Commodore Greybeard rose from his bunk following a recent ‘skirmish’ with the latest round of ‘pestilence’ to once again rally the ‘fleet’ for our latest ‘commission’. “Huzzah Huzzah” we all cried relieved to see our beloved Commodore back ‘on deck’. “Thank you men but I’m still not feeling 100% so for our next adventure I’d like to propose a ‘smooth waters’ trip to the east and a ‘raid’ on the Floral Hall. All those in favour say Aye!” Within hours, fourteen ‘ships’ had responded to the ‘signal hoist’ with some gathering at the central anchorage of Market Cross while others proposed to join up en-route at the Tickton Grange anchorage.
The slight chill of an early Friday morning in January did nothing to dampen the spirits of the fleet as we all scuttled out like maggots from a ships biscuit. It was a sight to behold as twelve ships assembled at Market Cross before navigating ‘in convoy’ through the ‘tricky waters’ out of town via Weel Bridge to Tickton to join our Commodore and another three vessels.
Prior to ‘setting sail’ the commodore announced that he was still ‘covered in barnacles’ and short of a ‘few sails’ so would not be completing the full journey and returning to his ‘home port’ from Bewholme. It wasn’t long before the ‘fleet’ split up with the ‘clipper ships’ making full use of their ‘top-gallant sails’. When we arrived at Nag’s Head we found a huge obstacle in our path in the form of a monstrous ‘battleship’ aka articulated truck. This was a test our handling skills as first we ‘hauled on the larboard stays’ and shortly after ‘tacking’ back round to starboard as we rounded the stern of the hulk.
After regrouping at Leven we ‘sailed’ onwards towards Brandesburton and Dunnington eventually coming to our most northerly ‘reach’ at Skipsea Brough. ‘Beating’ our way south we soon parted company with the commodore and a few other vessels at Bewholme. The remaining eleven ‘ships’ continued the eastwards journey to Hornsea where they gratefully ‘dropped anchor’ at the Floral Hall.
Having taken on board suitable ‘provisions’ for the return journey it was time to head back to home port. The ‘fleet’ split in two shortly after ‘weighing anchor’ with one group heading home via Bewholme while the second group continued to ‘beat’ southwards until reaching Mappleton at which point we turned to the west sailing on a ‘broad reach’. The ‘passage’ got somewhat bumpy as the road surface was not in good condition. Shortly after passing Great Hatfield we ran into ‘muddy waters’ (no not the singer). It was like sailing through a ‘slurry pit’ but without the stench. So much for my nice clean ‘hull’ we all thought dolefully as the mud splattered everywhere making our sparkling ‘uniform dress’ look like khaki polkadots.
As we continued on towards Long Riston, Karl and Michael took up the ‘flagship’ position setting a strong pace with everyone ‘trailing in their wake’ wondering where the ‘tow rope’ was. The ‘formation’ continued as we made our way through Arnold to the Meaux Road. When we turned ‘close hauled’ north to Routh, Karl maintained his position as the ‘vanguard’ while Michael dropped to the rear. Every so often Karl ‘glimpsed over the taff rail’. I’m not sure if he was checking to see if we were still ‘alongside’ or if he’d managed to lose us 😉😂
Overall we had a great ride out. The day was dull with light winds but the company was bright and breezy. The forecast over the next week does not look conducive to safe riding which possibly accounts for such a good turn out. Take care everyone if you do go out.