very nicely.
In the evening Ann & I went to Arnside, where we enjoyed a meal at the Fighting Cocks pub, and bought some licquorice at Arnside House, which was quite a treasure house, before heading back to Capernwray House, our bed and breakfast. We had stayed here before, and knew it was good, but our room for this night was wonderful, large airy light and restful.
The next day after going to church at St. John's Yealand, I went picking raspberries at Over Kellett. This is a fascinating village, so close the the M6, yet with sheep grazing on the village green beside the cross roads.
I spent the afternoon rambling over Farleton Fell. It was a beautiful dry clear fresh breezy afternoon, perfect rambling weather. I ate my lunch sat looking west over the Silverdale & Arnside area of outstanding natural beauty, picking out the hills I had rambled over on previous excursions. It was very beautiful.
After that I looked over the east, across the valley towards Kirkby Lonsdale, which was equally beautiful.
A very enjoyable weekend.
