This weekend I have cultivated a mild obsession with shipping lanes .. following a little pink blob on the map as it courses it's way across the North Sea. I have finally unravelled the mystery of those oft heard names on the radio Dogger, Fisher, German Bight, Humber and Viking. This isn't just any little pink blob that I have been giving my rapt attention.. oh no.. this 4mm object on the cat's cradle of shipping lanes, is a 'Tall' ship called Stavros S Niarchos.. which has on board a very special cargo heading for Denmark...
That precious cargo is in fact my son who is sailing across the beautiful briny sea to the port of Aalborg in Denmark as part of a crew who will deliver the majestic ship on Thursday to take part in a Tall Ships Race.
This exciting voyage is organised by the Tall Ships Youth Trust and apart from learning the ropes, climbing the main sail and scrubbing decks.. it claims to be character building..
I should say ... Just keeping upright on the sloping deck and not turning several shades of green as the ship rises and falls, is enough to put hairs on anyone's chest!
I can't wait for my boy to return.. hopefully without the sailor's tattoos and scurvy, whence my salty sea dog will be welcomed with open arms and a fish supper !
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Plain Sailing ...
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23 comments:
What an exciting opportunity for your son, although I can understand why you will be glad for his return.
Ah yes, 'character building'. Covers all amount of rough jobs.
What a fantastic opportunity for your son and I'm so glad you can follow that blob, which actually turns out to be a beautiful ship. Have a great Sunday. xx
My friend did this & loved it. Good for him, what a great opportunity :) x
I'm sure he's having a whale of a time!
(Groan)
What a beautiful ship, I hope your boy doesnt have to do a spell in the crows nest! Your little assemblage is adorable Michele! Jane xx
What a beautiful ship, I hope your boy doesnt have to do a spell in the crows nest! Your little assemblage is adorable Michele! Jane xx
No scurvy, but he might smell a bit fresh. Amazing ship.
Your tin made me laugh - and then I had a case of the wants when I saw your fabulous scene. I adore the wee paper hat Michele.
X
Sounds really exciting and an experience to remember but I understand why you will be pleased to have him home.
Ann x
What a great opportunity. Something he'll remember forever.
A fantastic opportunity for your lovely son!
Tell him to 'write about it' when he returns!!
;-)
Such precious cargo....and how lovely to be in such an adventure...and listening to those weather reports always fascinated me!
We're hosting the tall ships race so I shall look out for your son on board stavros, only a couple of weeks to go, Lucey xx
How wonderful for him! Try not to miss him TOO much. Your sailor box is so sweet, and obviously, I love that kitsch old sailor photo!
Fish and chips and a nice hot bath are probably in order for Friday night! Maybe a few sips of rum to keep you going until the end of the week and stop thoughts of climbing up those masts...
Mx
Oldie worldie ships! Fantastic, lucky kid.
What a wonderful experience for him, I bet he is having a whale of a time and will come back full of tales of the high seas.
Debbie
How fantastic, to have an opportunity to set sail on the high seas. I expect you're counting the days 'til back on dry land, and Mr Pickles counting the days 'til the fish supper! x
eye eye Cap'n!
Oh how wonderous to be on a Tall Ship, we watch the start whenever it is started in Falmouth, every ten years or so.
The boat all "dressed" in nautical bunting, bobbing around Falmouth Harbour in the dusk, lights twinkling on the mainland and fireworks going off above us.... and all marvelling at the "lads" stationed up the masts of these magnificent ships like tiny ants waving to us below..... and to think now you little man is taking part, amazing!
Love Sarah x
North Utsire, South Utsire, Forties Cromarty
Faeroes, Southeast Iceland
Absolutely Silver Pebble.. with a Viking, Fisher and Humber thrown in too.XX
I really love these images, with best regards from Fisher viking.
Big fan of the shipping news and love the first photo on the post.
Howard @ Fisher viking
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