Riding out the gale

Had a great meal after John & Margie had stormed in on Tuesday - they'd had a cracking down-wind sail from Port Ellen in F5/6 - comfort food, stew, followed by rice pudding, with sensible amounts of whiskey, G&T and Campari (and non-alc ginger wine for Nic - 'sob').  Then they took us to the pub, which seems to close when the last customers leave ... 2330 in our case.  John & Margie were off south again at 0530 the 
next morning, racing to get home before the next gale arrives - sleep is for wimps when tide and wind dictates.  We didn't get up to see them off!

So yesterday (Wed) we switched to tourist mode, and took a very luxurious bus for almost 2 hours round the coast to the Giant's Causeway.  Lesley had been once, 25 years ago, and Nic had never been.  It was as good as all the photos - really spectacular - with the wind enough to blow you over on the cliff-top walk.  It's National Trust so we got into the heritage centre free, which always feels good (and saved £17!) - the displays were excellent, although they didn't answer 2 key questions: why are the basalt columns hexagonal, and does the basalt really extend all the way under the sea to Fingal's Cave in Scotland?  On the bus we had a great view of the turbulent waters between the mainland and Rathlin Island half a mile off - not going there unless we have to, it looks nasty.  Dinner was pasta/sauce/tuna followed by prunes & apricots with yoghurt - minimum cooking, maximum enjoyment - we were tired after all that unaccustomed walking.

Today is sitting tight and riding out the gale, tied firmly with double ropes to the pontoon in Glenarm Marina - trouble is, the gale is blowing straight into the harbour entrance so we are rocking and rolling even here with the warps constantly squeaking and groaning.  There's still jobs on the list, and we have to go food shopping inbetween the rain storms, however we actually have time to read our books for a while - such fun.