Resolute in the rain

Mr PB is marching down Blairmore Pier in a fine but penetrating drizzle. The wind from the south is whipping the grey sea into jagged little lumps and the cloud sits low on the hillside and obliterates Loch Long. Paddle Steamer Waverley (yes - again) is approaching from Strone Point, and we are about to board (yes, yes - again) with our granddaughters. Unlike their cousins, they have not yet tried this unique experience.

In the event, they enjoyed it hugely. Instead of heading blindly into the mist of the Loch, we thundered past Kilcreggan, the Tail o’ the Bank, the sunken sugar tanker and the familiar shoreline of Gourock. They saw gannets flying past and observed the ritual of the rope-throwing that precedes tying up at a pier. They watched the engines and smelled THAT smell.

And then came home to tea and homemade shortbread.