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28th June, Sheeps Haven, Donegal

Landfall in Ireland, Dunfanaghy in Sheeps Haven

The first thing you sense as you approach the Irish coast is the scent of sweet meadows with faint peat and woodsmoke. It's quite beguiling.

It was a hard slog from Fort William, when the wind came,. it was force 6 from the Southeast which shoved us along, but the Atlantic was not going to give us too smooth a ride. By early afternoon the wind had changed and it was obvious we were not going to make it to Killybegs this Wednesday. I decided to make for Sheeps Haven, a sheltered bay on Donegal's North coast.

Phoned Phillip Jamieson to discover that the Shetland contingent, who were supposed to be going to Killybegs for the fish festival, are not going to be there due to some admin cock up, so there is no rush to get to Killybegs before the weekend, for the carnival.

Just round the corner from here (well, about 5 hours steam), round the Bloody Foreland, is a wee place called Gweedore, where my mum's family hails from. I have very dim memories of being there when I was a very small boy, so with a bit of luck we'll put ion therre tomorrow and see what can be seen, bound to be something of interrest. I know the old family croft was gifted to the catholic church and rumour has it that they built a tourist hotel. I'll find out, wouldn't surprise me. I remember thatg my great aunt Mary-Anne used to live on tatties and rancid butter, yet when the priest came to call she would kill a chicken.

Oh, we finally caught up with our German chums at Neptune's staircase at the South end of the Canal yesterday morning. Hed had a curiously named boat for such a teutonic looking crew and, true to form, they bargted out of the locks and into the open sea at Fort William, overtaking all gthe other boats in a (frankly) dismal show of seamanship. For the record, here's a picture

Yacht to be avoided

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26th June

Just a very quick blog from loch Lochy, we seem to have a signal. Had to moor up at Fort augustus last night because the last flight of locks closed off at 5 pm. The lock keepers keep a very strict schedule. We're heading for Fort William and the open ocean but it's a toss up whether we'll make it out tonight.

Bit frustrating this Caledonian canal, I have to say. We got to the locks at Corpach just before 4.30pm but we could't go to the sea tonight. Can't do anything about it.I think we're going to be lucky to get to Ireland for 28th now, to be honest.

Isolated sheiling just north of Gairlochy on loch Lochy

But on the plus side it really is a most impressive trip through the great glen, mountains on either side and now tucked in in the lee of Ben Nevis - can't be bad. I made a cullen skink chowder using BAxters canned variety as a base, and chucked in som cauliflower and broccoli, which was starting to look a bit tired. Some lemon peel, a few mushrooms and 10 minutes in the pressure cooker and hey presto, not a bad pot of stuff. Would have been perfect with a nice chilled sauvignon, but alas no fridge and no wine. Cup of tea was nice though

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25th Dores , Loch Ness

Anchored off Dores yesterday. The whole area on the loch side resembled some kind of Israeli/ Palestinian security zone. Coastguard, Police, security, you name it, they were all there in nunmbers. We were going to try and interview Fat Boy Slim at the gig in a nearby park, attended by 25,000 people, Karen had suggested that we should also speak to Steve who has a shop/mobile home on the banks of the loch at Dores. Pete attempted to go ashore in the dinghy, but was turned back by security guard before he could get ashore.

At anchor in Dores bay with Steve's shop/home far left

At the same time we met Robin, from Caley Marine who was on duty to help with their hire fleet. He told us the exclusion order was totally invalid, so I decided to take the camera and insist on my right to step ashore in Scotland. Interestingly the county's sherrif arrived in his yacht and actually laid on a piper to pipe me ashore. I was immediately surrounded by an intimidating group of police and security guards. I informed them that they had no right to bar my legitimate passage and if they were in any doubt about that, they could check with the sheriff.

In the end I was grudgingly granted 10 minutes to take my interview with Steve. It was absurd, but good footage and Steve had some interesting stuff to say. Managed to get ashore in the night but didn't hook up with the Shetland contingent - oh well, obviously wasn't meant to happen.

Oh, and if you're ever in Drumnadrochit, go to the Balnavie Sports Bar. The lady there was a total star, fed us and ran us back to our boat which was a fair schlep from the harbour. Thanks, if you read this.

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23rd Friday, Drumnadrochit Loch Ness

The only monster hereabouts is the tacky exploitation of this beautiful part of the country. I suppose it's easy to pontificate from the deck of a yacht, but to see tour boats shipping the gullible for 20 minute Nessie trips is, erm, frankly, fucking demeaning. Still I suppose there's a buck in it, eh?

So what about the trip. With our Jolly Roger at the crosstrees, we entered loch Ness, passed by two naval cutters, whose ratings peered at our skull and crossbones with a mixture of suspiion and amusement, punctuated every 5 minutes by low flying jets from the RAF. Great - I felt safe and protected.

We recc-ed the venue at Dores, a small village nestling in a bay on the north east bank of loch Ness. Just in case we decide to do some filming at the Loch Ness festival. Pretty impressive from the loch side. Large field with plenty of space for the 20 -25 thousand expected to turn up. The local press and constabulary were issuing dire warnings about the consequences of anchoring boats off the beach, which is strange when the star of the show, Norman (Fat Boy Slim) was just expounding the beauties of the area, all the boats in the bay - that sort of thing. I think it's just that Northern Scottish "ye canny dae that" thing. Anyway we found a nice spot to anchor in 5 metres off the beach - I'll make a judgement tomnorrow, although I have to say that there being a few friends from Shetland in the vicinity migh sway the decision

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22nd Thursday.

Another crappy day with wind and rain. Still, could be worse I suppose.

Dave resplendent in CC T-shirt and Jen's bespoke sporran

We finally left Inverness at 16.30 this afternoon, principaly beause an objectionable little German, barged ahead of us into the lock while we were refuelling, effectively delaying our entry for two hours.

Muirtown Lock on a dismal afternoon

Didn't matter, we're not in any real hurry, but it meant we couldn't get into Loch Ness this evening. We managed to get berthed up at the vilage of Dochgarroch whih is at the head of the loch. We were a bit nervous about working the locks, being "Canal virgins", but the lock-keepers are really helpful. Thanks guys!

Jo and Dave - Caledonian lock-keepers

Through Erland I managed to get hold of Fat Boy Slim's PR lady, Mary, but she wasny too confident that we could get an interview with the man himself. I'm not too bothered if we do or not. My friend Lizzie McDougall, who does a lot of work in the arts here in the Highlands, thought it would b much better to film some of the gig's audience - maybe she's right - we'll see

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21st June - Summer Solstice,

This'll probably be our last day in Inverness and in a way the first phase of our voyage. The crew and equipment have bedded in and despite some irritations of a minor nature, cooker, online stuff, things are going pretty well and our main systems seem to be working (touching wood feverishly). The filming's going well and I am fairly pleased with the quality of our work, considering our relatively inexpeience.

Today we had an interview with Jonathan Dawson, president of the Global Ecovillage Network, arranged for us by Findhorn's Catherine Glennie. I had double booked the interview yesterday and couldn't make it at the appointed time. I am toitally grateful to Catherine and Jonathan for re-arranging things at such short notice. The interview went really well, Jonathan is very passionate about his work and spoke well about the subject in the context of our film.

Jonathan Dawson, President Global Ecovillage Network

Bizarrely, it was blowing a force 8 gale which raged outside the serenity of Findhorn's grandiose Universal Hall.

After the interview we managed to grab a bite of lunch in the restaurant and Clive spotted Steve Wickham, the Waterboy's lead fiddler. Mike Scott, the singer actually stays in Findhorn. Mike told Steve about our project and he was genuinely enthusiastic. The Waterboys are playing an acoustic concert at the weekend in Findhorn so Steve, if you happen to read this, any chance of letting us get 5 minutes of "I swish I was a Fisherman" as backing for today's filming.

After lunch we headed to Evanton, North of Inverness where John McKeoch, whose company Arts in Motion, was holding an open day. John's company is involved in stste of the art digital and large scale performances using multi media themes.

Concept installation from Arts in Motion

John took us through his impressive facilty which uses a large former workshop to house his production facilities and theatre. He was very encouragingabout our project, and gave us some good tips. I especially liked his idea of making a performance based cut of our finished film which we could show to audieces in the Highlands and Islands using state of the art projection equipment. I think it would be an excellent way to go and could concievably lead to greater things. We'll definitely get back to him when we've got to that stage.

John McKeoch in jovial mood

Afeter Evanton we went to the Black Isle, to Cromarty, where we called in at Ian and Rachel's of previious mention. Rachel organised pizza and wine at the excllent local pizza place and afterwards, we went along to visit Don Coutts and his good lady Lindy, filmmaker and editor respectively. Don is well known in the Scottish film industry and has just had a major success with American Cousins. Great to speak to a professional and realise that even at his level, the challenges are similar.

It's a small world though. Yesterday, Tuesday we had a quiet day. I was along at Gael Force marine to get a couple of bits and pieces for Zealander when I bumped into Tommy Allen, lawyer and now commodore of the Lerwick Boating club - though he probably wouldn't want me to mention that.

Tommy Allan on Zealander

Tom came back to Zealander for coffee and we caught up with news from Shetland. We had a visit form Erland Barclay in the evening, great to see him and he is going to try an get us an interview with Fat Boy Slim, whose concert he is helping to organise this weekend near Inverness. - Should be good!!

And finally for tonight, by special request from Clive's wee grandson who's missing his grandad and wants a photo.......Ba Bam

Clive Brookes - Grandad and Soundman

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18/19th June

We're still in Inverness. It kind of suits us here because we've got access to shore power and have quite a few contacts to meet. Spoke to Lucy Conway this morning. Lucy works from her home on the island of Eigg in the Western Isles and acts as liaison for media and film projects in the Highland Region. I explained that, at this time, our project is entirely self funded and that we are actively seeking partnership. She gave us some interesting ideas as to where to take the first exploratory steps for this, and of course I shall follow it up today. The first work though will be to cut a 3 minute "teaser" which think I'll put on the site.. more soon

Yesterday, Sunday, we had an afternoon set-up in the village of Findhorn with a group whih is part of the "Atlantic Challenge" called the Moray Gig. The Moray gig itself is a 38 foot longboat used by admirals and captains to review the fleet and to commute between vessels. Powered by 10 oars and 3 sails the craft was built in 2000 as an exact replica.

The Moray Gig Instructors

We were very interested to speak to the crew of young folk who have given up their time to learn the art of manoeuvering such a vessel. There was a snell easterly wind blowing stright into Findhorn Bay as cameraman Pete Johnson was ferried out to the gig, a few spots of rain promised a dreich day to come. Pete joined the young crew by way of the RIB which ferried him to the the waiting gig. Pete was filmong background to the short interview which we had arranged with the crew on their return. In the event, the day got progressively dreicher and poor Pete ended up soaked, though our number one camera managed to survive. The gig looked brilliant swishing into the bay under full sail and although cold, the young folk, mostly from the local academy were in good spirits.

The Moray Gig

We filmed an interview with part of the group- in a very hasty set up, with one tungsten light and were most impressed with the piece that we recorded. One of the group, Kyle Morgan was, as it turned out, spokesman for environment and transport at the Scottish Youth Parliament, a fact that will be lost on our own MSP and transport minister, Tavish Scott. Anyway they had plenty to say for thmselves and made Pete's soaking well worthwhile! (He'll probably disagree)

This morning we had a viit from Caley Marines's rigger, Pete Guy who I asked to come and check over our standing rigging. He had a look and gave it the thumbs up, provided we do a bit of tensioning work. The rig had taken a fair old stretching on the way South, being brand new and with Pete's expert guidance, our Pete and Clive set to work to get everything in proper tension. Pete offered us his advice as a goodwill gesture - thanks mate!

Pete Guy, rigger Caley Marine

Visitors to the boat today were Ian Robertson. Many of you reading this in Shetland will mind Ian- married to Rachel, used to work for BT in the old days. Great guy, had some great yarns and showed Kier, Ian's son the intricacies of our edit setup. Kier is doing media studies at Stirling

Ian and Keir Robertson

Had 8 folk for dinner the other night, mad Spaghetti Bollock-naked but with only one burner working I had to do the sauce with the blowlamp - good fun - NOT! Photo to follow if Riaz manages to email it.

It's funny the folk you bump into when your on your travels, isn't it? After the filming yesterday we decided to save washing up by getting a bar supper at the Kimberley Arms - the one in Findhorn - really excellent grub. We were chatting away with our neighbour, an impolsing Englishman, who turns out to be John Reid, concert violinist and organiser of the Glzamis Castle proms weekend, which can thoroughly recommend to any classical fans listening. Pieces from Rossini, Strauss, Greig etc.etc. Anyway if you're in the area or want info call 01952 616133 or look up www.glamis-castle.co.uk.

Anyway we were discussing the problems of innovating and funding projects such as ours and John was very encouraging about our project. Fired me up to get on with the tedious job of raising cash.

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Seeing as we've got the 3G up and running, thought I'd share a piece of video footage taken on the trip from Orkney to here. Better be careful though, you might get seasick ;-)

Use screen controls to run video

Don't worry though, it's not normally that bad...

The edit desk on Zealander

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16th June Inverness

We had a fairly busy day yesterday. I had to seek out a broadband connection in town to get some files downloaded. It is pretty slow to download photo files using the mobile phone. I found a service operatd by Merkinch Community enterprise, which I had assumed was something to to with the highland Enterprise network, but turned out to be a self funding community group and very helpful. So got all my work done there. Next to seek out a standby gas stove because we are having a few problems with the Taylors parrafin stove, but no luck. Will try again. Also tried to get a 3g connection for the laptop, so that I can download better. Eventually I managed to get a connection, but unfortunately I can't get it to work. Oh well....

Yesterday afternoon we were in Findhorn. We had secured an interview with Dr. Roger Dudka, a philosopher who has a keen interest in climate, and in fact considers this to be THE single greatest issue affecting the future of humanity. I spoke with Roger in his home, which is a unique "Barrel" construction nestling in a cluster of other similar homes in a beautiful wooded section of the Findhorn community.

The Kilnhouse and barrel house at Findhorn

In a room full of books and scattered journals, it was immediately obvious to me that Roger was no flighty, pink spectacled crank, as is often the prejudiced perception of those who live in "alternative" communities. Roger spoke with clarity and without condescension on his subject, in a totally natural and non academic way. He agreed to be interviewed in the garden of his neighbour, Auriole De Smit, formerly from South Africa but now resident in this magical part of Scotland. Her garden provided a perfect setting for our filming, which, bizarrely, was interupted from time to time by the racket of jets from the nearby RAF base, as if to underscore our problems. Roger was at great pains to point out that it is for future generations to pick up the baton from those of us who are prepared to politicise this issue, as long as it's not too late.

Auriole de Smit (left) and Mary Hammond

My mum was enjoying her walk round the Findhorn gardens and spoke with Auriole, before we left for a bar supper in the neabyn Kimberly Arms in the village of Findhorn itself. Great food and cold beer, you can't beat the simple things in life....

Update Friday evening-

How the fickle finger of fate favours fortune. Despite the corporate machinations to subvert the 3G connection, I managed at last to get it running so soon I'll be able to get you video clips on the blog. Also fixed the Taylor stove, so we can EAT!!!

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14th June Inverness, Muirtown Basin, Caledonian Canal

Wow, Mr Telford, you had some vision -I suppose I'm not the first one to notice that, for sure, but this |(Caledonian Canal) is truly an amazing feat of engineering. To carve a swathe through the Scottish mountains, to understand the dynamics of water on such a grand scale does really give you a respect for the doggedness of the Victorians, mind you, I suspect that the Irish had a hand in it as well....

Anyway, today we had set up an interview with Jennifer Cantwell, artist, mother and uniquely, bespoke sporran maker (Visit www.sporran-nation.co.uk) of these parts. Now sporrans, there's a thing. I associate the sporran with dapper highland dress, weddings, occasions, stuff like that, but no, not at all. Jennifer's sporrans are individual works of art, no longer consigned to protect (and draw attention to) the bollocks and precious coin of the realm of itinerant Scotsmen (and of course the odd hob-nob, secreted therein for that odd sweet moment ;-)

A fine selection of bespoke sporrans

But Jennifer had something to say about climate change, you'll hear it in the film. What passion, what a voice too, a subtle timbre, couched gently with just a hint of her native Dublin.

Jennifer Cantwell

In the afternoon we went out to the Findhorn Foundation. We were really fortunate to be directed to Catherine Glennie. With such a Lewis Grassic Gibbon-esque surname, redolent of the earth of Moray and Banff, one could be forgiven for assuming a broad Doric accent, but au contraire, the said Catherine, who handles the community's relations with the rest of the world, had a distinctly antipodean inflection.

I introduced our rather motley crew, Peter, myself and Clive, who, after quite a few hairy hours spent at sea, must have presented a rather scary appearance, but being the accomplished diplomat that her position obviously calls for, complimented our appearance and made us feel immediatley at ease. I explained what we were doing and why. That we were not associated , or affiliated to any organisation or company and that that what we were doing was, at the base level, a chronicle of what people were really thinking and feeling about climate change, the single mot important isue, facing our species.

I could tell that Catherine was totally with us on this. We left Findhorn with a video piece about the community's ethos and no sooner had we got back to Inverness to pick up my mum, who was going to join us on Zealander for a couple of days, than I got a message saying that there were a couple of folk who would talk to us on a personal level.. We hope to arrange to speak and film tomorrow... I'll keep you posted.

I invited Jennifer, partner Riaz and her two lovely lasses, Scarlet and Flora for food and drinks aboard . We managed to serve up a mackerel pate and fresh green salad and a reasonable Spag Bol enhanced with sea salt infused with herbs, magically contributed by Mum and hand delivered today---sweet

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13th June Inverness

Well we finally departed Kirkwall at 6 AM Sunday. Fog had cleared quite a lot but the wind was still fresh with 4.5 SE forecast. We got underway with the tide in our favour through the "string" which is the passage to the East out of Kirwall. I'm pretty happy with our time in Kirwall, the last night we spent recording some local music at Wrigley's music cafe. The Wrigley sisters started this studio/cafe together and is really a super asset. We turned up and asked if we could do some sound recording and were given permission, which I think speak volumes for the Orkney attitude - thanks Jennifer! Also, if you fancy good authentic Indian food, try the Dil Se, neqr the harbour - Really first class.

The sail to Inverness was long and pretty hard, the wind increasing throughout the day and right in our face. Had to tack out to the east for about 25 mile before we could get a slant for the Moray firth. We sailed throughout the night passing Navy minesweepers and a large oil related vessel towing a piece of equipment 2 miles astern. Thankfully the skipper contacted us by radio and advisd us how to passs safely astern.

The entrance to Inverness Firth was a bit scary. There was a 40 knot wind whistling straight off the mountain and unfortuntely we were just one hour too late to catch the incoming flood. In the event we couldn't make any headway against the wind and tide and had to anchor off the village of Rosemarkie on the Black Isle to wait for the new tide. It was still a tough slog into the wind and we were really grateful to get tied up at the Longman Yacht Haven at 9pm. Another yacht, single handed by a dapper chap fom Blythe, arrived around the same time. He said he'd never seen anything like it and spoke about ever deepening lows later in the year, which was an echo of what we'd heard in Orkney. There's still a gale blowing here, (tuesday). We're going to head round to the actual Caledonian Canal today and berth in the Seaport marina where we'll set up our equipment and start making contacts. I have a few ideas to pursue and will keep you posted. Looks like Findhorn and Lossiemouth first stop. Good steer from yachtsman and boatbuilder Ian Maple who had built his yacht Martha and was sailing her to Norway but bad weather changed his mind for him. He had berthed in Findhorn harbour for the winter and had met some of the folk there.

Zealander at rest in the Caledonian Canal Tuesday 13th June

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9th June Kirkwall

Lots of thick fog around today. We were going to depart today, but I'm not so enamoured of fog. I mean we can cope with it if we run into it at sea, but I wouldn't deliberately mess with it. We'll see if things clear up in the next 12 hours, which is the forecast. Anyway there's loads to do here.

Clive Brookes, the 3rd crewman and designated sound recordist (he worked an old UHER for radio Orkney a few years back so our trusty Tascam shouldn't be too much of a problem), turned up exactly on time from Eday.

Yesterday was busy day. Morning spent with phone calls to set up the days set-ups and interviews which centred around Stromness. Sean Milligan came aboard for a chat. Sean is an old friend from my early days in Sullom Voe Shetland, where we worked together on a sonar survey of the deep berthing facilities. An experienced mariner, working now as a lecturer at the Orkney Nautical let it slip that, as a student in the 60's (he studied geography) , he was part of a group that were failry vociferous about climate change and global warming, although, at the time he was generally considered a crank. I asked him if he'd give us an interview and we arranged a meeting aboard his Catamaran in Stromness for the evening.

Sean Milligan - Nautical Studies Lecturer, Stromness

I was very keen to get an interview with William (Willock) Sinclair, a well known fisherman fronm Stromness, whose family have been fishing the waters of Rackwick and the Pentland Firth for generations. Willock himself is 72 years old, although you just wouldn't believe it, he honestly looks about 45. Speak to him however, and you soon realise that he is a man with a deep knowledge and respect for his environment. I called the number to ask if he would speak to me and spoke to his good lady, Wilma, who had that cheeky chirrupy tone which put me right at ease. Tells me that Willock is off at the sea and would be back soemtime in the evening - if I leave my number she'll explian waht's happening and Willock would call back on the mobile.

We got some background footage and establishing stuff in Stromness which included a set-up in the Flattie bar, which would not have been complete without a "peedie haaf". The filmoing went pretty well and Willock had much to say about his lifelong experience - you'll have to watch to finished film to hear his take on things but I can tell you that it is extremely enlightening

Willock Sincalir - Fisherman, Stromness

Gunne Moberg is a photographer and gardener in Stromness. Looking at her garden, you would be forgiven in thinking that climate change was well advanced.

It must be one of the mot spectacular gardens in Britain, with the backdrop of the island of Hoy and the raging Western Ocean as musical accompaniment. Gunnie invited Pete and I for dinner, which was mighty welcome, I can tell you. We had a fabulous evening with Gunnie and Tam, talking about diverse subjects from climkate change to the history of the Campbell clan in California.

Gunnie - View from he garden at dusk

It's the 9th June today - now isn't that some kind of significant date ?- Arggggggg bloody hell it's our anniversary. And Deb is in the USA. I realise I'm missing her. Deb, if you happen to read this, I can't wait to meet up with you in Ireland! Meanwhile some virtual flowers from Gunnie's garden..........

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7th June Kirkwall.

Pete on the Sony PD150

Ist day of filming. Hired car and took equipment out to South Ronaldsay where we were to meet Robert Smith. We found the house no bother but found out that he'd gone to Kirkwall. Eventually we mananged to meet and he gave us an interview. Robert is vwery experienced fiherman in probably one of the most difficult areas in Scotland to fish. He fishes in the Pentland Firth. Robert is a highly motivated entrepreneurial who is building live lobster and scallop tanks fed by fresh seawater pumped from in front of his house.

Robert Smith - South Ronaldsay

He is a very busy man so it was really good of him to give us some of his time. He didn't mince his words and had to be sure that we were bona fide filmmakers. In the event what he had to say was really interesting. He is under no illusion about climate change., there are certainly changes, which he has witnessed throughout his career, but he s also aware that thee things tend to be cyclacal. He made some really good points though, and came across clearly and fluently on camera. A really good first take for our film.

Fiona Nichol came aboard to finish her story and said she would be very interested in joining the project for the Ireland - Spain leg in July. Fiona is an experienced sailor and has a 38 foot schooner here in Kirkwall. We hope to see her then!

Fiona Nicol News Reporter. The Orcadian

6th June - Kirkwall

Fairly productive day. Met Ian Richardson who is a boatbuilder in Stromness. Told us about the Stormalong a boat built in Unst, which he had recently re-created in a bigger version. He told us about Mick, who lives aboard a steel yacht and is an electrical engineer, as our spare GPS had malfunctioned. He quickly solved the problem, which was an internal battery for the memory - I know the feeling. Mick, in turn told us about Robert Smith from South Ronaldsay, a shellfisherman, who is passionate about things climatic and whose family has been keeping records for over a century. We managed to get hold of him on his boat - he was creeling around the Pentland Skerries and he is hoping to get into Kirkwall tonight, to meet us.

Ian Richardson from Stromess

Fiona Nichol, a journalist on the Orcadian, called me to say she was interested in joining us for part of the trip and is going to do a story for the paper. She also gave me some useful contacts. Clive Brookes, from Eday who had called earlier to express an interest in joining the crew came aboard. Clive is chairman of the Eday development project but wants to take time out for himself, had read about our project in the local newspaper and made it known that he is sincerely interested in joining the project. I think he will fit in well and I will get back to him tomorrow. An interview in the BBC orkney studios for Radio Shetland thanks to the miracle of ISDN and a story for the Shettland Times by Ros Griffiths rounded off the afternoon. Had a really good curry last night in a wee place called Dill Se and I mean it when I say that it was superb. Pete Johnson and I filed a couple of establishing set-ups in the town and got a couple of bottles of Vino for tonights delicacy. Going to cook haggis and clapshot tonight so I better get on with it. Till later, pip pip.

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5th June 2006

Monday. Kirkwall Orkney. We set sail at 1830 last night, Sunday, wind fresh Southeast, Peter Johnson and myslef. The wind kept in the same direction for the whole passage, and there was jsut enough slant to give us a closed hauled sail througuhout the night. Peter and I took 4 hour watches. It rally was a beautiful night as we ghosted past Fair Isale in the middloe of the night. An exhilerating sail through Auskerrysound, Stronsay Firth and Kie=rkwall Bay saw us tied up around 1500 today. Called Fiona Nichol, a journo for the Orcadian, who may be coming with us and she turned up with a photographer - fame already!!

Sunset over Foula looking North West

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4th June 2006

Departing Skeld Sunday, Dave (Right) and Pete Johnson

Sunday. Phillip Jamieson the engineer came to Skeld yesterday to finalise electronics, refit echo sounder and wire up AC circuit. Then told me he can't make it on the trip due to pressing work engagements. Boff. Looked like I was going to have to do the first leg on "me old Jack Jones", not that that really bothered me, except that I'm pretty crap company. Was going home when, would you credit it, I spotted Peter Johnson, fishery journalist and camera man, at his old man's house, here in Skeld. "Fancy a trip to Orkney damoaren", I asked. "Nae prob", said he, so he signed up there and then. Now Sunday midday and I'm finally packing all the film equipment. 15 cases in all including a lighting rig, dollies, sound stuff, booms, etc. etc. Aye it's no lightweight. And a million thoughts flying through this squeezed oot brain of mine. What I don't remember in this next few hours - thinking to depart Skeld around midnight, but I have to check the tide tables.

So that's 12 hours. Wish I hadn't gone to Rose's last night. Bit of a farewell which started out with all good intentions but she produced some startling rouge which it would have been rather churlish to refuse - ho hum. Anyway her's the train of thought. Socks, firewires, tidy house for Deb coming back, cup of tea (put kettle on and 20 minutes later - cup of tea (trousers, towels, tootbrush, passport, registration docs, skippers ticket) put kettle on again. Argghhh - the cats!! Forgot - Jack and Maria - asnd there they are, gazing in silent testimony to my uncaring incompetence - but that's my fevered mind - actually they just want fed.

Leads, firewire hub, contact addresses, soap powder - shit - clothing

- back in a minute - Oh and anyone reading this - please don't use dave@shetlandseafood.co.uk any more - just too much shite now and so dumping it - it stood me in good stead for at least 10 years , but the spammers finally won. No more Umbabwe Skoloku form Nigeria wanting to invest sixty five million dollars - shame, really, in a funny kind of way, I sometimes actually read the things and there is no doubt that some of the English was better written than a lot of the average journalism you read today. Maybe I should try it, might be a way of paying for the film.

Wind's Southerly dammit - going to be a long haul to Orkney, but a sun's poking out - clothes nearly dry - hurray - taken 3 days - stiils camera, chargers, cards - cash- Finally that cup of tea and I suppose I'd better grab something to eat - clear out fridge- I'll have a pasta sauce sandwich - mmmmmm- beeter load up the clothes now - and don't forget the ice packs for the cold box and the fresh food mil etc.

Deb - if you're reading this - I wish you were here - you're so good at this sort of thing - and happy anniversary when it comes - should be able to blog a bit before then. And yes I love you, just in case I forget to mention it.

Film stock and DAT tapes. Bloody idiot from WDA parcels left a yellow card to tell me that I wasn't in when he tried to deliver the vital tapes, so had to run in Lerwick to get them, last night - round trip of at least 50 miles - climate change? I'm doing my share. Jobsworths are causing the overheating - that's my theory .

Well, better finish off this pre-voyage amble.

Speak later... watch this space....

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