The match !

Spent morning refuelling and stocking up with food etc for my next leg. I keep checking the weather because its so important to be sure of a settled few days while I try to get across The Wash (big lump that sticks out below Hull). I plan to set off in the morning, around 930.  This is the earliest I can leave as , just outside of Hartlepool Marina it's very shallow so I need the tide to rise. Actually, as I write this, the forecast has updated to force 8. Ill review early in morning. 

Day continued with a very cramped, bumpy and noisy trip on the local 'bullet train' to Newcastle. I've bothered with a picture because there were about 500 people on this thing. A lady conductor pushed people in like it they do in Japan then off we shot, at breakneck speed. Brakes howled as the thing stopped at stations and the driver appeared to be reving the engine and slipping the clutch to pull away again; probably due to the weight. Apparently this route has only had 2 carriages for years, despite its popularity and the fact that, at some stations, people couldn't physically get on and had to wait an hour for the next one.  

Great going into Newcastle with its old bridges and the river etc. Enjoyed lovely pre match banter with locals, on the sun drenched terrace of The Strawberry bar. As you can see by the lack of people in this pic though, it may have been a bit early. By 2pm the place was packed. 

Newcastle won by scoring their first goal since April. The place went wild and, while not exactly matching the magical atmosphere of a Pompey match, it was great fun. Finished off with a beer in the famous 'Shearers Bar' (now just called '9' since he annoyed the owner). Back to station for another blast on the 'bullet'. Final visit to the local club cos Keith wanted to finish his holiday by singing a Perry Como song to the locals. All threw the towel in at 10. Knackered. 

The other side of Newcastle

A bit more sailing before the wind really blew up. Been howling this afternoon. Now at Hartlepool Marina staring at various charts to plot my next move. I am starting to realise that my sailing options are getting a bit limited in terms of stop of ports. I may have said before, but Alexandra Louise is not a vessel that 'East Coast' sailors would chose because she isn't very happy when not in water; when the tide goes out she falls over. This Is most unfortunate because most east coast harbours turn into sand pits at low tide. My next port may be Scarborough because ive just called the Harboumaster there and he assures me theres al little deep bit I can float in. After that its nearly 100 miles to somewhere suitable. I've got this far and trust that a cunning plan will emerge. 

Spent afternoon asleep as Keith and I have decided to be sensible and to pop out to explore stuff a bit later. 

Update - off to Karaoke bar at 1030. It was at local club and great fun. 

Off to watch Newcastle vs Fulham, at St James Park, tomorrow. I regret not visiting when the mighty Pompey were in the Premiership and, now that we are in division 2 (due to a little hiccup) I am beginning to realise that I will have to wait 3 whole years before the 2 famous clubs do battle again. I keep making a point of asking Newcastle folk if they are going to the match and am fascinated by the negative responses. These all include reference to the owner and, invariably, give opportunity for a perfectly timed and delivered use of the 'b' word. 

Ps Dave and Dawn, great to hear from you ! If you are free Ill be in 'toon' about 1pm for pre match 'atmosphere' at a pub called The Strawberry, opposite the ground, near Chinatown. If not please send me your email or number to my email which is pompeystone@gmail.com

No Vids cos no wi fi but will post tomorrow. 

Near Newcastle

Continuing from late, last night. My brief report was sent from the pub as we left to find the dinghy. It was a pitch black, moonless night and, predictably, the torch had a flat battery.  At the end of an old stone jetty, where I had tied the dinghy, there was just a bit of sea 'where it used to be'. The dinghy had gone and, given that Holy Island is virtually shut at that time of night, a bit of a shock. Managed to find the way back to the Pub and the very helpful landlord made a few phone calls to local fisherman who might have helped out, for a substantial fee. He dscovered that the dinghy had been recovered by the local coastguard and now resided at the corner of a cold, wet and very black, beach. In the event, the coastguard took us in his car and we shot off, into the darkness, tracked by his car headlights. All a bit surreal, especially as the ghostly wails persisted (the noises are made by the local seal colony.........I hope)

Back on board it was necessary to have a small whiskey to calm the nerves and count our blessings. This moment, however, was interrupted by a mobile call from a disgruntled blog reader (Francesca) 'demanding' to know why my blog was late and rubbish. She suggested that my trip had gone downhill a bit and that it was time Keith got a 'flip in' train home. Keith looked a bit hurt on hearing this news but then shrugged his shoulders and got tucked into a second whiskey, before nodding off. 

Today's sail started at the crack of 6am and this was the view as I started to take up the anchor. Apologies for a lot of 'sun' pics but this place, I think, warrants such. 

I, finally, got the tide right and, by 8, we passed the Farne Islands. Lots of wind and calm sea so a fast and enjoyable sail. About time the North Sea gave me a break. Oh, and no fog. Dunno what's going on. Trip culminated  in docking at Blythe, just short of Newcastle. Very industrial but, the jewel in the crown, is the Sailing Club Lightship

In The Lightship  - Newcastle banter and humour is priceless. To hear 7 blokes, in the best pub ever( the bow an old  Calshot lightship)  about the merits of Martins Pies ; like talking about holy relics. Crying with laugher. Just pies but the funniest time ! Also, the  Newcastle delivery and timing of the word 'bastard' is remarkable. 

I now want to move to Newcastle ( assuming I have such fun at the footie on Saturday)

And please, please listen to this. The barman sang us a song and I promise t was him. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/eelcglhqdme3sfu/Video%2029-08-2013%2021%2057%2025.mov

Night all

St Cuthbert (Google if interested but, discounting the Freudian angle, it's limited in 'wow' stuff)

St Cuthbert seems like he was a really nice bloke and appears to be the driving force behind the Holy Island economy.  Anyway, to continue with last nights arrival on Holy Island,

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxq2x4i79mh53ko/Video%2027-08-2013%2019%2038%2034.mov

As Ive said, already, a great day. Also, I had great sleep. Woken at 7am by a Danish chap calling me to say goodbye until 'we meet again', maybe, at the next port. I'd moored next to him at Eyemouth.  He was setting off for Blythe, a day earlier than me. May catch up later. 

Another leisurely cooked breakfast on deck then rowed ashore, at lunchtime. Rowed really fast, as  air was poring  out of my botched puncture repair.  A walk around the Island started with the famous castle. So lovely.  

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yjgr7nvtavu3r06/Video%2028-08-2013%2012%2052%2058.mov

Walked around the Island and, despite the lure of the pub, we opted for a cream tea. Then, buckled, big time. Visited all 3 pubs, and, totally bolloxed by 7pm. Lots of 'mystical vibes' on this island, have, mysteriously removed much of my comment. Words are not enough. 

Correction, 9pm. Now need to find dinghy and get back. It's dark and the eerie noises are back ...oh, and the dinghy is going down. 

Holy Island

Up at the crack of 10 to prepare a fine, holiday, fry up for my temporary shipmate, Keith. Sun was out and Eyemouth looked a treat. Was going to 'do' the museums and historical highlights but, breakfast was exhausting and decided to  leave port for a short trip to Holy Island  This is a famous anchorage for yachts, when the weather is settled. A good time to give it a go. 

In preparation for the anchorage ( and pub) at Holy Island we decided to pump the dinghy up prior to leaving. Keith happily took on this task and, for a considerable time, could be seen pumping, furiously. 

After some time Keith reported that his,considerable, efforts appeared futile. The dinghy remained 'flatter' than ever.  When investigated, the problem was that the 'out' pipe was connected to the ' in' pipe which meant that, with every, substantial, pump, more air was extracted. I suspect that, given enough time, my battered old inflatable would have vanished into a 'black hole' or something ; there is only so much air that can be extracted from nothing. 

Our sail down the coast only took 3 hrs and approaching the anchorage we were greeted with castles, eerie ancient ruins and, possibly, one of the best sunsets about. I'll include a video in tonight's update. 

About 40 seconds after dropping anchor Keith was in the dinghy ( waiting to go to the pub) and I was completing my ritual of checking my engine oil. We nipped to the beach, about 100yds away, and tracked down the Crown and Anchor, a further 2 minute walk. Sat in the garden, enjoying the total silence and mystic of this special place. We have decided to stay at least a day or so to explore the place a little and relax at anchor. One thing, as we came back to the boat the air was filled with scary wailing from a nearby island. I'm guessing it was birds or sea lions. Had dinner on board and a lovely day was had by all. 

Eyemouth- part 2

Having stayed 3  days,'fogbound', in Stonehaven, I was anxious to resume progress on my trip. I had started spending a little too much time staring at my remote location, on the map. Oddly, being abroad in Spain or the USA etc, has never 'felt' this distant from sunny Shalford. I'm writing this. 'soppy' stuff to try and explain, just a little, of the many things that influence decisions such as , 'yep, that looks OK. Think I'll nip out into those big, grey waves and sail to Eyemouth. Only 13 hrs.' Basically, I think I forced myself to go. 

As I said in my last, brief, report, an hour or so after leaving the gloom of Stonehaven, I was in a big swell and thick fog. I pushed on because I needed to. 

Occasionally, during this mammoth trip, I could feel the fear rising. The expression, 'I can feel the fear rising', now means much to me. Ive learnt that you need to jump on it straight away. Also, Short of calling the coastguard to try and blag helicopter ride, there are no options. In fact, Im not sure that you can attract the services of a Sea King helicopter on the basis that 'you've had enough'. 

One things a certainty, in my opinion; you cannot get the feeling of sheer joy and personal achievement that I experienced, about a nanosecond after making the harbour entrance, without some sort of forfeit or personal pain. That's just the way it is. 

 

As I arrived, there was a lady standing on the end of the breakwater, staring, as I popped out of the smoke ( it was that thick). Apart from a seagull, she was the first sign of life I'd seen since giving Jim 'another' wave goodbye. I shouted out that I loved her.  She must have been startled as I drifted in from the gloom like a scene from from Pirates of The Caribbean. 

After yesterday, decided to relax in Eyemouth. My chum, young Keith ( 

turned up for a few days break. I mention this as a reason for late report. 

Eyemouth

I got to Eyemouth. Logged 82 miles. 6 miles after I left the safety of Stonehaven, on a clear but rainy day, guess what ? I went into fog 'for the day'. Compounded by a huge North Sea swell and the emergence of the Eyemouth breakwater and 15 metre wide entrance, seconds before hitting it, Im going to try and do such a day, and adventure, justice in the morning. Tonight, I'm too spaced out ! 

Here's a clip of my new mate. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ik87ulzolzhdbu6/Video%2025-08-2013%2019%2029%2054.mov

Arbroath ? Nah

I got up at 8, popped into town to the Co Op for food ten got back to prepare to continue my voyage.  At 1100 there was thick fog. I stood on he breakwater wall, gazing out to sea, fully aware that Jim and others were looking at me, wondering if Id brave it. Everyone united in the opinion that, it's down to me. No one else. Getting caught in fog is one thing but setting out in it, single handed, makes an interesting discussion. 

Of course,  Tony and his 20ft boat had gone. Left at 4am. 

Obviously I am a little disappointed that my travels have slowed down due to the weather. I am also aware that, without a daily dose of sailing I could easily lose my nerve, put Aaxandra Louise on the market where she is, and get a bus home. Such are the slim margins of 'sheer bottle' that I am working with, on this mission. I am a fair bit homesick and the gloomy ( really 'gloomy') wether is depressing, to say the least.  Having said that, everything else is so relaxing. I never feel bored and having so much time to myself is a special thing for me. 

I spent the afternoon fixing my radar. It needed re wiring and I didnt bother earlier because, stupidly, I never consided that Id get so much fog. Here's a riveting photo. 

Just popped this photo in to show what Stonaven looks like without fog. 

And this is a link to yesterday's debacle. It's only just downloaded. Caution - I think clip includes a swear word. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a5lwnc7g8pwt8d2/Video%2023-08-2013%2011%2049%2026.mov

Sitting on my boat all  day, in the rain, has gone to my head. I have been all afternoon fixing that radar and listening o the football on Talk Sport. Popped up 'The Ladder of Doom' at 7pm, in the rain. Amazed at the way the boat rocks about but didn't notice anything from-when  inside, apart from feeling sick all day. Walked (in rain) to town.  Stumbled across this piece of catering history and dined there after visiting a 'traditional' pub. 

Had a couple of pints of this. Dunno where I am or what my name is. Just going to try and walk back and nehotiate the ladder. Not my finest woe, tonight, but I have my mind on trying to get the show on the road, again. 

The Fog

No Arbroath and turned back, for the first time. Day started full of promise and optimism. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cykwia2tenhvgiz/Video%2023-08-2013%2007%2008%2001.mov

Just as I was about to leave, a point usually marked by handing back the Harbourmaster (another Jim) his shower key, I took another peek over the breakwater. Couldn't see past the end of the rocks but 2 fishing boats broke through the gloom and parked up near me. They said that if I went straight out for a mile it was clear. After lots (and lots) of thinking I took a chance and went. About a minute out I looked behind me and the rocky harbour entrance was gone. I pushed on for about a mile and, not only had it got thicker, there was a large sea swell. This meant that the boat was rolling hard. I turned back, praying that my iPad map with a moving dot (me) would keep going and that T Mobile wouldn't choose that particular moment to cut me off. The fog thickened and, massive rocks appeared in the gloom, just before the breakwater, finally, turned up. To use the language of 'Sir Robin', the experience was 'quite interesting'. An hour late I couldn't see across the Harbour. Just to the left of the white fishing boat, who's crew had tried to kill me ( I jest), lay the 'shower blocks'. Asking Jim for the key back was my final act of this sorry tale. 

Later in the day I met Tony, one of the few people that, when minded to, can talk more than me. 

As it happens, Tonys tales were (also !) very interesting so listening was no effort. In his 20ft sailboat he has travelled all around the Scottish coast and faced seas that would have reduced me to hiding under the bunk, sobbing. As with other, intrepid explorers, Tony looked at Alexandra Louise and said 'you could go anywhere in her'. Another theme that Tony continued was that he also shared my anxieties about putting to sea. He echoed my own thoughts when he said, "never spend too long in port. It gets harder to leave every day". Right, I'm off in the morning. 

Fridays update posted today ( Saturday) because I ended up in the pub with Tony. Evening completed with a fully supervised, dodgy, descent down a 20 ft, slippery, seaweed strewn ladder onto a rocking boat, clutching a kebab. Bits of lettuce and garlic sauce everywhere. 

A foggy, rolly trip to Stonehaven

Very weak winds but what there was came from the east which causes a big swell in the North Sea. Not a good trip for those prone to sea sickness. Luckily, my latest best mate, Jim (Harbourmaster) was spot on with his tide info and I had a fast trip to Stonehaven. Big 'spring tides' meant that, on top of my boat speed, the tide took me about 8 miles for nothing ! Thats how things can work, at sea. The scary bit, today, was hitting fog, just as I passed Aberdeen. This is, probably, one of the busiest commercial ports in Scotland. Well Im still here so managed to miss the action. Just sat in the mist with my best life jacket on. 

As Alexandra Louise cannot 'dry out' as many vessels can, by just lying on the sand or propped up to a wall, I have moored on the outer breakwater, at Stonehaven (appropriate name). 

Always a little difficult to organise the length of the ropes but, as luck would have it, low water is at 2100 and I can monitor proceedings from The Old Ship. 

Update - I am now back and 2 immediate observations. The first is that she is balancing on her keel by a knife edge. The second, I had to descent a long way down in the murk and quickly tie a rope from the mast to shore to stop her toppling over. Phew. Can't turn your back in this game. 

Planning this trip has been fascinating, purely by the fact that you can't really plan it. All down to weather, tidal streams, which ports dry out, which ports are dangerous in certain wind directions and how scared I am etc etc. My latest, rough idea, is to utilise tomorrows big tide and south east wind (forecast only) to get to Arbroath. In the 'mix' I need to leave here before I go aground again but arrive at Arbroath while the lock gates are open. Complicated stuff. This then leaves a neat 50 odd mile open sea crossing to Eyemouth. This either in or near England, I think. 

And finally....... It is with deep regret that I have to mention this but...... We have a 'blog abuser' in our midst. Yes, it's true. I refer to a recent comment that dared to question the integrity of my posts. As many of my chums know, I never exaggerate, make stuff up or, heaven forbid, make 'something out of nothing'. And, of course, the phrase 'tongue in cheek' is an alien concept to me. I was, therefore, shocked, nay, deeply disturbed, to learn that one of my dear chums suspects that............ on my Inverness Tour videos............ I can barely bring myself to say this.......here we go .......

It wasn't an open top bus !!!!      In a bid to clear my name, put this in your pipe and smoke it. 

Boats now straight upright again so Im going to get a quick sleep. Night. 

On a pontoon in Peterhead......

I stayed today. Was going to leave until Jim, the Harbourmaster, told me that the inshore tidal streams were the opposite to what was shown in 'my book'. It was, yet another, 'Hamlet moment'. I sat down, on the step to Jims office. As I gazed out at the view before me, despondency was an understatement ; miles from home and becoming more and more allergic the the 'flippin' sea, everyone 'down south' bigging it up about the lovely weather. Anyway, as I put my head in my hands, seconds away from weeping, a chap walked up from a boat that had turned up near me, overnight. He was also travelling on his own but, unlike me, had just sailed from the Shetlands, in a 40 hr marathon. Lovely chap and gave me loads of tips re the next sections. Together, with further advise from Jim (ex lifeboat coxswain for 30 yrs) I may have been 'saved'. A real pick me up. Thanks, Guys. 

With the knowledge that I was staying today I wondered into town, looking for a phone shop to try and find out why my iPad has stopped. Turns out that I have, mysteriously, used up all of my data allowance and have since been charged at a rate that equals £117 instead of the £ 7 I'd signed up for. After a brief bit of deduction...... does anyone that has travelled with me, recently, spend 2 days watching golf online ? Sam, keep your head down !!!! X

Back to 'the outer reaches of the pontoon'. Aside from the chap from the Shetlands, the Japanese couple, Hiro and Kako, could not have been friendlier. Even bought me a home cooked supper ! They left tonight, bound for Eyemouth. I hope to be there in a couple of days and look forward to seeing them again. 

 And to complete the 4 boats, now on the outer ( visitors) pontoon of 'explorers', a smallish boat, with 2 German folk, turned up this afternoon. Spoke with them and it was a father and son who'd just got here after a 6 day, non stop trip from....... Iceland ! I promise never to moan again ( although I reserve the right to be scared and homesick, on occasions)

And finally, I think Ive discovered a factor in causing my melancholy mood, of late. I've had trouble getting anything on the ships radio so have resorted to pushing the seek button. It seems that I have been listening to the Country and Western channel for the past 3 days. Bloody hell, as anyone listened to the words ? Must have soaked into my soul. Glad ive sussed it but actually hilarious despite the fact that the psychology, probably, is spot on. 

Ps The suns out, up here and..... big day tomorrow. I'm going sailing. 

Turned South !

Finally turned in the rough direction of Shalford.

I'm so pleased. Another tough day and would have been so disappointed not to have rounded the dreaded Rattsey Head. As it happened, I got he tide wrong and spent a miserable, wet and 'slightly bumpy' 2 hrs covering the last 5 miles to Peterhead. I am really due a lovely warm sailing day with gentle breezes, a nice lunch and a sunbathe, The lovely sail along the south coast seems a distant memory. 

Peterhead is another, proper, working fishing Port. I had to call a 'controller' to ask permission to enter and, like yesterday, going through a gap between concrete breakwaters was like leaving a tumble dryer to lay on a sofa ( or something like that - I'm tired). Remarkably, I was directed to a 'marina'. An interesting place to have one and Im most grateful. 

Wandered into town. Planned to stay on board but fridge doesn't work so didn't want to risk the lasagne that I bought for Sam and me, a week ago. Found a Witherspoons and, while ordering a large Pinot, I asked if they were still serving food. Well. the lady said yes and highlighted that it was 'steak night'. I ordered a sirloin, which included a drink ( eg the Pinot) and it cost £7. 95 the lot ! Also, it was a fair bit better that last nights stuff. I've finally found a place that's in line with my pension. 

Weather iffy for the next 2 days, from a sailing point of view. Rain or cold, whilst unpleasant, is not the problem. The wind is blowing 'from' the direction I want to go. To compound this, when the tide goes in the direction I want to go the wind does battle with it and.......... big waves. If I were on the glorious south coast I wouldn't give a monkeys. I can feel another Witherspoons night coming on. 

And finally, .....the visitor bit at the 'marina' is almost empty except for a couple displaying the Japanese flag. Spoke to them and they've been sailing around the world for the past 4 yrs and ended up here, waiting for better weather to head south. Night. 

Buckie

Back to sea today (Monday).  Past train swing bridge then to a final, sea lock. Straight into Moray Forth with 'fresh' sailing conditions. About 10 miles out of Inverness I had a bit of an incident. Alexandra Louise was in her stride, with a good, following wind. I was at peace with the world and off down the hatch to pop the kettle on. Then a kind of mini hurricane turned up. Boat went over to the point where water started coming over the side, the mainsheet fitting broke away under the strain and, the final 'cherry on the top', was that the many flailing lines / ropes managed to capture me, like a fly in a web. In the style of my hero, Sir Robin, I decided that the tea could wait. It's amazing how, when you have no one to help, that you manage to work through stuff. Took me an hour to get going again. The harbourmaster, at Buckie, later told me that sudden high winds are a feature of the Inverness waters. They are caused by wind funnelling and speeding up through local hills. Anyway, as I got near Buckie the wind picked up again and, with waves and rocks I ended up being directed in by the Harbourmaster shouting left a bit, right a bit etc on my radio. Tiny entrance and relieved to get in. All, suddenly, calm again. 

Buckie is a small, commercial port. No other yachts here and I tied up to an old Pilot boat. A dodgy climb up the ladder to land. The town was desolate, a bit like one of those old zombie films. Just the odd bit of tumbleweed and a dog barking, in the distance. 

Found a Curry House where staff were overly attentive. As I was the only person in Buckie ( except the Harbourmaster) I had about 6 waiters all asking if they could help. I asked one of them if he could take my 'flippin' boat to Portsmouth. He said "yes, thankyou sir" and quickly got me 2 popperdoms (and some onion chutney). Despite the food being served with the equivalent of a fanfare ( there you are sir, with big smiles, open hands, gently backing away, bowing etc) it was awful. I wasnt sure whether or not they were taking the mick. "How was your food, sir ?". Difficult to answer when you are choking. God only knows what meat it was. Maybe I get more fussy when Im knackered. Place was called The Bengal Brasserie. Here's a pic of their 'tip generating' finale. They weren't to know that what I really wanted was apple fritters with ice cream ( like the old days), a copy of tomorrow's weather forecast and a big hug with "there, there Alan. It'll be all right". 

When I got back at 10pm, I couldn't get on board. Had to go to the fish loading factory and enlist some help to pull the massive chain that secured the pilot boat to the jetty. When it was close enough I jumped. What a performance. 

Tomorrow (Tuesday) Im heading for the eastern edge of Scotland. Mentally, I shall be pleased to turn the corner and start heading south. Just hope there's some 'summer left' for when I get back down the coast. Today's post delay due to no wi fi signal, 'down here' in the depths of the harbour. 

When Monday comes ........

Off tomorrow, at 8am. Yep, I'm doing that thing that by writing it I do it. As it happens, he weather has, genuinely, stopped play but that doesn't change the fact that Im a bit anxious. I also think Im going a bit mad. Not scary mad. Just nice mad. So, please bear with me with tonight's 'topic'. 

To take my mind off of sailing into the 'abyss' (again) I have, by my standards, had another very active day.  I decided that, yesterday, I was a bit hard on Inverness and that I would try and revise my view by taking an open to bus tour. I Googled and came up with this, the moment I woke. 

At 1127 the bus arrived, outside Currys. As I boarded I enthusiastically asked the driver to tell me the best bit. She said 'the locks at The Caledonian Canal'. I didn't mention that I was parked there. I now include 5 short clips that, I hope, summarise my trip. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/thy928xtz2a8vcz/Video%2018-08-2013%2011%2034%2012.mov

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7q4kqkcv0tt82ui/Video%2018-08-2013%2011%2037%2016.mov

https://www.dropbox.com/s/phbwsg46urja5ea/Video%2018-08-2013%2011%2050%2038.mov

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y8exi3rzezyb54m/Video%2018-08-2013%2011%2053%2059.mov

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zpms7fp8vjf3vzy/Video%2018-08-2013%2012%2012%2046.mov

After my field trip I spent time on the boat, sewing stuff. An American chap called Paul, visited for a chat. He has a boat in the Shetlands and is planning to take her back to New York. As Ive ( further) developed a habit of chatting I quickly seized the opportunity to tell Paul how scared I was of setting off, tomorrow. He gave the correct response by saying, in a hushed, serious voice that......' fear is good'. Cheers, pal. 

On a lighter note, my next visitor, a jolly fellow called John, came bearing a gift. 

John said it was from a friend of his who knew Francesca and was following my trip. The lady was worried that I might have run out. I'd like to say a big thanks to you both and lovely chatting, John. I know this is my 'thing' but, of late, it's been a bit tougher than I'd anticipated and things like this mean a lot. Big day tomorrow. I'm  off again, assuming fair winds. 

A funny old day

Waved Sam off, after first buying him breakfast at Inverness Bus Depot. Sam ended up having his sausage roll blagged off of him by a tramp ! Bloke said he wanted it to feed the seagulls and Sam fell for it. As our bus pulled out we saw a hungry looking seagull staring at the tramp eating it ! I managed to catch the right bus back from the airport to theTown centre but got lost with the walking bit. Sam was actually home, laying on the sofa with the remote, before Id found the boat. On my route I took this stunning photo of the Inverness skyline. Sorry, Inverness, but difficult to big you up when I feel a bit down. Might have been different if the sun shone for more than 30 seconds. 

Spent afternoon having a good tidy up then serviced my engine. It still might blow itself to smitherines when I need it most but, mentally, the task has perked me up. Bought a chart for the next bit and started creating a 'plan'. Lots to consider on the next leg. Biggest thing is that I have to go 50 odd miies to find a suitable harbour. This is only a problem if a storm turns up.  My intention is to try and blast off on Monday, once these gales subside. Really windy up here. 

I am sure that anyone reading this will be aware that the mighty Pompey demolished their opponents, 3 - 0 today. I heard it on the radio while I had the floor up, sorting out the engine. 

A boring finish but, to anyone who's reading this, here's some luck ! A rainbow I wish to share. I've just had some, already, cos straight after taking this I found free wi fi onboard the boat and am now going to watch Match of The Day with 'a wee dram'. Night. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ic1g72manoh8nl5/Video%2017-08-2013%2019%2058%2030.mov

Inverness

Popped off for a shower at 730 only to have Sam banging on the door seconds later to report that the Lock keeper wanted us in the Loch Ness flight (5 locks) NOW !  By time Id run to the boat Sam had started engine and untied ropes so in we shot. Nothing like the textbook departures you learn about on a weeks sailing course. Purely functional stuff. 

On the way ' down' we saw, yet again, members of the 'Cally Cruiser' Clan. They wear orange......all the time. We have even spotted them watching TV in the cabins with their 'colours' on. Of course it's good to wear life jackets but I suspect Mr Cally is having a laugh. There are hundreds of em. That Chinese lot (yesterday) were also from the same cult. 

Before setting off, across Loch Ness, we sat in a cafe which overlooked more Cally action. Sam was talked into trying fried Haggis. As the cook presented it she actually said that she wouldn't eat it. I questioned why, thinking she may have an allergy to oats or something. In a broad Scottish accent she just replied, "it's revolting". End of. 

Stunning trip down the 27 mile centre of Loch Ness. Sailed the whole way and it even stopped raining. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0jndesu72anxy6e/Video%2016-08-2013%2011%2048%2001.mov

Arrived at Inverness around 6pm and I managed to hold up the rush hour traffic  as they opened a bridge for us but I couldnt turn the boat around quickly. Lots of shouting and hollering. Moored now in marina 200 yds from the dreaded North Sea. 

Found a pub with the best beer garden ever but hard to get a photo that does it justice. This rushed photo includes an apparition (hooded monk?). 

Gales coming and really sad that Sams going. Truly fantastic time together and, to honest, Im surprised, given the fact that he is14. Im gonna struggle a bit on the way back from the airport. Inverness is a flip in long way from home. Thanks, mate. 

To Loch Ness

Guess what? It's raining ! Arghhhhhh. Full wet weather gear all day. Its that very fine rain that soakes you. Several locks and ate cold, leftover, meat pie 'en route'. Nearly got wiped out, in a lock,  by a massive hire boat that seemed to be struggling to agree who was Captain. It appeared fully crewed by several Chinese women and a sole, Brit looking, old bloke. 

Lovely down wind sail on Loch Ochy https://www.dropbox.com/s/93x31ongubfp2u8/Video%2015-08-2013%2012%2007%2042.mov

Reached Fort Augustus, in time for a quick round of bloody golf; surprisingly, in the rain. 

Sam had fun though and has been fab company. I'm already starting to worry about how I'm gonna feel when he goes in a couple of days, especially as I shall be exiting the safety of the canal at the same time. I might feel different if the weather was the same as I had enjoyed on the south coast, only a month ago. It's not. 

Popped to a rough old pub to complete another section of Sams diverse education. Think he quite enjoyed it. He even had a packet of pork scratchlings.  Picked up massive fish and chips on way back. Enjoyed in cosy surroundings, listening to a Radio 4 thing about the delights of Margate. Some painter used to live there?  A good day, all in all and Loch Ness monster hunting tomorrow. 

Legs have now blown

Up at 8am for assault on Ben Nevis. Bus dropped us a couple of miles away from the start but didn't seem to matter with 7 hrs of walking ahead of us. Bought a couple of Balti Pasties, packed a bottle of water and up we went. Up and up. Every time you think you are nearly there you aren't. It's like a trick mountain. People of my age took on the appearance of being drunk at they neared the summit; eyes fixed, unsteady on their feet and taken to muttering to themselves, using the language featured in the 'Exorcist'. I was no different, much to Sams amusement. The top was freezing but fantastic. It was certainly worth the effort to enjoy such an experience. But then, the sting. The 'flippin' walk down. It's all rocks that jar every mechanical bit in your legs and, in my case, everything else. The knees were screaming, the soles of my feet reduced to tatters and, as we neared the bottom, it became apparent that my 'brakes' were gone. On even the slightest downhill bit I now need to run like Michael Barrymore. Just can't stop. 

Back at boat I wanted to collapse but Sam assured me that a shower would help. Well it did but only by the fact that I used a 'modified' shower to good effect. Hope this doesn't make me a bad man but I ended up sitting on the pull down seat cos my feet hurt so much. Bliss. 

So pleased we climbed Ben Nevis but its taken its toll. Hope a good nights sleep aids recovery. Raining tonight. Hope to push on to Fort Augustus tomorrow. 

In the foothills of Ben Nevis

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Continuing from this mornings post I am delighted to report that Lloyds Bank must have gone out of business or have decided to take Tuesdays off. I am reasonably confident of this based upon the fact that they haven't rung me today. Perhaps the £202.78p I have just paid to use The Calodonian Canal was all I had left ? ( that's not, unfortunately, a joke). 

Up at 7am. Correction, I was awoken at 7am by the lock keeper who told me that I needed to pass 8 locks in a row, straight away. A big shock, especially as I needed to, first, sort this bloody mess out. 

Difficult to act like a sensible human being when you are knackered and its dark and your temporary home is tied to this lot. Also, the ladder was a bit loose. Anyway, entered the lock (at 8am) and got stuck in. Francesca also got stuck in.........to the fact that there was a train station within 100 yds with a direct link to Glasgow Airport. 'Gone in a flash' may be an understatement. I jest, partly. Francesca does need to report for work  on Thursday and I don't have a job so, ...........no problem! Having said that I am comfortable confessing that I am a little homesick and, as already mentioned, a bit worried about sailing the North Sea. Think Ill have a 'wee dram', later. 

Here's a pic of me looking rugged and 'fearless'. Yep .......fearless, like a fearless North Sea warrior. Anyway ....

Dramatic start of Neptunes Staircase. Google if interested. 

After Francesca had left (11am) we finished ascent of final locks then both had a little nap. Spent late afternoon cleaning / repairing boat the wandered down to the pub to sound out a suitable place to view tomorrows footy ( England vs Scotland). Barman said we were welcome tomorrow as the pub needed some anguish 'fodder'.  A few games of pool then steak pie on boat. 

The big bit by the mast is Ben Nevis. Need to get a bus to start. Night night.