A Trip on the Pilgrim from Brixham, August 2024

This was a weekend with four of us,  Julian, Mark, Nigel and Graham, sailing on board the Pilgrim, Brixham's oldest running converted trawler.  Julian organised it via https://pilgrimofbrixham.org.uk/ 

 

We all set off at noon, Nigel and Mark in one vehicle and Julian and Graham in another. Julian uses Mr Google to navigate so would take Google's advice when it was suggested we diverted off the main road.  We stop at Cartgate Services (more...) for a roll and a drink. At about 5pm we have a phone call from the others saying they were in Paignton and enquiring where to park in Brixham. Julian is miffed to hear they are ahead of us. We arrive in Brixham and meet up at the Prince William, close to the pier where the Pilgrim is moored. After a couple of beers we carry our bags to the boat, which is deserted, and leave them in a safe place.   We have our evening meal at Albero's.  Why do people with uncontrollable yapping dogs eat in popular restaurants?  At the end of the meal we return to the boat and decide where we are are going to bunk down.  Graham and Julian opt for the lower bunks  in the bow of the boat whilst Mark and Nigel opt for the larger sleeping area in the hold. We are introduced to the crew, Captain Richard, First Mate Maya, Apprentice Isaac, Volunteers Tim and Martin.  The four of us partake of some Springbank provided by Graham.      

Breakfast is served on deck, cereals and bacon, toast etc. We are given a security briefing and don our lifejackets.  These are very compact and light and have to be worn at all times we are at sea.  We depart from the mooring and make our way around Berry Head upon which is the shortest, highest and deepest lighthouse in the UK (more...). The nearby cafe is recommended.  We go slightly west of the mouth of the Dart river and turn round and make our way up the Dart because it is too early to dock. We get as far as the boathouse on the Greenway estate (more...).  Mark points out the expensive ships moored in the Dart. We dock  close to where the paddle ferry is moored.  Three of us venture out on land to visit the centre of Dartmouth.  It is not very busy.  We return to the boat and consume some beer and wine.  A table for the guests is set up and a seafood risotto is served. The other guests are Pat, a lady who has done a lot of travelling and is a tax adviser, Greg who works for Astro-Zenica and lives near Macclesfield. His family is holidaying in Torquay.  Andy is a Polish model maker constructing architectural models and model boats. James is a US-born ex-Mormon who lives in Peterborough. James now consumes alcohol since he didn't get excommunicated for failing to attend church during the COVID lockdown. After the meal we descend to the hold and share out the remaining Springbank.         

During our trip to Dartmouth we were filmed (more...). You don't need to sign in to Facebook to see the reel - thank you Jon Rogers.

It's another bright day. After breakfast we leave the Dartmouth quayside just before 8:45am only to discover that Nigel has been left ashore.  After a vote has been held we return to the shore and recover Nigel. We sail back across Torbay and anchor off Babbacombe Beach. After a lunch of delicious fried aubergines and couscous we motor back to Brixham.  On the way we pass extensive mussel beds.  How do you start a mussel farm (more...)? We arrive back at Brixham at about 3pm.  Linda, from the office, boards, and takes a team photo.  We leave and walk up the steep hill via St Peter's Steps to Julian's house.  We are given a guided tour and have a cup of tea in the top floor lounge overlooking the harbour.  The house is up for sale and has recently had some paying guests so needs to be set up for the next tenants (more... unless sold!).    We leave Julian and walk up the hill to where Nigel has parked.  Graham is dropped by his home at about 7:30pm, the return journey having taken ninety minutes less than the outward journey.   It's the end of a great adventure.  Many thanks to all.