31/10/11 - Tenacious

31st October………….Halloween…TNS328…..

There is a spooky air about the ship today , leering pumpkin lanterns, bats and ghosts are adorning the lower mess and a lot of strangers have arrived .. oh yes ! The new voyage crew !!

Everyone arrived promptly, and there was plenty of banter as " old salts" met again, and new crew wondered what they had let themselves in for !

There are 28 eager voyagers on for this exciting trip across to Gran Canaria, and they all got signed on, and issued with wet weather gear in the first half hour of joining the ship.

This led into the introductions : -

We are Capt. Simon, 1st Mate Chris , 2nd Mate Ali, Bosun Richard, Ch Engineer Pete, 2nd Eng Shiny Tony, Cookie Graham and his assistant Sam…then the trio of BMs..the lovely MO, and the double act that are Godfrey and Ted.. Deck Cadet Will , and myself as Medical Purser ( Jane ! )

The Captain has flown in fresh from the USA, and did a sterling job of showing no sign of jet lag in his over view of the voyage ahead. We are staying alongside tonight, to get to know each other and to ensure that everyone is fresh for the fun times ahead.

The weather forecast is not too surprising for almost November, so some lively times to come !

Smoko after the introductions was still spooky, with an amazing" bandaged head "cake , complete with rather manic eyes …very tasty and all edible. This gave the climbers stamina for their first time aloft, which will burn off the calories in time for a fiendish supper at 18.30… smells fabulous !

So, we are at the beginning of another voyage, great anticipation and so many people to get to know, wish you were here !

All for now, Jane