In order to leave our current position we need to cheat and put the engines on to get us out and around the island – the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, what wasn’t very helpful. We are headed for Port Ellen at Islay. It’s Megan’s birthday today and her Ma and Pa send a huge chocolaty cake, which was rather yummy, but we’ve all got to work hard to burn it off. Fionsa was delighted to participate in the early Watch (04:00-08:00 hours) after Dynah’s insastance because she did mess duty the previous day. Dinah also was delighted with her watch and enjoyed it thoroughly. fHappy hour was a very fun fun fun occasion, we cleaned heads, scrubbed floors and bright work, everone enjoyed the brasso fumes! In between Smoko and lunch we set sails but also learnt songs thanks to Louise (favourite pastime of voyage crew). She was teaching us Dum-dum-di-di which Dinah says older members might know as the Malayian Hand Drill except none of the actions are the same! The actions kept us warm and the bonhomie was palpable, what a difference a day makes. No sail changes were required during the afternoon so we had a super time with songs, quizzes and laughs and then a conversation about where the toilet seat should be left, up or down – what do you think at home? Louise’s thought about this, is that it’s so funny how we always end up talking about toilets within Guiding events. Some of our watch, Rachel, Sarah and Suzy went up the Foremast right to the top, very exciting and very high up, well done girlies.
So the plan for evening is to harbour at Port Ellen and take on water. Hmmm, plan seems to have changed, ship is going backwards away from Port Ellen... Wind has caused a problem, it was decided much to dangerous to attempt come into harbour, big sharp rocks and stuff. The Linesman in the boat i.e. Fiona, got soaked for nothing in the little DOTI voat. We pulled away from the coastline alittle and dropped anchor for the night. All is well except we now haven’t taken on any water. Great evening in bar led in singing by Louise, supported by Mhairi and Dinah, learning new songs and reviving old. The permanent crew were right impressed!
Dinah’s Dictionary Word of the Day is scranbag. So what’s a scranbag?