0630 weighed anchor with great sunrise on leaving Dover east entrance following clearance after a ferry. Turning north at Deal we set bearing of 000 and motored across the sanbanks of the Thames to Lowestoft. Weather improved with sun and warmth so, instead of sailing I got my shorts out for a bit of sunbathing which made me the but of humour once a front and it's rain came on.
Picture below of the skipper, Peter, with Stella, his wife, on the helm.
With little sailing the focus turned to boat life. It starts with my appreciation of the chocolate raisins in my snack survival kit from friends. Stop reading now if you don't want to imagine the way 'heads' on a boat have a life of there own. For, the raisins lived up to reputation and helped my motions for the first time at sea! The survival kit is obviously doing its job!
On that note I'd like to introduce a fellow crew member, aka Debbie (pictured in her kit) who upon being invited to contribute to today's blog offered the following ode of woe to the Heads! (not for the faint hearted)
Oh muscles of my pelvic floor
please work until I shut the door.
Bend the knees as you bounce
and pitch, with layers of clothing to unhitch.
The struggle with Velcro, buckles, tabs and zip, the fingers won't move as they're cold, wet and stiff.
The boat continues to pitch and yaw, boots don't grip the shiny floor.
Bend the knees as you bounce and pitch with layers of clothing to unhitch.
Everything must be below the knee
just for a lady to try to pee.
Your thigh hits the pump
Your bum crowns the seat
a momentary gloat
at such a feat.
A crash, a bang, and your arms flail
as you desperately balance using the rail.
For paper it's a forwards and sideways twist, the boat moves again and you trap your wrist.
You grind your teeth as unsteadily
you lurch valiantly trying to maintain your perch.
Next the embarrassment of trying to flush, in the dead of night, oh please, please hush.
Squeak thump goes the pump as you slowly count - praying the pan will empty out
But now your stomach wants to play, close your eyes, pray the nausea stays away.
You must now redress as you fall about, elbow engaging basin with such a clout.
The Velcro tabs play nasty tricks by sticking to your thermal nicks.
The effort of dressing brings on such a sweat,
you emerge from the Head dishevelled and wet!
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