Vicki always loved Salcombe, l think possibly because most things were on a level just above high water mark. Vicki hadn’t been able to climb hills for probably 10 years before she passed away recently. I had been sailing since 1972 but we started sailing together in 2004 and then started cruising in 2006. In the earlier years Vicki was very able but a number of health problems starting with her heart operation in 2014, never one to complain Vicki still liked to go away cruising but in post 2014 seasons wanted more rest from the sailing.
Over the last five or so seasons, it took Vicki all her effort just to get aboard Elektra, so as long as l was prepared to carry all the bags, Vicki still wanted to go cruising. When going ashore from Elektra we always needed to use the dinghy to get as close as possible to our destination as by then she couldn’t walk more than a 100 yards on the level and only using a stick and my arm for support.
So here in Salcombe things are mainly on the level, the sailing club is up a hill so Vicki hadn’t been there for about 15 years. But that didn’t bother her because of the showers by the harbour masters office, shops and 2 pubs on the same level. In resent years we had found at high water we could get close to the co-op by dinghy (just across the road).
I used today for shopping at the co-op although l walked through the town to the shop because l am able to. I also updated my mobile number at the HM office and had a shower. Once done, l went back to Elektra and enjoyed the weather in her cockpit. In the evening watching the changing sky as the sun was setting.
Love Sailing 