Today was the first full day for the new crew members and the last day for the old. It was therefore the one and only opportunity to take a group photo with the whole ship’s crew. For the occasion Axel even shaved off his impressive beard! For us it was a chance to meet some of the new crew. Triona from Ireland we’d met before on one of the training weekends. She’s been involved with the project for many years and has been itching to get back on board. 'We were panicking at home saying ‘stop sailing’! They were going too far and leaving none of the good stuff for us'.
... and Axel without
We’d not met Glen before and it was fascinating to speak to him about his motivations for joining the project. For him this is the culmination of a lifelong dream. For years he’s been fascinated by his Viking ancestry – he’s a member of the MacLeod clan and family history said that they were descended from Norsemen. Recently his brother took part in some genetic research and found that he did indeed have a Norwegian blood type. Glen in particular loves the shape of the Viking ship – 'a pure combination of form and function'. When he heard about the 'Sea Stallion' project he knew he had to be on board.
'The spectacular Skye Bridge
Tonight those that are leaving got a good send off at a local pub complete with a local storyteller regaling them with tales of mythical Kelpies, and a piper hosting an impromptu dance on the waterfront. They’ll be setting off early tomorrow morning by coach. For the rest of us, it’s a matter of waiting to see what the weather holds and what Carsten decides our next move should be.
