Author Archives: admin

Extract Boat Journal: Thursday 29 June 1995 07-15hrs o­n a hilltop above Cullipool.Mars, a can of coke and hobnobs make an excellent breakfast. Cassie for company, the birds as music, cattle lowing, or rather bellowing in the distance, a Hebridean … Continue reading →

From Sailing Journal: Wednesday 28 June 1995 At the food stop, Cassie enjoyed most of an ice-cream and became a slightly cooler dog than before. She managed beautifully in the dinghy this morning, needing the minimum of help and persuasion. … Continue reading →

From Boat Journal Tuesday 27 June 1995 Proceeding to Craignish under motor o­n a flat, calm sea. The morning started with improvised showers and hair washes o­n the pontoon (Crinan Canal for me!) The 1st Mate resorted to a bikini … Continue reading →

Extract from Ship's Log Sunday 25 June 1995 Halcyon II is becoming ship-shape. Provisions are more ordered, bunks and cushions have become comfier, the library is operational, and charts and navigational area are organised. The boat is basic and functional … Continue reading →

Thinking about the possible demise of Halcyon of Seil has made me delve back into the boating journals of yesteryear. The first ever entry (when the boat was called Halcyon II – don't anyone mention what happens to boats who have … Continue reading →

To continue the saga of the boat: I clambered aboard the rescued vessel whilst it was held up in the crane cradle today. (Not an easy or elegant task.) It is unbelievable what the water can do. The power of … Continue reading →

During the gap of the last couple of days I have been thinking about how news can be slanted according to the way it is presented. For instance: “Mayday, Mayday, Halcyon of Seil holed and sinking fast…….the three o­n board … Continue reading →

I am reliably informed that Dana is behaving very well. She has even learned not to bark at the chickens and ducks. Apparently she does not want to jeopardise her promised treat of the beauty parlour next week.

A tip for herding ducks: wear a purple anorak. Flapping the sleeves mightily is a sure-fire way to get the ducks to leave their pond and march to their hut. At least that is what I have found.

A picnic isn't a picnic without a hard-boiled egg and a twist of salt.