Week 8 - Saturday - End of Part 1

I now have a planned week away from the boat, to go home and check that my family still recognise me!

Meg and Vanessa came over to Whitby yesterday and are taking us back to Manchester today.

As a treat we made them a 3 course meal on the boat last night. My plan was to create a culinary masterpiece, using up some of the vast quantities of food that we have left over on Crusoe Too.

My menu was: a pilchard starter, followed by tinned haggis curry, smash and beans, with an out of date Soreen pudding to follow!

For some reason Peter was not so keen, so he cooked up a great meal for the girls, using fresh ingredients. We also impressed them with serviettes, candles and table decorations!

The boat will now sit in Whitby until I return next weekend with my mum and Tom for the next leg.

We decided to stay in Whitby as it is a nicer marina location than Scarborough - the original destination for this week.

The last job is to give Crusoe Too a thorough clean this morning. The girls seem reluctant to help (!) so it is down to Peter and I.

It feels a little strange to be leaving the boat, but I am sure that the nice people here will look after her.

I will keep the blog going while I am at home and normal service will be resumed next weekend.

Week 8 - Friday - Scarborough

Yesterday we had a touristy day, catching the bus to Scarborough via Robin Hood Bay.

Before we left we had to move the boat, into a berth where it will remain for the next week. This time I managed to bring Peter with me!

Scarborough is a bit more tacky than Whitby, but none the less an interesting town. Some huge Victorian buildings as well as some 'kiss me quick.......' type shops and a fair.

As always, I spent my time sizing up the marina and making mental notes about the entrance and places to berth!

Robin Hood Bay is very pretty, accessed by a very steep hill. Scarborough was also hilly, especially as we climbed to the castle.

One of the things about being on a boat for extended periods is that your leg muscles waste. This is because they get very little use on the boat. My thighs and Achilles tendons were killing me as we climbed yesterday. Embarrassing as we were passed by grannies and people with walking sticks!

Also embarrassing because Peter and I get the feeling that people here have started to think of us as a couple!

Whether it has been messing around in the Pipe shop or doing our shopping, people have been giving us a knowing look! Things are probably not helped by me wearing my vest and Peter wearing a pink shirt. Can't say that it bothers us, but local opinion will probably change once Vanessa and Meg arrive later today.

Week 8 - Thursday - Whitby

We had a new first yesterday: I managed to leave a crew member behind!

Our usual exit routine is that Peter walks along to the end of the pontoon, holding the bowline and keeping the boat parallel. At the last moment he climbs athletically back on board.

However yesterday there was a sidewind and as I reversed, the gap between boat and pontoon began to widen. Peter wisely decided that discretion was the better part of valour and did not jump across.

He then had to watch as Crusoe Too sailed away, with me more concerned about a possible missing fender than my missing crew.

Well, you can always replace the crew but a new fender is £50!

Having found the missing fender I then returned for Peter; and even if I do say so myself, my reversing manoeuvre to pick him up was very elegant.

Fortunately Peter is a great chap and he holds no long term grudge about the incident.

Tourist stuff today for us, as the weather worsens again.

Week 8 Whitby

When Rusty's cruises sold me this holiday he told me that every day would be like this. 25 mile sail with the cruising chute at 6 - 7 knots; slight adventure when the wind died and then came back at 90 degrees different followed by relaxing late afternoon in the sun reading. Cap'n had a snooze.

Now waiting for Whitby bridge to raise so we can get into the marina.

Big day for Rusty today as he bought his PIPE !!! In future years your grand children will ask "Where were you when you heard the news?".

Yesterday's champagne moment was Rusty about to remove his over trousers on deck after a long day's sailing then remembered he didn't have anything under them!

Then he spent the evening in the cabin in his vest and pants. He told me this was what he did at home. It was like a very low budget Bond film on the villain's yacht but they couldn't afford a pretty girl and had to settle for a ginger sailor!
Peter

Whitby.

Captain Rusty overlooks his boat while contemplating the change in the weather!

Week 8 At sea

Getting the capn's sailing hours up today. Cruising chute out and doing up to 7 knots.

More later.

Week 8 - Wednesday - Hartlepool

Yesterday was one of those days when the great British weather catches you out.

With forecasts of light winds, we sat in the sun at the fuel pontoon in Newcastle, relaxed and had a cuppa.

We left the harbour and had a great sail Southwards.

By the time we reached Seaham the wind had picked up to over 25 knots on the nose and things we getting uncomfortable.

While holding our course, a nearby fishing boat came urgently on the radio and told us to turn to port to avoid nets that he had laid out. We crashed tacked and headed off, but were not totally sure what we were avoiding. All very exciting!

Taking down the sails, we then decided to motor into the weather. It is hard to describe how difficult it is to get about the boat when it is being tossed around by big seas. I watched Peter stagger across the cabin to the heads and stagger back, like someone having drunk 10 pints! A big wave hit us , he fell forward and head butted a seat cushion! I must say that he fell very elegantly though!

Altogether a tough old afternoon and we were glad to get to Hartlepool.

In Newcastle we saw some very futuristic ships - here is a photo of one.

Week 8 Hartlepool

Arriving at a marina follows a well trodden path. "Tie this up. Don't let it bump that. Do something with the other". Rusty then announces he's off to see the harbourmaster about paying or some such excuse. "I'll get on with tea then shall I?" I say. "Oh yes if you insist" he replies. He then spends exactly the amount of time it takes to make tea chatting to the latest new friend he's made who's taking upwards of ten years to go round britain but hasn't been out of the current marina for two years.

"That smells good he says on return" and then needs to check weather/charts/marina details when it comes to washing up.

But we love him dearly. Peter

Week 8 - Tuesday - St Peter's Marina

Moored in a lovely marina last night, about 1 mile from the centre of Newcastle. It is surrounded on all sides by apartments, with just a very narrow entrance.

Like many marinas it has a cill at the entrance. This is a flap that keeps the water in the marina when the tide outside drops below a certain level. Once the tide rises again, the flap drops to allow boats in/out.

This means that you can only enter at certain states of the tide. This applies to this marina, so we will be unable to leave until about 09:30.

Off to Hartlepool today and then Scarborough tomorrow, before the next batch of bad weather comes in.

Vanessa and Meg are meeting us there at the weekend and I am going home for a planned weeks break.

I have missed the family a lot and am looking forward seeing them. I am also looking forward to eating some vegetables!

P.S. after 8 weeks of showering and washing in tiny amounts of Head and Shoulders, I found some very posh Gillette Shower Gel in the facilities this morning. Luxury!

Week 8 Newcastle

Wandered into downtoon newkie this evening and heard the country's worst busker. Had a swift pint on the waterside enjoying the view of the Tyne Bridges.

Marina on the river near town very handy. Sailed through the commercial port trying to work out the function of some very odd shaped ships (pic below). Made our way up to the Millennium bridge but decided not to limbo under it preferring instead to turn and head back for a cup of tea at the marina.

Met yet another sailor living on his boat taking years to sail round GB. Don't worry Vanessa I won't let him turn into one of those.

Week 8 - Monday - Amble

Early night, we went to bed as soon as the final Italian penalty went in!

We are planning to go up the Tyne today and moor somewhere near Newcastle. We will do some sightseeing and meet the locals.

I have spoken to lots of Scots over the
last few weeks and often had trouble understanding their accent. However the most difficult conversation that I had was with some Geordie fishermen. I really had no idea what they were saying and they must have thought me mad, as my answers bore no relation to their questions!

We are trying to use up some of the food in the cupboards this week. Much of it has travelled with me for 8 weeks!

Today's photo was taken by Frostie as we left Eyemouth yesterday.

Week 8 Amble

Peter here. Arrived at Ambley late afternoon which just as well as there is now a spectacular thunderstorme with rain. Family run marina with good organisation (welcome pack on the reception pontoon).

Good sail with decent wind this morning. Lots of puffins. Quiz of the day: What is a baby one called? Answers by text to capn or me please. Lines are now open.

Rusty very pleased with himself as he has oiled the flush action in the heads. "it's soooo smooth". Well he is the one who uses it most.

The capn struck the Scottish saltire (he was flying as a courtesy ) on the boundary marked by the line on the sea. Photo below

Thanks again to Frostie and his generous hospitality.

Now listening to england match. Come on Engerland!

Week 8 - Sunday - Eyemouth

We got ready for an early start this morning, to leave for Holy Island and Amble.

Frostie and Alex came down to see us off and bring the frozen food that we put in his fridge.

Good job that we are leaving today, otherwise after a few more days of Frostie's great hospitality, I would not have been able to fit into my bunk!

Peter is raring to go and is enjoying being reunited with his en suite cabin. We even dried the cushions out for him; real 5* luxury!

More updates later.

Woodpecker update

Peter is now here and I can reveal his official adjudication; it is a Greater Spotted Woodpecker.

Week 8 - Saturday - Eyemouth

This is my third day in Eyemouth and as always happens, I am just starting to get itchy feet.

Frostie has been great and looked after me brilliantly, but I am getting ready to start moving again.

As always, each weather forecast is keenly studied and all changes carefully digested.

My ideal plan would be to leave tomorrow morning, but it is looking marginal at the moment.

This constant uncertainty is the hardest part of the trip for me. Although shore leave is always fun, I look forward to getting back to sea and making progress.

Each morning I have met up with Frostie and Ben and then we have breakfast. This is followed by some sort of activity in the morning, then lunch.

Afternoons have been spent chatting, watching the huge variety of birds in the garden, then my customary afternoon snooze! A trip to the Pub then evening meal and back to the boat.

Frostie offers me his spare bed each night, but I like to get back to Crusoe Too to check that all is well.

We pick up Peter later and do the shopping. Fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow.

I enclose a picture of a woodpecker from Frostie's garden. Lesser Spotted I think but could be Greater Spotted. Any views?

Killing Time

When stuck in port the second day is usually the hardest one - trying to find things to do.

Today was a good one though, as Frostie took Ben and I shooting.

Ben deserved a reward after his dad made him clean the heads on the boat yesterday. After a week of use by two middle aged men, it was not an enjoyable task!

We went up to the woods, using a picture of a tennis payer from the paper as a target.

We then proceeded to destroy it with a rifle and shotgun.

Can't say that I am much of a shot, but it was good fun and I fancied myself as John Wayne!

Frostie has been a great host as always, and I have been at his house doing my washing and drying out the boat cushions.

Peter J. arrives tomorrow, as we start the next leg, to end the week in Scarborough.

Week 7 - Friday - Eyemouth

Well we certainly made the right decision to get here early; as the weather has been terrible since we arrived.

I am learning to judge weather by the movement of the fishing fleet. They did not got out last night, which says it all.

They did however go out the previous evening, not long after we arrived.

We watched as the whole fleet emptied the harbour in about 10 minutes flat. We were amused to watch one of the small boats set off without untieing her rope. Ben and Alex knew the skipper and shouted over some friendly advice(!) - his nickname was appropriate ............... Dozy!!

The fishermen here catch prawns, shooting nets at sunset and sunrise. This is the best time apparently; no prawns around in the daytime.

I heard them come back in the morning, with the sound of engines, shouting and seagulls.

I have never seen so many gulls in my life. The harbour was like a scene out of the film 'The Birds.'

Walking to the showers was like negotiating a sort of bomb alley. The pavements here are covered with white blobs; if you get my meaning!

Spending more time today as Frostie's guest.

Ashore - unfortunately!

Rog here for a final blog - been a great week which unfortunately has passed all too quickly and now ashore watching the rain coming down in stair-rods with a weather warning for tomorrow. So clay pigeon shooting is off the agenda for the time being.
Champagne moments of the week must be being under sail particularly yesterday when at times we were touching 7kts in beautiful sunshine. Great to have seen so many different species of birds along with the occasional dolphin and seal. Can't help but mention the skipper's involuntary swim in a vain attempt to catch granny's pan, but then very glad the consequences weren't more serious. Thanks again for a great time all round, especially the rugby reminiscences and hope that the weather picks up next week!

Bruise Update

That'll teach me!

Week 7 - Thursday - Eyemouth

Long day yesterday - 13 hour trip to Eyemouth.

It was a bit boring as it was flat calm, with sea mist and for much of the trip we could not see land. I put the autopilot on, which steered it's usual erratic course ! The wind picked up for the last 3 hours though and we had a good sail.

We saw a few seals along the way and lots of bird life. Gannets and guillemots everywhere and also a few solitary puffins.

The trip was livened up by a Pan Pan call on the VHF. A boat called 'Braveheart' had gone aground and the coastguard was asking for any nearby boats to go to their assistance.

We were not close enough to help, but it was interesting to listen to events unfolding. The lifeboat got there in the end and towed the boat back to North Berwick.

We had a great welcome into Eyemouth, which is Frostie's local port. His boys - Alex and Ben- watched us come in, as well as their fisherman friend - Darkie.

We all congregated in the cockpit and had a good laugh, as they worked their way through the drinks cabinet!

A few days to kill now: Frosty is going to entertain me with a few things, which will hopefully include clay pigeon shooting.

Week 7 - Wednesday - Stonehaven

Had a strange weather day yesterday.

Not much wind until Aberdeen, then a huge thunderstorm hit. We has a bit of everything - torrential rain, thunder, lightening and variable winds up to force 5.

All this while trying to dodge the traffic going in and out of the port. Most exciting to say the least!

Then on to Stonehaven, which is a beautiful little harbour. We moored against the wall there and were joined by Jimmy; a friend of Frosties.

We also met an intrepid lady sailing on her own, who moored against our boat.

The penalty for us helping her out was that she had to get up at 04:00 this morning, as that is when we left.

A 15 hour slog under engine again today; to Eyemouth to beat the bad weather coming in. I have just done my first 2 hour watch and back to my bunk now for a kip.

Good luck to Abigail - last A Level today. yippee!

Week 7 - Tuesday - Peterhead

As the Marina manager said "Peterhead is like Rome.........everyone should see it once!"

The welcome here was very warm and the facilities are good. However I suspect that even Peterhead's biggest fan would admit that it is aesthetically challenged!

It is a functional place, with a big harbour that handles the fishing fleet and oil service vessels. Most of these are huge and dwarf us.

The marina nestles in the corner of the harbour, next to the oil service dock and beneath the gaze of Peterhead prison.

However, there was a beautiful sunset last night with the orange light playing across the council estate and caravan park........and I must admit that I quite warmed to the place!

You would not come here on holiday but it is an important place for the British economy and I am glad that I have been here.

After another one of Frostie's super breakfasts, we are off to Stonehaven today. No wind again!

Gannets

On the way to Peterhead today we passed a huge gannet colony at Troups Head.

Thousands of birds either nesting on the cliff or swirling around in the up-draughts.

I would love to share it with you but this is the best photo that I could take.

The birds are there, honest!

Week 7 - Monday - Whitehills

Arrived in Whitehills yesterday after a 5 hour sail. Yes we actually did some sailing - yippee!

The Harbourmaster here wins the prize for the friendliest welcome.

He comes down to meet every boat and takes photos as they come in. He then gives you his memory card so that you can copy the pictures.

Now that is service above and beyond.

Lovely little harbour here and nice people,

We had a Father's day meal at the local chippy and went for a walk. Along the way we sat and watched the local teenagers wrapping each other in cling film then rolling down a steep hill.

Looked very painful!

Off to Peterhead today but there is no wind, so we will motor again; most tedious.

Ouch

As well as a swollen knee, here is the other consequence of my early swim while trying to rescue granny's pan.s

Week 7 - Sunday - Lossiemouth

Up early today and finally heading East again.

Whitehills is next, followed probably by Peterhead, Stonehaven, Montrose and on to Eyemouth.

The hospitality here has been fantastic and we have met some great people.

Lots of ex RAF personnel live here as well as English retirees and for some reason, antipodeans who sail this far and stay!

It has been a mostly pub based stay in Lossiemouth. In the Steam Ship until 2 am on Friday night and in the Beach bar all day yesterday watching the rugby!

There is no one around here during the day but suddenly they all appear at night in the pubs and certainly know how to have a good time!

However great as it has been, i am itching to get going again.

Lies, damn lies and statistics

Some stats. for Peter and others.

Distance covered so far: 750 miles
Days: 30
Hours sailing: 66
Hours motoring: 155
Hours wishing that I was sailing: 155
Fuel: 320 litres
Tea bags: 500
Showers: not many
Teeth cleans: every day.......except 1
Pints Frozen milk: 35
Kitchen rolls: Loads
Days in port avoiding weather: 9
Distilleries: 6
Intentional swims: 0
Unintentional swims: 1
Crew members: 8
Celidh dances partners: 0
Midge bites: 100's
Days when Griff/me acted our ages: 0
Fake Loch Ness monsters: 1
Scotsmen in the Hebrides: 2
Canal Locks: 37
Water in Bilges: too much
Diesel in bilges: too much
Oil in bilges: too much
Times that I have put oil in engine: too many
People who told the same story about Argyllshire people believing that the expression 'Manana' is too hasty: too many!
Dolphins: loads
Sea birds: loads
Minke whales: 3
Seals: quite a few
Amazing scenery: loads
Friendly, helpful people: too many to remember.

What makes you think that we are bored today, waiting for good weather tomorrow to move on to Whitehills.

Week 7 - Saturday - Pan Overboard!

Two golden rules on the boat:

1) Be careful not to drop pans/bowls over the side while emptying them.

2) Never jump from the boat to the pontoon - always step across.

Last night I managed to break both of these rules and ended up swimming in the harbour!

Anyone who has been on the boat knows that most items that we use have a story attached to them or have sentimental value to me

None more so than the kitchen equipment; the plates, bowls, cutlery and pans all belonged to my Grandparents. They came from their caravan and we were using them over 35 years ago.

The sink on the boat is easily blocked, so we tend to throw waste water over the side.

Each time I empty the washing up bowl I expect to see a teaspoon go overboard!

Emptying the pan tonight I thought " I bet that this gets dropped in one day," and then promptly let go of it!

There is no way that I am losing granny's pan, so as it filled with water I leapt over the guard rail.

Inevitably I caught my foot and did not make the gap! Splash............up to my waist in the water.

As the pan floated tantalisingly out of reach I shouted - "Frostie, I think that I have fallen in!"

He came on deck as I managed to haul myself out and resume a soggy hunt for the pan.

We then started to debate if would have floated or sunk. I dispaired until Frostie saw it floating by the harbour wall.

I grabbed it and can now report that Granny's pan is safely washed and stored away.

No damage done apart from a few bruises, an extra shower, washing machine visit and of course embarrassment!

Frostie here - aka Rog. Difficult passage yesterday so enjoyed the little lie-in this morning. Somehow I knew that Griff's over-enthusiastic description of Scottish weather would come to haunt yesterday. Checked out the local hostelries earlier, so now have venue for tomorrow's rugby. Hopped on the bus this afternoon to check out Elgin which was actually a surprisingly big place with plenty of shops. Heading ashore shortly to catch the football and as the weather closes in even more, feel quite smug about deciding to sit it out.

Lossiemouth

I mentioned that the entry to the harbour was very tight and rough here.

We tried to capture it in a photo, but it does not look as dramatic as in real life - honest!

Homemade curry for tea - Frostie certainly has the prize for bringing the most meals.

His kit list is comprehensive and he tactfully asked me earlier if I wanted to borrow his nail clippers. I was not sure what he meant until I looked at my feet and saw the talons that had grown there!

Here for another day I think.

Week 6 - Friday - Lossiemouth

Wow, what a first day for Frostie!

We wanted to beat the bad weather and left the Inverness sea lock early to sail to Lossiemouth.

What was meant to be a force 3-4 headwind actually turned out to be a very uncomfortable force 5.

This had two effects on us:

1) The boat crashes up and down on each wave.

This makes everything very difficult due to the violent motion. We had to rig a rope from the end of the boom to hold on to, otherwise it was impossible to stand at the tiller.

Going to the loo was not easy. Imagine sitting on a bucking bronco........!

2) We have to motor into the wind and boat speed is reduced.

Our 20 horse power faithful engine will go forever but as they say on Top Gear - it has lost a few horses over it's 32 year life.

This means that rather than powering through the waves, each one almost stops the boat.

It is very demoralising to constantly watch the speedo drop to 0.5 knots on each wave! We tried sailing (tacking) but progress was even slower.

The 36 miles to Lossiemouth took 12 hours - I could have walked that quicker!

On top of this we had the concern that the Lossiemouth entrance is very narrow and exposed to strong swells in Easterly winds.

More of that later, but I would say that it was the most difficult pilotage that I have ever had to do.

Anyway, safely moored now and probably here for 2 days until the weather blows over.

Week 6 - Thursday - Inverness

In the marina in Inverness today - about to set off for Lossiemouth.

There is bad weather coming, so we are keen to make some progress before it arrives.

Jim went home yesterday and Frostie turned up last night on the train from
Berwick.

Jim and I have recovered from our Loch Ness incident and are no longer on the Inverness police most wanted list!

I also met a friend last night (Tim Smith) who was celebrating with his pals, the completion of their Lands End to John O'Groats bike ride.

Like us, they had had a tough time battling against Northerly winds for most of the way.

Two locks for Frostie to test his rope throwing skills in, then off up the Moray Firth.

Fraud!

All hell has broken loose here as evidence has emerged that Jim and I may not have actually see the Loch Ness Monster.

A member of the public has sent in the attached photo and claims that I made the monster from a life buoy, fenders, a plank and skilful knot tying.

The local authorities have therefore called off the helicopter search for the monster and are not too pleased with us.

All I can say is that we still believe in what we saw and as Jim says "I know cos I was there!"

Week 6 - Wednesday - Loch Ness Monster

What an amazing day.....we actually saw the Loch Ness Monster!

After cramming into the locks at Fort Augustus with other boats, we entered Loch Ness.

The French boat ahead of us showed great skills, especially as they both had a glass of red wine in their hands throughout the 5 locks!

We motored along the 22 mile length of the loch against the wind as ever! I watched enviously as yachts coming the other way sailed past us.

We anchored at Dores, which is at the head of the Loch and had tea.

We sat in the cockpit and as it it got dark we heard a loud rushing of water. Turning round we saw a strange shape in the water. "It's the monster!"

We both watched as it moved menacingly towards us, intent on destruction. Jim leant across to me and said "You're gonna need a bigger boat!"

Amazingly though it then ignored us, slid past and disappeared into the murky depths.

What an experience!

We managed to get photographs and were amazed to notice that it had a yellow head.

This is the first sighting of the yellow headed monster and we were very excited.

We notified the local authorities and the press, so are currently awaiting their arrival.

Watch out for us on the news!

The view from the bedroom window!

Loch Ness from Dores - NE end.

Week 6 - Tuesday - Loch Oich

On a pontoon at the moment at the bottom of Loch Oich.

We are next to a Lodge Park and we half heartedly watched the England game last night in their clubhouse. Hard to raise too much interest though as Jim is Welsh and I feel totally disconnected from the real world of news and sport.

All went well yesterday and we made good progress along the canal. Jim and i have established our lock handling technique and his rope throwing is now of olympic standard!

It was another day of low cloud, so we are still not convinced that there are any mountains around here!

Loch Lochy was very pretty and seemed remote - that was until we noticed the very busy Fort William to Inverness 'A' road running alongside!

Sun is out today, a perfect day to finally see some scenery and maybe the monster in Loch Ness.

Jim's recap....

Jim here. Just to recap I joined the cap'n on Saturday following a 6 hr drive up. After the exciting exit from Oban marina (see previous!) we sailed for 4 hrs then anchored. Yesterday we motored to the Caledonian canal and quickly had a test of our lock skills which we passed fine. Then to the Staircase. During this 2hr event I decided that the RYA should devise another course for their program - Incompetent Crew! My job at the front of the boat was to throw the rope up to the waiting lock-keeper who would then tie us up ready for the lock to fill.

Lock1. Throw 1 - splash - 'sorry'.
Throw 2 - splash - expletive.. Lock keeper gets bored and walks away! 3rd time was lucky. Then once thru that lock a member of the vast gallery watching offered to unhook us, threw the rope which whacked me on the head! Oh how we laughed!

The rest of the locks were excellent from the crew and I even drew a compliment from the lock keeper following a direct fling.

Just finishing breakfast and then off to Loch Oich.

Ps. I'll let Rusty describe how he nearly caused a YouTube sensation by trying to reverse up the Staircase!

Week 6 - Monday - Banavie

We entered the Caledonian canal yesterday, in misty and drizzly weather.

I thought that Britain's highest mountain was round here somewhere but we didn't see it, perhaps it has moved!

We got through the locks pretty well, despite a few glitches which I am sure that Jim will describe later.

The main stretch was Neptune's Staircase - a set of 8 lochs in succession climbing a steep hill.

I had not realised that these were so famous and that travelling through made us part of the tourist attraction!

Lots of people asking lots of questions, all desperate to undo your ropes and throw them back - often when you did not want them to! We had to watch them like hawks!

Off along the canal again today, see how far we get.

Good luck to Abigail with her next A level.

Week 6 - Sunday - Corran Narrows

It had to happen eventually - we had our first messy marina manoeuvre yesterday.

Jim arrived at lunchtime and I was keen to leave Oban to break the back of the journey to Fort William.

Griff set off home in jim's car and we started preparing the boat.

The wind had picked up considerably and I did not use enough engine revs in reverse. The wind caught us and we ended up at 90 degrees across the back of the boat next door!

Jim had to take the weigh of the boat and fend us off while I tried to execute some sort of escape! Not pretty and very embarrassing - but we got away in the end.

Poor Jim- he had left home at 06:00, driven all the way and then had to deal with that!

Oh well, hopefully no harm done excep to my ego!

Anchored in a nice bay at the moment, with the usual anchor alarms causing an interrupted night.

Hopefully into the canal today and up the locks at Neptune's staircase.

The longest week of my life!

My last blog before setting off back home.
Seriously, it has been a fantastic week and has sailed by all too quickly,
We awoke this morning to the radio informing us that UK had been battered by rain and storms, Wales was flooded and lifeboats despatched around the coast. Not in Oban. Another glorious morning, breakfast on deck and we have had to put on sun lotion.

We had a great meal last night at fish rest overlooking marina which topped off brilliant week.

So what have we learnt this week.

More whales than scots in the Hebrides.
It doesn't always rain in Scotland.
That sailors never use the obvious term for anything, I was well aware of the port/starboard stuff but apparently despite my eyes telling me the boat sorry yacht is full of ropes they are lines or warps or sheets or halyards etc. I can only draw the conclusion it is a bizarre form of snobbery trying to boost egos of the sailing fraternity and making everything seem more complicated than it actually is.
Never get involved in a conversation with a Scotsman sat at a bar with both a pint and chaser in front of him, that is only going to end one way.
Keep it secret but the weather is better in Scotland.
The dj's on Scottish local radio are that bad it makes you pine for Dave lee travis.
A flappy sail is an unhappy sail.
Vanessa must be some sort of saint to have lived with captain rusty for 23 years.
We have both regressed back to 18 year olds

Anyway been great , thanks to rusty , hope it all goes as well for future mates.

Week 6 - Saturday - Oban

Well, the storms that battered the rest of the uk somehow missed us here in Oban. We had sun and light winds yesterday, quite bizarre really.

It was a day of boat repairs, with a local engineer looking at the VHF. The signal is now acceptable but it won't be fixed without climbing the mast and probably running a new cable.

The other repair is to a leaky fuel delivery pipe seal. I have been finding diesel under the engine for weeks and managed to find the source yesterday. The boatyard chap here is currently looking for a replacement seal but if we have to order one, it could delay us by a few days!

Peter dubbed the engine my third child, and it is certainly turning out to be more demanding than the other two put together!

We have had a great week, and have been remembering stuff from University that we had both forgotten (some of it for good reasons!) Now that Griff is going, it is time for me to revert back to behaving like a 49 year old and not a teenager. Shame really!

Lots of boat crews here have uniforms; mostly clothing with boat names on. We wondered if we should also have one for all shipmates from now on. We spotted the perfect outfit yesterday (see photo).

Jim Meadowcroft drives up today and Griff is then driving the car back to Manchester. Your uniform is waiting Jim!

Off to Fort William and the Caledonian Canal next - once the bloomin' engine is sorted!

Other Oban news

Neil G here. As captain has indicated, we made it ahead of storms into Oban, sadly no further sightings of whales or dolphins on the way... But we somewhat bizarrely saw journalist and author Will Self wandering round the damp back streets of Oban, not as good as a minke whale but quite a quirky spot.

We think we have really arrived in the real Scotland, plenty of scots for a change including your classic pub drunks complete with pints and whisky chasers who made a beeline for captain rusty, these two started to tell us how they had met in jail and how local police were overly violent with them. Despite rusty seeking to enhance his credibility as a brawling sea drunk to make up for lack of pipe and tattoo, we beat a hasty retreat before it all became a bit messy. I did feel at one point like an extra in Ran C Nesbitt.

Thanks for nominations for our celebrities you despise list. Suggestions include Paul McCartney , bono, Russell brand and an ever increasing number of tv chefs including marco pierre white and Jamie Oliver

Today we are going to be tourists in a wet seaside resort in the Uk. I feel this may provide evidence of why Brits head to the Med in huge numbers.

Week 5 - Friday - Oban

Well we made it to Oban and are now sitting in the marina.

We hit the town yesterday and joined all of the other tourists - traipsing around on a wet day looking for something to do.

Oban is the gateway to the islands and as such has all of the main stores , including a very large Tesco, Homebase, Argos etc.

It is only lacking one type of shop - one that sells pipes!

To add to my Captain Rusty persona I think that I need to start smoking a pipe. My credibility as an old sea dog has been severely dented by Griff and the loss of my beard, so I need to strengthen my brand!

However amazingly, there is nowhere in Oban that sells pipes. Believe me, we tried every shop and asked every local. Griff was up for it as well, but no success.

In desperation to keep Captain Rusty alive we considered other options, such as going into the local tattoo parlour - an anchor would be a nice touch. However that route leads to divorce!

We finally settled on going into a pub and telling them wildly exaggerated stories of past exploits; until they all started call me 'Captain!'

Childish I know, but at least I regained some of my imaginary credibility.

VHF man coming to look at the radio today and possibly yet another distillery tour!

The Captain is a fraud!!!

Griff here, we left early this morning (6.30) to beat the storms and get back into Oban.

Last night was great we had a visit from a minke whale at around 11pm when he swam past the boat when we were having a nightcap on deck. It was still very light at that time.

Thanks to those of you who have supplied info on the captain and tennille. It appears that the captain has no sea faring qualifications and this has caused out own self styled captain rusty much heartache that anybody would try to pass themselves off in such a manner. As captain rusty says without a hint of irony or self awareness how could any body sink so low to use that title when not officially bestowed.

One interesting fact to emerge is that Toni tennille can lay claim to be the only "beach girl" as she was only girl to tour with beach boys as their keyboard player. Thanks to Andy Nash for that top fact.

We are now compiling our top ten list of public figures we dislike.
Any suggestions welcome but we have the top two nailed down.
1. Piers Morgan
2. Peter Mandelson

Updates to follow...

Week 5 - Thursday - Kilchoan Bay

Spent the night on a mooring buoy in Kilchoan Bay, which is at the head of the Sound of Mull.

Great views here and a very pretty bay.

Griff excelled himself yesterday with a chilli turkey meal. He used all of the chillies that were left over from the first week. They may have been past their sell by date (13th May) but they had lost none of their bite!

We ate this out of the dog bowls that I have on board. These were bought new and are clean i.e. have never been used by a dog! I still maintain that they are the perfect boat eating utensil. They are big, have a broad base and do not slide around when the boat is heeling over.

I have found that people are a bit squeamish about eating from them but Griff is a man after my own heart. He has embraced dog bowl usage and I would not be surprised if they become a standard part of his kitchen when he gets back to Wilmslow!

Early start today, as we head to Oban ahead of the strong winds that are heading this way.

Carry on Sailing!!!

Griff here...early afternoon we were becalmed and in our own Scottish version of the doldrums. Andy suddenly announced that it was "time to get his big boy out" I was a tad perturbed about this and was slightly relieved when he produced a much larger sail from his locker . He spent ages trying to get it hoisted but somewhat predictably it failed to do the job and after a couple of minutes flapping around he gave up and put it back in its sack. I have a feeling that Vanessa could have written the last para!!!

We realised today that we have known each other for over 30 years (at times seems so much longer) and know each others stories, embellishments and lies far too well.

Some help please...many of you will remember 1970/80s pop combo duo The Captain and Tenile. Was he in fact a real sea captain (he certainly had a cap and a pipe) or was this a persona he adopted to give himself a mystic that he didn't naturally have? As you can tell it has been a long day and we have run out of conversation.

Week 5 - Wednesday - inverie

Yesterday was a great day, with brilliant scenery and wildlife.

We spent last night at the Old Forge in Loch Nevis - the most remote pub in mainland Britain.

I had a plate of huge langoustines which I ate in the most inexpert way possible - spraying everyone who sat by me!

We have started meeting the same people in various places now, recognising each other by boat names.
'I say, weren't you in Oban last week.......ah, thought so'

Lots of war stories swapped and tips given on places to visit. I picked up some good advice about East Anglia for example.

Griff and I then made a dash for the dinghy, dodging rain and midges. A couple of verses of 'donald were's your trousers' on the way back to the boat and bed!

Heading south today after a bad weather forecast for Friday.

Dodo, sabre tooth tiger and scots...

Neil Griff here.., we have Discovered that scots are in danger of going the way of the dodo and sabre toothed tiger, there appear to be no scots in Scotland. Maybe this is because most of them have emigrated south to screw up our government and economy but we have literally seen more minke whales than scots in the last three days. English, Dutch Aussies and Poles but no jocks. We are not complaining but just a little surprised....food was great last night and we have been so lucky weather wise.

More later.....

Another minke whale and no photo!

Just rounding the Southernmost end of Skye and crossing the sound of Sleat.

Minke whale

Just seen loads of dolphins and a Minke whale off Skye - between Rhum and the Sound of Sleat.

Took 50 photos but this is the only one with even a glimpse!