The Scottish weather finally relented, Ruach came out of the water on Monday to have some essential maintenance work done before the trip commences.
Even this task was not without it's challenges. I had taken a days leave from work to sail Ruach over to Fairlie Marine to be hauled out the water. Unfortunately the boat hoist had failed, needing a replacement part. So it looked like a precious days holiday was going to be wasted, but then we formulated a plan B! This was to see if those nice guys at Largs Marina could squeeze me into their busy early season schedule. Thankfully they agreed and Ruach was hoisted out of the briny, then pressure washed to remove the marine flora and forna, before being placed skilfully on to her trailer to await the haul by road to Fairlie.
The final task before her 'road trip' was to lower the mast and remove the bowsprit. This is the first time I have performed this task on a Cornish Crabber and more to the point the first time I have done this single handed. So with a bit if thought, a few old timers trick, the right weather and a dose of ignorance the mast came down easily and the bowsprit was dismounted.
As I write this blog I notice that it is now only 65 days to the commencement of the journey. Where is the time going to? I so hope time starts to slow to a more leisurely pace once I step off the everyday treadmill of life.
If you came to this blog from the website www.eventoftheyear.co.uk you will hopefully have had a look around the site and be aware of what I'm up to, both the adventure itself and the fact that I'm aiming to raise awareness of dementia in our society and to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.
I'm doing this trip for fun and funding the trip myself, but while I'm on this venture you can do your bit to by supporting the Alzheimer's Society through the 'Charity' link on the webpage www.eventoftheyear.co.uk or by going direct to the website http://www.justgiving.com/david-hippey/
Thanks for your support.
If you want to be emailed when this blog is updated drop me a note at onpassage@dhippey.co.uk
Catch you next time.
David H.
