Restoration Project 6

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There's just something about Highland Cattle

I may not have made a recent blog post about our somewhat overwhelming retirement project but I can confirm that it continues regardless. Indeed we returned today from another trip to Scotland, the aim being to complete the necessary work to get the boat launched off next month. The prospect of denying Mister E a second season's sailing really doesn't feature especially with designated crewman, the eldest, returning from New Zealand for a month.

Hence it's been all hands on deck in a desperate attempt to finish. I confess however that on this visit "all hands" for the most part meant just Mister E's as sub ten degree temperatures severely hindered my ability to paint inside lockers although I did manage to complete those in the forward cabin.

Hopefully we'll find an opportune week to spend in a marina over the summer to paint and varnish whilst leaving the installation of some of the electrics for the end of season with other tasks for later.

We are fast discovering that boat restoration is a whole of retirement project rather than a special interest for a few months and, of course, living 5-6 hours driving time away from the subject of our attention is hardly conducive to constant productivity.

Hopefully, when we have finished, all the woodwork will be like Mister E's switch panel

Still I am proud to say that on this occasion Mister E installed both the battery box and switch panel that he's crafted, connecting new wiring and batteries to them.

If you go down to the woods today..


So delicate, close up


On the hillsides they shimmered like blue mist

The scenery on this foray was as always magnificent and we were treated to masses of bluebells spilling down the hillsides towards the sea lochs. I once read that half the world's bluebell population is in the UK and this year they are certainly putting on an amazing display. 

Which buoy will we take?

Many boats too were already in the water and the moorings in the bay make for a peaceful sight.

The waterfront and bluebells on the verge

Fingers crossed that our project is afloat and joins them shortly. Oh and a summer of fine weather would be good too.


Link to previous instalment: Restoration Project 5 

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