Wow,

What a day.

I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything quite like this.

It is as rough as…

Today has taught me a lesson… if I’m sailing and I see a forecast like this… just cancel!!!

I’ve been watching the forecast all week, and been slightly concerned about the wind and rain.

Every time I have sailed on the PS Waverley it has been scorching. Pure blue sky…

Not today….. cloudy, winds up to 35mph and torrential rain.

It has not been my usual experience at all but I can still take the positives. The ship is empty compared to what I’m used to and I’ve been able to get some different photos from different angles.

The negatives. Despite 5 layers on top… I am wet through to my pants.

Sodding.

My feet are soaked through too.

My fingers are so wet it’s like I’ve sat in the bath all day.

I’m ok but it’s been a massive solo learning experience.

I’ve been exhilarated and scared, excited and worried, I’ve loved it and wanted to get off in equal measure.

My hands are so cold and wet I’ll make this short and just send post some photos… don’t expect much scenery 😆 it’s been covered in mist!

Here I am sporting my new Waverley hoodie.

Craig’s the only person who’s seen it…. It’s been under two jackets all day!

I get to Largs and realise just how windy it actually is.. the sea is very choppy.

But here she comes. I love this ship.

She’s such a beauty.

She took a while to moor at Largs. The swell seemed to pull her away from the quay.

And we’re off…..

It’s wild… getting soaked up the front but the huge waves.

This is our first stop at Millport.

CalMac’s Isle of Arran. (I think….)

Alfred leaving Brodick.

It’s been a very windy crossing… but at least it’s dry… until we get to Brodick.

This shows how few people are actually on board… I feel like they know something I don’t…. 🫣

For the first time ever on this ship, I moved to sit on the upper deck.

What an amazing view….

Then the heavens opened.

There aren’t many photos from here on in.

It was so torrential and such a bad southerly swell that I only took video. Try to pop on my insta or FB to see them.

I’ve honestly hardly seen any of Arran!

I sat upstairs but was too scared to move so just stayed there and rode the swell and got very, very wet. About 5 waves really took my breath away….

We’re now heading back from Brodick, running about an hour late. I’m wet and cold but I’ve found a seat in the observation lounge so I am finally warming a bit.

I hope there’s only another hour to hour and half before I can get off.

I have, as usual, met some lovely people and had a laugh… there is camaraderie in the fear at sea 😆

Get the electric blanket on Craigie!!!

Stay safe everyone, believe the forecast before you jump on a boat trip! ♥️🚢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿