Tag: Waverley Excursions

Day 1570 reflections on my Waverley trip yesterday

I’ve finally stopping a-rocking and a-rolling.

I was sooooooo grateful to get back onto dry land last night, albeit Largs was soaking wet too.

We finally docked at 9pm which was 50 minutes later than planned. Given how bad the weather was, I don’t think that was as bad as it could have been.

So yeah, lesson learned. That is not the kind of forecast that brings me any massive enjoyment out of the trip, but equally, I’m so glad I didn’t get off in Brodick otherwise I would never have experienced the true extent of the trip…. It was WILD!!!

I was scared at a few points along the way. That kind of sailing isn’t something you experience every day, especially not alone. At the worst point, I met Betty. She was just as scared as me. We laughed and rolled with the boast and kept each other calm.

I don’t even remember mentioning the blog but I must have told her as she messaged to thank me for calming her nerves! How lovely is that?! She had no idea how much she helped calm mine while I was alone and a wee bit scared!!

I knew that we were safe, otherwise we wouldn’t be out there. It still had its rough moments. Literally. A character building trip.

The sail back from Brodick to Largs via Millport was nothing like it had been on the way out, thankfully. It was still choppy but I was able to sit indoors and not get any wetter at least.

It was torrential rain.

I was very lucky that I didn’t feel seasick at all.

We had to wait for CalMac to tie up their two ships for overnight in Largs, before we could dock, but it was only a short delay.

Most people got off in Largs.

Julie 2 jackets!!

I had a pac in mac over my anorak… I do need to rethink my waterproof clothes though…

The water at Largs pier looked so inviting. I love this photo, I feel like I could get lost in it.

Also love how the 2 ships merge into one in this next photo. One is behind the pier and one is in front.

How many ships?!? 😆

Largs was like a ghost town as everyone was keeping out of the rain.

I loved this next one. Would you believe I took this through my wet car window?!

I wanted to wait for her to sail away but it was SO wet that I headed back to the car. Then pulled over to get this!

This is the full route the Waverley took yesterday. Thanks to my friend Mike for sending me this.

So it was so good to get home and get a hot shower. My water resistant trousers were full of water. My socks were soaking and my boots appear not to be waterproof either. 😆 I mentioned the pants already 😆

I got into bed with the electric blanket on and it was amazing. It won’t be long before I’m back in my electric blanket bed tonight!

I have so much to do but I’m shattered after the day at work. It’s not stopped raining, all day, again, so I’m just going to have a night in comfies in front of the tv.

I’m tempted to light the candles. 😆

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1569 PS Waverley battles the huge swell, strong winds and pouring rain to circumnavigate Arran

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! ♥️🚢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Day 1224 a cheeky Monday off ♥️ and a trip to Largs to catch the PS Waverley 🚢

It feels like a longer weekend having a Monday off, than having a Friday off, but I know that’s not really true.

I slept in until ooooh 6.15am…. 😳 we had a nice, leisurely, freshly ground coffee ☕️ in the sun room before taking the dogs up the hill for some Scottish Dog Behaviourist photos and filming.

It’s a lovely morning… really clam and still and very mild. The forecast is for heat all week, which is lovely, though to us, that’s 16-20°C which will do me nicely.

Bhru got a wee teensy bit muddy!!

Calaidh loving her red frisbee!

Filming some training!

I stopped in past the meadow garden on the way home. Check this beauty!

Just to give it some perspective, they are very small but so pretty when you stop to look and focus in.

Showered and changed and headed over the Largs to wait for the PS Waverley coming in. She’s sailing from Glasgow around the Isle of Arran today.

I had time for s quick wander round the odd charity shop, Costa Coffee to pick up some sandwiches and a Coconut Milk Latte (DECAF!) and I settled down on the rocks to wait for her coming in.

There were hundreds of people waiting to get on!

And just like that she was gone!

I was home for 1.30 and passed Craig on his way out to work. I have no idea where this afternoon has gone but 3 hours have past and I have done precious little. Two loads of washing, put clothes away and watched some YouTube videos of the quieter places to visit in the world! It’s been pretty cloudy but still warm. I might do some more work on my vision board later on. I’m getting quite into this manifesting malarkey.

It’s been a lovely relaxing day, it’s lovely when the sun shines in the blue sky. It makes everything feel really good.

Long may the peace continue.

Peace shattered 😂

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️