So there we have it. 'Job Done'. Thinking back now, a lot of the trip is one big blur. The myriad of ports and towns have become one, where people we met, things we saw have all been thrown into the same pot. Perhaps thats the way it should be? It suits me, anyhow.
What would I change? Well for one thing I would have left earlier. That would have given us enough time to get down to Scarborough and then back up to the Orkneys to have properly tied the knot, as they say. Also it would have given us more time to dwell in the nicer places. I would also like to have been able to control the weather, to have fair winds and flat seas with a wave of my omnipotant hand.
Other than that everything was hunky dory. Even though we were keen to reach our destination it was a pity it had to come to an end. As a lifestyle I would have been happy for it to go on for many years. Living on a boat is great. This I swear by the blood of my Gypsy Mother.
Was it what I expected? NO!! Looking through my rose coloured glasses with a mind crammed full of blue sky thinking, off we set. Reality was harder than expected. Long legs in rough seas take their toll. I wouldn't go so far as saying that the best part of sailing is reaching your destination but there were times of great joy when the entrance to a safe haven came into view. Just as joyous were the days when under sail, the pure poetry of making your next port using nature - unforgettable.
What Next?
Get ourselves established on the island. The static caravan is already there (what a job that was!) (serves the pikey right).
Sell Happy Daze. We want to get a good fast work boat - RIB or fast hard boat will have many more applications for an island like Eday. Happy Daze has done what I put her together to do, so off she goes. At some point we will be in the market for a 30+ ft yacht to do the Atlantic circuit. Another project to put a boat together for that job alone!
In the mean time we've got some heaps of stone to pile back up again. So once again, its 'Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Its Off to Work We go...'
Happy Daze folks.
Ivan
