It's not possible that they had ever done it before. Nor could they have learnt from their forebears who, if successful, would have sailed to new lands or, if not, would have died in the attempt.
So they relied on their exploratory instincts to range around on the jagged rocks, discover a big green strap with a yellow rope attached. It's likely that they had encountered these before and had perhaps witnessed other rats setting off to clamber along the swaying rope. But the rope dips into the water periodically but floats so they can continue the adventure. Then they encounter an obstacle. On some lines there is a big black rat-proof barrier which is impassable. They return the way they came.
But that night there was only a plastic bottle, cut to go over the rope. A bit of scrabbling and it fell into the water, giving access to the new experience of exploring Tin Tin. One team member explores the deck while the other leaps down the companionway steps, pauses to leave two droppings and then starts to investigate the saloon. All the food is stored in plastic boxes or cupboards, but there are interesting crumbs and enticing smells. It seems that they have found a perfect goldmine.
A quick circuit at floor level and they find a portion of soft damp wood under the sink. Perhaps this is a good way in ? So they start gnawing at the soft wood, building up a pile of chippings on the galley floor. It's dark and there are the sounds and smells of humans here, sleeping, snoring and snuffling. It's important to find a safe place before sunrise. But they cannot gain entry through the wood.
Up on deck there are good places to hide; in the anchor locker, beneath the spinnaker bag or under the spare dinghy. In the saloon there is a warren of hiding places under the table where a lot of bags and boxes are stored. So far so good.
Then day breaks and it's wise to hide until all the human activity stops. The sun eventually hides again, it gets dark and the humans are quiet. Time to explore again - but Oh No! The rat on deck is spotted. Immediately two large humans start chasing it. Hide in the anchor locker. Despite every attempt at escape they beat it to death.
Down below the remaining adventurer hears thé frantic calling of its mate and the thudding of sticks. It hides until all is quièt. But there is a human sitting there silently when you eventually risk coming out. It doesn't stir but you know there's a problem when it calls out "Matt! Come quick. There's another one here!"
Then the terrifying hunt begins and no matter what you try, all the boxes are pulled out from under the tables. You leap up to try to get out of a hatch but it's too high. You try to hide in space behind the chart table but they find you. Suddenly you are pinned to the log book by a net and one of the humans smashes your brains out with a stick.
All your adventurous spirits and ingenuity brought to a horrifying end. No lessons passed on to future generations. But others will succeed on other boats where you have failed.
Persistus rattus. Per barca ad futura!?
Having got that sad perspective off my mind, we set off early in calm weather to motor to the pretty village of Koini, having breakfast en route as we pass the precipitous mountainsides, tiny coves and occasional lonely yachts. One superyacht has bagged a cove to itself and set up a little set of loungers and beach umbrellas for the guests (who have yet to get out of bed) to get thrilled at when they emerge.
As we approach Koini there are encouraging numbers of catamarans leaving and, as we pass the little church on the promontory and then the three windmill towers, it's apparent that the mass of yachts is beginning to stir and leave harbour. It's 10:30. We approach a nice slot in the line of yachts at the quay, drop 20 metres anchor in about 5metres of water and find a good hold as we arrive at the quay. Soon tied up we have arrived.
We have a lovely day at the village with swimming at a little pebble beach, elevenses, lunch and supper at dock-side tavernas and souvenir hunting for the children. Very sweet that Felix chose a gemstone olive tree decoration and we later discovered it was for his parents.
Sadly Matt came down with a temperature and painful stomach after lunch (he chose moules which were served without shells - struck me as dodgy)
Meanwhile Felix excelled with hunting marine life, catching crabs and a sea centipede and finding a a little moray eel in the harbour wall! Marlowe is very happily drawing and painting, enjoying my watercolour box. She also has a song and dance routine from Greased Lightning which she performs endlessly!
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