Nowt special last night but going to the Toy and Train Fair at Lincolnshire Showground in a few minutes. IF I play my cards right I may come back with some N or 00 gauge stuff.
Awful ferry to get that when the seas are rough. When you get on board and they've got the tables and chairs strapped down you know it's going to be a rough one, i used to leg it to the canteen to get my tea and then head to bed to try get asleep before we set off.
When I first started to visit Shetland around 20 years ago I just went as a foot passenger. And spent the night just finding a comfy chair or just lying on the floor trying to get some sleep. But now at the ripe old age of 68 a cabin is a must. My bones just wouldn’t take it these days. Well worth the £100 for a wee bit of comfort and sometimes you really need it especially when things get rough. Do you still make the trip Wombwell?
No mate, my last trip was in 2017 when I stopped working on the Shetland Gas plant. It was always either a choice of rushing down to Sumburgh and catching the last flight off or heading to Lerwick for the overnight ferry. I agree the boat can be very uncomfortable if you don't have a cabin to sleep in especially if the seas are dodgy, apart from the roughness though I've never had a problem with that ferry either with docking times or customer service. In my experience they will get you there at 7am in Aberdeen no matter the weather which was always valuable. I do miss the Shetlands, feel like in my youth I took the place for granted. Had the chance to see killer whales there and some vibrant northern lights and both times I chose to stay in bed. I'd kill for those experiences again now especially the whales.
I’ve yet to see the Northern Lights. Maybe come January. Also never seen the whales although seen plenty big seals just lying around on the beach. Did you ever experience Up Helly Aa? Always on the last Tuesday in January. And my Grandson’s birthday is January 29 so always the same week. Busy boat that so always have to book up early to guarantee a cabin. Can’t say I ever look forward to what could be a bumpy ride. But it has to be done.
Much better in 4m seas on a big boat rather than the little one that I live on sometimes my life flashes before my eyes.