Onwards to Scotland

Trip Start May 06, 2008
1
6
130
Trip End Sep 30, 2008


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Flag of United Kingdom  , Scotland,
Monday, May 12, 2008

Today's destination was the little harbour of Portpatrick, a little south of the major port of Stranraer and situated on the Mull of Galloway. It promised to be a sunny day, albeit a little cold as the NE breeze, blowing over the yet-to-be-warmed sea, tends to bring the temperatures right down. No shorts yet!
 
We had the engine started at 08:15 and keeping fingers crossed that the windlass would work (it did!) we were soon on our way. The winds were about F4 NNE and veering to ENE, so we were able to sail, averaging 7 knots for one 3 hour period, until we were in the lee of the Mull of Galloway, when the winds dropped and we motored, arriving in Portpatrick at 17:15, a journey of 49 miles. We tied up against the wall, assisted by the harbourmaster, who promptly asked us for an empty plastic bottle. We obliged but were puzzled, until he forcibly shoved it into a gap between the stones in the harbour wall - '' it deters the pigeons'' he explained A pair Black Guillemots in Portpatrick harbour
A pair Black Guillemots in Portpatrick harbour
 . Sadly, he needed quite a few more bottles, judging by our decks the next morning! However, a compensation was that some of the holes were being used by the charming little black guillemots, lovely little birds and a joy to watch, as they paddle furiously with their bright red legs around the harbour with their heads underwater, scouting for food.
 
We had a drink in the local pub in the hot evening sun - it really was warm out of the wind. Then back on board for dinner and a couple of hours on the computer. Our house sale seems to be progressing, so we're keeping everything crossed.
 
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