THE ORKNEY ISLANDS ADVENTURE
Saturday 23rd June 2007 Me and my trusty crew member Norman boarded Kes, stowed our gear and slipped her lines, and entered the lock in company with Bernie and Dave on 'Amazing Grace'. We had high hopes of some half decent weather on our trip to the Orkney Islands. We exited the lock at 10.30hrs and hung a left. The weather was pretty crappy with poor visibility and no wind to speak of as we hoisted the main to steady 'Kes' and to motor sail ever northwards. I'd set out last year for the Orkneys, and never got further than Eyemouth, this time hopefully it would be different. (If I'd been on my own again it wouldn't have, as the weather was once again dire). 
We were off Sunderland at 14.00hrs and it was bucketing down as we sat under our brollies in the cockpit, helming and keeping an eye open for crab pots
and other vessels. We sailed past the Newcastle piers at 15.00hrs and it still rained! I suppose that with all the rain, a boat was the best, safest
and most practical place to be.
We approached Coquet Island and made our way into Amble after contacting the marina for our prospective berths, dropping the sails as we went and we berthed up at 19.30hrs. Bernie and Dave followed us in and were supposed to be port side to for their berth. They duly motored in, but unfortunately Dave got confused with his port and his starboard and had tied the fenders and readied the lines all on the starboard side. As Bernie berthed the boat Dave was facing the opposite way. He very nearly convinced us that we were wrong and that port is on the right of the boat! It looked as though another tattoo was required, one on each hand 'Port & Starboard' or a red and green glove to be worn when berthing. We sorted AG out and tidied up Kes, then went to see Bernie and Dave to see if we could coax them out for a pint. They didn't put up that much of a fight so off we went. We had a quick look around Amble, then we went to this pretty grotty old club that Dave knew for a couple of pints, where the tobacco stained plastic and the dusty stained glass was full of character and that was only the barman's glasses. Not one of Dave's better ideas, or am I just getting fussy in my dotage years? 47 miles Sunday 24th June 
Got up and decided to wander over to the quay side for a look at the Sunday market that is held there, but it was mostly tat. Having said that,
Norman managed to find a stall selling the biggest beef burgers I've ever seen in my life. He had this monster jammed in two hands and could have
done with three, with ketchup dripping over everything and everyone; he looked like he'd been in a road traffic accident. He valiantly fought the
diving seagulls off his fistful of burger. He said that he was starving, but judging by the birds so were they, but there was only going to be one
winner, and he resembled a giant hamster with his two cheeks bulging full of meat and bun!
Slipped the lines and left Amble at 11.30hrs and headed for Eyemouth in a N/Easterly F3; even the sun put in an appearance, but there were quite a few very dark clouds headed our way. We had decided to take the Inner passage through the Farne Islands as it was the prettier route. It started to rain then it poured and we ended up sailing under two brollies yet again to keep the rain off; and saw nothing of the scenery. I did volunteer to stay below but I was out voted by Norman. The wind increased as the clouds came over us so I put a reef in the main and dropped the mizzen sail; suggesting that Bernie put a reef in AG as well, as it looked like we were in for a good blow. How right I was! We were also back to sailing under our brollies until 17.00hrs when it stopped raining as we were passing Berwick on Tweed. However, it came in rather dark and cold. We got into Eyemouth at 19.00hrs, two hours before a big storm hit the area. Eyemouth harbour was totally full of fishing vessels and quite a few yachts that had come in seeking shelter because of the weather, so it looked like we were going to be here for some time. Little did I know how long! We let Amazing Grace take the pontoon and we lay along side her with plenty of fenders and lines out. The storm hit at about 21.00hrs from the north, anyone that knows Eyemouth wouldn't have recognised it. The canyon (entrance to the harbour) had a vicious fetch and standing waves in it which would have made it impossible to enter safely. Even the seals had come in for shelter and we counted at least eight. We were invited on board AG for a meal with Bernie and Dave, followed by the compulsory couple of pints at the local hostelry, which was full of very strange people that were well on their way to being alcoholics. I always seem to attract this type, you know the ones that come over and put their arms around you and talk to you as if you've been their best mate for years! The wind was really howling making the moorings look quite uncomfortable from the pub window, so another couple of pints were called for to take our minds off it, and my new drunken best mates! 44miles. Total 91 miles Monday 25th June The weather was much the same if not worse, as we walked across to the Seaman's Mission for breakfast. Norman and I had a walk to the boat museum where I introduced Norman to the guys that were renovating the boats. (I had been in last year) There's everything from coracles, Eskimo canoes, to gondola's, lifeboats and fishing boats. That passed a few interesting hours; we then went back and had an evening meal on board AG before turning in. Kes was bouncing about like a bucking bronco (I think that's what Norman said) with the waves and wind funnelling in and it was pouring down yet again, and they had forecast frost! Doesn't it realise that it's flaming June! This time last year we were having a heat wave, global warming my arse! Tuesday 26th June More rain and wind, even after our praying and burning effigies to the weather God's, it hadn't worked, or was that just Bernie's Yorkshire puddings smoking? Norman and I had decided to get the bus to Berwick; the other two ancient mariners declined the invitation. Made our way for breakfast at the Mission again, and then set off to catch the bus for Berwick. We had a good day walking around the town walls and piers then explored the town itself and had a bite to eat in the old gaol. It was funny, but I felt quite at home there for some reason, which was quite spooky. Waited to catch the bus back to Eyemouth and went on board AG. Bernie and Dave were sat with their hats and coats on, Dave with a tartan blanket over his legs. Apparently they were waiting for us to go back to the boat after breakfast and were going to join us. (Not what they said on the morning - believe me)? It looked like Gods waiting room on AG, and then Bernie managed a bit of movement and knocked a meal up for the four of us. I volunteered to liquidise theirs, just to make it easier for them but they declined and persevered with it. The four of us went out for a couple of beers to a pub that we'd come across in an alley. I'd been to Eyemouth numerous times and had never come across it before. It was a great place - good beer and no loud music, I think it was called the 'Schooner' or something nautical like that; we then went back to the boats and turned in. Wednesday 27th June Bernie invited us aboard AG for breakfast and the four of us decided to go to Edinburgh for the day as the weather was still crap. No boats could enter or leave the harbour due to the weather, so we caught a bus which took nearly two hours to get there. The driver must have been a relation of Sterling Moss, talk about a white knuckle ride! The day in the city was great; even the sun showed its face for a short time. Found somewhere decent to eat, then Norman and I went off on our own to explore. We climbed the Scott monument - 200ft and 289 steps up to the top; it was well worth the climb for the views. I still say that there were only 288 steps but Norman refused point blank to go up again and do a recount! I think my authority is being undermined, is this classed as mutiny, could I make Norman walk the plank or -- something! Later in the day we met up with the other two old salts at the bus station and headed back, the bus driver was even madder than the first one, we needed a drink to calm our nerves! We had a meal on AG and a couple of beers and discussed our plans for the next day. We turned in ready for an early start the next morning for Stonehaven, as the weather forecast sounded pretty good, and fishing boats had started to leave the harbour. Thursday 28th June Got up at 06.30hrs and readied the boats for sea and for Stonehaven. However, during the night Bernie and Dave had changed their plans yet again and were going to go to Anstruther instead. Well that's the end of our floating restaurant, bugger! Slipped our lines and set off at 08.30hrs and said our goodbyes to Bernie and Dave before heading our different ways. 
We arrived in Stonehaven at 21.15hrs after a really good sail with winds of Force 5-6. We tied up against the wall, placed the 'Angels' on the lines
to keep us close into the wall etc then went into town for a Chinese take away washing it down with a couple of cold beers. Gave Bernie and Dave a call
to see if they were ok, and found that they had changed their mind yet again and gone around the corner of Eyemouth to Dunbar.74 miles Total 165 miles Friday 29th June 
Eventually we surfaced from our warm cosy bunks and had a good breakfast before donning our water proofs in preparation for a long walk to Dunottar
Castle. This was a fantastic sight, set on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the sea. Surprise, surprise the heavens opened yet again and the wind
got up; luckily we had our trusty brollies handy. They really could have done with a couple of reefs in as we fought to keep hold of them and not look
like a couple of 'Mary Poppins'.
We made it back to Stonehaven and looked for sanctuary; luckily all the churches were closed so we had to make do with
'The Ship Hotel' instead. Had a couple of pints of really nice brown hand pulled holy water and a lovely lunch before setting off for Peterhead.
But it wasn't to be, the wind swung around and increased to a force 7-8, so we wouldn't be moving that day, never mind back to our sanctified drinking parlour. This has been the wettest and coldest month for 150 years, I repeat - global warming my arse! The desire to hibernate at this stage was quite intense and sounded a really sensible option under the cicumstances. We hoped to get away early next morning so a reasonably early night was called for. Stonehaven is a really nice place to be storm bound in, so it wasn't all bad! The last time I was here it was red hot and I just lazed on the beach reading. Definitely not this time though, unless you're dressed in a mack and the book had waterproof pages! Saturday 30th June Got up at 02.00hrs and had slipped our lines by 02.30hrs and were on our way to Peterhead. It was very cool in fact it was bloody freezing, but cracking sailing. We still had one reef in the main as it was blowing a F5. Even so we still made 6+kts for most of the time; we were both well wrapped up due to the cold and damp conditions, the early morning chill brought up goose bumps on my skin, and I lost my baseball cap in a strong gust to Neptune (I just hope it fits him). About three miles from Peterhead the wind died but left a large lazy 2-3 metre swell to motor into, not very comfortable sailing or should that be motor sailing? Yet again! Arrived in the marina at 09.00hrs and were met by the staff to take our lines (after quite a quick but very cold sail). We went into the town for a bite to eat and for me to buy a new cap, which I duly purchased at Woolworths for 75 pence, to fit a 2-4 year old. (I wasn't going to pay £9 plus for a designer cap). I always knew that I had young head on old shoulders; is that the right way around? Who cares 75p is 75p! The majority of the women we saw in the town centre had various parts of their faces pierced and were dressed in leggings. Strewth, this is the recognised uniform of fatties everywhere, worn to create a super slimming effect, (this is after all the home of the deep fried Mars Bar) but alas, all it does is make the average body look like a sackful of ferrets! Had a very nice meal and a pint then back to Kes to top up the water, fuel and check the engine oil and bilges. Tried to decide on whether to go to Whitehills or straight to Wick; it would all depend on the weather. I was still full of cold plus I had an irritating cough ;( or that's what Norman said). I think I may have that dreaded ailment MAN FLU! But we did get a bit of sun and I managed to get into my shorts at last. We had a really good day and hoped that this was the start of a change in the weather. 44miles Total 209 miles Sunday 1st July It certainly was a change in the weather, even thicker fog and pouring rain. We stayed in our bunks and festered until 11.00hrs, just listening to the rain drumming on the cabin top. We had to listen because we couldn't actually see it for the fog! A dry spell arrived at last and we made a quick dash for the shower. We had spent most of the morning keeping out of the rain, only then to make a run for it and jump into a shower! How ridiculous is that? We walked into town to find a pub that did Sunday lunches as we really fancied roast beef with Yorkshire puddings with all the trimmings. There were two; The Palace and The Waverly. Found the Palace first, but when we walked in we felt a tad under dressed in our dripping wet smelly oilies, definitely missing our bow ties or cravats and suits and it was £15.00 a head! Next The Waverly, which was more like it, clean, friendly and more importantly cheap, plus good hand pulled ale. Had a very good meal and a couple of very good beers then went back to the boat for a read and yet another prayer to the weather Gods? On our way back we decided to get some provisions then take a quick way down a grassy slope to the lower path. Well it certainly was - for me at least! I went arse over tit on the wet grass landing on my trusty brolly and the bottom path; it now resembled a piece of modern art sculpture. (The brolly, not the path) I still can't believe that Norman just laughed hysterically, as if I would have if the roles had been reversed, ok - probably, in fact highly likely! Another yacht came in as we got back. It was a 26 - 28ft junk rigged Colvic called Glory. We met the guy on it and got chatting. He had sailed around the world 3 times, crossed the Atlantic 9 times and sailed around the UK 7 times. He said that that was all they would let him do these days! We later found out that he was 95 years old and was called Sir Henry Piggot. He also told us that his daughter has sailed with him a couple of times but that it was too much responsibility! For whom?? There was another yacht in doing a circumnav of the UK called 'Deer hunter' and his web site is www.robaroundbritain2007.com. It finally stopped raining but was still very foggy we were still hoping to leave for Wick the following morning. Monday July 2nd Got up quite early, slipped our lines and headed for Wick in a fresh S/E wind with no fog! Goose winged the main and Genoa and we were off like a racehorse or should that be a speedboat? Anyway we were off which was the main thing; 320 degrees all the way to Wick. On route even the sun put in an appearance or was it a UFO? An unidentified flaming object! Whichever it was, it soon disappeared. Then the wind increased to a F6 plus more in the frequent gusts, we fitted a preventor on the boom just in case we jibed and took in half of the Genoa. At times we were surfing at 8 to 12kts but kept a very respectable 6kts most of the time. 
The seas got bigger with 2 - 3 metre swells with a lot (too many) curling tops. We were pooped several times - not badly but it was the first time that
I'd ever had solid water over the stern into the cockpit. I always find it a bit daunting in seas like those when you look back and see how big they
actually are; a good tip is to always keep your eyes facing forward! The closer we got to Wick the bigger the seas became; then thick fog decided to
descend once again, thank God for my Garmin chart plotter and GPS.
The Lifeboat came steaming out of Wick harbour when we were less than half a mile away. We thought it was to escort us in, because when I had contacted the Aberdeen Coast Guard he had told us that the harbour may be closed due to the weather conditions - tough we were going in anyway! They were just out on exercises and nothing at all to do with us. We got into the harbour and were told to tie up alongside a fishing boat which was close to the Lifeboat House. Both of us were wet, cold and feeling more than a bit miserable, but also very pleased to be tied up safely. The Lifeboat came back in and we got chatting with the crew. They obviously felt sorry for us and very kindly joined 3 cable reels together from the Lifeboat house so we could connect the fan heater and have some heat on board to dry our gear, ourselves and to air the boat out. Ok Norm you can turn the tears off now, we have power so many thanks to them and Norm for his Oscar winning acting ability! Tidied the boat up then went out for a hot meal and a couple of well deserved pints before turning in and waiting to see what Tuesday brought, at the moment it was thick fog,damp and very cold. 76 miles Total 288 miles Tuesday 3rd July It was thick fog yet again which had been brought in by a brisk easterly wind. Decided to stay and have a look around, as Wick is a really nice place with a lot of history. Went for breakfast then to the Wick Heritage Centre - this is well worth a visit, it was a very interesting place to spend a day, if you had the time. Wick is also rife for the development of its historic houses and warehouses etc, some of which is going on at present. Also next spring pontoons are going into the inner harbour with electric and water which will turn a good port into a superb stopping off point for the Orkney's, Shetlands and Pharoes. Had a nice meal with the obligatory couple of beers, we hoped to set out for Scapa Flow the following day all being well and the weather improving. Wednesday 4th July Got up after a night of torrential rain to find the dreaded fog gone! We went for a shower, when we came out low and behold - bloody thick fog again! If we were going it had to be no later than 12.00hrs to cross the Pentland Firth and have the current with us, as it flows at 12kts and even 16kts during spring tides, which was what it was at that moment. The Pentland Firth has a well deserved reputation as being the most dangerous stretch of water around the UK, and amongst the world's mariners, as a channel to be navigated with extreme care and caution. The Admiralty warn mariners of, 'The great differences in direction and rate of the tide as it surges through the Firth from the Atlantic to the North Sea. Streams run very strongly and are among the fastest in the world, eddies of great extent and strength form, and there are races and overfalls of tremendous violence, also that no chart description of the tidal streams are guaranteed always to be correct or indeed accurate.' I'm glad that I didn't know this before we set off; as we had to actually negotiate it not once but twice! Went for breakfast and provisioned up, returned to the boat and had a word with the coxen of the Lifeboat. He rang his mate (who was the second coxen who skippered a ferry that ran from John o' Groats to the Orkneys) to ask about conditions, which he said were reasonable. The weather improved enough to give it a go - so off we went after thanking the RNLI for their help in providing us power and advice. 
We reached Duncansby Head doing 6-6kts, which is the approach to the Pentland Firth, (No turning back now). We passed Muckle Skerry Island sailing
through very large whirlpools and overfalls; our speed over ground increased to 10+kts at times but nothing too daunting; he said with fingers crossed!
I called up the second coxen on his ferry to tell him that we were safely through the Pentland Firth and into Scapa Flow. He suggested that we go into
Widewall Bay and tie up to the ferry mooring buoy for the night as it was only used during the winter months. We sailed into Widewall Bay on South
Ronaldsay in Scapa Flow and tied up to the ferry buoy in glorious sunshine. It actually looked like a world war two mine, but after Norman had hit
it a few times with the boat hook it was decided that it was either a dud or in fact a buoy. I made tea which we ate in the cockpit with a well earned
couple of beers to celebrate our safe arrival to the Orkney Islands.
Washed and tidied up and sat reading in the cockpit with a wee dram each to warm
the cockles of our hearts until well after 21.00hrs. We hoped to head for Stromness which was 18mls away the following day - weather permitting.31miles Total 319 miles Thursday 5th July After untying ourselves from our floating anchor at 09.00hrs we headed for Stromness, motoring with the mizzen set in very little wind, but plenty of sun! As we approached Hoy Sound we noticed several dive boats strung out across the sound - there were no flags showing that divers were down, just a few floats on the surface. (We only knew from looking through the binoculars that there were divers about). We were giving them as wide a berth as we could when this dive boat steamed up towards us with two guys shouting and screaming hysterically, 'Divers down, divers down'. We were aware of this and had altered course anyway, but this trawler type dive boat steamed more or less over where his party of divers were down. He was definitely more of a danger to them than we were ever going to be. Another boat called us up on the VHF informing us that they had divers in the water. I called back asking which side they preferred us to pass on and it posed no problem for them or us, unlike the other nutter. Arrived in Stromness marina at 12.00hrs in glorious sunshine and tied up to a pontoon, then had a walk into the town for a coffee and some fabulous crab soup with fresh baked bread. Decided to catch the bus to Maes Howe (which is an ancient burial mound older than the pyramids) and had a guided tour around the inside of it. Then we walked about 3mls to a large stone circle called Ring of Bradgar with some magnificent views over the island. It had been a really brilliant day, as the Orkneys are steeped in ancient history and local folk law. 
Walked along the road and caught the bus back, went for a shower followed by a fish and chip supper on board. We got talking to the guy off the boat
next to us on an ETAP and arranged to go aboard for a wee dram then to the pub; the beer is superb as there are quite a few micro breweries on the
islands which suited me right down to the ground.
We came away from the pub and its folk night and back to Kes for another wee dram. Boy did I know
about it the next day, I'd have to stick to my couple of pints in future.18 miles Total 337miles Friday 6th July It was our 39th wedding anniversary (not mine and Normans, mine and Rose's). I opened my card and stuck it up in the saloon then phoned Rose for a chat to wish her a very happy anniversary. Myself and Norman felt a bit femur after our binge, but the sun came out - proper sun that is, the kind that is revitalising and warms your bones as well as airing the boat out. So it was on with the shorts; and then we caught the bus to Kirkwall to have a look around, which was another very nice place to visit. Had lunch and a coffee sat on the grass outside of the Cathedral; purchased more vittals then headed back to Stromness. We had decided to head closer to the Pentland Firth to get the most out of the tidal stream. As I said it flows between 12&16kts so you must get it right otherwise you can get swept onto the rocks of one of the islands in the Firth. Norman really had to get back for work, and as long as we reached the mainland then he could get back to Hartlepool by bus or train. However, he was determined to see it through to the end, so I caught the bus home instead, and left him - only kidding! Left Stromness marina and sailed around the north coast of Scapa Flow doing a bit of exploring the small bays and inlets; before going into Burray Bay and then into St Margarets Hope Bay where we picked up a huge buoy with a 3” rope on it which we secured to Kes's Sampson post. I made tea and then relaxed with a book and a large glass of local mead which Norman had purchased; purely medicinal of course, just in case I caught anything else. We planned to set off the following day at about 09.00hrs; so that we got the full six hours of favourable tide which would carry us as far as Wick. 21miles Total 358 miles Saturday 7th July The wind had been really howling all night plus continual heavy rain. The wind was still blowing and registered 30+kts gusting 40-45 kts at times - so we had decided to stay put on our secure mooring and see if it improved by Sunday. The Coastguards weather forecast said, NO IT WOULDN'T! There was a large slow moving depression between us and Norway, not as large and slow moving as the one that I had over my head at that moment, where's that bloody summer? So we passed the day reading, ferry spotting and slapping each other to keep warm, we tried playing hide and seek but I think Norman was peeking because he found me in 3 seconds! I lit the Taylor's heater and got the Scrabble out. Norman was playing in Swahili or something judging by some of the words that he wanted to use. I won by using normal run of the mill English words and pure skill - hard luck Norm! It was back to the book for a read and a wee dram before turning in. Sunday 8th July Woke up yet again to a howling gale and pouring rain, oh woe is me - not another night on our adopted mooring buoy, but looking on the bright side it was very secure and free! I contacted the Coast Guard for a weather update which was not good news; winds SW 25-30kts increasing 30-35kts with severe gusts of 40-50kts - brilliant. The latest we could leave to cross the Pentland Firth was about 12.30hrs. The ferry came in again and I called him up to find out what it was the sea state was like - he said that it wasn't too bad just a bit choppy with strong gusts of wind as forecast, the worst part would be leaving the bay. So we had a chat and decided to go for it, if it was too bad we'd head for Widewall Bay - what's that nautical term - oh yes - shit or bust! Donned our foulies, untied and left our buoy, motoring into really heavy seas with strong winds to boot. (It might have been a bit choppy for him in his huge ferry, but for us it was like the Southern Ocean). We actually had water, solid water at that, past the spray hood and as far as Norman, they really stopped Kes and Norman in their tracks. Then once we had cleared the bay mouth it flattened out a bit, but only a bit! We were motor sailing with about a third of the Genoa out and doing 6-11kts. The maximum wind speed we registered was 49kts but constant 30-35-40kts were the norm, no pun intended Norm. It really lived up to its reputation as was mentioned earlier! 
The seas did get better as we crossed the Pentland Firth probably due to the speed of the tide ripping through it. (Apart from the races
and overfalls of tremendous violence plus the huge whirlpools) Then it kicked up again as we approached Wick, it took less than 5hrs but
it seemed like 25hrs to do the 34mls. We arrived very wet but happy, Kes had really shown what she was made of, what a great little ship. That
was the strongest constant winds I had ever had her out in by choice and I hoped not to repeat it. I had broken one of my own golden rules by
actually setting out in those weather conditions, but we were well prepared, experienced, and had faith in the boat and we were always hooked on.
Once in Wick we tied up in the same spot as before. The coxen welcomed us again (commenting again about the size of the St George flag compared to the small St Andrew courtesy flag). I invited him aboard for a beer and a chat pointing out that I was flying the RNLI flag as well. We then got changed and went out for a well deserved slap up meal and at least a couple of beers before turning in. 34miles Total 392 miles Monday 9th July Refuelled the boat and crew, had a quick word with the lifeboat coxen and set off at 10.30hrs. We were heading south until the butter melted, well the margarine at least, fat chance of that happening in this weather! We headed for Peterhead but later decided to carry on and sail to Blyth, informing the coastguard of our intentions. We started doing 2hr watches at 22.00hrs after having something to eat and a hot drink. It was a very damp night with the moisture running down the sails and rigging which was not very pleasant at all. Two dolphins joined us for a short while but it was obviously too cold and damp even for them and they soon disappeared. We had to motor sail with the engine just above tick over to keep the batteries topped up and due to the wind direction which was, surprise, surprise - due south. No matter which direction we sailed the wind was on the nose or we had to beat and I've been told, 'That gentlemen don't beat to windward'. If I get another boat it'll be a motor sailor with a big engine and a comfortable warm enclosed wheelhouse. Sorry Kes! In 24hrs we had covered 115mls with about 121mls to go to reach Blyth. The wind was still blowing at 10-15kts from the south but 'Jack' the autohelm was doing all the hard work; it was 180 degrees all the way taking us about 35mls off shore until we approached the coast around Blyth. Whoever was on watch, that is exactly what they were doing, watching and sail trimming if needed. Since setting out from Hartlepool we hadn't passed one yacht at sea, this I found quite unbelievable; even with the crappy weather you'd expect to see other yachts about. I turned the engine off at 16.30hrs as the wind had gone more to the SW-W force 5-6, 55mls to Blyth as we headed for the Outer Farnes, under sail once more. A pod of about six large dolphins joined us for quite a long time. They frolicked about the boat with one individual leaping and spinning out of the water while the others swam alongside and nudged the dolphin catcher on the bow. We passed the Farne Islands with quite a lot of trawlers about but posing no problem for us. Headed for Blyth Marina and tied up at 06.00hrs after a 43.5hr and 236ml passage. Got our heads down for a couple of hours then had a shower and met Paul and Jill off 'Alpagro', a yacht from Hartlepool that had left to sail the seven seas. They very kindly invited us on board for breakfast; we went aboard carrying three gifts, not gold, frankincense and myrrh, but eggs, bread and milk! 236 miles Total 628 miles Wednesday 11th July Left Blyth at 10.00hrs and had a pleasant sail to Hartlepool and entered the lock at 15.00hrs to horns blowing and the claxons sounding. Motored around to my berth tied up and tidied up. We congratulated ourselves on our trip and Norman made his weary way home whilst I finished off some little jobs on board waiting for Rose to pick me up, take me home to a warm comfortable house and some good home cooking. 39 miles Total 667 miles 
It had been a great experience with a great sailing companion; we met a lot of really nice people and saw some fantastic places.
Weather could have been better - a lot better but unfortunately we have no control over the elements. We did it, enjoyed it and returned
safely, not a lot more to add really except; thank God we took our trusty brollies! Would I do it again, yes definitely because
the cruising up there is second to none; and the people on the Orkney's were really friendly and the place was so clean with little or no pollution
to speak of.
23rd June to 11th July 2007 Sailing 667nautTical miles THE ORKNEY TALE 2007 We left the lock and headed north First to Amble then the Firth of Forth But prior to that it's Eyemouth we head Then onto Stonehaven harbour and Peterhead 'We're stuck here again' was all that was said When we heard the wail of the foghorn at Peterhead With the creak of lines and drumming of rain Has this trip to the Orkney's been all in vain Two thirds of the way and the goal was in sight Now there's not enough wind to fly a kite More rain and more fog is making us sick But we sail ever northward heading for Wick Then it's hold on tight for the Pentland Race My God we crossed that at a hell of a pace Our course was planned like a well oiled machine To full fill our trip of the Orkney dream How long we stay there is anyone's guess We are hoping for more but will settle for less Then it's homeward bound on the good ship 'Kes' It's not her fault that the weathers a mess We hope the trip home is warmer than out Then we can sit in the cockpit and cheer and shout Hartlepool in sight and a sharp turn at the Heugh Our cruise this summer was more than enough We tied up securely then tidied up too It was quite an adventure with Norman as crew We never argued once and never once got irate It was a bloody good trip with Norman my mate! Mike Fellows 'Kes' 2007 Read more from Mike at Marina Mates
Comment on this article Tell us your story |
|