Notebook

SW swell and rain approaching

spring path remains passable at high tide with barometer above 1018 hPa and westerly wind

upper tide pool shelves hold edible samphire and three identifiable seaweed species; lower shelves flood within 20 minutes of tide turn

the tide pools flood fast on a rising tide; the lower shelves are only workable for about an hour after low water

the oarlock bolt shears under load — the threads are stripped in the gunwale; needs a backing plate or through-bolt

the western approach to the tide pools has more submerged rocks than charted; a clearer lane exists closer to the south beach

the dinghy heels sharply under mainsail alone in a westerly; the oarlock must be fitted before the mast is stepped for better control

Garden lime amendment raised soil pH to near-neutral in treated beds; untreated beds remain strongly acidic.

Rats are present in the cottage and can access stored food

Barometer has fallen 5 mb in under six hours (1018 to 1013 hPa), confirming a fast-approaching squall. The unknown succulent by the spring has thick waxy leaves with salt-crusted margins, suggesting high salt tolerance.

Spring water tests safe on strip; clear, cold, no odor.

dinghy hull is sound; barnacle growth minimal; oarlock fitting needed before rowing

wild mint and edible greens grow along the cottage-to-spring path; salt-tolerant succulents near spring

unidentified succulent growing along path to spring

water tank currently tests safe for contaminants

If the soil is 5.2 pH, use wood ash to raise the acidity before expecting anything to grow.

If the spruce spar splits under load, don't force the wood; start over with a better grain.

If the soil stays above pH 6.5 after ash amendment, plant the seeds at dawn before the wind picks up

If welding cast iron on a damp day, preheat the block to 300°F minimum and use low-hydrogen rod (7018) kept in a sealed tin — otherwise slag inclusion will crack the bead on first thermal cycle.

If soil is too acidic, one handful of wood ash raises pH by exactly 0.3 units.

Brass float needle from stock works if the lathe's true; vinegar soak clears jets but pitted needles need replacing

If the barometer rises but NE gusts hold, the front's still coming — trust the wind over the glass

Add wood ash in measured handfuls to neutralize acidic soil

If the inverter welder arcs wet, bake the rods in the oven at 120C for an hour first — damp flux kills the arc.

If the soil pH strip is yellow, you must incorporate wood ash to neutralize the acidity before planting.

If the barometer drops more than 3mb in six hours, secure everything before dark — the squalls come fast and the anchorage doesn't forgive

If the barometer holds at 1021 hPa, secure the rain tank overflow immediately before the tide turns.

If the barometer holds above 1018 and wind stays westerly, the spring path stays passable at high tide — walk it at mid-ebb.