Blustery!

Winter has returned with vengeance... We're now amidst Storm Gertrude which is surely pummelling Unst. We have opted for a drive in the car to see the seas around the island rather than ride out the stormy seas in the marina. It would seem its not just us who have seeked the safety of land with two large ships sheltering at the harbour awaiting calmer weather. The entire island despite covering 120.7km2 and reaching heights of 284m seems to be covered in a thick haze of salty sea air. We have just heard that at 1pm 105mph was recorded

In the days leading up to Storm Gertrude we took advantage of the slightly calmer winds and went a walk around the Loch of Cliff, from Baliasta returning via Haroldswick, a lovely walk with some beautifully hilly scenery, even if it did insist on raining from the moment we left until the moment we returned... thanks to Westray Processors for there kind donation of waterproof jackets we stayed dry though!

Over the last while we have began to notice a smell of fuel aboard and with some investigation have discovered our under deck fuel tank has developed a small leak, which being almost in the same compartment as we are causes some concern. So with the fuel tank drained we will look to lift the deck and remove and replace as soon as weather allows. The fuel tank, which came with the boat, must be nearly 20 years old, so I guess its about time anyway.

We are now sitting in the safety of our car, watching the waves roll (fly!) in, looking across the haze to Yell and enjoying a Stockans oatcake...its a hard life eh?! Stay safe folks!