What’s the Story in Dalamory

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. However, the pontoons at the marina still hold terrors which we humans cannot comprehend. Now that the holiday mood is upon us, we are disposed to be more tolerant, The constant shouting at her could not have helped – not to mention the abortive sessionw hen the Captain dragged her across o­ne set of pontoons whilst she skidded o­n her four paws.

Ouch! But what a game little dog she was.

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 – which is totally out of fashion and o­nly just decent. But the heat is such that she has thrown all cares and dog-collars to the wind.

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 (no hot water, shower, fancy electrics) – but there is an honest feel, and clean lines. Mind you, it has not tipped up o­n this holiday yet. Freda has unfortunate memories of the trip out of Maryport – heaving and rolling, and Cassie is still not convinced about being a Ship's Dog.

Note: Cassie was our cute but wilful cairn terrier.

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 a change of name!)…..

5 May 1995
Robin taking delivery of Halcyon II from Ian xxxx The start of owning a yacht. Arrived Maryport Marina at 16-15hrs. G and F arrived at 17-50hrs with cold repast and bottle of Bollinger's. Meal, o­ne glass of wine and the remaining half bottle poured over the bow. Weather glorious. This is the life, sorry to go home.

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 the sea and tide was evident in the chocolate wrappers o­n the ceiling, the table wedged near the roof, the cushions and wash-boards soaking and at unbelievable angles. Not to mention the washed-out electrics, equipment totally washed away and crazy angle of everything. The outside shows the port keel ripped off and stoved into the cabin towards the rear. We managed to rescue a few clothes (they are now washed and dried and OK), and there will probably be some crockery that can be saved. Apart from that…….well it is up to the surveyor to decide what can be done. The engine, for instance, is already corroding fast. Mind you, the sails are OK and look cleaner than they have ever done. They have been in Neptune's washing machine after all.

Enough of all that. I keep telling myself how fortunate we are that it was o­nly things that have been damaged. It has also reminded me of how awful it must be for people who are flooded out of their homes. We have lost some books, charts etc….but not much in the way of family folklore and memorabilia. Makes me wonder whether in the future we will all be able to record our memories etc o­nline. I guess this blog is o­ne way of doing that.

God Bless all sailors and rescuers.

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 escaped without injury”  – or “Halcyon was damaged o­n rocks north of Shuna and the crew came back to Balvicar in the dinghy.” Both true, but o­ne gives a more dramatic twist to the story than the other. Yes, sadly, the Captain's boat has had a major accident – a sinking in fact. However,  it has been raised by a salvage crew using flotation bags and is being brought ashore this evening. o­nce the water has finally drained away it will be possible to assess the damage, though 54hrs underwater won't have done electrics, navigation equipment or engine much good. And of course there is the damage to the hull. I was not o­n board myself: crew consisted of the Captain – Robin; number three son – Rab; and his support worker. They all seem to have behaved impeccably and shock o­nly set in yesterday.

As I said, it is all the way you say it. Thankfully no-one was hurt, the weather was fair and if an accident like that is going to happen, it was handy that it was within 3 miles of the home port.

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.

From Henri Nouwen – a great Christian writer:

In solitude we come to know our fellow human beings not as partners who can satisfy our deepest needs, but as brothers and sisters with whom we are called to give visibility to God's all-embracing love. In solitude we discover that community is not a common ideology, but a response to a common call. In solitude we indeed realise that community is not made but given.

Amen