First, a diary extract from July (yes I know, should have done a blog post weeks ago! Bear with me while I catch up) Youth hostels are extraordinary places. For £12 a night I have a bed overlooking Lake Windermere. The evening light shining on the water makes me long for a small boat continue reading »
When the world seems full of noise and turbulence, anything that is quiet, gentle and creative seems all the more precious. Since last writing, I’ve been to Cornwall for my annual sailing and teaching trip on board Eve of St Mawes (www.classic-sailing.co.uk); I also sailed to Scilly on Eve’s big sister Amelie Rose (http://www.topsail-adventures.co.uk/), where continue reading »
The river comes alive in April and May. Boatyards fill with the smell of fresh paint, boats are launched and spread their wings, owners are heard in pubs saying things that would be unacceptable a few miles inland – ‘Going to get the yard to have a look at my stern gland’ and ‘what are continue reading »
It took a few few weeks to adjust to life back at home. Temperatures of 6 degrees and under, gales and rain, and the challenges of small boat living in winter took a bit of getting used to after six weeks of domestic ease and balmy temperatures! Farewell Sydney… Hello gales and rain… Luckily, my continue reading »
Now my tour of duty on P&O ‘Aurora’ is at an end, I’m trying to summarise some of the watercolour and drawing techniques that I touched on during 22 sea days, most of which will be in my book on watercolours when I manage to finish it, which will be soon! I spent most of continue reading »