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.