1st May 2001 – Bristol Floating Dock aboard Fitz Henrey

It is so cold I can hardly write.  This docks area has been completely 
transformed, old buildings refurbished along with new built and building still 
going on everywhere.  We are in the Avon valley and the houses are terraced 
up the sides of the hills and painted in typical Mediterranean colours, really nice 
and a very attractive feature.

We sat in the evening sun last night at 7.00pm enjoying a pint of the local 
brew, an odd taste, but OK, watching various replica boats and larger vessels 
with parties of trippers – all very pleasant.  A lot of hard work and thought has 
gone into this place.

We have moored in a safe area in front of the truly massive Lloyds's building; a 
long low level curved affair with an Amphitheatre in front, which leads to the 
waters edge.  The stage is a raised area built around an old - what may have 
been lighthouse to mark the entrance to a particular quay – not a big one, say 
30 inches with a weathercock on top. (Ed. What am I on about, must find out).

So far so good except a drip leak on the stern gland, which was there on pick 
up, developing into a flow.  Had to get the yard out for repairs.

The Avon valley down from Bath is lovely, really "England's Green and Pleasant 
Land".  Foot and mouth has not been a problem, we have plastic gloves and 
disinfectant tabs, should we come to a class 1-2 area.  Also we have the benefit 
of Martin's expert advice on the matter.

Like our London trip seeing a city and surrounds from the waterway paints a 
completely different picture.  Bath was spectacular by night, the use of lighting 
on all the old buildings (and some new) makes it more interesting than by day.

We are to spend tonight in Bristol and then the return journey.  Time has gone 
by so quickly.  We have had good sunny periods and no rain so far although the 
sky suggests rain later.  However the wind is from the north and cold.  We miss 
John very much, especially to give routine to the crew, but everybody is slower 
than 10 years ago.  The changes are not noticeable year on year but quite 
obvious over 10 years.

The boat is a brute to handle in wind and when a small change of current occurs 
as well that's it, trouble.  Adrian is very good at the helm, I am hopeless need 
more time on the tiller.  Thank you for the goodies, keep finding stuff.  Whisky came in 
very handy today my arm gave me so much pain that a wine glassful was 
consumed for relief.

A truly memorable trip so far.

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