Home on the Water

For the last 11 days this has been my home.

Seahorse II was built in 1972 as a small ferry (25 metres long with a 10mm steel hull) ploughing the seas of the Norwegian fjords. It was then repurposed as a dive support vessel (for work on the Oresund Bridge at Malmo) before being acquired by the UK’s Ministry of Defence as a target support vessel on the Western approaches. Since 2017 it has been carrying people like me on cruises around the Western Isles of Scotland. On this cruise there have been eight passengers and three crew. I can attest to the fact that in rough seas the ship rocks and rolls like a cork (no stabilisers) but stays afloat. I’ve taken sea-sickness tablets twice before long hauls across The Minch in turbulent conditions and all has been fine (and in its own way, if you like extended fairground rides, fun).

We returned to Dunstaffnage Marina this morning, disembarked and went our separate ways. I’ve stopped on my way home at Moffat in the Borders, and have WiFi for the first time in 11 days, so am able to upload today’s photo. I’ve also got a proper bed which I’m really looking forward to - I’ve had a bunk bed which has been OK, so long as I remember not to crack my head on the underside of the bunk above (a lesson quickly learnt).

I like to keep a record of my days here on Blipfoto so will be back-blipping once I am home. I’ve really enjoyed the cruise, but am now looking forward to some home comforts.