The journey is complete

Once again we had to leave early. There was no way of avoiding plugging into the tide for the first 30 miles as we rounded North Foreland and then weaved our way across the Thames Estuary. Although the wind was reasonably strong it was blowing from the North West and we made use of the engine to keep us on course and up to speed. The weather was good and the sea colour was back to the grey brown of our home waters. We will have to get used to having centimetres rather than metres beneath the keel. We decided not to return to Burnham. Instead we went a further 5 miles up the river Crouch and have left Oblivion in North Fambridge.

It has been an extraordinary summer and we both feel a great sense of achievement. We've sailed some 2100 miles, been to some great places, learned a bit about ourselves and our country, and have had an amazing time. We will have to get back to the boat as there is a lot of unpacking and cleaning to be done. But for tonight I'm looking forward to a take away curry, a hot shower and a good night's sleep in a big bed with clean sheets.