Stonehaven-Peterhead-Whitehills

22nd to 24th May

(Route http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/104431 ) http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/map/104431?color=FF0000&opacity=0.8"></iframe>

 Two days with too much engine has taken us round the bulge of east Scotland and into the Moray Firth. Stonehaven and Whitehills are small pretty places, Peterhead big and commercial - though in sunshine everywhere is gorgeous.

It's been so hot that I had my shirt off rounding Rattray Head (no photos!); after five weeks of wearing not less than five layers, that's worth recording.

I never saw Rattray Head, less than a mile away as it's been foggy. It's one of those places you hear on the Shipping Forecast, but people tell me it's nothing special, even when you do see it.

Yesterday, despite being calm and warm was one of those exhausting day's sailing. Up at 4.30am to catch the tide, quick cup of tea, too foggy, so back to bed, overslept as fog part-lifted, missed part of tide. Delayed by ship when leaving Peterhead.....fog is tiring anyway but add a busy routine: - up full sail, up cruising chute, down main, down cruising chute, on engine, down main, up chute, off engine, wind change 180 degrees, down chute.....On reaching the enchanting little harbour at Whitehills, I was exhausted! Went to pub with Andrew from Amble, did two loads washing, cooked a meal....A life of leisure, 'tis not - but of course it beats an office!