Amble in the Wind

So - 5 days later and we are still in Amble!  The strongest gust we recorded in the marina was 48.6kts, also known as a Force 10.  Unlike one of our neighbours, we didn't take this as an opportunity to test out the furling gear, and we have therefore survived unscathed!

When the wind was a mere F6 - 8, it seemed like a good idea to test out the inflatable dinghy we had with us - Sprigs took it for a test drive, and then I deemed it safe to board

We went across the estuary - landed on a nice little beach, and set off on a walk across the sand dunes towards the beach.

We were well off the beaten track - in fact, there were no tracks, just very long, very wet grass.

The beach was fantastic - could have been in the Carribean, had it been about 20 degrees warmer - Windstopper materials required at all times.



Waiting for the Tide



The planning error was obviously not to have checked the tide before we set off - still, what's a little mud!  

Rest of afternoon spent in Laundrette, while Zilla recovered from the white water ride.

After the excitement of the dinghy outing, we decided that we should remain more land based until the wind subsided. 

Our neighbour, Henry, who must be one of the very few who has actually completed a restoration project on a 1961 yacht and actually sails it, is also a one man Amble Tourist Guide.  He is not from these parts, so i could actually understand what he was saying (makes a nice change). Anyway - he drove us to Alnwick (pronounced Annock - just to confuse the foreigners) where we saw the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland's rather splendid castle - Harry Potter fans may recognise it, as it is also Hogwarts!



Hogwarts!  Complete with original stone carved warriors on the ramparts, stone lions, and very unwelcoming railings.  Home of Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.

Sources who shall remain namesless did say that the current encumbents of the castle are not particuarly popular locally - we did think this was rather well reflected in the Commemorative Floral Clock, which was dedicated to the good lady!



Between torrential rain storms and bursts of dazzling sunshine we made our way the the most unusual second hand book store, Barter Books, one of the largest in the UK and in the old railway station



Barter Books


In keeping with the railway theme, there were trains running round the shop on aerial tracks! 

As if all this wasn't enough excitement for one book shop, it also claimed to have coined the phrase 'Keep Calm and Carry On'. 

I think that has just about filled our time in Amble - forecast is actually looking reasonable for tomorrow, so we may even be able to continue on to Scotland.  Of all the places to be stuck, Amble must be one of the best - it has been a thoroughly enjoyable week. 

Amble does indeed deserve the slogan painted (possibly by the local primary school children) on the lamp posts along the breakwater ' Amble The Friendliest Port', even though they have to say it themselves!