Patrick is innocent (maybe), Norn Iron farewell and transvestite 747 captains....

Some good news for Patrick - Pat and Graham (the people holding on to an abandoned trolley shopper for us on Samos, so we've just got to go to the Mediterranean to collect it) had been concerned that Patrick was really the dangerous chicken from the Wallace and Grommit film. Well, they mailed to say that since Patrick had been a stalwart boat guardian penguin whilst we were away, they were no longer concerned about him.

The prior allegations about Patrick's sexual predilections were quashed a while ago by his grandma so we consider that his name has been fully cleared now and things are looking up for our furry little friend. Perhaps Amanda will take him on as Godmother now? When told the good news Patrick looked smug and he gave a knowing little grin. That makes us a little unsure about his rehabilitation... Will keep you posted.

Did you read the comment on the post from 4th September? If you did, you will realise that there has been an earth shattering revelation. Our stalwart 747 captain who makes various guest appearances, previously known as Colin to protect his real identity, has "come out" and will henceforth be known as Coleen.

Coleen - a brave move. A transvestite captain surrounded by all those "hunky" male cabin crew. One spy picture of Coleen being propositioned has already been mailed through. This blog becomes more like Wikileaks every day:

Coleen - more hair colourant next time please, might help attract the younger lads. So glad you were wearing a high neckline though....

We finished off our time in Norn Iron by spending another great day in Belfast. Lots of walking, rounded off by an evening performance of Evita in the Opera House.

Phil, the ex-Northern Ireland man who now sells Nordhavn boats, asked us if we were going to the special Norn Iron version of Evita:

Is that the Norn Iron version of Evita? Don't cry for me Londonderry? 

You know based on the life of Ian Paisley? I'd check before sitting down...

We are only brave enough to post this comment now we are out of the province again. You never know. The captain had the fun of meeting the nice Reverend Ian P one evening at a "do" hosted by another staunch Protestant with a huge bank balance. Such a calm and reasonable sort of chap, surrounded by his minders. 

In the interests of balance and to save his kneecaps on the next visit to Norn Iron, he wants to point out that he also attended good republican functions hosted by "the other side" when there was a little tension going on between the religions involving guns and semtex. It seemed useful to know influential people from both parties - you never knew who you would bump into on a dark evening in those days.....