Blow winds, and crack your cheeks...

The wind is howling up the estuary and as the tide rises it covers the sand banks and saltings and creates a fetch of over 4 miles for the southeasterly to whip up a significant chop. Just after high water the ebb stream, supplemented by the rain filled fluvial flow of the Ex, creates a strong current opposing the waves. The net result is a nasty swell that causes Snark to pull and pluck at her mooring lines creating an uncomfortable sensation for the crew hiding from the storm down below.

This is why we don't stay moored in the otherwise delightful Topsham in the winter, it's just too exposed and potentially uncomfortable in any wind in the southern quarter. So early on the 23rd September we will be heading back up the canal to Exeter, always assuming the winds die down a bit and the weed has died back enough! The interior is almost transformed back into a dining room; the cabin partitions have been dismantled and stored, the tables rebuilt, the crockery and cutlery unpacked and the paintwork touched up. We have stowed the sails ready to lower the rig as soon as we get a slightly calmer and drier day, the winter technical equipment (water source heat pump, waste water treatment unit, back up boiler etc.) are being serviced and recommissioned. We are also trying out some new dishes for the winter menus (well someone has to!)

roasted garlic soup, pickles, sfrito and other stuff!

Now there is only one thing to do on such a gloomy day and it involves a little light baking and the clearing from the fridge of some leftover clotted cream and jam ( yes always cream first!)

We would love it if you could join us for one of winter dining events, lots of info and on line booking at the web site. Winter Dining | the SNARK