Last night was rough. I have no idea what it was actually like, a weathered seabody might disagree, but down in the fo’c’sle the ship was a pitching and a rolling with waves smacking against the metal hull by me head and the vomit did flow freely. Several of us were unable, try as we might, to catch those elusive sea legs and spent the night in the throes of self pity, or maybe that was just me. A ray of kind and practical sunshine who saw us sickies through the darkest hours was Rachel, the medical purser.
This morning was bright and ‘fresh’ (read cold as) and soon enough we moored at Dieppe. Almost forgot to mention happy hour (which occurred while my stomach was still dancing) which is an hour of washing the vomit off the deck (sorry guys) and polishing the heads and scrubbing the brass with toothbrushes (any of you thinking we are on our jollies, think again). The ship was largely abandoned in favour of the lovely cobbled streets and sunny cafes of the port. Having just arrived back we find no loss of takings in the ship’s bar however, like bees to honey, newbie sailors have built in radar for the sweet juice of joy and sorrow.
I would like to give a big shout out to Claudy and Alex’ dad, I spotted them basking in the sun earlier and we spent many a lovely hour putting the world to rights. They mentioned you read this blog, and so Yo Pappa Warburton, your gals are grand.
Tomorrow grows nearer but never arrives. But our watch will soon enough, so bon nuit mes amis.
Forward Starboard watch – Cadi and Tasha