Labora

Time for the all important maintenance to running gear aboard the Hans Senor, first of the visiting Dutch owned, Urk crewed, Belgian beamers to hit town.....
with the sun up and a gentle breeze blowing there's nothing better than taking things easy and chillin' afloat it seems, first away are Joe Crow and ex-trawler skipper Edward Harvey....
but they are not alone.....
and a sign it must be fairly calm as Clive takes a break from his demolition work and heads out for a spot of angling no doubt.....
someone is expecting a celestial visit it seems......
there's some heavy gear aboard the big Dutchman....
and further clues as to the real Angel due in over the weekend.....
and signs that the cuttles are still in abundance late in the season.....
bow view of the big Belgian flagged Dutch beamer......
with the waiting refrigerated transport waiting for the others to arrive......
as the quantities of sole being caught by these boats is low for the time of year, they must be thankful fuel prices are low, working the size of gear aboard the Ora et Labora (loosely translated as, Prayer and Work) must see a huge amount of fuel burnt for every hour they are at sea - for them, and the other Urk boats due to join them, Sunday will be a day of rest......
makes some of the local fleet look positively economical when they fire up in the morning.....
the redoubtable Maggie, long-time provider of bon'homie and superior bar-tendering in the 'Swordy', makes it a half century, this, is not likely to be a sedate or seriously sober party........
over the back of the North quay the waters run clear with thanks to the settled weather of late.