Showers and portholes

Notes from the Back Cabin, aka Beginners Biscay

Part 3   Back end of nowhere?

Dear Bridget

AW received big news yesterday!  There are, in fact, OTHER READERS of this blog!!  Among the (admittedly sparse) readership are a sailor who nearly reached the North Pole in a plastic boat, a pregnant Skipper of the Western Isles and a less than gallant sailor who damaged two boats and sank her brother in a grimly fought out collision and sinking during Friday Night Junior Sailing.

Showers and Portholes

AW has been reflecting on Showers.  On land, the word often describes a trivial event but here in the North Atlantic a Shower comes with Black Clouds, fear-filled gusting wind and a general sense of unease in the Crew termed a Squall (or maybe SQWALL?).  AW associates a Squall with a belligerent breast-feeding or toddling child – but he notices that the Crew have been sombre, even quiet during Showers so perhaps the Skipper referring to this as a Sqwall is unjust?

Further reflection on Showers followed a serious incident at 0135hrs this morning.  AW was comfortable in the Port-Side, Stern cabin (unkindly referred to as the Soft Play Area, as mentioned) when a Deluge of Very Cold Water flooded his face, his tired torso, even his feet.  Assuming the obvious (we were sinking) he ran out to find Skipper similarly wet, but the boat afloat.  Apparently, the boat’s windows are called Port Holes.  This is because they should only be opened in Port.  AW has learned that waves may strike at any time.  Port Holes result in Showers, even Squalls, at sea.

Thursday 12^th September Marmalade notes

PS In order to relieve anxiety that may have been induced by the notes from Tuesday, AW can report a fine pot of Concord Lemon and Vanilla Marmalade appeared on the Saloon breakfast table this morning along with Amazing Atlantic Brown Bread.  Made in a saucepan, sliced on a rolling wave, toasted on Toad Power, and served with marmalade (mentioned) and a Fresh Pot of Coffee….bliss.

Friday 13^th September           Those summer nights    

Skipper handed over to AW at 0300hrs with the words “some nights are wonderful this isn’t one of them”.  But as it happened, AW observed phosphorescence and spoke using the Radio to a gentleman aboard the supertanker Spyros.  The gracious gentleman altered course in order allow AW to cross his bows, and no doubt waved but it was too dark for AW to confirm this.  AW played Spotify through his headphones, sang loudly and jumped up and down on the  cockpit deck above Starboard side Stern cabin to the delight of Bea and the other Crew.

 

 

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