View of the Yard Facing the Sun
View of the Yard Facing the Sun
View of the Yard Facing the Sun
Today gave us a sheet in pencil and ink showing the north west side of the yard under a blazing high evening sun. We have an arc of chocked boats1 right and left, receding into Steve’s stubborn looking widebeam barge, also chocked. A road vehicle pokes its nose in on the left fore and varied foliage backs it all up in autonomous gestures. Today also gave us the inevitable gathering of residents around me as I worked. They need not an excuse to natter but my presence on a stool in centre yard once again provided a focal point for all and sundry to stop and socialise. In some cases my presence did not register and was certainly not acknowledged as the tide of yard gossip flowed freely. I had to tell them sharply that Im trying to work but it had little effect and in any case much of what was said in the horseshoe of chatter behind my back I had already gleaned from my regular stints observing the yard from the wheelhouse. You know it is amazing
View of the Yard Facing the Sun, pencil and pen on paper
what you can make out from this distant surveillance point! As I write I can see developments unfolding in the simmering pontoon rivalry2 which I am fortunate enough to occupy a neutral position owing to our spot against the quay wall. Two decktop gatherings and clearly each group is talking about the other, its plain to see, glance and laugh glance and laugh but it is rare for anything to surface and when it does it is nipped in the bud, usually with a whack.3
One piece of gossip however certainly pricked my ears: Huggins. Units. Next Week!
On hearing these magic words I immediately span on my stool to face the pack. They tell me it is a certainty and the good Mr H had just this afternoon programmed little Pete4 to put the yard in order to make space for two units to be placed one on top of the other on the west side of the entrance opposite the cafe. Well I do not need tell you that I hastily laid claim to one of these with an impassioned case that left all in attendance in no doubt about my intentions and perhaps a little taken back at my animation. But so be it. I am sick of playing second fiddle and for all I know Les or some other entrepreneurial spirit will take to the idea of another workshop. Better to put it out there that I am top of the list, and look here, imagine if we might have an elevated unit? With the light, the privacy and a place to receive sitters in comfort, oh how can we fail make progress.
In frenzy,
John
1. A method of propping up boats on the land using wooden supports of some kind.
2. The Olympic is positioned against a wall with two long pontoons extending from its bow and stern. The details of the unrest are not known but the reference to
3. A stiff drink.
4. A boat yard orderly.