This morning I have to refuel again… So I walk through the town with a trolley and six canisters for a total of 120 litres of petrol (always on slightly different routes) to have enough fuel for at least two next landing destinations (reserves are ballast, but increase my range in emergencies like Dublin). And then I also (or finally) have to repair the hand pump for the fuel supply to one engine – I keep having engine stoppages and Marko assumes that it is due to this mechanical part, which is simple in itself.
I discuss this with the harbour master, tell him it’s the first time I’ve done this, and because he also runs a shop for all kinds of spare parts, he recommends buying a new hand pump instead of repairing it. I decide to do both: I want to repair it and have a spare with me if, contrary to expectations, it goes wrong.
I carry out the repair via WhattsApp; Andi and Marko assist with this operation from Tallinn – although this little problem is probably not even part of the basic training of a mechanic, but is simply basic knowledge of every boat driver (or should be). Which shows that there really is a complete beginner steering this boat.
I then go back into Aberystwyth, take a look around at what this little town looks like in daylight, and have lunch in one of the few excellently renovated old town buildings. – I can also take it easy, because at low tide it would be difficult to get out (sailing with depth sounder until I get stuck on a muddy sandbank because the depth sounder is attached to the stern). I don’t need that, I prefer to take it easy.
The trip to Milford Haven is again ‘exciting’ – this time I am prepared; I have previously chosen my destination with the harbour master, and he immediately pointed out to me that the passages near Ramsey Island and Skomer Island can be ‘interesting’… This time I looked it up and found: “The waters around Ramsey Island have significant tidal effects, and tidal waterfalls occur between The Bitches (rocks in the strait). The asymmetrical underwater flow can be 3.8 m/s northward (flood) and 1.9 m/s southward (ebb), with some turbulence.” And, to think outside the box, about ‘tidal effects/waterfalls’ it says: “This is a natural occurrence whereby a fast-moving tide passes through a constriction, resulting in the formation of waves, eddies and hazardous currents.” – Nice, I think to myself. I’ll go through anyway, I won’t go around the outside of the islands. Because I know by now that I can grasp the situation quickly and react appropriately, and I trust the ArgoFram to do a lot anyway. (That’s why I keep the camera ready and record the passage).
Arriving in Milford, I meet very friendly people, but once again I move through a ‘dead’ town. This spot, this Great Britain is broken, it goes through my head (and heart), sorry! – High unemployment leaves everything and almost everyone withering away here.
Investors are trying to do something; the whole harbour has been rebuilt with attractive buildings and restaurants and service businesses, but this has only further eroded the core of the village. In addition, precisely because it is so ‘cheap’ to buy property here, the many empty cottages and terraced houses are being bought up by people who want to escape from the cities in times like these (Corona) and still have something of their own where they can go for the weekend and have their peace. But no one of these ‘newcomers’ wants to or will integrate. – It doesn’t turn me on; I eat on the boat.