A Novel Experience

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We have just returned from a flying visit to Scotland to supervise the lifting of  the boat out of the water for its annual bottom wash and ready for the application of anti-fouling and maybe even a polish to the topsides. To ensure that we were there on time, we decided to stay on board overnight. Some may describe this as a somewhat bold or even foolhardy decision bearing in mind the fact that the weather has appeared to regress over the weekend; we passed snow on the way there and freezing temperatures during the night.



However, it made for a bracing walk this morning with some lovely views across the sea towards Arran. Also, having taken a direction I was unfamiliar with I came across a delightful row of what were once harbour workers' cottages but which are now used, it would seem, primarily as offices.


The difference in climate between home and Troon was amplified by flowerbeds, prepared for annual bedding but as yet empty. Whereas the abundance of Spring flowers around our village has resulted in the onset of hay fever, the symptoms of which well and truly disappeared as we headed North.


I have never actually been party to the annual hoisting of the boat into the boat-yard before, leaving this in the sole hands of Mister E whilst I worked and hung on to my holiday for the actual sailing trips. So it was a novel experience watching the operation from beginning to end. As this blog hopefully bears witness, in retirement there are hosts of opportunities for adventure and new experiences.


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