A grey morning with a waft of sou’west breeze and some light drizzle. Maybe the sane would just roll over in bed but, trusting the forecast of clearing conditions, a Sunday adventure in the Whitehall offered a greater lure!

So, hitching up the trailer and whistling up the crew, we were off to the Marina ramp for an early departure and  with no particular plan but trusting that one would soon foment, we headed out in the general direction of Fanny Point, Boston Island.

Half way across to the point we were overtaken by the “Swim With The Sharks” ferry. We were not the only ones out for some adventure early on a Sunday morn then – You decide who’s sanity was most at risk!

Forty minutes rowing and we were close under the lighthouse on Fanny Point.  We chose to bear away to port and row close to the shore, following the indentations around to Cemetery Beach; about another two miles distance or half an hours exertion. Rowing along just a few meters off the shore, one can scrutinise  the flotsam that invariably accumulates among the rocks. Lengths of rope, plastic fishing floats, timber, lengths of plastic tube, metal drums and even a sorry looking dinghy, punched full of holes and finally lodged fast among some bigger rocks! Not much has changed in this respect since my youth,  perhaps the predominant flotsam is now aquaculture industry related whereas back then it was more domestic in origin – thongs, lumber, bottles, balls and such – but then as now these shores are a treasure trove for the castaway!

On arrival at Cemetry Beach we came ashore, lay out a small anchor and set off into the hinterland in search of some ruins of a past era of settlement. A few hundred meters along the gully leading up from the beach the old house and tanks were revealed. They date from just after WW2, so not particularly ancient but certainly indicative of a stoic effort and a frugal life.

Having scouted around and gained a sense of a different life back then, we headed back to the skiff to row the three and a bit miles back to the hot chocolate shop and home! A very satisfying adventure!