An almost deserted river Dart

It was an overcast day but the wind was from the North and the sea state was slight as we set off from Noss Marina. I had been away for a 3 week cruise to North America and Canada and this was the first chance for me to get across to Mikes and get out on the boat.

We set off from our moorings and headed down the river Dart. It was a complete change in the volume of traffic since my last trip which was during Regatta week. It was positively deserted.

ThisSeal decided it was quiet enough to swim mid channel

We were not the only ones to notice the change. As we approached the mouth of the Dart one of the seals decided to pop up mid channel and paddle around safe in the knowledge he would not be run over.

Once clear we headed out to a couple of inshore marks. The day remained cloudy but the sea was almost smooth and the gentle Northerly breeze hardly raised a ripple on the water.

No Bass this time but Mike had a close encounter with a cuttle fish. He was retrieving the lure when he had a bite, he continued the retrieve convinced he had lost his fish. As his lure neared the surface it was being pursued by the cuttle fish intent on sucking it off the hook.

The only real fish fell to me for a reasonable pollack but as the freezer is well stocked he was returned safe and well.

Only a short trip today but at least we had been out on the water again.

You can get your own cuddly seal toy on ebay - sea below.

Bathroom Sealing Spray-Mattress Deodoriser (749/716)    £19.97

NEW WILD REPUBLIC CUDDLEKINS SEAL PUP CUDDLY SOFT TOY    £8.75

TOP OF THE POLES TOYS TO SEW - Magazine Pull-out    £.99

Weather: Force 2

Sea state: Slight

Engine hours at start: 196.7

Engine hours at finish: 198

Crew: Mike and Steve

Time off moorings: 1030

Tide: High water 1300

Author: Steve (skipper)