Hey there, well thankfully I haven't had my head in any diesel engines lately so I guess this holiday is going to plan. Unfortunately though, I've been so busy that I haven't even unpacked my bags!!!! That may be a job for later this week.
I've spent some good quality time with my brother and two nieces and today I'm heading off to New Plymouth for a walk along the beach with Dad and Trish.
Right, we're taking off now, sorry there aren't more entertaining stories of blocked heads or generators! Just family catch up. But I have been sleeping in and it's great!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The one before last!
Trying to get to some wireless internet has been a bit hard but I found this cafe so all is good. Last night I did a really quick blog, but here is the one that I wrote and couldn't get to and was the one I wanted to stick up. Will be back with more news. Currently spinning out as James and I have gone through town and seeing how much it's changed. I'm sure it was only yesterday we were at school but James tells me that was actually in 1998 and that that was a few years ago....Ouch.
So where did I leave you yesterday? I know that I had to go board my plane and now I'm writing this as my friend James drives us towards Napier for the wedding of our good friend Chris which is on tomorrow. But that's another story.
So I think it was Sunday I left you on. It's weird you know, I had been waiting so long for the trip to finish and then suddenly all too quickly it was over and then I was suddenly having to pack up to leave. I still wasn't fully aware of all that had been acheived and that we had actually done it. So when it came to goodbyes with Geoff, Elaine, Tim, Mike and Martine, it all felt surreal to me, like it wasn't really happening and that I would be seeing them in a couple of hours again. The fact that I don't know when I will see them next didn't hit me until a lot later.
Onto the taxi and then picking up Digby, Paula and Francis along the way. We checked in fine and went through for the plane. On the first flight up to Antigua I sat next to a young man on the plane who was asking me about my time in Tortola and was really excited to know about the whole project as he had been following it all on tv. I felt like I had a claim to fame :)
In Antigua we checked through and I managed to catch Richard our pilot who is friends with Geoff and Elaine on his way through. He was flying us back, and originaly we were all going to be on the flight together so he would have been taking Geoff back but plans had changed. Still, it was lovely to see him and as I left the flight I was able to go up and say goodbye and thank you to him. He also showed me an article in the paper where I have made my reputation as 'Seasick Susana' !!!! I guess I did moan about it a lot and I'm sorry :(
The arrival back into the UK was cold to say the least. I had heard about all the snow but seeing it all was a different matter. I eventually got back to Southampton. Arriving to the house it dawned on me that I wasn't sure when I would see everyone again and there was a lot of snow and I just walked into the front door and had a good old cry. Bit soppy but I've been struggling emotionally trying to get my whole head around the trip and realise that we've done it. I keep kicking myself that I let the sea sickness get to me, there was a stage in the middle of the trip where I was miserable and I'm gutted I didn't have it in me to put on a braver face. But hey, lesson learnt and next time (if there is a next time for anything similar) I will know that I managed to get through this one and that I can do it. I am so grateful that Geoff and Digby were there to help me through the rough times though. We were a real little team out there.
So once I settled in (that means a shower and wearing lots of layers of clothing) I made a lot of phone calls and emails and spent the eveing busy trying to catch up on communications. Tuesday was a long sleep in as I enjoyed a night in a bed on land and then a day of packing and then a lot of phone calls and visits. So much to do, so little time.
Wednesday morning there was more snow and after a bit of morning stress (thanks GG for helping me out!) I got to the train station where my train was thankfully on time and then my connecting bus to Heathrow. I was lugging two huge cases as I have packed up the past four years of my life and taken them with me. I got there though and checked in and through security with hours to spare. Still with all the extra snow I was much happier to be early than rushing it all.
26 hours later and you have found me landed in NZ. Dad and Trish were at the airport with James to greet me. We all went for some breakfast and then it was time to take off. I'll be catching up with the family next week sometime but for now James and I are on our way down to Napier as it is Chris' wedding tomorrow. I'm really excited to be going as I'll be seeing friends I haven't seen for years so that's cool. James and I have figured we last saw each other 7 years ago. Time just flies. It's great to be back home, seeing all the places I used to go to, and enjoying the beautiful scenery that NZ has to offer, although we have just had lunch in Taupo and now on our way to Napier where the weather has turned and it is now dark clouds and raining. I came over here for summer!!! Something wrong in this whole setup I think. But tonight will be good, catching up with friends and then relaxing before the ceremony tomorrow. I have been worrying myself the last few days on where to go from here after such and amazing journey and adventure that I was lucky enough to be a part of, and also I've been questioning my own ability on the trip and if I did well enough but now that I've arrived in NZ and seen my family and friends I think I'm starting to relax a bit. I guess the solution is to first rest, revive and then think about things, but for the moment, just enjoy the time I have here.
So where did I leave you yesterday? I know that I had to go board my plane and now I'm writing this as my friend James drives us towards Napier for the wedding of our good friend Chris which is on tomorrow. But that's another story.
So I think it was Sunday I left you on. It's weird you know, I had been waiting so long for the trip to finish and then suddenly all too quickly it was over and then I was suddenly having to pack up to leave. I still wasn't fully aware of all that had been acheived and that we had actually done it. So when it came to goodbyes with Geoff, Elaine, Tim, Mike and Martine, it all felt surreal to me, like it wasn't really happening and that I would be seeing them in a couple of hours again. The fact that I don't know when I will see them next didn't hit me until a lot later.
Onto the taxi and then picking up Digby, Paula and Francis along the way. We checked in fine and went through for the plane. On the first flight up to Antigua I sat next to a young man on the plane who was asking me about my time in Tortola and was really excited to know about the whole project as he had been following it all on tv. I felt like I had a claim to fame :)
In Antigua we checked through and I managed to catch Richard our pilot who is friends with Geoff and Elaine on his way through. He was flying us back, and originaly we were all going to be on the flight together so he would have been taking Geoff back but plans had changed. Still, it was lovely to see him and as I left the flight I was able to go up and say goodbye and thank you to him. He also showed me an article in the paper where I have made my reputation as 'Seasick Susana' !!!! I guess I did moan about it a lot and I'm sorry :(
The arrival back into the UK was cold to say the least. I had heard about all the snow but seeing it all was a different matter. I eventually got back to Southampton. Arriving to the house it dawned on me that I wasn't sure when I would see everyone again and there was a lot of snow and I just walked into the front door and had a good old cry. Bit soppy but I've been struggling emotionally trying to get my whole head around the trip and realise that we've done it. I keep kicking myself that I let the sea sickness get to me, there was a stage in the middle of the trip where I was miserable and I'm gutted I didn't have it in me to put on a braver face. But hey, lesson learnt and next time (if there is a next time for anything similar) I will know that I managed to get through this one and that I can do it. I am so grateful that Geoff and Digby were there to help me through the rough times though. We were a real little team out there.
So once I settled in (that means a shower and wearing lots of layers of clothing) I made a lot of phone calls and emails and spent the eveing busy trying to catch up on communications. Tuesday was a long sleep in as I enjoyed a night in a bed on land and then a day of packing and then a lot of phone calls and visits. So much to do, so little time.
Wednesday morning there was more snow and after a bit of morning stress (thanks GG for helping me out!) I got to the train station where my train was thankfully on time and then my connecting bus to Heathrow. I was lugging two huge cases as I have packed up the past four years of my life and taken them with me. I got there though and checked in and through security with hours to spare. Still with all the extra snow I was much happier to be early than rushing it all.
26 hours later and you have found me landed in NZ. Dad and Trish were at the airport with James to greet me. We all went for some breakfast and then it was time to take off. I'll be catching up with the family next week sometime but for now James and I are on our way down to Napier as it is Chris' wedding tomorrow. I'm really excited to be going as I'll be seeing friends I haven't seen for years so that's cool. James and I have figured we last saw each other 7 years ago. Time just flies. It's great to be back home, seeing all the places I used to go to, and enjoying the beautiful scenery that NZ has to offer, although we have just had lunch in Taupo and now on our way to Napier where the weather has turned and it is now dark clouds and raining. I came over here for summer!!! Something wrong in this whole setup I think. But tonight will be good, catching up with friends and then relaxing before the ceremony tomorrow. I have been worrying myself the last few days on where to go from here after such and amazing journey and adventure that I was lucky enough to be a part of, and also I've been questioning my own ability on the trip and if I did well enough but now that I've arrived in NZ and seen my family and friends I think I'm starting to relax a bit. I guess the solution is to first rest, revive and then think about things, but for the moment, just enjoy the time I have here.
Home ground!
Oh my goodness, where has the last week gone? So I left you with Sunday, and suddenly it was the flight back to the UK. It felt so surreal saying goodbye to Geoff, Elaine, Tim, Mike and Martine. It didn't hit me until being back in the UK that I don't actually know when I shall see them all next. The flight back was fine, Richard (Geoff's mate) was the pilot so I got to go up and say hi as we were getting off the plane which was pretty cool. Then it was all snow and a bit of a mission getting back to Southampton but I made it. As soon as I walked in the front door though, I realised that I had left all the others behind and burst into tears. Then after that I made a heap of phone calls, emails and then had a night in a bed in a house!!!
Tuesday was all packing up getting ready from my next trip - NZ!!!! Wednesday was getting to Heathrow and now I am home. It's been so weird being here after being away for so long but I am loving it. James was at the airport to pick me up and Dad and Trish were there as well to welcome me home. Then because I hadn't had enough travelling, James and I drove down to Napier for Chris' wedding. Adrian was best man and it was so lovely to be with old school friends. We had a catch up and it was just like old times. I think it's a sign of a true friendship when you haven't seen each other for years and when you do meet up, it's like you've never been away. That's how it felt with these guys and it was great.
The wedding was beautiful, I was so happy to have been able to get home and be there for it. I have missed far too many events like this of close friends so it was great to be here. Sadly there was rain (so much for me coming home to a summer!) but we all had a wonderful day. A big congratulations to Chris and Kris. Love you guys to bits.
Now James and I are in Masterton getting some tlc from his parents and it is great. We did a drive by the house I grew up in and went through town. It's so weird to come home and see how everything has changed. Tomorrow we'll do a catch up with lots of different people, but right now I'm starting to struggle staying awake, and I think the jet lag is possibly setting in....must get some sleep!
Tuesday was all packing up getting ready from my next trip - NZ!!!! Wednesday was getting to Heathrow and now I am home. It's been so weird being here after being away for so long but I am loving it. James was at the airport to pick me up and Dad and Trish were there as well to welcome me home. Then because I hadn't had enough travelling, James and I drove down to Napier for Chris' wedding. Adrian was best man and it was so lovely to be with old school friends. We had a catch up and it was just like old times. I think it's a sign of a true friendship when you haven't seen each other for years and when you do meet up, it's like you've never been away. That's how it felt with these guys and it was great.
The wedding was beautiful, I was so happy to have been able to get home and be there for it. I have missed far too many events like this of close friends so it was great to be here. Sadly there was rain (so much for me coming home to a summer!) but we all had a wonderful day. A big congratulations to Chris and Kris. Love you guys to bits.
Now James and I are in Masterton getting some tlc from his parents and it is great. We did a drive by the house I grew up in and went through town. It's so weird to come home and see how everything has changed. Tomorrow we'll do a catch up with lots of different people, but right now I'm starting to struggle staying awake, and I think the jet lag is possibly setting in....must get some sleep!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The whirlwind stop at Tortola
Thursday was arrival. Friday morning was a very tender head, but not mine, talk to a few others though. I think I was still going on adrenaline. I attempted to try and clean things but it was all just a bit too hard so it ended up being an exercise of pick this item up and put it somewhere else. Not very productive.
James and Lucy were very kind and took me to Snow Leopard where I had a lovely shower and felt like a new girl. Lunch was provided courtesy of Pussers Bar and then it started raining a bit. But the sun came out. Once that happened I scrubbed the outside of the boat with the help of young Timothy who is not a very good aim with the hose, well not when it comes to hosing the boat but when it comes to getting me saturated, he's pretty good. I got him back though, with the help of Geoff providing a decoy.
Todd from the Beacon had been around at lunchtime to take some photos and then kindly offered to take me out to a quiz night that evening and meet some of the team from the paper. It was a great fun night. Although my only contribution was the ten questions on the phonetic alphabet. I got them right thankfully - Papa, Hotel, Echo, Whiskey!!!!!!! A big thanks to Todd for taking me out and showing me the sights and introducing me to a whole bunch of new friends. I just love meeting new people.
Then back to the boat where I got the share a bunk with a hot young guy - Master Timothy! He wanted to have a night on the boat so I was happy to be able to grant his wish. Bit of a hog with the covers though, and we had two!!!
Saturday morning Tim and I worked our way around the saloon cleaning up and we had Doris a cleaner at the marina come and polish all the surfaces. I think it's safe to say we did a pretty good job. It was definitely cleaner.
Mike and Martine arrived with Geoff and Elaine and then I was whisked away by John to go to the Yachtclub for some lunch. I had the Caribbean curry which was just how mum used to make and it was simply delicious. I made another whole bunch of new friends there and was given a yachtclub top which was very kind of them.
And finally an afternoon of relaxation :) We chilled out up at Myetts where I am sure that Geoff and Elaine are really appreciative that I have taught Tim the art of raspberry kisses!!!! Hehehe, I'm such a bad influence.
Saturday night was the fundraising dinner at Myetts which was a nice fun evening. The food was delicious, we had wonderful entertainment and it was just nice to be with everyone.
And suddenly it was Sunday. Time for goodbyes at lunchtime and then I did my last bit of packing and met the taxi. It was all a bit sudden and rushed and I wasn't really aware that I was actually going. I felt a bit numb. Picked up Digby, Paula and Francis and then we were on our way.
Now I just have to run, there is more to tell but I'm in LA airport and my flight is about to board! Such an exotic life I'm leading now. Watch this space and I'll follow on from there :)
James and Lucy were very kind and took me to Snow Leopard where I had a lovely shower and felt like a new girl. Lunch was provided courtesy of Pussers Bar and then it started raining a bit. But the sun came out. Once that happened I scrubbed the outside of the boat with the help of young Timothy who is not a very good aim with the hose, well not when it comes to hosing the boat but when it comes to getting me saturated, he's pretty good. I got him back though, with the help of Geoff providing a decoy.
Todd from the Beacon had been around at lunchtime to take some photos and then kindly offered to take me out to a quiz night that evening and meet some of the team from the paper. It was a great fun night. Although my only contribution was the ten questions on the phonetic alphabet. I got them right thankfully - Papa, Hotel, Echo, Whiskey!!!!!!! A big thanks to Todd for taking me out and showing me the sights and introducing me to a whole bunch of new friends. I just love meeting new people.
Then back to the boat where I got the share a bunk with a hot young guy - Master Timothy! He wanted to have a night on the boat so I was happy to be able to grant his wish. Bit of a hog with the covers though, and we had two!!!
Saturday morning Tim and I worked our way around the saloon cleaning up and we had Doris a cleaner at the marina come and polish all the surfaces. I think it's safe to say we did a pretty good job. It was definitely cleaner.
Mike and Martine arrived with Geoff and Elaine and then I was whisked away by John to go to the Yachtclub for some lunch. I had the Caribbean curry which was just how mum used to make and it was simply delicious. I made another whole bunch of new friends there and was given a yachtclub top which was very kind of them.
And finally an afternoon of relaxation :) We chilled out up at Myetts where I am sure that Geoff and Elaine are really appreciative that I have taught Tim the art of raspberry kisses!!!! Hehehe, I'm such a bad influence.
Saturday night was the fundraising dinner at Myetts which was a nice fun evening. The food was delicious, we had wonderful entertainment and it was just nice to be with everyone.
And suddenly it was Sunday. Time for goodbyes at lunchtime and then I did my last bit of packing and met the taxi. It was all a bit sudden and rushed and I wasn't really aware that I was actually going. I felt a bit numb. Picked up Digby, Paula and Francis and then we were on our way.
Now I just have to run, there is more to tell but I'm in LA airport and my flight is about to board! Such an exotic life I'm leading now. Watch this space and I'll follow on from there :)
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...
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...
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Home Straight
Here we are on the final leg. It's a mixture of feelings of excitement, anticipation, nerves and an odd sense of calm on the boat, actually right now a feeling of deafness as Geoff is trying to play with the stereo and has it blasting Shania Twain at us. Hmmmm. He's claiming it was the radio station....:)
It's beautiful and still today. Good thing we have enough diesel to motor our way along because there isn't a breath of wind out there at all. Sunrise was pretty special. I missed the dolphins which came out to play third morning on the trot. I've been trying to pack and get ready but it's all feeling like a huge task at the moment and I've started just moving things from place to place. Geoff and Digby have been busy doing interviews.
I'm not sure how my own emotions are. I can't wait to get onto land and think is this somehow an emotion I shouldn't be having? Shouldn't I be wanting the journey to continue? But in all honesty I'm pretty tired right now and don't want to be tested anymore on my engineering skills. And I'd love to do some washing. Plus I can't wait to get back to UK and NZ and see my friends and family. I'm worried I'm going to be at a loose end in Tortola and not know what to do with myself but I'm pretty sure there is a palm tree there with a shady spot and my name on it. Well I hope so. Other things going through my head are have I been able to be up to the task at hand? I thought I was made of more steel and would have coped with feeling ill a bit better but just felt a bit wimpy on that one. I've tried my best though with everything, and I've learnt a lot about diesel engines and plumbing and holding ropes and microphones! I was concerned at the start that I would disappoint those close to me and not be able to do this job well but I can only hope that in trying my little heart out that I have done them all proud. And have I done my job to the standard that Geoff wanted? All these doubts. I feel like I'm at the end of an exam and now I'm nervously waiting for the results! I guess all I can say is that I've tried, I hope it's been enough and if nothing else provided you all with some laughs like the time I got sprayed with poo :) In the meantime however, to distract myself from these serious moments, I've been letting off my party poppers at random with cheers of delight. My plan of letting one off at each hundy was slightly foiled with our change of route so I'm just going for whenever the mood takes me. Sometimes Geoff and Digby join in (ok once) and the rest of the time they just shake their heads as I'm sure they're thinking I've started to lose the plot. Yup, check that, just let another one off and Geoff has chuckled and called me a nutter.
Moving on! Last night I went for a swim off the back of the boat. It wasn't the wonderful calm glassy waters that are here this morning, so perhaps I peaked too early. And it wasn't quite the middle of the Atlantic, in fact it wasn't Atlantic at all, it was Caribbean waters but who's checking on the details?! I'm pleased I managed a swim off the back in the middle of some water so that's what I'm ticking off the list. Oh and speaking of yesterday, hehehe Rich, I know, I was thinking of the same song and couldn't get it out of my head either!
And now I'm sitting here feeling like I should get the boat semi tidy and continue with my packing but you know what? I think I may just chill and enjoy the calm waters and peace.
Just a big thanks to Geoff and Digby now. Our little team has finally made it. We've coped pretty well I think, and living in such close proximity it's all worked out really well. There have been lots of laughs along the way, the only other option was tears and that isn't much fun. We've been through so much in these last four weeks. It's four weeks to the day since we left, unaware of how many adventures we would have along the way, testing us all to our limits. But we've come out the other end, still smiling and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a trip we'll all remember for a very long time. Also thanks everyone for all of your support through my whole incredible journey, all the comments have been wonderful and helped me smile as I have moaned my way across the 'pond' about feeling sick, fixing things and laughing at all the situtions I have found myself in. I'll get an update for you on the reception and Tortola but for the last time out at sea, I'm signing out.
Keep smiling everyone :)
It's beautiful and still today. Good thing we have enough diesel to motor our way along because there isn't a breath of wind out there at all. Sunrise was pretty special. I missed the dolphins which came out to play third morning on the trot. I've been trying to pack and get ready but it's all feeling like a huge task at the moment and I've started just moving things from place to place. Geoff and Digby have been busy doing interviews.
I'm not sure how my own emotions are. I can't wait to get onto land and think is this somehow an emotion I shouldn't be having? Shouldn't I be wanting the journey to continue? But in all honesty I'm pretty tired right now and don't want to be tested anymore on my engineering skills. And I'd love to do some washing. Plus I can't wait to get back to UK and NZ and see my friends and family. I'm worried I'm going to be at a loose end in Tortola and not know what to do with myself but I'm pretty sure there is a palm tree there with a shady spot and my name on it. Well I hope so. Other things going through my head are have I been able to be up to the task at hand? I thought I was made of more steel and would have coped with feeling ill a bit better but just felt a bit wimpy on that one. I've tried my best though with everything, and I've learnt a lot about diesel engines and plumbing and holding ropes and microphones! I was concerned at the start that I would disappoint those close to me and not be able to do this job well but I can only hope that in trying my little heart out that I have done them all proud. And have I done my job to the standard that Geoff wanted? All these doubts. I feel like I'm at the end of an exam and now I'm nervously waiting for the results! I guess all I can say is that I've tried, I hope it's been enough and if nothing else provided you all with some laughs like the time I got sprayed with poo :) In the meantime however, to distract myself from these serious moments, I've been letting off my party poppers at random with cheers of delight. My plan of letting one off at each hundy was slightly foiled with our change of route so I'm just going for whenever the mood takes me. Sometimes Geoff and Digby join in (ok once) and the rest of the time they just shake their heads as I'm sure they're thinking I've started to lose the plot. Yup, check that, just let another one off and Geoff has chuckled and called me a nutter.
Moving on! Last night I went for a swim off the back of the boat. It wasn't the wonderful calm glassy waters that are here this morning, so perhaps I peaked too early. And it wasn't quite the middle of the Atlantic, in fact it wasn't Atlantic at all, it was Caribbean waters but who's checking on the details?! I'm pleased I managed a swim off the back in the middle of some water so that's what I'm ticking off the list. Oh and speaking of yesterday, hehehe Rich, I know, I was thinking of the same song and couldn't get it out of my head either!
And now I'm sitting here feeling like I should get the boat semi tidy and continue with my packing but you know what? I think I may just chill and enjoy the calm waters and peace.
Just a big thanks to Geoff and Digby now. Our little team has finally made it. We've coped pretty well I think, and living in such close proximity it's all worked out really well. There have been lots of laughs along the way, the only other option was tears and that isn't much fun. We've been through so much in these last four weeks. It's four weeks to the day since we left, unaware of how many adventures we would have along the way, testing us all to our limits. But we've come out the other end, still smiling and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a trip we'll all remember for a very long time. Also thanks everyone for all of your support through my whole incredible journey, all the comments have been wonderful and helped me smile as I have moaned my way across the 'pond' about feeling sick, fixing things and laughing at all the situtions I have found myself in. I'll get an update for you on the reception and Tortola but for the last time out at sea, I'm signing out.
Keep smiling everyone :)
P.S. Just saw all those jokes. LOVING IT!!!!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The final countdown!!!!!
Anyone been confused by the tracker yet? Don't worry, we did intend to go in this direction. Last night, Geoff made the decision that we should head to Antigua and refuel and then get ourselves up to Tortola. I mentioned yesterday that the wind had changed direction and was pushing us this way anyway. Plus we have the issue with the generator being a little bit sick and our tender loving care hasn't been enough to revive it, so power has also been a hot topic. We have been charging up with the starboard engine but then yesterday had to put the last of the reserve diesel in and so that was looking a bit dire as well. It was at this point yesterday when Digby pointed out that I was starting to get a reputation for having to climb into small holes. And a pre-requisite for that seems to be it has to be smelly and awkward! Anyway, weighing up all the pros and cons we have come to Antigua where we just had the most delightful meeting with ABSAR (Antigua Barbuda Search and Rescue) who came alongside in a RIB and did a bit of refuelling for us. Many thanks to Jonathon, Sven, Barbara and Becky. They were such a lovely team and wonderfully efficient. They came out and welcomed us and then pulled up alongside, hooked up the pumps and we were away laughing. It was great actually. We left the boys to it and then I gave the girls the grand tour and we stood around chatting. Just how I like it :) Now we're off (hehe, yes, again). But now it's about 24 hours to go and we will be there at the finish line. It feels so close and yet so far away. Who would have thought four weeks ago that we would have had this many adventures on our trip. But I think we're all coming out smiling which is the main thing isn't it?
Looking around, the water is lovely and blue and the sun is out and there's a whole feel to it that we know we're in the Caribbean. Speaking of which, I was watching Pirates of the Caribbean last night and as I made my way around the deck for something, I realised where old Johnny got his inspiration for Jack Sparrows' swagger as I swayed my way along. Speaking of Johnny, yes the point has been noted and I will definitely be making sure I'm scrubbed up before we arrive. You never know who could be waiting there on the beach. Dreams are free people!
Now that we are near land cell phone reception has become available. Sadly my phone has decided not to play and is pleading the 'inactive sim' function so I'm suffering phone envy while the other two get calls and text messages. One would have thought that by now I would be used to not having a phone. I suppose it's the option of having it there and not being able to use it which is gettting to me. Still, I just need to look around and remind myself that there are worse places to be where I could have reception so I'll be happy with here and none. And so now I'm going to go and sit on the front and keep a look out for random fishing boats and dream about being on dry land. Not long to go now :)
Looking around, the water is lovely and blue and the sun is out and there's a whole feel to it that we know we're in the Caribbean. Speaking of which, I was watching Pirates of the Caribbean last night and as I made my way around the deck for something, I realised where old Johnny got his inspiration for Jack Sparrows' swagger as I swayed my way along. Speaking of Johnny, yes the point has been noted and I will definitely be making sure I'm scrubbed up before we arrive. You never know who could be waiting there on the beach. Dreams are free people!
Now that we are near land cell phone reception has become available. Sadly my phone has decided not to play and is pleading the 'inactive sim' function so I'm suffering phone envy while the other two get calls and text messages. One would have thought that by now I would be used to not having a phone. I suppose it's the option of having it there and not being able to use it which is gettting to me. Still, I just need to look around and remind myself that there are worse places to be where I could have reception so I'll be happy with here and none. And so now I'm going to go and sit on the front and keep a look out for random fishing boats and dream about being on dry land. Not long to go now :)
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