Pete's musings
18 September 2011 | Eden
Pete
Pete's musings
The Bass Strait crossing was Awesome! Mix of good, bad and ugly.
It was good to have the 2 hr on 2 hr off shifts through the night to share stories with your " watch buddy " (mine was Martin).
It was hard work and very cold and wet. The boat preformed magnificently but we got worn down by the sleep deprivation and constant vigil. When the wind actually eased to 32knots at one stage, I remarked to Martin that it was like a millpond by comparison.
I was the last single man watch just before coming into Eden 11pm-midnight. Imagine, super calm with the motor chugging away, When a large whale glides by and surfaces directly into the intense pool of light made from the waning moon. It blew and slide under again with a final flap of it's tail, as if to say: "All is Well".
On arrival in Eden we tied up at the space allocated for us. ( thanks Joy for the arrangements and contacts) We then had a small birthday party for my 70th. Green Ginger-wine and red wine toasts to a successful crossing and another milestone in a eventful life! Our neighbors would have thought us mad singing Happy Birthday @ 2 am!
We all went into recovery mode then it was Burney joining us and Martin departing for Brisbane. That afternoon it was sundowners on board and another party before going ashore to the Fisherman's Club "old tom" for a lovely meal. Thanks to Burney for her shopping and getting some of my favorite food. Especially the dolphins, no the champagne and oysters.
Great birthday but I did miss my beautiful wife.
Pete.
Ps Thank you for all the birthday wishes everyone xx