Callisto`s Late Summer Cruise 2023
We slipped our lines (20/ 8/23) early to beat the flood gates and at last we were off. Having delayed our start because of strong winds, it was good to be heading out of the Humber on a late summerholiday. We took advantage of good tidal heights to cut across the Binksand headed north. A steady SW wind saw the spinnaker deployed until the wind failed and we motored into Filey Bay where we anchored for the night. Despite a rolly night we slept until the alarm woke us for an eight o’clock start which saw us manoeuvring through the local fishing fleet and heading around Filey Brigg towards Hartlepool.
The early light winds steadily increased. 10 miles south of Hartlepool they were hitting 30+ knots. Spotting the open lock gates on our approach was a welcome sight.We were safely moored up by 1700hrs. My eagerness to find a hostelry resulted in a careless descent from the boat and me sprawled on the pontoon. North Tees A&E confirmed a fractured wrist!! (There’s no fool like an old fool!). Undaunted, we decided to continue our holiday, after all we still had three good hands between us. We visited the Historic Quay with HMS Trincomalee but alas the PS Wingfield Castle (former Humber Ferry) was closed to the public, and looked to be in a sorry state.
We stayed in Hartlepool for four nights. After topping up with fuel, we exited (25/ 8/23) the lock at 1130hrs in light winds and headed towards The River Tyne. After part sailing, part motoring, we entered the Tyne at 1700hrs and made our way the 2 miles upriver to the Royal Quays marina and celebrated our arrival with a drink and meal at the Marina’s Lock Bar/Restaurant. The Metro is only a 20 minute walk from the marina so the next day we took it into Newcastle, exiting at the iconic St James’ Park. A short walk took us to the High Level Bridge which gave us an elevated view down the Tyne before we crossed it to the Gateshead side arriving at the riverside bar and food outlets area along the river bank adjacent to Hillgate, where we ate, and watched rowers and zipwire adrenalin seekers. With rain forecast, our second day on Tyneside saw us visit the Jasmond Dene Park which was created by William Armstrong (later Lord Armstrong of Cragside, Northumberland). After a damp walk along the valley we arrived at the visitor centre which, apart from offering coffees, etc had nothing of interest to offer.
