Fareham - Newtown Creek - Fareham

It was a very calm day

It was another very hot day and I decided that I was going to spend the night on the hook in New Town Creek. New Town Creek is on the Isle of Wight and is a National Nature Reserve it is a very peaceful place to visit and one of my favourite places in the Solent. For anchoring it is well protected and has good holding I would highly recommend it to anyone.

On the hook

Wind was almost non existent F1/2 at times I decided to raise the main to catch what little wind I could. It was unusually quite for the Solent that was until I entered New Town Creek. It was like a water park people swimming, playing on water toys. The place was packed with Sailing boats small and large, ribs, motorboats jet skies I had never seen New Town Creek as full before.

Exploring the Creek

I decided to take the tender to explore a bit I could only land on the beach due low water. I decided to go for a swim as it was very hot. It was very refreshing to take a dip. Later on I deiced to to land and have a look round. It was like going back in time very peaceful and just the odd tourist.

A perfect place to park

I went back and had my dinner and a drink as the day turned to dusk the day sailors and ribs, power boats departed it was a different world. Just two other yachts on the hook. I watched the sunset and shortly after went to my bunk ready for an early start.

Such a peaceful evening 

Time for bed

The next day I arose shortly before sunrise. It was a struggle to raise the anchor and it was covered in mud. The day was calm and sadly I had to motor sail back.

A flat sea

Always something to see while entering Portsmouth

Fareham - Folly In -Osbourne Bay - Fareham

The weather was very warm and the plan was to do some more work on Tallula but, the cabin was very warm and we decided to go for a sail instead.

 A reward for all the hard work

I noticed a big difference in how she performed and with full sails and the engine on tick over I easily exceeded the 5 knot speed limit in Portsmouth harbour. The difference from last time was profound. We decided to treat our self's after all the hard work to a glass of Prosecco. In years of sailing I have never touched a drop of alcohol while at sea but, on this occasion I decided  that a glass of Prosecco would be ok.

The Folly Inn moorings

The sail over was really nice not much wind force 3 at most but, with the clean hull and anti foul it was plenty. I was lucky to be able to get a walk ashore pontoon at the Folly Inn.

We had a lovely meal and a few drinks and yes they still dance on the tables.

The next day I decided to set of early to have breakfast on the hook I also decided to go for a swim the water was extremely cold and the moment I was fully in the sea I experienced cold water shock I could hardly move. I was pleased that I had a line to hold onto. I think I will put on a wet suit next time.

An early start

On the way back their was little to no wind so I motored back and the engine was running very well after the recent oil change.

Too cold for me

Heading back into Portsmouth

The Heads

While Tallula was out of the water I decided that I was going to sort the heads out. A smelly dirty job that I was not looking forward to. I found that the heads would flush the waste out. But, the ball valve for the inlet was completely seized. Well the handle had corroded completely. Luckily they were closed and not open.

The valve was completely seized 

Old and new one

The plan was simple simply remove the old valve and fit a new one. Well that was what my intention was but, one thing lead to another and the small job just got bigger.

I unscrewed the jubilee clip and pulled, twisted, tugged but, the hose would not budge. I decided to cut it of with a Stanley knife but that did not go though it. I decided to go in with the heavy stuff the hack saw and it worked.

I then tried to remove the valve but, that too would not budge. I decided to spray some WD40 on it and had a coffee.

The new valve 

I drank my coffee and went back to it and got it of. I was really pleased with myself and decided that that despite the horrible smell I would also change the old hoses. The inlet one was not too bad but, the outlet one smelt bad and my hands had become covered in dark coloured grime. I did not really want to think to profoundly about what it may or may not be. So I decided to have a shower.

Goodbye smelly one

While I was removing the hoses the chipboard shelf broke upon further investigation the heads were on a piece of rotten chipboard.

I refitted the new valve using PDF tape and was pleaded with what I had done.

I took these home along with the toilet. I used the old one that the toilet was stood on and made a new one with plywood that I stained and covered in expoxy.

New toilet stand

My girlfriend agreed to hover the area after I had given it a good clean. She then painted the whole area for me with Dulex wet and dry. The smell was finally gone and it all looked nice and clean

I cut a new stand and shelf as the old ones had become rotten. I refitted the toilet with the new hoses. The one had a slight kink in it so I will need to shorten it slightly.

Not a nice look

I decided to apply some self adhesive tiles so the area could easily be cleaned and wiped down without having to worry about the paint work. The difference was amazing and it was well worth all the extra effort I now have heads that I am pleased with.

Much better with fresh paint

Finally