Every picture on this website, with no exception, is taken from one place - our Dartmouth office garden
THE VIEW FROM THE DARTMOUTH OFFICE
JULY 2020 TVFTDO
Dartmouth has continued to fill up since the first weekend of July.
Welcome all to Dartmouth.
The rover has been chocka at times.
Paddle steamer Kingswear Castle is back in action. Almost all passengers are masked.
The steam trains are back and we have an expedtion superyacht in port, name of Seawolf.
Buzzards are being bastards....to mice and slow worms.
There's a destroyer, HMS Defender doing a sharp, fast about turn.
Plus the Navy also put on quite a show with almost all the picket boats, escorted by landing craft from HMS Albion.
Oh, and Comet Neowise thrown in for good measure.
There are 533 Photos in this album over 12 pages. Click on a thumbnail to see it larger. You can even start a slide show.

First clue something was up was when these two landing craft from HMS Albion entered the river and headed for BRNC.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Noisy powerful engines on the landing craft..
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Headed straight up river past Kingswear.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Some pointed comments from the crew aboard one of the HMS Albion's landing craft as they came into the river this morning.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Seven of the BRNC picket boats came down river to meet the landing craft and then followed them back to the college.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

It wasn't exactly a straight line all the time as the picket boats returned to base..
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

And there is a curve in the river. But it was good practice.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

A bit of bunching at the Higher Ferry.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

And then, an hour later, a proper procession back down river. Seven picket boats with whalers attached, two fast ribs and escorted by the two landing craft from HMS Albion.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

An impressive, unannounced line-up.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Even the Lower Ferry waited.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Last time we saw anything like this was during rehearsals for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

There is a question that has to be asked. Why did the lead picket boat have its whaler rafted on the port side. Didn't they get the memo. Everyone else did.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Passing Kingswear and looking very, very good.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

And on the finally straight that is exactly how they were....straight.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Well, straight for a while, anyway.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

One landing craft was hankering for home and suddenly set off for HMS Albion. Quite a turn of speed. And volume.
------------------------------
HMS Albion & BRNC naval procession

Looking almost majestic. And fearsome.
------------------------------
Buzzard hunting over Dartmouth

After a night on the town jetty, HMC Vigilant departs its berth.
------------------------------
Border Force vessel HMC Vigilant

And reverse up the river to...the fuel barge
------------------------------
Border Force vessel HMC Vigilant

Before departing Dartmouth and heading out on patrol.
------------------------------
Border Force vessel HMC Vigilant

If you are worried that there are too many photos of buzzards, just understand, I am trying to learn all about my camera's autofocus. And bird photography is good practice.
------------------------------
Buzzard hunting over Dartmouth

The lens even kept it sharp against the wooded background.
------------------------------
Buzzard hunting in Dyers Hill, Dartmouth

Lots of shouting from the 'fisherman'. Put on a good belligerent performance.
------------------------------
Navy role playing exercise

Looks like Lockdown will be lifted soon. The crew of PS Kingswear Castle got the boiler going today and let off some steam. It's a very noisy event..
------------------------------
Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle gets steamed up

This light aircraft has been buzzing around a fair bit in recent times. It's a trainer for commercial airline pilots/
--------------------------
G-LHXD - Diamond DA 42

This aircraft has been buzzing around for an eternity. It's a jackdaw on approach.
--------------------------
Jackdaw in flight

A Royal Navy Wildcat visit is so common we now tend to throw them back to let them grow bigger.
--------------------------
Royal Navy Wildcat ZZ399 over Dartmouth

This only means one thing....the drains are up.
--------------------------
Crane in Avenue Gardens, Dartmouth

I'm now starting to take note of the different ages of top end ribs. This is a Grand. With radar.
--------------------------
A Grand Sulaco rib with Evinrude motor

Once again house martins have nested under our neighbours eves. That young one had one cavernous mouth.
--------------------------
House Martins feeding

And it's the young chicks that make the noise "food, food, food. Give me food NOW!"
--------------------------
House Martins feeding

And so the food comes courtesy of mum and dad.
--------------------------
House Martins feeding

Dart RNLI lifeboat heads out to assist a 20ft motor cruiser near Strete Gate
--------------------------
DART RNLI Lifeboat launch 435

But it turned out the stricken craft was nearer to Start Point.
--------------------------
DART RNLI Lifeboat launch 435

In the end, the Salcombe lifeboat also assisted towing the cruiser to Slapton Sands where the Dart crew then took over.
--------------------------
DART RNLI Lifeboat launch 435

At this point they are still heading out of the river Dart. Fast.
--------------------------
DART RNLI Lifeboat launch 435

A quick circle of BRNC and this Wildcat was off.
--------------------------
Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter ZZ375

It's impossible for someone of my age to see an autogyro and not think "Little Nellie". Wind Commander Ken Wallis flew 'Nell without any fairing.
--------------------------
Autogyro G-ORYG

Nearly three hours after launch, Dart RNLI's ILB arrived back in Darthaven with motor cruiser Sea Spray of Brixham.
--------------------------
DART RNLI Lifeboat launch 435

Dart RNLI Atlantic D Class ILB the Staines Whitfield returns after assisting day boat Sea Spray of Brixham.
--------------------------
DART RNLI Lifeboat launch 435

Another Dart RNLI rescue completed.
--------------------------
DART RNLI Lifeboat launch 435

An extreme wide angle view of the harbour. Plus eucalyptus tree.
--------------------------
General view of Kingswear headland

Dark skies and bright evening sun
--------------------------
General view of Kingswear headland

Beautiful markings on one of the buzzards nesting in the woods of Dyers Hill.
--------------------------
Buzzard hunting over Dartmouth

Loco Lydham Manor pulls a full complement of coaches (backwards) on one of the railway's trial runs. That little puff of white steam is the whistle blowing.
--------------------------
Paignton & Dartmouth Railway

And what a wonderful sound that whistle is in July 2020.
--------------------------
Paignton & Dartmouth Railway

Not the busiest day on the Dartmouth - Kingswear car ferry.
--------------------------
Dartmouth Lower Ferry

Four of the Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company craft all lined up on the Dartmouth Town jetty being prepared for the Lockdown Lift
--------------------------
Dartmouth river ferries

Loco Lydham Manor does a brief bit of shunting.
--------------------------
Paignton & Dartmouth Railway

And then the crew of Lydham Manor reverse the loco back into Kingswear Station.
--------------------------
Paignton & Dartmouth Railway

Back to mother and baby feeding time with the neighbour's house martins (two words - one word was a band)
--------------------------
House Martins feeding

Best shot I managed. Mum house martin feeds her ravenous young under our neighbour's eaves.
--------------------------
House Martins feeding

Close but no cigar. Although you get the impression one woud fit.
--------------------------
House Martins feeding

Post lockdown preparation run on the Paignton - Dartmouth (actually Kingswear) railway
--------------------------
Paignton & Dartmouth Railway

One of the Devon Air Ambulance's flew East to West over BRNC.
---------------------------
Devon Air Ambulance G-DAAN

Lydham Manor loco blows the cobwebs out.
---------------------------
Paignton & Dartmouth Railway

Day by day the number of vessels on the river is increasing.
---------------------------
Motor vessel Lula in Dartmouth

Grey old Kingswear
---------------------------
Kingswear in the (very grey) mist.

The same mist looks so much better at night when lit from below.
---------------------------
General view of Kingswear at night

Lockdown Lift day was dull and miserable. This is the only snap I took all day
---------------------------
Dull and miserable Dartmouth (it never is really)

Yes, I had warning. And waited, and waited. HMS Albion was going very slow.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

Slowly creeping into view.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

And here is HMS Albion in all its glory. Her 176 metres just fits the gap
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

But what's happening now. The mother ship gives 'birth'.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

Out the back of the amphibious dock of HMS Albion comes first one then two landing craft.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

And the birth happened right in the two degree view we have out to sea.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

One twin always has to be first.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

And here's the second 'babe'.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

HMS Albion's two landing craft emerge.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

HMS Albion's two landing craft emerge. And head for the bar. Sorry, College.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

HMS Albion Landing Craft LCU FJ 9734 passes Kingswear Castle on its way towards Britannia Royal Naval College
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

HMS Albion landing craft LCU FJ 9734 escorted into Dartmouth by two high speed ribs.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

Actually, they look more like inflatables than ribs.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

Relaxed crew aboard HMS Albion landing craft LCU FJ 9734
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

A Marine holds court aboard HMS Albion landing craft LCU FJ 9734
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

HMS Albion landing craft LCU FJ 9734 pauses Kittery Court on its way to BRNC, Dartmouth
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

The second HMS Albion landing craft (LCU A1 9732) comes in past Kingswear Castle.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

These are big vessels - HMS Albion's landing craft LCU A1 9732
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

Meanwhile, HMS Albion moves off for another circle of Torbay.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

HMS Albion sets off for a perambulate (good word) of the bay.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

Then, twenty minutes later returned to pick up 'the kids'.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

HMS Albion awaits the return of one the landing craft.
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

The actual docking took place out of sight (to me).
---------------------------
HMS Albion unloads & loads its landing craft

This is an Axopar, one of the fastest growing makes of boat here. Loads of them around.
---------------------------
Axopar motor boat

All the fun afloat. Seems this year will be the year of the paddle board and kayak.
---------------------------
Two person kayaks on river Dart, Dartmouth

There's always someone who wants to demonstrate the butterfly stroke. Some can even do it.
---------------------------
Swimming in the river Dart, Dartmouth

But there is no doubt, the butterfly stroke is exhausting. After two strokes.
---------------------------
Swimming in the river Dart, Dartmouth

The rather elegant barge the Alice Wragg.
----------------------------
Blue, single mast wooden barge in Dartmouth

That's a very small boat to motor round from Weymouth - where it is registered. alley Gibsons Choice apparently.
----------------------------
Fishing boat Gibsons Choice WH282

Clearly furry, it could be a mouse, or a shrew, or a vole. Or something similar.
----------------------------
Buzzard with prey over Dartmouth

Sad, but what is certain is, it's a gonna.
----------------------------
Buzzard with prey over Dartmouth

Eating on the fly.
----------------------------
Buzzard with prey over Dartmouth

And then off to a perch for a proper feed in the woods.
----------------------------
Buzzard with prey over Dartmouth

Not sure if this exceptionally low flying is just a fluke, or perhaps the prey is getting harder to locate.
----------------------------
Buzzard hunting over Dartmouth

Both DART RNLI lifeboats headed upriver to Sharpham to assist after seven people were in the water when their small yacht capsized. This is the D Class launching from the public slip.
-------------------------------
DART RNLI Launch 437 to Sharpham

Both DART RNLI lifeboats headed upriver to aid four people in the water after their small yacht capsized. This is the B Class heading off from Coronation Park landing.
-------------------------------
DART RNLI Launch 437 to Sharpham

Both DART RNLI lifeboats head upriver to assist after seven people were in the water when their small yacht capsized.
-------------------------------
DART RNLI Launch 437 to Sharpham

Both DART RNLI lifeboats head upriver to assist following a report that a tender was sinking. The crews were initially told of four people in the water - turned out there had been seven, three had got to shore.
-------------------------------
DART RNLI Launch 437 to Sharpham

Both DART RNLI lifeboats speed upriver to Sharpham following a report that a yacht was was sinking and a number of people were ian the water. Four persons were rescued from a mud bank.
-------------------------------
DART RNLI Launch 437 to Sharpham

The very delightful barge Alice Wragg
----------------------------
Alice Wragg barge of Dartmouth

A simple solution to social distancing should the boat become too full. So do carry a brolly.
----------------------------
Dartmouth passenger boat Dittisham Princess

Early days of the reopened railway. More frequent services though.
----------------------------
GWR 7800 Class No. 7827 Lydham Manor

Lydham Manor reverses into Kingswear from Paignton
----------------------------
GWR 7800 Class No. 7827 Lydham Manor

The footplate is a cramped place. Hence one of the crew rides in the coal scuttle.
----------------------------
GWR 7800 Class No. 7827 Lydham Manor

Straight on until Churston.
----------------------------
GWR 7800 Class No. 7827 Lydham Manor

Two picket boats escort the PS Kingswear Castle
----------------------------
Paddle steamer Kingswear Castle

Good to see the old (very old) girl back. Her engines date from 1904, the hull itself is twenty years younger.
----------------------------
Paddle steamer Kingswear Castle

Stacks of multihulls now come in. This is a French built Outremer catamaran, possibly called Pegasus.
----------------------------
An Outremer catamaran

The tender has Pegasus printed on its bow. So possibly the name of the catamaran ?
----------------------------
An Outremer catamaran

Some of the first playing passengers of 2020 aboard the PS Kingswear Castle
----------------------------
Paddle steamer Kingswear Castle

One of the Royal Navy's two amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion finally puts in an appearance in the sunshine.
----------------------------
HMS Albion

Not 100% certain, but this should be HMS Lancaster. Not in the sun
----------------------------
HMS Lancaster passes Dartmouth

Royal Navy Hawk trainer aircraft XX281 whizzed past at a rate of a lot of knots.
----------------------------
RAF Hawk over Dartmouth

Checking the historical records on ShipAIS.com, this should be..the general cargo ship Arklow Flair. Which is registered as being 89.95 metres long. Sounds like there's an extra tax due at 90 metres.
----------------------------
Merchant ship Arklow Flair passes Dartmouth

Do you think they have membership ?
No reason why a ferry captain cannot join the RYDC surely ?
----------------------------
Lower Ferry at RDYC

Sister aircraft to G-LXHD which also passes by occasionally. A commercial pilot's training aircraft.
----------------------------
G-LHXA Diamond DA-42 NG Twin Star

Unusual looking thing.
----------------------------
G-LHXA Diamond DA-42 NG Twin Star

The lowest of the low. So low the pilot was confused whether he should make tracks or not. Not that a 'nook runs well on a railway line.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

Quite a show. An under the radar run.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

What the pictures cannot explain is the noise. And oh, what a wonderful noise.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

Quite likely some folk were ducking as this beast came down river.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

The 'nook is from 18 Squadron at RAF Odiham. I used to be in an Odiham scout troop. Just saying.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

You can never have too much of a lowly low Chinook flypast.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

Head on. And heading to hide behind a tree that doesn't assist our view.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

Slightly annoyed I didn't't see the ferry earlier and frame the shot better. But you can see. There's low. And then there is this low.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

Out from behind the tree the observer was now visible
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

The Chinook's observer is looking very nonchalant indeed.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

There is a 'rear-gunner', but he or she is hiding in the gloom.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

See, I told you this Chinook was low.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

Approaching Kingswear Castle. And avoiding it.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

And then away down the coast westwards towards Plymouth. Much more fun than the M5 and the A38.
----------------------------
RAF Chinook ZA704 low flypast of Dartmouth

Scaffolding can so enhance a view. Particularly when you are on it.
----------------------------
Dartmouth construction

Always difficult to know if the police helicopter is on a training run, or actually looking for someone.
----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Helicopter G-CPAS

The pilot was throwing the craft around.
----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Helicopter G-CPAS

This seemed to be a likely exercise. Into the river (well, above it) a quick circle......
----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Helicopter G-CPAS

The necessary close up as they pass us in Above Town
----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Helicopter G-CPAS

Off up the coast eastwards.
----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Helicopter G-CPAS

It appears that one person is under the impression they are on the back seat of a tandem and no effort is required.
----------------------------
Paddle boarding in Dartmouth

Separate bedrooms ? Or is one hull the lounge and galley ?
----------------------------
Catamaran Lilly in Dartmouth

A Squadron model Fairline departs from Dartmouth. Named Lula. Looks comfy enough.
----------------------------
Fairline motor vessel Lula

Catamaran Lilly gets a visit from one of those nice chaps on the harbour patrol.
----------------------------
Catamaran Lilly in Dartmouth

With few exceptions, the passengers on the Kingswear Castle masked up.
----------------------------
Masked passengers aboard PS Kingswear Castle

The KC (as she is known locally) has been very busy.
----------------------------
Masked passengers aboard PS Kingswear Castle

The best little ferry ride in the south.
----------------------------
Dartmouth Castle ferry.

And the tourists keep coming. Which is excellent/
----------------------------
Masked passengers aboard PS Kingswear Castle

The modern faces of tourism aboard the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle in Dartmouth.
----------------------------
Masked passengers aboard PS Kingswear Castle

Unthinkable just a few months ago. And now highly desirable.
----------------------------
Masked passengers aboard PS Kingswear Castle

Awaiting the arrival of some very smart new wooden bow windows.
----------------------------
Dartmouth construction

Unusual name. There'll be a reason.
And the reason is....its italian for Wizard Merlin. Very British.
----------------------------
Catamaran Mago Merlino in Dartmouth

No two ways about it. There's more than enough space to spin on a cat'.
----------------------------
Catamaran Mago Merlino in Dartmouth

On the right, from the front: Western Lady VII, Greenway Ferry the Christie Belle and the Kingswear Princess.
----------------------------
Passenger ferries in Dartmouth

This ship took some identifying - it certainly was not appearing on marine traffic.com. But by a process of elimination, I think it is fairly certain to be HMS Defender. And she is about to do a very hard left turn.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

You'll have heard me say before that we have just a two degree view out to sea.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

So seeing ships pass across that gap is interesting enough.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

But when they manage a full 180 degree about turn in that gap.....
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

....frankly, it's a surprise.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

Whilst not up there with a Lewis Hamilton 'flick' the g-forces will be quite upsetting.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

Probably upset a bit of china in the officers mess.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

So it will be a proper mess. Ha-ha.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

Look, I've got to find words for ten pictures in this sequence. Forgive the bad joke.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

Thankfully that's over. Said some of the crew.
----------------------------
Daring class Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender

More Royal Navy craft. Probably HMS Sutherland going west.
----------------------------
HMS Sutherland

Heading west, HMS Lancaster
----------------------------
HMS Lancaster passing Dartmouth

Seven minutes later, HMS Lancaster heading east
----------------------------
HMS Lancaster passing Dartmouth

Testing out the autofocus. The buzzards cannot be persuaded to come this low, so a seagull has to be the guinea pig.
----------------------------
Seagull in flight over Dartmouth.

It would be great if I could tell you that this is Windo, Dartmouth's world famous seal. But I can't. They all look alike to me.
However, this seal is pictured just a few yards from Windo's famous perch so it could well be.
----------------------------
Seal in river Dart at Dartmouth

A bit of a rare bird right now. A common or garden airliner.
----------------------------
Aircraft contrails over Dartmouth, Devon

If you were a slow worm or a mouse, the buzzards were being bastards.
----------------------------
Buzzard with slow worm prey

A trackside fire up in Longwood between Bridge Road and Noss on Dart marina. Soon dealt with.
----------------------------
Trackside fire Dartmouth-Paignton railway

If you were a slow worm or a mouse, the buzzards were being bastards.
----------------------------
Buzzard with mouse prey

Not everyone aboard superyacht Seawolf was that interested in seeing either Kingswear or Dartmouth.
----------------------------
Expedition superyacht Seawolf in Dartmouth

The understated elegance of superyacht Seawolf.
----------------------------
Expedition superyacht Seawolf in Dartmouth

Superyacht Seawolf turns around preparing to moor in the centre of the river Dart as Dartmouth's two Lower Ferry cross in salute. One of the steam trains welcomed Seawolf in too.
--------
Expedition superyacht Seawolf in Dartmouth

We have an expedition superyacht in the port of Dartmouth. What that means is that it's a tough cookie. Tough enough to take a trip into ice and places where you wouldn't normally take your precious superboat. Anyway, this 58 meter long craft is called Seawolf and is a fine addition to the harbour.
----------------------------
Expedition superyacht Seawolf in Dartmouth

----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Air Service helicopter G-CPAS

----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Air Service helicopter G-CPAS

----------------------------
Devon & Cornwall Police Air Service helicopter G-CPAS

Compare and contrast, both are RibEye ribs
----------------------------
Two RibEye states

A 1am alarm for the Atlantic class lifeboat to assist a sinking yacht in the harbour at Dartmouth
----------------------------
Dart RNLI Lifeboat launch: 439

The yacht was over on the moorings close to the Higher Ferry. Apparently once the pumps started working the RNLI crew towed the yacht to Darthaven. I missed that. Because I was too busy trying to snap the comet.
-----------------------------
Dart RNLI Lifeboat launch No 439

On the left...our neighbour's flagpole. On the right and a zillion miles away...Comet Neowise
-----------------------------
Comer Neowise to the north of Dartmouth

I was up to cover a lifeboat callout (bottom right corner of pic) but whilst waiting for something to happen I thought I would look for Comet Neowise. I really didn't expect to be able to snap it with Dartmouth in the foreground, but as you can see, it was just about possible. Astro-photographer I am not. A snapper, yes, that's me.
-----------------------------
Dart RNLI Lifeboat launch No 439

Two historic helicopters, former air sea rescue aircraft, a Whirlwind XJ729 a Sea King WS-61 flown in tribute to former RAF pilot Michael Lakey, of 202 Squadron who won a George Medal for his bravery.
-----------------------------
Historic helicopters Wessex Whirlwind & Westland Sea King

On 2 October 1980 RAF Fl Lt Mike Lakey and his crew rescued 22 people from a Swedish ship the Finneagle.
-----------------------------
Historic helicopters Wessex Whirlwind & Westland Sea King

The winching part of the operation took three and a half hours. By the time they had finished, the Sea King was carrying 27 persons. It was meant for 18.
-----------------------------
Historic helicopters Wessex Whirlwind & Westland Sea King

The two aircraft had flown over Brixham in tribute to Mike Lakey GM who passed away on 10th July.
-----------------------------
Historic helicopters Wessex Whirlwind & Westland Sea King

The Whirlwind, (on the right) is the only one now flying. Built in 1956 and restored to flying certification in 2013. A magnificent sight.
-----------------------------
Historic helicopters Wessex Whirlwind & Westland Sea King

The third full house demolition in Kingswear in four years. It took just two days for the main part of the house to...disappear.
-----------------------------
Cherry Trees demolition in Kingswear.

Quite a bit of wood to polish and treat with tender loving care. Fjaella of Southampton
------------------
Superyacht Fjaella in Dartmouth

The strangely named Gans arrives (escorted by African Queen). Gans is hardly strange once translated. It's goose in Dutch.
------------------
Dutch yacht Gans

Dutch yacht Gans appears to be brigantine rigged. Square sailed on the foremast and the mainmast being fore and aft rigged.
------------------
Dutch brigantine yacht Gans

Gans and Ganske. Goose and gosling. Boat and tender.
------------------
Dutch yacht Gans

From left, Ithaka, unknown, SeaBiscuit, unknown, Altea
------------------
Mainstream yachts line-up

From left, Moonfleet, Ithaka, unknown, SeaBiscuit, unknown, Altea, Gans
------------------
Mainstream yachts line-up

Diesel loco plus work wagons on track repairs to the railway, just north of the Hoodown shed.
------------------
Paignton - Dartmouth railway

This little chap was getting a bit of a worker.
------------------
G-DSPZ Robinson R44 of Focal Point Communications

A couple of tight banked turns
------------------
G-DSPZ Robinson R44 of Focal Point Communications

One of them reasonably dramatic.
------------------
G-DSPZ Robinson R44 of Focal Point Communications

And then off on a level heel northwards.
------------------
G-DSPZ Robinson R44 of Focal Point Communications

Subperyacht Seabiscuit passes out beyond the castles.
------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit departs Dartmouth

Never saw Moonfleet come in.
------------------
Sailing barge Moonfleet leaving Dartmouth

Would be good to see this workhorse with her sails up.
------------------
Sailing barge Moonfleet leaving Dartmouth

This tractor driver fancies themselves as a bit of an artist. Seems they're good at it.
------------------
Kingswear farming.

The whoosh is just about enough warning to rush outside and grab a shot. This fast moving critter is an RAF Hawk from RAF Valley
------------------
RAF Hawk ZK021 over Dartmouth

The Hawk gave me just time enough to get a second shot as it passed over Gallants Bower.
------------------
RAF Hawk ZK021 over Dartmouth

Back again for an afternoon gadabout.
-----------------
G-DSPZ Robinson R44 of Focal Point Communications

It's not easy getting a twin bladed helicopter to look neat.
------------------
G-DSPZ Robinson R44 of Focal Point Communications

I was actually snapping the Dart Harbour crew, who had been cleaning the slipway. It was later that the fine classic yacht (a yawl) became obvious.
------------------
Classic yacht on RDYC pontoon

Cherry Trees is no more. And now that greeny bluey digger thing is crushing the big concrete rubble into pebble size chunks.
------------------
Kingswear construction

HeliOperations Sea King XV166 flew through decently low. The helicopter name is Dara. The inscription:
"Dara BanrÃon na spéadtha" - translated: Dara, Queen of the Skies. Dara Fitzpatrick was Irish Coast Guard’s senior helicopter search and rescue pilot. She died March 2017 whilst Captain of the Irish Coast Guard Dublin-based Rescue 116 helicopter.
------------------
HeliOperations Sea King XV166

The Sea King, a stalwart workhorse.
------------------
HeliOperations Sea King XV166

Dara the Sea King heads off back to Portland over the Daymark. And there's that tent again.
------------------
HeliOperations Sea King XV166

A little mist never hurt anyone. And certainly never hurts a photo.
---------------------
Kingswear Castle in the mist

There might soon have to be a congestion charge on some parts of the river.
---------------------
Kayakers at half tide rock

Another Dragon 28 sport trimaran seen in the harbour. This one is called FlameSkimmer.
----------------------
Trimaran FlameSkimmer in Dartmouth

Snark is a replica Thames barge - you can rent it for sailing holidays combined with a yoga retreat. Bend and sail, as they say.
----------------------
Barge Snark adventure sailing holidays

That white shape on the ground (not the sheep) was last week, and erected bell tent. So has it fallen down, or have the sheep eaten the guy ropes ?
----------------------
Kingswear fields with sheep

294.13m (exactly) long container ship Mol Emissary traveling from and unnamed port on the Thames to Norfolk. Not the Norfolk up the A11 and across Checkpoint Parsnip. No, the one in Virginia, USA)
----------------------
Container ship Mol Emissary

Clouds not my strong point despite having read Gavin Pretor-Pinney's excellent book on the subject. But this carpet of fluffy stuff is probably some cirrocumulus clouds.
----------------------
Cirrocumulus clouds over Devon, UK

Arriving from Poole - yet another subperyacht coming in to the port of Dartmouth. The Virg
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

Fast becoming a river favourite. Called Eleanor Mary she is an exceptionally elegant little craft
----------------------
MV Eleanor Mary

They'll be heading out looking for the open sea and a cave. It'll be an education.
----------------------
MV Eleanor Mary

Arriving in the river Dart, passing Kingswear Castle
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

Virginian was built in 1990 and last refitted in 2017.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

Everyone visible on board was crew - their outfits said so.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

The passing Kingswear shot.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

Yep, definitely the Virginian. It says so on the tin.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

Leisure areas covered for the trip. No guests yet then.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

No trouble with social distancing in that bar.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

The manoeuvring was exceptional. Either a truly skilled captain, or computer control. Or, most likely, both.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

The Virginian spun round in no time.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian arrives in Dartmouth

And the Virginian slotted into its bay between the two main mid-stream buoys perfectly
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth

By late afternoon, the bar was stocked.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth

Then the important people arrived.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth

The tender is called Shenandoah which is a valley in Virginia. Also a native American peoples, a river, a film and lots of other things.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth

It's a rear end arrival. In public too.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth

The crew took Shenandoah back to shore for more kit.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth

I'll soon be compiling a special album of superyachts by night. These aren't too bad examples. The Virginian sits all illuminated in the centre of the river.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth at night

This is shot at dusk, but the Virginian, all lit up, does stand out in the river Dart.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth at night

Two hours later, in the proper dark, and let's just say...you can't miss her.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth at night

Some underwater lights add to the illusion. The Virginian's night lights are some of the best we've seen.
----------------------
62 metre superyacht Virginian in Dartmouth at night

The Castle ferries are doing good business. But then, the town is full
--------------------------
Dartmouth Castle ferry

You'll keep seeing these buzzard shot until I get the definitive snap. This is one of the family eating on the wing.
--------------------------
Buzzard over Dartmouth

Not sure what he was having for afternoon tea. But it seemed rather 'leggy'. Ugh.
--------------------------
Buzzard over Dartmouth

The eyes that can spot a shrew in the undergrowth can certainly spot an overweight photographer.
--------------------------
Buzzard over Dartmouth

I've been wrestling with this caption. It's a giant haystack.
--------------------------
Kingswear farming

Dart Harbour crews prepare the Virginian to depart the port of Dartmouth
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

The lines (the ropes) turned out to not be quite so easy to untie.
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

Many people considered the work a sport. A spectator sport.
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

The boss man waited very patiently.
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

Finally the lines were cleared and Virginian prepared to leave.
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

The valley of the river Dart is a rather fitting spot for a superyacht.
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

A quick toot of the horn (more like a long blast) and away she went.
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

The obligatory "passing Kingswear' shot.
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

Might lunch be served on the little trip down the coast ?
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

From one extreme of luxury boating to the other. But maybe this is family is having more fun fishing than being on a stuffy old superyacht.
--------------------------
Family fun in Dartmouth

And out goes the Virginian, past Kingswear and Dartmouth castles and off to the wild west of Salcombe
--------------------------
Superyacht Virginian departs Dartmouth

The noise the buzzard makes sounds like it is in distress, but maybe it is mimicking a distress call and encouraging prey to reveal themselves.
--------------------------
Buzzard over Dartmouth

Whatever the buzzard is doing, it has its beady eye out looking to spot a tasty mouse / snake / shrew etc.
--------------------------
Buzzard over Dartmouth

Gone six and still there are at least four patrol vessels out and about on the river Dart.
---------------------------
Dart Harbour Patrols

Proof that the fish and chip restaurants have reopened.
---------------------------
Fishing fleet off Dartmouth, Devon

This has been a rare sight. But getting more usual by the day. People are getting into aircraft again.
---------------------------
Aircraft contrails over Dartmouth, Devon

Dart RNLI Antantic lifeboat arrives at the visitor's pontoon to assist a casualty injured when his boat hit a freak wave.
---------------------------
Dart RNLI launch 440

From now on, this dismounting manoeuvre is to be known as the 'paramedic pounce. Go to it, Haydn.
---------------------------
Dart RNLI launch 440

The injured casualty is stretchered off to await the arrival of an ambulance.
---------------------------
Dart RNLI launch 440

Check out the legs.
---------------------------
ZA166 Dara Sea King Mk5 of HeliOperations

This is a Search and Rescue training aircraft based in Portland. They've been visiting Dartmouth a few times recently.
---------------------------
ZA166 Dara Sea King Mk5 of HeliOperations

One crew member wanted a better view.
---------------------------
ZA166 Dara Sea King Mk5 of HeliOperations

This is the return trip, of course, and not quite as low as the westward flight.
---------------------------
ZA166 Dara Sea King Mk5 of HeliOperations

Back down the river and then off across the bay to Portland.
---------------------------
ZA166 Dara Sea King Mk5 of HeliOperations

This gives you some idea of size. The boat on the left is big enough for most of us. Seabiscuit on the right is quite a size.
---------------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit returns to Dartmouth

Quite a size and quite a sight. A beautiful craft.
---------------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit returns to Dartmouth

Not quite up there in the class of Eos, but that mast reaches more than half way up the Kingswear hillside.
---------------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit returns to Dartmouth

A yacht hasn't arrived in Dartmouth until TVFTDO has snapped it passing Kingswear.
---------------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit returns to Dartmouth

Is that a shirker at the back?
---------------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit returns to Dartmouth

Seabiscuit is tall. And wide.
---------------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit returns to Dartmouth

That fishing rod thingie on the right is a davit. For keeping the tender from bumping against the yacht's
hull.
---------------------------
Superyacht Seabiscuit returns to Dartmouth

Very quiet, quite slow and rather impressive.
-----------------------------
RAF Hercules "Ascot 168" over Dartmouth

Its all about the perspective.......
-----------------------------
RAF Hercules "Ascot 168" over Dartmouth

From this angle things are starting to look disconcerting.
-----------------------------
RAF Hercules "Ascot 168" over Dartmouth

Yet it was even a near miss.
-----------------------------
RAF Hercules "Ascot 168" over Dartmouth

This would have been impressive top watch from Berry Head.
-----------------------------
RAF Hercules "Ascot 168" over Dartmouth

Down low and heading up the coast eastwards.
-----------------------------
RAF Hercules "Ascot 168" over Dartmouth

Someway off, yet still overland - this buzzard was hovering below our eye level.
-----------------------------
Buzzard hovering over river Dart

Flexi wing microlight (or microlite).It's a QuikR craft made by P & M Aviation.
-----------------------------
Microlight G-DSMA over Dartmouth

My best shot yet of Buzzardand prey. It's too large to be a slowworm, so is, I guess, a grass snake. Possibly unhappy with its lot.
-----------------------------
Buzzard and prey over Dartmouth

It's a Fjord boat. YOu'll not be surprised to know they originated in Norway. But now owned by Hanse boats and apparently made in Greifswald, Germany
-----------------------------
Fjord 44 Open

Workmen down on Warfleet getting in some lunchtime fishing
-----------------------------
Warfleet, Dartmouth fishing

Kayaks. Dozens of 'em.
-----------------------------
Kayaks en masse in Dartmouth