Page 11 - Yachter Spring 2023

NEWTOWN CREEK RALLY –
NOVEMBER 2022
By the time Arabesque (Bob and Jackie) arrived in Newtown Creek late on Friday afternoon, Clarkey (David and Alison) and Aquarius Ventures (Gordon and Christine) were already moored, conveniently occupying two adjacent buoys in Newtown Creek.We tucked in alongside Clarkey in the gathering dusk and enjoyed a cup of tea in near silence, just the sound of the lapping tide and the curlews calling as they waded on the mud nearby.
As Clarkey was to host drinks that evening we streamed 30 meters of line down tide to Aquarius Ventures to save Gordon a strenuous row against the strong ebb. Pulling them safely aboard we were soon settled in a warm and hospitable Clarkey.
Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny; indeed it was to be a very mild weekend with record temperatures. Paddington 4 (John and Petra), phoned to say they were on their way and would arrive ready for the group walk at 2pm.
Meanwhile Aquarius Ventures were having trouble starting the outboard. Carburation trouble on his 4 stroke kept Gordon busy all morning, save for our interruption aboard for coffee. Clarkey’s crew disappeared in the direction of Shalfleet and were gone some time, eventually returning to report that they had enjoyed a lunchtime meal at The New
Inn. Now open for food again apparently. Climbing into our dinghies we set off for the little pier and the start of our afternoon
walk, the first part of which was substantially muddy, causing some alarm among those with very smart or leaky footwear. But
the sun shone brightly and the views were delightful.As we passed through Lower Hamstead we were attacked by a couple of scary farm dogs but their bark proved worse than their bite! Then back down to the pier and our boats to prepare for the evening ‘safari’ supper.
We managed to accommodate all eight of us aboard Arabesque so there was no need to ‘safari’ and what a feast followed! The first course, a magnificent vegetable and pasta chowder by Petra, followed by quiche and salad by Jackie.Then a wonderful variety
of desserts including a chocolate and black cherry masterpiece and a lemon meringue
tart by Alison, then tiramisu and eclairs by Christine.
If that was not enough, a variety of cheeses and biscuits with port followed.
What an excellent evening !
The next day we all headed for home on the morning flood tide; looking forward to an opportunity to do it all again.
Bob Stevenson
CRUISING REPORTS 11