Reflections on 2006
“So how was it for me?” I hear you all clamour.
To be frank, from the point of view of the boat, this has been one of the best years ever and I think that has been down to the weather in the main. Yes, I know the last week was shite and that there were a few missed dives along the way but on the whole I basically did what I wanted, when I wanted. I was able to deliver on promises made at the start of the year and to match expectations.
Scapa started off poorly with a week of poor vis right just when I needed it least. The French were here to film their documentary and a bit of clarity in the water would have gone down a treat but in the end the video looks good and they seemed to go away happy enough.
Then away down the west coast and the walkers’ initial trepidation was alayed by the Halton’s sturdy build, fine weather and beautiful scenery.
The birders failed to make a decision and ringed a lot of birds so also went away happy. The diving in the Shiants was poor, one of the summer’s disappointments, but the above water toings and doings more than compensated.
Then off to Shetland. We lost dives at the start of the time due to fog but the Lerwick change overs made life so much more simple and gave the troops the full spell of time on the islands rather than in transit.
Back through Fair Isle and one of the most rewarding weeks of the year. The EGG was a complete unknown, a shot in the dark, and, as with many gambles, paid off many times over.
It is always good to get back in the Flow: east, west, homes best but it was not long before the off again and away to Fraserburgh. Again, this was an unknown quantity and we were hindered by the weather but the diving still got the troops excited and we divid the first virgin wreck of my time.
Home again to run the season out and that sees us to now, just basking in reflections and memories. Many, many things have gone wrong this year with a tragedy that has yet to be resolved but the diving has been among the best ever. The two don’t balance each other out but the diving does keep that desire explore the horizon alight and that’s why I will be back next year.
