Friday, August 23, 2013

The month of August, 2013



August News, 2013


“There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting and enslaving than the life at sea”   - Joseph Conrad.

Yes, our annual sailing regatta fortnight has once again come and gone….  It was a testing time for this year’s Commodore, Alexander MacKenzie.  The winds often died before race time!  Drifting around Plockton bay became the norm and cancelled races were squeezed in when time and a little breeze allowed.

But, as ever, all the races were run, the annual prize giving and concert were a huge success and the Ragamuffin race, for the children was keenly contested, with  Dolan’s boat “ Saranna C “and her crew winning the cup!

The village has been even busier than usual, I think, with street parking virtually impossible and driving along the street equally so, with pedestrians taking over the role of cars!!!  Yes, the pavements were not used much at all – is this a feature of Plockton alone – perhaps you know another village, town or city which tolerates walkers in abundance on the road, while pavements remain empty – and vehicles crawl along the street at pedestrian (they do not move away readily!)  pace – it is crazy!  And not always amusing when one, for example, is driving the mile to the train station, to meet a train, as happens frequently.

I’ve had family here for most of the school holidays – lovely.  Sean came first and did his level 2 sailing.  Daniel was next, then Catriona arrived with Sean again.  Sean left to attend a football course and Daniel did his level 1 sailing.  Catriona’s rowing is fairly improving and I think she should keep it up…  Moira drove up -and we had a whole week together – lovely. Regatta time is when as many Plocktonians as can, return.   It was lovely to see so many of our old friends and of John and Moira…….  Sam was a huge miss, however – already his fourth year at Edinburgh had begun and he had no time off.

My Danes have returned!  Last year Grete and her daughter Mai Britt came for a few days and now they are back!  It is wonderful to see them again and have their company for eight days.  We said goodbye today to Gillian and Scott who arrived by train three nights ago.  I’m looking forward to seeing Gillian’s photos of the full moon, amongst other things.  I’ll ask Alison to add some to the site, for you to see too…..

Our annual horticultural show was on Saturday.  Entries were down on last year, which was very understandable as the weather was so cold for a long time and then so hot and dry!  I do wish I had greener fingers!

As the month draws to a close I have Angela and Richard Houghs visit to look forward to.  Eileen and Peter Fisher are returning to Heron’s Flight too – after an absence of forty years!!  They most certainly will see some changes in Plockton  and their hostess!

I hope you are well and that perhaps you too will come to visit.  Ruah, Amber and I should like that a lot!

Ann

Julian and Josephine where their internet connection was found!!!