MORNING GLORY

Evidence just in strongly suggests that at least one reader has taken me to heart over my recent Good Morning moan (“In Passing . . . “, 26 December).

 

First of all, it was a joy just to start the day by walking around Pendennis Point and Falmouth seafront with no threat of rain for once. What freedom, not to have to tog up in my waterproofs.

 

The still bay and the lights glinting on half a dozen ships, with the sun yet to rise, made for a peaceful, soothing sight.

 

Several total strangers wished me Happy New Year, but what really took the biscuit was the exchange with one of my fellow regular Point walkers.

 

I don’t know him by name and we don’t actually chat, but we always exchange Good Morning greetings. His is normally a low-key affair, though.  He’s not exactly a grunter, just four or five out of ten on the Loud And Clear scale.

 

But what a difference this morning! Ye Gods, his Good Morning was all but OFF the scale.

 

Almost rendered me temporarily deaf in at least one ear, I tell you.

 

So that’s what I call a result!

 

Or maybe, who knows, it was just the tail end of festive cheer, and (big aaw) the guy has never heard of my blog.  

 

Next time I see him will be the test. Will I need my earmuffs? I’m hoping I will . . .  

WHAT A HOOT, EH!

A big thank-you (not) to the drunken twerp who simply could not stop sounding his ship’s hooter, with occasional variations on the standard theme, for fully half an hour or more after midnight last night.

But I did get to sleep eventually.

 

And it also set me thinking . . .  

A quick count this morning showed just the one RFA alongside and a couple of merchantmen in the dry docks.

 

Just imagine what it must have been like back in the post-war boom years of the early to mid- ‘50s, when it was the rule rather than the exception to have upwards of 20, repeat 20, ships in the yard at any one time, and with all creating a grand cacophony to usher in every New Year in great style.

 

And perhaps with none of them carrying on for half an hour or so!