Here we are the beginning of our ultimate ‘Ultimate Tall Ship Adventure’ on the Lord Nelson with the Girl Guides on board. Yes, its leg 10 and our final leg takes us from Whitehaven in Cumbria back to Glasgow where this adventure began in June.
It was great to see so many well wishers on the quay to mark our arrival and to hear the cannon fired in our honour (that’ll be more laundry!)
We’d spent the night at anchor just outside Whitehaven Harbour and had an evening together of fun, frivolity, mayhem and madness, also known as our SOD’s opera night – and for those not yet acquainted with our social evenings, we of course mean the highly talented acts brought together in our Ship’s Operatic and Dramatic society event! They say ‘Britain’s got talent’, well you should have been there! There were songs, poems and sketches by both permanent and voyage crew – and well done to everyone who took part – it was a great evening with the inevitable sing song too!
We awoke to a very different day, brisk winds whipping up the sea around us. The waves were topped with white foam and the sky looked onerous. Such was the weather that there was a lot of discussion about whether or not we would be able to go alongside or wait until the free flow next day. Having fully assessed the situation, the decision was made and we got the ship ready with fenders on both port and starboard sides whilst Captain Barbara and the pilot gave the orders from the bridge. We lined the ship up and came through the lock and made the 120 degree turn into the basin. It was a really tight turn and the stern platform passed the quay wall with enough room to fit a fag paper in!!
It was high drama but a very successful arrival! Thankfully we were able to avoid any delays and we were delighted to see some familiar faces amongst the well wishers.
Once the gangway was in position, the crew of LN 753 were then given shore leave and a chance to visit Whitehaven before a number of visitors and brownies/guides came to visit us.
The rest of us remained busy making sure the ship was clean and ready for our next crew members to arrive.
Sleep tight……….
Rachel LN MP