July 7 – Woodbridge to Woolverstone
By Joe Barrett | July 7, 2012
We left Woodbridge at high water and headed down the River Deben to the entrance. The route was tortuous and made more complex because of numerous dinghies racing back and forth across the narrow channel.
Getting out of the Deben was like being on a roller coaster. We passed between the sandbanks at over 8 knots. Once the swell was met things became very bumpy. It did not last though and soon we were sailing very briskly towards Harwich.
At last we entered the River Orwell. It was a real homecoming. Dawn Treader was based here for four years and the surroundings were very familiar. Half way up the river, and near to Pin Mill, a huge Ship (500 ft long) passed right by us. We were outside the channel but it seemed very close.
We arrived at Woolverstone marina at 19:30 and quickly left the boat to walk the one mile to the Butt and Oyster pub at Pin Mill. The walk there was delightful. Poppy's everywher in the beautiful fields. The meal and the beer at the pub lived up to expectation. A great evening.
Tomorrow (Sunday) we plan to go to Ramsgate. 55nm across the Thames estuary. Lots of ships, sandbanks and strong tides. More on this tomorrow after we arrive.
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