Sailing the high seas – shipping forecast
Last night I finished reading my book in bed and listened very attentively to the shipping forecast on radio 4 at midnight. Tomorrow seemed a long way off as I snuggled in bed wearing my red silk nightie. I would normally have no interest in finding out what conditions were like on the high seas, but as I was going sailing the next morning I thought it would be a good idea. I did not like what I heard, a lot of talk about gale force winds, heavy rain, depressions and bad weather which only made me snuggle down deeper into my lovely warm bed. But I had said yes to getting out for a sail the next day, and it might be for the last time this year.
So today I was up at 5am to catch the tide and sail the high seas, well to Swansea at least! This entailed wearing thermals under layers of stuff and waterproofs. Plenty of hot chocolate it keep us warm on the inside and our morale high, as we set off into the greyness of this morning. The winds were behind us so we made good time but the rain was unmerciful as we headed NW to Swansea. My poor hands and face got very cold so I stayed below for most of the time until I felt sick, so then I went on deck to see if I could help out keeping us afloat. Once ashore the only thing I wanted to do was get home and have a long, very long hot shower, wash my hair and go out and eat a steak dinner. It was fun and a challenge that I hope to repeat again in the Spring when the weather might be kinder to my hands and face, which is a bit chapped at the moment!
The last time I went sailing was in Spain, on a lovely warm still day, wearing my a halter neck white swim suit and hat which showed off my bossom beautifully (so I was told). Seemed like a very long time ago today!