Big Summer Adventure Part 2 - Portishead to Bristol

Welcome back, are you ready for the second part of our trip?

It was an even earlier start on Tuesday morning as we had to be in the lock and ready to go by 7.00.

They opened the gates and we were off

this time without the pilots.  Bob went first in Vagabond as he'd done all the planning

We'd been told to expect a cargo ship..........but when it appeared behind us out of the mist it was an "oh s**t" moment. Especially as it was getting bigger and BIGGER

It was coming into Portishead dock, as soon as this container ship came out of the lock.  The pilot boats would lead this one out and then take the new one straight in.

It was catching up quickly and we all prayed it had good brakes

Once we got to the entrance to the River Avon we were safe

turned in, gave a big sigh of relief

thanked the guy in the VHF radio station

waved goodbye to the ship

and headed for Bristol

It was a lovely morning although still so early that it was a bit too hazy to get clear photos

We love cruising past traffic jams. The "white van man" beeped and waved

It was quite a short trip and we soon caught sight of the Clifton Suspension Bridge

We had quite a long wait in the tide lock until the level dropped enough for us to get into Bristol Floating Harbour

It still seems strange sharing locks with sail boats

We cruised in convoy into the harbour

past some interesting houses

and the SS Great Britain

This is one of the trip boats......I MUST have a go on that.........

It took us a while to find a suitable mooring but we managed to get all 4 boats together and once we were settled it was time to crack open the bubbly and celebrate. We've all had an amazing two days and I'd like to say a BIG thank you to Bob on Vagabond who spent many many hours and phone calls arranging it all. You did a wonderful job.....where are we going next time?

Nicola, Yvonne, John, Angela, David, Roger & Bob

Cheers!  see you soon