We enjoyed our few days at anchor in Pyefleet Creek. Although it was much busier than our last visit, it was still a magical place. The birdlife was particularly impressive and we saw four Marsh Harriers in addition to several different kinds of waders. Even with both reefs it was too windy to sail the cog boat. We did try, but ended up being blown into the muddy lee shore. While at anchor we got some useful work done sorting out our well deck, into which we had thrown all the last minute items we wanted to take on our voyage. We also had a day in Brightlingsea and another day in Colchester.
The latter was an impressive place with its remains of the Roman town wall and the Norman Castle. The whole town seemed very well cared for with lots of lovely old and new buildings and beautiful displays of flowers. After a picnic lunch sitting next to a fish pond stocked with huge koi carp we followed the river Colne from the castle park right down to the old harbour area.
There is an old mill that had obviously once received deliveries of grain by barge. Further along the walk there were illustrated signs giving information about the river and the part that it played in the development of Colchester.
We were also surprised to see a modern sign post that gave amongst other places, the distance to Daybreak’s registered port, Hull.
On arriving back in Brighlingsea we met Richard and Hilary from the Sea Change Trust for a drink. It was a great evening talking about sailing barges and other traditional vessels and how they could be used to help disadvantaged young people. The Trust has already raised enough money to start building a new Thames sailing barge for their work, but still needs to raise more for the rigging and fit out (www.seachangesailingtrust.org.uk).
The forecast the next morning was not ideal for a passage from Pyefleet Creek to Harwich, with winds north-easterly winds force 4 to 5. However we had a crew and there did not seem to be anything to be gained by waiting. Pamela had arrived on Wednesday evening and I picked up Ian from Brightlingsea on Thursday morning. Once back on board we stowed the inflatable and raised the anchor (not too muddy this time).
We set off at high water, joining the Colne and then out into the mouth of the Blackwater.We passed the sailing barges Edme and Reminder at anchor and on the way out were overtaken by one of the gravellers still working out of the Colne.Having made sure we were clear of the notorious Colne Bar we headed almost due north up the coast. Although we were going with the tide we were heading straight into the wind, which with Daybreak’s bluff bows slowed us down considerably. As we got out of the Blackwater the seas were also quite short and steep, which meant we were getting quite a bit of spray over the front. It also meant that as soon as we had any wind on the beam we were rolling. We had quite a tricky time keeping the boat motion as comfortable as possible whilst also maintaining our course well clear of the shipping lanes into Harwich and Felixstowe. It was rather like sailing, but without the sails. Although we were pointing north east our actual track was almost due north because we were making so much leeway.
Although it was quite exciting motoring through the choppy waters I think we were all relieved when we got some shelter from the entry into Harwich. We motored around the point and found our mooring, which was clearly marked ‘Strictly no Mooring’. The pier master had told us he would leave the signs up to make sure no-one else moored in the places he had reserved for us.