That's the one oz!. I was explaining the project to one couple and as soon as I finished they wanted to know how they could get involved. 'Sign 'ere!' says I. He's a hydro engineer, very useful Herself is looking for something to do and wants to get involved in the Visitor Centre. :o}
Only two. Our wee trip boat is only 30' long and carries 12 passengers. If there are 8 passengers or more the crew get a free lunch. It's something Vera and I set up 10 years ago when I was the charter manager. It's the most popular charter we do now.
It is indeed. :o} We used to go there at least once a week. Vera had the idea while we were there one day. We discussed it over lunch, then called the manager over and explained the idea. He was very enthusiastic. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I'm sure you would be captivated by Saul Junction oz. The tall ships are beginning to leave Gloucester Docks now, the first one yesterday left a 1600 and came past us at 1745, looking to catch the high tide at Sharpness sea lock at 2030. lots of people snapping away. There is one leaving the docks at 0800 this morning, will pass Saul at 0945. He'll be wanting to catch the high tide at Sharpness at 1130.
All day we were asked when they are leaving. The docks always let us know as soon as the skippers tell them when they want to leave. From their departure from the docks we can calculate what time they will be passing us and what high tide they want to catch.
It's the draught they need oz. That part of the river is surprisingly shallow. There are sandbanks that can move 100 yards between tides, so a pilot is essential for large vessels. The sea lock can only be opened at high tide. So ships wanting to leave gather and moor in the basin near the lock and then have to wait for the tide. On the Severn there are four high tides a day instead of the usual two. It also has the second highest tidal range in the world, but it is not a forgiving river in the tidal reaches and many vessels have come to grief over the years.
The best time to leave is when the high tide is on the turn, it's quite calm then for some time before it begins to drop again. Once they are past Portishead, where they drop the pilot, they are OK until they get to St. Georges Channel, where three sea systems meet. That can be 'interesting!'
At low tide it is possible to walk across to Wales, if you know the way. But you don't take your time, or you will get very wet, very quickly.
I don't know if you've heard of the Severn Bore? Surfers come to ride it when it's a four or five star. There are two bores every day, but most of them go unnoticed. A 5 star is spectacular!
I have heard of the Bore, seen some clips of surfers riding it, some manage to go for miles and miles. There is another one some where in South America that is quite famous too.
Time to go for a drive soon. Have a great day and enjoy the "free lunch". :-)
wee bit sore..loads of stuff done in garden,, just a bit left to do and some painting , benches and some of my metal birds which hide in the shrubbery..oh's birthday today so out to lunch with him and his youngest and up to mum..brother arriving from Canada for a flyiing visit, 3 days...