And all before morning tea...

Scottish stern trawler off the Shetlands

Finished mopping out the mess by 8.30 am (we have a volunteer roster of 8am cleaning duties) and about to head up to the bridge to check out what was going on when Sarah, our lead campaigner, asks if I want to go out on the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to visit a Scottish stern trawler, working within our Viking Bank Marine Reserve. We are going out to see if we can give them some information about our campaign and if possible, get permission to come onboard to discuss our proposals.

The waves are up, as the African Queen - our biggest and most powerful inflatable - is lowered into the water. Now an old hand with my one previous trip on an inflatable, I head down to the wetroom and pull on my waterproof boat suit, rubber boots and lifejacket.

Soon we're heading off, bouncing through the mountains and valleys of salty water. Sarah and I have chosen the wrong side to ride - the sea is hurling buckets of wetness at us, testing just how waterproof these gorgeous red outfits really are.

We come alongside the trawler, waving at the two fishermen on the bridge. We make radio contact and they are happy enough to receive our information, which Frank, our action man, manages to pass up as we hit the peak of a wave.

We stay close by, giving them some time to read through our materials before radioing again to seek permission to come aboard. The fishermen let down the pilot's ladder and Frank, followed by Sarah, head onto the boat. Ten minutes later Sarah carefully jumps back onto the African Queen. Frank soon follows and we wave goodbye to the fishermen, who will be hauling their nets and heading home in the next few hours.

Back on the Esperanza, Sarah and I compare the damp patches left behind by our boat suits, and there’s still time for a cup of tea before our routine 11am internet connection!

- Elaine

Posted by Elaine

Gee looks like you guys are having all the fun!Keep it up and maybe you can tak out the skis and jet ski behind on your next trip! I expect your be fully qualified in the R i B department by now.Hope all is well and the gods of Valhalla are shining with calm seas and sunny days.Good luck and take care elaine and keep up the great work! luv the bio diesel mechanic.

Posted by: erin at September 10, 2004 04:53 AM