A quick turnaround at North Shields, we were up early to get to Amble with enough water to get over the cill. This once again meant pushing against the flow of the tide and today the was no wind so it was motor all the way. Up past Whitley Bay, the very industrial Blyth and then the more scenic views of Druridge Bay before finally going round the bird sanctuary island of Coquet and on to the entrance of the river Coquet and on to Amble Marina.

A very warm welcome here with someone to take your lines. It is a very tight berth to get into especially when you’re been told to say “as close as humanly possible” to the hammerhead. Bit dramatic but as it happened was easy to do. We were given the impression that we were going to get very tightly packed with boats so before we did anything else we turned the boat round to face the exit. This we did with long ropes and a bit of muscle.

In the afternoon we wandered into town and found a hardware shop, and got some hinges for the loo. (now fully mended).

Then time for showers Now Royal Quays Marina in North Shields boast the best showers on the North East Coast, (I’m guessing this comes after being awarded best marina 2019 by someone). However they are mistaken as Amble marina’s showers are better.

One can rate showers in many ways Power, heat control, size of cubicle to start. but privacy, separate wet and dry areas, hooks, a shelf for shower gels, all play a part. Big downers for me are, plastic shower curtains and timer buttons.

There also seems to be a common reasoning amongst marina shower block designer’s that thinks putting a 20cm panel at right to the wall will stop your clothes from getting wet. Do these guys actually take showers?

The most bizarre setup was in Scarborough that placed the toilet in front of the shower, no curtain, you could literally take a shower while sitting on the loo.

What’s your thoughts?