Audacitor - Madeira - Canaries

From early delight to Oceanmaster - time does fly - only seems yesterday he was on Castletown beach enjoying the ripples of the tide! Gordon is off to Madeira to help take Audacitor to the Canaries. Phil has had to return. Gareth and Dickon are shorthanded. Skype is set up so no expensive 'roaming' - phoning.

A prayer I have found, for all on Audacitor, in one of David Adam's books, thought to be from the Hebrides ~

Round our skiff
be God's aboutness
Ere she try
the depsth of sea
Sea-shell frail
for all her stoutness
Unless Thou
her helmsman be

During our various adventures of life, whether on the water or dry land, our companion, refuge and guide remains the same - the 'Thou' the Almighty - occasionally recognised.

Snow Time

Happy New Year - Belatedly

Really didn't expect to be away from the internet for quite so long. We became snow bound, like so many across Britain, and repeatedly took refuge away from the cold and ice, by the fire.

The wintry weather created all kinds of chaos, while at the same time there were some terrific sights. Flocks of garden visitors arrived, each busy trying to find food. The snow allows us to see the marks of all kinds of the wildlife we rarely see. I was particularly taken by the tiny footprints of one foraging bird who had taken refuge in the lee of a wall away from the wind. Wizzy loved pushing her nose in the snow exploring the curious white fluff, and then went charging around in her 'nutty-dog' manner.

Life has to be lived slowly but surely in icy conditions and the blanket of snow muffles all sounds. Thoroughly enjoyed the snow-time, away from the frenetic activities that mark our 21st century culture, it was accompanied by many little epiphanies as well as great connections with family and friends.

Where is your refuge?

Recently, I was asked where would be my place of refuge. Perhaps, it's an easy question to answer when we have the Tower of Refuge in Douglas Bay.

In around 1824, Sir William Hillary conceived the idea of a life boat service manned by a trained crew. This idea was the fore runner of our RNLI. The tower was built on Coniston Rock, after Hillary had been washed overboard from a lifeboat, when trying to save a Steam Packet vessel. He already knew the waters of the Irish Sea were dangerous and he discovered the distance to the shore was too far to swim. The tower gave shipwrecked survivors a refuge, equipped with fresh water and bread, while awaiting their rescue.

For someone brought up near the sea, and loving many kinds of boats, it's a classic sailing boat that I would consider my refuge. There is something comfy and purposeful about how some boats are laid out below decks. Secure accessible stowage is essential, everything has its own particular place, so that it won't go missing, get broken or cause damage if left lying about. I do remember going over an old folk boat, some years ago, which had its own tiny woodburning stove, very cosy.

It's also possible to batten down the hatches from below in inclement weather and if the weather is violent, then the sea anchors could be used. Although, the safest place to be in a boat in bad weather is, of course, in a harbour.

We have a Maritime Artist on the Island called Nicola Dixon, whose compositions are delightful, quirky and I love them. She also has connections with IYRS in Newport RI, as do we! With her permission - here is one of her pictures of the outer Castletown Harbour.

http://www.nicoladixon.com/

Window Measles

Yet another storm ... well it IS autumn.

The tides are interesting! We are coming off springs. These are the highest tidal ranges in the cycle. Over the last few days we have taken a pounding. This can last about an hour or so either side of high tide. Each crashing wave shaking the house and creating havoc on the road. It makes quite a lively time and Wizzy wants to nuzzle under the covers in the night! Here she is hiding under a table and dustsheet!

High tide plus high winds, increases the likelihood of flying debris, and seaweed gets everywhere. You can see the 'window measles' here. If seaweed manages to dry it sticks like limpets even to vertical surfaces. We have to hope the rain falls shortly after or measles can last for days.

A friend came to visit today as just as high tide was reached. Very bravely she used the front door and managed to dodge the spray and debris. (We use the back entrance at lively high tides.) For quite a long time we stood at the window and surveyed the crashing waves, flying debris and sloshing water that filled the road and blocked the drains.

There is something reassuring watching all the elemental activity from the comfort of our living room.

During storms, either in nature or in lives, we need to find shelter. Just like Wizzy we all need our refuges.