Solo Tour to Stampersplaat

Finally real Summer temperatures. Unfortunately in the middle of the week and moreover First-Mate is travelling for work. The weather is too good to miss, so I am going on a solo tour. The forecast is weak to moderate wind, from SW on Tuesday and NW on Wednesday. Perfect for a two-day tour up the Grevelingen.
My goal is Stampersplaat, near Brouwershaven. This was once a sandbank where seals rested at low water, but submerged at high water. Since the closing of the Grevelingen it is an island that got gradually covered in vegetation.
The trip out was delightful, mostly on a beam-reach, occasionally closer to the wind. For the first time this year, sailing wearing only shorts. There were fewer yachts around than on the weekend, but there were a few fishing boats.
Approaching the fishing harbour of Bommenede, I debated with myself if I should beat the last bit or just motor. Finally the wind decided for me: it died. After going around in circles trying to use a very light, variable wind, I gave up and motored to the public pontoons of the Stampersplaat.
There a few boats there pontoons, but everybody respects the calm of this place. There was no loud music or even loud talking. The birds were more audible than the people.

Mekicevica enjoying a sunny and quiet Stampersplaat.

During a leg-stretching stroll I came across the ponies that live on the island and keep the grass low.

The ponies of Stampersplaat with Brouwershaven in the distance. 

During the afternoon a few more boats arrived, including a British yacht. By early evening the pontoons were completely full.
After a good night sleep I woke up to a hazy morning. There was nearly no wind... or so I thought.
I even commented during a brief exchange with the British lady "What a shame there is not enough wind." Less than one hour later I had to laugh when I remembered my own remark.
I motored out and found there was a bit of wind after all, enough to keep Mekicevica moving under main sail alone. I anticipated that out of the Geul van Bommenende I would have to gibe, so I planned to unfurl the genoa only than. To my great surprise, as soon as I came out of the lee of the Stampersplaat I found a freesh NW breeze. Moreover, because it was blowing right along the Grevelingen it had kicked up the largest waves I have ever seen on the Grevelingen. All the way it was a wild ride. To avoid a crash gibe, I kept well off the straight downwind line, even if that meant having to gibe a couple of times. That made Mekicevica rock like a wild horse. Each time we fell off a wave, she would dip the bow quarter into the water up to the toe rail. I watched a much larger yacht rock like a rodeo horse and wondered how did Mekicevica look like from the other boat.
Luckily in front of Bruinisse the Mosselenbank offered some sheltered and it was not too difficult to douse the sail. It was the scariest and fastest ride down the Grevelingen I have ever made. I arrived so early that I entered the harbour against the traffic of yachts coming out after the morning coffee.