Feb 21 2012
west coast washing line
Doing your washing ‘island stylee’ requires a certain amount of skill and knowledge of the local climate and weather patterns. There are also several other issues surrounding island washing that I would like to raise.
Let me explain; Growing up on an island my mother passed on the valuable skill of making the most of the gaps in the weather to use that perfect strength wind to dry your undergarments etc.
Shetland, where I grew up managed to fit at least 4 different types of weather into each day. The general pattern is a squally wet shower followed by a burst of bright sunshine and gusty wind -perfect hanging out clothing conditions! This is your window for getting them out there! Then as soon as you sense of hear the first splat of rain upon the glass you need to be pulling on your wellie boots and legging it outside to pull out the pegs with frozen fingers. Trust me, it’s worth it though for that ‘it’s been outside’ smell that I can never quite describe. Therefore, childhood days were punctuated by cries of ‘it’s raining!!! drop everything, get the washing in!!)
The other technique is just to hang them out in the morning and hope for the best. Even if you do end up putting them through spin cycle again it’s worth it for the ‘added freshness’. And some of us do have to go to work I suppose.
I notice that hear too on Iona, the islanders seem to manage to make the most of each day and always seem to manage to get their washing out. I must mention though; that if you are considering engaging in this chancy activity there is one vital piece of equipment… storm pegs! you know, the curvy, plastic different coloured one. Wooden clip pegs don’d quite cut it and before you know it you’re washing will be blowing about the iona abby alarming pilgrims.
Another issue surrounding island washing; why do tourists always take a picture of the washing line? yes, perhaps it is one of the most scenic washing line experiences in the UK, but I do find german tourists taking pictures of my pants and socks blowing in the wind a little strange.
R.
One response so far
Even the storm pegs aren’t infallible, I notice! I was down in Millport spring cleaning last week, and the sheets kept blowing off the line….