Tuesday 14th July 2020 – at anchor – St Agnes

This morning we attempted to fix the dinghy’s outboard motor, which hadn’t been firing since our arrival in the Scillies. Changing the plug didn’t make any difference so it’s probably dodgy fuel, as the nearest fuel station is at St Mary’s we’ll carry on using the oars for now. Although the shoreline is close to our boat, reaching it is a minor challenge as each time an oar enters the water a mass of seaweed gets wrapped around it, holding back propulsion. This amuses a large grey seal which enjoys swimming around us and popping its head up to take a good look.

There is an American boat, ‘Elements of Life’ anchored in the bay which Tim recognised from a YouTube vlog, so he sent them a message and Matt and Jessica invited him on board for a chat. We know many of the places they have sailed to, accept we cheated and went to the Arctic Circle a couple of years ago the easy way, by comfort of a cruise ship.

We’ve had difficulty getting a wifi and phone signal here in St Agnes and it turns out that there is a problem with the island’s mast, so having reported the problem to the service provider we got seven days refund on our account – result.

Back home our garden watering system has failed. The hoses which were on timers have come away from the mains tap and water has been gushing out all the place, luckily our wonderful neighbour has sorted out the mess for us.

This evening we took another walk over the island with Artie, and met Jay and Pat, more ASA friends, who are on annual leave sailing their boat ‘Moonshadow’. It’s great to meet up with people we know, especially when they impart their knowledge of the best anchorages to use and the easiest routes to the few places to shop for food.