Mixing with the Navy and Taking the Ground

Returned to Plymouth yesterday after grand nuptial celebrations in Cumbria, including flash mob opera during the groom's speech! Well worth the break in the circumnavigation, and good opportunity to recover our strength from the first 'leg'.
Today's challenge was to negotiate Plymouth Sound and environs without upsetting the Navy in nearby Devonport. Thought we had successfully achieved that until well out to sea, about 6 miles in from the Eddystone Rocks, we found ourselves almost surrounded by large warships. Had a little chat over VHF with the captain of a Belgian warship to establish that we would not actually be fired on during their firing exercise, so that was a relief. Sailed all the way, close-hauled in a NW force 5/7 wind. Quite exhilarating if a little uncomfortable at times! Made very good headway towards Mevagissey Harbour, our resting place for the night.
Mevagissey is a classic Cornish fishing town where the tiny harbour is occupied mainly by local fishing boats. In fact we are the only visitor today, and have chosen to dry out on the sandy beach well inside the harbour ... something Follyfin is uniquely equipped to do by virtue of her lifting keel. As I write, she is gently settling down on her bottom, so to speak, and we look forward to a quiet night 'taking the ground' (correct terminology). And tomorrow FF will float again - oh yes she will - and we will keep calm and sail on ... thanks to kind parting gift from neighbours Jenny and Dave in Yorkshire!

Warships ahoy!