late in the day with a long day ahead.
It is now half ten and I am just crossing the Karlruhe on my way to longhope, alone on the boat except for my
laptop.
It was an early start this morning. The troops left on the early ferry and I was down the boat not long after.
I like the first step on the boat after a group has left: there are little reminders of the departed divers all
around the place, left abadoned in their haste to get packed. There is the list of teas on the blackboard, a couple
of forgotten hats and a camera lens. They will be returned if requested, forgotten if not. Whatever their destiny,
the bits are added to the pile.
Then after the pause, all sentimentality evaporates as the hard graft starts with turning the boat around. A 12 bed
hotel would be considered as quite a large size but I have crammed it into a 60ft hull. Beds are made, galley
scrubbed, loos cleaned, deck hosed and finally a cup of tea and sarnie as the ferry comes in.
Except today there are no divers for me.
A last few hours in the afternoon and early evening before back down the boat. I spend a hour checking everything:
all oils are fresh and topped up, as with all the water levels too, all filters new and not dripping, no water in
bowls, all grease renewed, bilges pumped, gear stowed, hatches clamped shut, lights on, radar warmed up and a final
cup of tea. This is the last 5 min check, a reflection, a moment for the last contemplation, a touch of anxiety and
the thril of the unknown, a pause before the final commitment.
Then ropes off and away.
Now I have left, the worreis are less. What will be will be, it is in the hands of providence now.
Off round the top of scotland, round Cape Wrath, down the minch on to Mallaig.
Walkers this week. Birders next. A break from the norm.
