Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Terra Firma, well for a bit at least

Hi there. I am soooo sorry that it has taken this long to get back to you all and update you on our arrival. It has been such a whirlwind that I can't believe it all happened. And I hope that you haven't lost faith in me and have come back to see this entry. I think I will keep it going randomly during my next trip home, I'm not so sure I will be able to provide entertaining entries on diesel engine maintanence and plumbing but if I do then it means that something in my 'holiday' has gone terribly wrong!

So the arrival. I wanted to put up a video of us coming in and seeing all the support boats around us however my computer is having a technology hissy so I'll get back to you on that one. But yeah, the arrival. It was wonderful. We had the flotilla come out, Tim was on the RIB and it was just so very cool to see all the people out there waving and welcoming us. I felt like I was this pretty cool person hanging out with the superstar as everyone was clambering to get a photo of him. And there I am going, yeah man, we're mates and hang out. Check me! It was cool.

Geoff and Digby weren't so impressed that it was actually raining when we arrived. Ok, not my ideal picture of our arrival but I for some reason like rain. Put up the MASSIVE flag for Geoff which was great as there are some pretty awesome shots out there of him under it. We headed out to Cane Garden Bay where everyone on the beach was up and waving to us and all the boats were cheering and it was such a cool high. We had the search and rescue boat seeing us round and then we tried to get a mooring (and this is where I wanted to crawl into a hole) but failed after three attempts. It was my terrible attempts to get the mooring, and what made it worse was that everyone was watching! But they all made me feel better by saying that it was a difficult thing to do. Then we bailed and dropped anchor. Works for me :)

Tim and Elaine jumped on and had a glass of champagne with Geoff. Then poor Elaine had to go curl up as the motion was getting to her but in all fairness I think if I had been on the RIB as long as she had then I would have been right next to her as well. Also met Todd from the Beacon who was taking a few snaps of our arrival.

We then headed into Sopers Hole where we had a very tight 'parking' spot and no pressure here people as there was another huge welcoming committe there for us!!!! Geoff did really well though and got ID in smoothly, I on the other hand was terrified that my fenders may fall off or that I had left a breadcrumb trail of fenders for all to follow where we had gone. Then I got asked to throw ropes over but if you recall from New Years Eve, I apparently throw like a girl! We got there.

And there it was. Onto land (I did my little jig/dance) and three big cheers for the arrival. It was a bit surreal. Here we were, wanting to do this crossing and finish it and then when we were there. I was in a bit of a dream state not really believing we had done it. In fact, here I am nearly a week later and I still can't quite get my head around it.

We were welcomed onto land with some pizza which made Geoff and Digby drool. They had been talking to each other about pizza for days so as you can imagine it was WANTED! And it was lovely. In the evening we had a reception on the boat where we had lots of people there and drinks provided by Pussers rum. I'm not too sure why they call them Pussers Painkillers though becuase attempting to drink my cocktail was quite painful. Painmakers I think they should call them!

But it was lovely to see everyone and meet new friends (James and Lucy, you have no idea what you've let yourself in for by giving me your contact details!) and show people around our somewhat messy home. Or should I say lived in!

It was a great evening with everyone, thanks for all the support and generosity from all. I will be back with more of a follow up on my time in Tortola however I am off to NZ tomorrow (wow already?) and need to go pack.

It's all still so unreal to me, I haven't had time to figure it out but in writing these blogs I can sort it all out in my little head. Doesn't take too much for me to overload you see! So watch this space, there is still a whole heap to catch you all up on...

2 comments:

  1. Hey Suz. Can I come back with you, I really need to get away from all the snow, its annoying me now!!

    Yet again... Big CONGRATULATIONS on the success of crossing the Atlantic. Keep the blogs coming, even from NZ. Hopefully you'll come and crash with me when your back.

    In the meantime, if there is anything I can do while your away, however small or big, give me an email or call.

    Safe journey Dan xxx

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  2. Hooray! I am already excited to read the further updates but your descriptions are so vivid it's like being there with you. Way to go, team!

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