Memory Lane

Today a crisp south westerly force 6 rattles the palm fronds on Poole Quay.

Beyond the shelter of the sea wall, white horses cavort...

...jostling the fishing punts on their moorings.

The inner harbour lies tranquil and reflective.

A fisherman lolls contentedly at the helm, basking in the spring sunshine, heading homeward to Holes Bay after an early start. His work stained craft chugs past the immaculate ranks of, Star-Wars-storm-trooper black & white, Sunseekers marshalled outside the build sheds. A glorious embodiment of the notion that there are as many ways to enjoy being on the water as there are people on the earth.

I have come on a (road) trip down Memory Lane, to my former home town.

In the boot of the car is the alternator off Stargazer's new engine. The reason for my journey. During the week the Balmar alternator and serpentine pulley arrived at Merlin's workshop as planned. However, to be sure of fitting the two together to deliver exact belt alignment, their engineer wanted the alternator supplied by Yanmar to use as a template. I have brought it with me.

 That magic carefree moment, when we can cast off for our first sail of 2019 and blow the winter cobwebs away, is drawing tantalisingly nearer.