Graham and I spent our time getting Nomad ready for her 'lift out' on Thursday and improving her accommodation for our big trip to Scotland in the summer. I made a mosquito net for our cabin door while Graham fitted a brand spanking new toilet. In between the showers we made a dash for the car and took a trip to Rhos-on-Sea one day and Bangor the other.
Throughout the week the weather slowly improved with longer spells of sunshine and fewer bursts of rain (or other precipitations!) but it was still very cold. On Tuesday we took a trip to Liverpool to collect our life raft which had been for a service at Norwest Marine. The staff were very helpful and explained how the life rafts were tested and replenished with perishables like sea-sick tablets, flares and batteries. Then the clever bit is getting it all folded back up again into it's bag which is little more than a 'carry-on' suitcase!
As we were already north of the city we continued on towards Crosby to 'play' with the standing statues on the beach. Anthony Gormley's 'Another Place' are a series of 'iron men' dotted along the beach for about two miles. I loved the contrast of a metal statue stood in sand with the industrial backdrop of the docks in one direction and the opposite view of endless sky, sea and sand. The tide was out so we met at leasts three men before reaching the sea, with at least one other out to sea up to his neck. I've been experimenting with some film making so this location was an ideal opportunity to have some fun with my new camera. If the results are any good then I'll be pleased to share the finished film!
Nomad was booked to be lifted out of the water on Thursday, what we've been waiting for all week. We motored around to the crane and lifting area where the slings were attached under the hull and then hoisted upwards. As the cables tightened, the boat shuddered and it felt like we were slipping, not a pleasant sensation. However, it all went well. Within half an hour, the hull had been steam cleaned and Nomad was placed on a cradle in the yard where she will sit for the next few weeks while we work on her 'underneath'. We could still stay on-board but it is much harder to get on and off the boat, having to climb a ladder onto the stern which is about three meters above the ground. It also feels very precarious walking around the deck, as she is balanced in the cradle. We ended the day with a walk along Deganwy beach to watch the sunset over Anglesey. It was stunning!
Watch Nomad being lifted out - in double-quick time. Watch here or use the link to Vimeo:
Follow the link below to watch us with the 'Iron Men'.
No comments:
Post a Comment