Doon The Watter

Backblipped for Saturday

It was Miss Flum's idea but she preferred to have a companion so we all three went Doon the Watter on the Waverley (see also here) "the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world".

The day began early for the drive to Glasgow, we were all boarded for departure at 10am and were piloted out into the Clyde - a fair mixture of first-timers like us, old hands and a couple of Hen and Stag parties (which seemed to stay close to the bar for most of the journey) who missed out on waving to all and sundry who watched the much-loved ship sail by.

Gradually reaching capacity of some 800 passengers we called to pick up or deposit at Greenock, Helensburgh, Dunoon and at Rothesay where most alighted, presumably to visit the Fair Day, before we stopped at Tighnabruaich. Here there was just time to walk down to the village, passing the antique shop and charity shop (which were both closed) before returning to the ship, where we reversed the stop-offs.

On board Mr and Miss Flum, both engineers, spent a while watching and analysing he engine powering us along (no longer coal but oil-fired) and watching through the portholes as the paddles cut through the water. We then sampled the excellent fish and chips of the cafe.

The weather was kind, with some cloud to relieve the sunshine, not a drop of rain. Because we spent most of our time on the observation decks, we all caught the sun on any exposed skin - though most was wrapped up in the fleeces, anoraks and hats which were necessary on the open water.

The celebratory crowds clearly had a wonderful time as the alcohol flowed (literally) and the atmosphere warmed as the temperature dropped. The ship was nearly an hour late arriving back in port but our only problem was how to exit the carpark. Would we have to stay the night? Advice from the friendly crew going off duty (NB, have correct coins for the paystation to purchase a token for the barrier) allowed us to be on our way to the M8 and home, tired and a bit red in the face.