14/05/12 - Lord Nelson

Monday 14th May on Lord Nelson
First day of the voyage and we are anchored near the Isle of Wight. The permanent crew and watch leaders have done a grand job getting the ship all ship shape by cleaning, scrubbing and repairing things and generally getting the ship up together for the voyage. All the voyage crew have settled in nicely and are getting to know each other in the bar as I write.
I've had a great day as my first day as Medical Purser and been well supported by the crew, including a clap at the end of my briefing. The weather is lovely (no it wasn't - it was raining for most of the day on deck, says Lesley the Bosun!) and the sunset was beautiful, so although I've been below deck carrying out my usual MP duties I have also had a chance to go on deck a fair bit, chat to the voyage crew and get my fair share of beautiful scenery and fresh air.
Dave the cookie has done a grand job keeping us all fed (stoking the ship's fuel - ie us as one team member put it!) with a full English breakfast every morning and hot meals for lunch and supper and puddings - today's was sponge pudding and custard! I reckon by the time I leave next Saturday I'll be a stone heavier, but I'm not complaining!
All in all a busy but a great first day.
Marilyn, Relief MP.