Spoondrifting on the Forth

Apparently – according to Mr Wiki – 'spoondrift' is a "northern or Scottish word" used instead of the southern English version 'spindrift'. Whichever word you want to use, it's how you can tell a Force 8* wind when observed at sea. It felt pretty strong to me as I was practicing my rowing technique for tomorrow's inevitable road closures and rail cancellations once the wind speed get above 'bracing'.** You have to be prepared for all eventualities in getting in to work in Edinburgh, especially if you don't want to live there.

The rowing boat bit is rowlocks the rest is all true...

* Force 8, (Beaufort Scale) defined as "Gale". Wind speed 39-46 mph, equal to 34-40 knots. Inland, twigs break off trees; progress generally impeded. At sea, moderately high waves of greater length; edges of crests begin to break into spindrift; foam is blown in well-marked streaks along the direction of the wind.

** Ask your granny for a definition.