6,000th Visitor

Any day now and the 6,000th visitor will click on this site. I suspect that most of those who have stumbled across this load of indulgent nonsense  have done so accidentally, and just once - probably en route to a site selling secondhand boots. Then there are some stalwart regulars who check in most days, according to the statistics, to see what's on my mind that day. Usually of little import, to be honest.

Of late it's been a question of getting the new Flying Fifteen Ffelicity back from the deep south and working out where all the strings go. I reckon that's sorted. And it's so nice to work on your own boat for a change. Pure bliss, in fact, fiddling and fettling.

Now it's time to get down to the next paying project. Yes, the gun punt is back on the stocks, the first thing to do is scale up the plans from 18ft to 23ft 6in. These punts are deceptively simple. There's a spring to the bottom, fore and aft (a gentle rocker in effect) without which the thing won't turn. Too much and it will spin when you paddle it.

The recoil from that huge fowling piece needs taming as well (see that hefty rope from the bow?) And lots more details. And for those who object to the use such craft are put, reflect on how much crueller to raise chickens in cages. It is an ancient sport, full of lore and literature, and art. It is, above all, not easy, requiring skill, patience, stamina and an intimate knowledge of the birds they hunt. I don't really know why I feel the need to justify it.