Holyhead was a short stop but I was please to be able to put Buffer alongside GMC Oakmere the sail training boat I used to skipper - this was a case of Little and Large

Bardsey with the mist rolling in from the sea....

The trip up from Milford wasn't going to be straight to North Wales but to Fishguard. Having left Dale early and negotiated my way round the Bishop Rocks I decided to go for it and to miss out Fishguard. This gave me an estaimated time of arrival in Abersoch as being around 3.00am but we were going well and it was a nice day.  I actually got the anchor  down at 1.00am but was glad to get into bed. The trip up was accompanied by much loud music and many dolphines - probably one of the best days.

The next day I went into Pwhelli for a proper rest and met Helen for a fish and chip dinner  - I know how to treat a girl.  Helen actually stayed the night and slept well but wouldn't accompany me on to Holyhead. Itw as great to see her.

I set off from Pwhelli a little later than I'd planned - Pwhelli has a shallow entrance and I'd planned to push the mud to get out early for the tide North as I still had 58 mile to go and the winds were very light.
As I got out to Bardsey I saw the mist rolling round the island and it gradually disappeared from view. The next ten hours were spent crawling along in thick fog  - straining to hear noises of other vessels and keenly watching the plotters for contacts.  My thanks to the pilot of the Diving vessel Protector - it just missed me! I'd seen it on the plotter and tried to call it a number of times as it was on a converging course . It was doing 14knots and I was doing 3knots. It was also the give way vessel. Protector totally ignored me and I had to  take what avoiding action I could.  I never saw the vessel properly but heard it and felt its wash as it steamed past me across my bows - still at 14knots. I'd like to think it did know I was there but somehow doubt it.

The next vessel to emerge from the mist was a ferry - we both knew we were in close proximity and the ferry moved over a bit for me but it was still spooky seeing it come through the mist.

I was glad when the mist lifted just as I was approaching Holyhead breakwater. I was then pleased to get along side for some hot food and a drink - I was soaked from the fog.

More dolphines near Milford.

 Dale

 Skokholm. Bird Sanctury

As the trip up to North Wales is a fair way I'd decided to call in at Milford for a short stop for a sleep and so I could cook a reasonable meal. Milford is the best harbour for refuge I can think of as there is always a corner to provide a yacht with a quiet spot. I know its industrialised with the terminals but its still a great place

Once the weather had cleared I headed for Milford Haven. Winds were light to start with and then went to the North ( typically on the nose again.) It was a long day which started at 7.00 am and finished at anchor in Dale  - Milford  at 10pm.  The trip across the Bristol Channel was in Good weather and I saw loads of Dolphins, a basking shark and loads of birds

After Landsend I went to Padstow where I stayed for five days due to the weather. It was time well spent as I met new friends and had a chance to hire a bike and ride the camel Trail up to Bodmin.  I also had chance to call in at Rick Steins for a meal.  Padstow has a few Rick Steins outlets and the town has developed into a harbour surrounded by food and drink outlets. Its a nice place and is successfully "busy".

Can't say I was impressed by Steins meal. I appreciate his arguement that we should value good food - and I do- but costs were very high for food that wasn't that impressive.
Thanks to Freddie, Linda , Jim and Erlys for taking me under their wing. Great sailors from South Wales

Over the next few days I'll fill out the blog with what happened in the last week of Buffer's trip. But the main thing to say is that at 14.55hrs today Buffer crossed her outward track and completed her circumnavigation of the mainland of  the Uk. She is now in Conwy and I am at home. Plenty to say and lots of photos to add + donations to acknowledge.  Many thanks to those that have supported this trip ...monies will go to Hope House Childrens Hospice.