Scoresby Sund Expedition – Day 3
13th June 2022
Dunstaffnage
We packed the campervan on Saturday with too much “stuff” and drove to Yorkshire to meet Ray who will be crewing on the Greenland leg. Ray has been designated Chief Engineer and as the donker may be working overtime in Scoresby Sund, Ray could be kept busy with his oil can. Ray lives in a wonderful old farmhouse with lots of sheds.
We were treated to an excellent evening meal, as always, and after walking the dog in the morning, we set off to the boat loaded with provisions and Ray’s nuclear bomb proof survival suit.
After driving through torrential rain we eventually arrived at the boat at about 21:00 LT. It was so cold we actually fired up the Eberspacher heater and brewed up a chilli. The boat looked good with just a smidgen of water in the bilge so we settled down to a peaceful evening.
Today has not been great. It’s a weird kind of day with dark foreboding clouds and a chill wind. The boat is now cluttered with all the “essential” kit we have brought up in the van and is feeling rather claustrophobic.
We are busy trying to either stow the “stuff” away or deciding if we would prefer the empty space by returning the “essential” item to the van.
Now my crew who was to sail with me to Ullapool has just emailed me to say he is unwell and not too sure if he can still make it. A single-handed first sail of the season wasn’t in the original plan but if needs be. Every time I look at next week’s weather it has changed completely so it’s seemingly too early to work out any plans. Let’s hope Dom will recover soon and be able to join me on Saturday as planned.
Tomorrow is another day and I’m sure once the boat is cleared of excess gear, some charts are laid out on the table and the bloody sun comes out then things will look up.
Right now I’ve just cracked open a Doom Bar and I’m tucking into some rather unhealthy looking “reduced fat” crisps with the oil lamps providing a warm glow, so it’s not all bad.
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