The strain of transporting seaweed up from the beach using a wheelbarrow (see earlier blog entry here) was too much for us, so The Diary invented and built this machine, using a wicker log basket. The idea came from the old sedan chair, last seen in use in the UK during the 19th century.
Readers of The Diary may be becoming seriously worried about the author's sanity but should be reassured. This is nothing new, and probably derives from spending thirty years working in an impoverished national education system, where resources were less provided than invented - and, incidentally, teaching some history.The important thing is that the sedan seaweed carrier works. The trouble is that the seaweed, having lain on the beaches since the last storm, is so slimy it is quite disgusting to handle.
What we need now is another thumping good storm.
You're a brave man, wishing another storm on us Jon!
ReplyDeleteVery ingenious! To continue your historical theme, what about a creel?
ReplyDeleteI just came across this website all about seaweed - past, present AND future. Including custard!!!
http://www.biomara.org/understanding-seaweed/the-importance-of-seaweed-across-the-ages
What you really need is a cuddy and some panniers methinks. I'm quite sure you will get your storm!
ReplyDeleteThe kind of seaweed the Diary is gathering is not as nutritional as freshly cut seaweed which is what the old crofters used to gather, what the Diary is collecting is rotted down and most of the real goodness has gone out of it.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I was on the MV Shearwater as she was delivering to one of the Small Isles. Two redoubtable ladies marched down the shingle to meet the RIB carrying an old stretcher, the canvas kind with two poles, between them. They loaded it up with cabbages, loo rolls and a variety of parcels, then marched back up. I thought then it was an efficient means of transport, so pleased to see the Diary doing something similar!
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