Last sea going paddleship - the Waverley

What a day : she arrived in Clevedon late and found it hard to tie up and disembark and embark 100's of passengers at low tide and in high winds on the end of the thinnest of pier heads. We sat inside for the sea spray was cold and wet but got wiindow seats next to interesting passengers but later found our sea legs and explored - passing not a few using sick bags poor things. The captain tried valiantly to interest us in English and Welsh geographical landmarks which occasionally showed themselves through the windy swirls of mist and we made Penarth pier at the second attempt. A Welsh couple warned us that there was little to disembark for except endless cafés and bars and a steep hill so we stayed aboard for a run around Flatholm island and down the Welsh coast. After many apologies the captain offered half price ticket vouchers, with no time restrictions, for future sailings and after tying up at Penarth again and picking up those who had braved the glut of tearooms we hurried through the sea horse covered waves to Clevedon and home. Suddenly the sea horses disappeared, the sun shone and a beautiful rainbow appeared. The Waverleys crew keep her in immaculate condition, brasses shone in the engine room and it was a pleasure to stand and watch the massive workings and listen to and feel the engines throb.