Today started very good and Capt Stan had the crew up and going by 8:30 am, which was quite a struggle and we had a meeting with Kevin the Pit monster. But after a few tears, tantrums and grumps, we made a start and set sail by 9:30 am. The weather was fine and Seasick Molly was able to keep her breakfast down and had an uneventful trip keeping the bed shipshape. Capt Stan kept charge but after Kevin, the Pit monster's appearance in the morning. Hannah the1st mate kept the ship tight to its bearings, while the cabin crew kept up with cups of tea and food to keep the crew going.
We arrived in Shoreham by early afternoon and had a quick sluice down of the boat before heading to the shops. The marina/ cum working yard has a terrific chandlery, with an Aladdin's cave treasure trove of bits and pieces that plenty of money can be spent on. However we managed to keep to buying fender ropes and a cpl of pins to secure the mast. Having nearly lost many of our fenders due to ropes turning to dust it was a necessary buy to keep the boat in top order. A bit of a panic occurred in the early part of the trip when the alternator would not turn off but this was resolved and no problems have been found thus far. Bonny Rose, the other boat in our contingent also had to jump start one of their engines. So there seemed to be a Broom curse coming from Eastbourne marina. If you want to believe in Conspiracy theories!!
Sea sick Molly has been being fed by 1st mate Hannah on a diet of Sprats for the past 2 days and appears to have gained some confidence as she tried to jump ship to Bonny Rose at one point to check out their larder, but came back disappointed by her findings and demanding more food for her efforts! we are aiming to make Bembridge on the Isle of Wight tomorrow under the planning of 1st mate Hannah and the steady tutelage of Capt Stan. The weather is meant to be good and dry and we should be able to poodle at a staedy pace and arrive in good time tomorrow afternoon. So more tomorrow!!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
July 26th Day 11 second post
Have arrived in Eastbourne marina. very posh and tidy. The most largest spider crab was seen off the starboard bow once we had moored and Hannah attempted to catch it till we told her that it would not be very nice. So instead she has been catching Seasick Molly's starters! Which was most enjoyed by the cat. We arrived with another boat named Bonny Rose, a lovingly cared for 37ft Broom European. which is on her way to the Isle of Wight. We shall now stay with them for a cpl of days for company and some better expertise! Captain Stan has been enjoying the trip around and has made sure we do everything in an orderly fashion!. Hannah is now becoming an expert map and bearing reader.
The marina has the best showers ever, we had to stay in them for ages just to get all the salt and aches and pains out. As I doubt we shall have another shower as good as that till we get home. We are aiming to get to Shoreham tomorrow which is supposed to have a lovely little harbour, I think. The tide was not too bad today, so was able to be more active and not lay in bed feeling like death. So so far so good on our trip around.
The Pit monster keeps attempting an awakening but luckily we have managed to keep it away. She might be worse for wear tomorrow though as we have had a long day and she is now doing map work with Captain Stan. But more on her as we continue on our trip.More news tomorrow!!
The marina has the best showers ever, we had to stay in them for ages just to get all the salt and aches and pains out. As I doubt we shall have another shower as good as that till we get home. We are aiming to get to Shoreham tomorrow which is supposed to have a lovely little harbour, I think. The tide was not too bad today, so was able to be more active and not lay in bed feeling like death. So so far so good on our trip around.
The Pit monster keeps attempting an awakening but luckily we have managed to keep it away. She might be worse for wear tomorrow though as we have had a long day and she is now doing map work with Captain Stan. But more on her as we continue on our trip.More news tomorrow!!
July 26th Day 11? I think
We are just due to leave Dover Marina after a few frantic days visiting family and going to a wedding. We arrived on Friday after a very choppy trip. I did not enjoy the trip at all and had to lay down most of trip and pray it would end. Thank god, it was only 3 hours sail from Ramsgate to Dover!! A motor cruiser tends to bounce around like a rubber duck in a bathtub as it has no keel and means you have to choose you sailing times more effectively. Unfortunately we had to move Friday other wise we would not have made the wedding. After arriving though the marina was great and we have had a beach next to us and could watch all the activity of a busy harbour from our boat. Also got to try the local fish as we finally found a fish stall. Which Hannah has been looking for since we left Limehouse!!
Saturday arrived as quite a nice day and we caught the train to Folkstone for the wedding of Stan's cousin's daughter. As she was marrying into a Cypriot Greek family they had managed to mix the service together and we were entertained with a semi English- semi Greek Orthadox? service. Though a bit longer than usual it was made better by the fantastic festival of boats that had been set up in the church. The bride was beautiful and the whole service was very entertaining, we found out afterwards that there were some add ons put into the service by the family. Lots of back slapping and the bride's name got mistaken by the priest! oops!!
The reception was at a fantastic venue overlooking the sea and, the band and evening also had a Cypriot theme that kept everyone entertained. Lots of dancing and wine and food. I think everyone felt welcome and even though we had not met the bride and groom before they made us feel a part of the festivities. John, the cousin from the U.S. got a special gift of mushy peas and Branston pickle which was highly enjoyed by the rest of the table.
Sunday was another day of family entertainment. We all appeared to be in the same hotel and no one wanted to leave as we had not seen each other for some time. So we all went for a walk along the seaside and then met in a pub to continue over the rest of the afternoon till the U.S. contingent had to move to their next destination for a BBQ. We came back to the boat and met with a cpl of people Stan had joined the army with, we had a few beers and a lovely curry as required when you meet up with other army people.
Monday,after a clear out of the boat, Hannah and I went to the beach, while Stan had to go to Folkstone to buy a new inverter as we blew the last one. 240 plus 12 volt does not equal 252 it equals blow out!! Last night we had a boat moored next to us with a Canadian ensign , they were from Toronto and travel a different part of the world each summer for their holidays. We had a cpl of brews and a good chin wag and by morning they had gone. But it was great to hear the same accent again! After a few calls the decision was made to set sail for Poole. We shall be sailing to Eastbourne today, a 6 hour trip- hopefully better than the last one! other wise I shall be in bed all day! Then tonight we shall decide where to next. We are supposed to have 4 good days of weather and we can make Poole in that time.
It feels like we are in a different part of the world even though weare still in England but the difference in travelling and views make it different. It shall be interesting to see how it feels sailing into Poole harbour instead of travelling there by car.
Saturday arrived as quite a nice day and we caught the train to Folkstone for the wedding of Stan's cousin's daughter. As she was marrying into a Cypriot Greek family they had managed to mix the service together and we were entertained with a semi English- semi Greek Orthadox? service. Though a bit longer than usual it was made better by the fantastic festival of boats that had been set up in the church. The bride was beautiful and the whole service was very entertaining, we found out afterwards that there were some add ons put into the service by the family. Lots of back slapping and the bride's name got mistaken by the priest! oops!!
The reception was at a fantastic venue overlooking the sea and, the band and evening also had a Cypriot theme that kept everyone entertained. Lots of dancing and wine and food. I think everyone felt welcome and even though we had not met the bride and groom before they made us feel a part of the festivities. John, the cousin from the U.S. got a special gift of mushy peas and Branston pickle which was highly enjoyed by the rest of the table.
Sunday was another day of family entertainment. We all appeared to be in the same hotel and no one wanted to leave as we had not seen each other for some time. So we all went for a walk along the seaside and then met in a pub to continue over the rest of the afternoon till the U.S. contingent had to move to their next destination for a BBQ. We came back to the boat and met with a cpl of people Stan had joined the army with, we had a few beers and a lovely curry as required when you meet up with other army people.
Monday,after a clear out of the boat, Hannah and I went to the beach, while Stan had to go to Folkstone to buy a new inverter as we blew the last one. 240 plus 12 volt does not equal 252 it equals blow out!! Last night we had a boat moored next to us with a Canadian ensign , they were from Toronto and travel a different part of the world each summer for their holidays. We had a cpl of brews and a good chin wag and by morning they had gone. But it was great to hear the same accent again! After a few calls the decision was made to set sail for Poole. We shall be sailing to Eastbourne today, a 6 hour trip- hopefully better than the last one! other wise I shall be in bed all day! Then tonight we shall decide where to next. We are supposed to have 4 good days of weather and we can make Poole in that time.
It feels like we are in a different part of the world even though weare still in England but the difference in travelling and views make it different. It shall be interesting to see how it feels sailing into Poole harbour instead of travelling there by car.
Friday, July 22, 2011
July 22nd Day 7
Well we ended up staying in Ramsgate for another day as Molly had to be taken to the vet's, her funny turns ended up being hypertension and she had high blood pressure she was at 280 and should have been at 180. Which is why she was having fits. So we were lucky to have got her to the vet on time, I think. it cost £150 but I think it is money well spent to keep a beloved pet for much longer. We sailed this morning to Dover, a 2 hour trip which was very choppy! I hated it, it felt like I was on a roller coaster for 2 long hours and couldn't get off! All I could do was lay on the bed and pray for it to end! So I think I am only a sunny day sailor me thinks! But unfortunately we still have to get back. While in Ramsgate we were taken on a tour of the local area by a friend and then had some lunch, which made for a grand day. Dover is very large and has a lot here, though as we are going to a wedding in Folkstone tomorrow, I don't think we will see much of it!!
I have had contact from Holloway and arrangements are being made to start there in the new semester, though I think I may have to delay that a bit what with this operation I have to have and recovering from that. I have been reading about nursing in Britain during the period from 1900 to 1948 and it is a very complicated period with a lot happening and no cohesiveness to the nursing system. I shall also have to chase for further funding after the holiday as I am self funding and am struggling now with making fees and expenses. I have spoken to a few charities and a cpl look hopeful.
It is very difficult being a PhD student when you have not had a first and the bigger funding agencies won't look at you. I also feel that PhD students get a hard deal, we are sort of a afterthought to any funding and government proposals particularly. here has been no comment made on how funding for PhD students will be in the future, even though our fees will be going up as well. I know there are students who can afford a PhD but there are many of us other PhD students who are doing this because we want to teach and have a passion for research but have always just come up sort of a target, whatever reason that may be. It would be great tha if you have the motivation and determination to succeed that there is grants out there to access. Or maybe there is it is just made hard to access them. I know I am doing a PhD because I want to teach and I love to research. I also know that my career will help my family one day. It is also one of the only tools I have that help me deal with the many issues I have had over the last few years and are continuing in the present. If I couldn't do my research and studying, I don't think I would have got as far as I have in fighting how ill I have been. I can only hope things will work out some how.
I have had contact from Holloway and arrangements are being made to start there in the new semester, though I think I may have to delay that a bit what with this operation I have to have and recovering from that. I have been reading about nursing in Britain during the period from 1900 to 1948 and it is a very complicated period with a lot happening and no cohesiveness to the nursing system. I shall also have to chase for further funding after the holiday as I am self funding and am struggling now with making fees and expenses. I have spoken to a few charities and a cpl look hopeful.
It is very difficult being a PhD student when you have not had a first and the bigger funding agencies won't look at you. I also feel that PhD students get a hard deal, we are sort of a afterthought to any funding and government proposals particularly. here has been no comment made on how funding for PhD students will be in the future, even though our fees will be going up as well. I know there are students who can afford a PhD but there are many of us other PhD students who are doing this because we want to teach and have a passion for research but have always just come up sort of a target, whatever reason that may be. It would be great tha if you have the motivation and determination to succeed that there is grants out there to access. Or maybe there is it is just made hard to access them. I know I am doing a PhD because I want to teach and I love to research. I also know that my career will help my family one day. It is also one of the only tools I have that help me deal with the many issues I have had over the last few years and are continuing in the present. If I couldn't do my research and studying, I don't think I would have got as far as I have in fighting how ill I have been. I can only hope things will work out some how.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, July 20th Day 5
Awoken at 4 am this morning after a 4 hour cat nap from the previous trip from Limehouse to Queensboro' that ended at 11;30. Started out well and the weather was terrific. Watching the sunrise after just watching the sunset is a bit strange but still beautiful. Sailing to Ramsgate, the sea became very choppy and needless to say- it is not an easy matter to make bacon sandwiches while being pitched form side to side! Managed to make them, have the cat steal the bacon, fight for it back and then decide I cant eat it after all as I am now feeling green!
Molly has had to go to the vet tonight for some tests and a check up- we are hoping our smallest crew mate shall be back tomorrow fighting fit and ready to start again. The vet asked if she always walked spread eagle and I had to explain how that is her sea legs! Ramsgate is a nice but strange place, but I think I will like to leave here sooner rather than later. We are hoping to make Dover on Friday weather going well and all. I am hoping that Molly will be ok as I really will be upset if she isn't as she has been with us for 18 years. Especially with everything else happening having Molly ill is making me struggle even harder at the moment.
Hannah is in Nintendo mode, which means that talking to her is like talking to a tree. No comment. Ah the joys of teenagers!! Stan bless him is very hyper and has been running all over the boat all excited about his trip to sea! He must have every map ingrained on his brain! as he checks and rechecks so many times and that was before we started the trip!! He has been checking weather reports on the hour in case it changes even when we are not leaving the marina!!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
July 19th Day 4
Today started sunny and bright and the decision has been made to set sail this afternoon. We shall sail from Limehouse at 4:30 arriving at Queensborough by 11 pm, then up again at 4 am to set sail for Ramsgate. Not looking forward to the early morning but the views will be great. Molly was very unwell last night and began to have funny turns, we thought at one point we would have to find an emergency vet service. But she finally settled down and had a good sleep. This morning fine and hardy and chasing for food as per usual cat like nature! Hannah and I decided to wash the boat down which meant I got soaked and an innocent faced child was stood there with a hose!! hmm not quite believing her saying I was not aiming at your head!! Stan has just tried going through the charts with her as I was listening on the side and I think chart work may not quite be her forte as she tried to keep up. But at least it gave a bit of frustrating father and daughter time. Frantically trying ot get everything ready before we set sail now and we still have to see how to drop and achor and how to catch a bouy in the dark!! Hmm think this shall be fun!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Day 3 of our holiday
Well, today started well, weather wise, but the decision was made to stay at Limehouse marina for another day so that we could do some jobs on the boat before we set sail and meet with the American cousins again. We spent the afternoon around central London. Needless to say this was not the most enjoyable time. The company was good but the frantic pace of London was very difficult to deal with and needless to say I just wanted to be in my bed!! The weather held off till late afternoon and Stan and Hannah enjoyed themselves immensely entertaining everyone and showing them around London. You wouldn't have thought we had been living away for 15 years!!
Tomorrow we shall aim to go with the tide in the after noon where we shall sail to Queensborough and moor on a swinging mooring till 4 am the following morning then sail the last part to Dover marina, we hope to be there on Wednesday morning all things going well!
I feel I should say something of my research at this point as well. I have managed to gain a place at Royal Holloway and am hoping to start there for the new semester, all things going well! But first I must resolve my issues with the department at Brookes and then have an operation in September of which I shall get to luxuriate in bed for 8 weeks. Something I am not looking forward to. Mind you I shall have plenty of time to write this blog and read.So far though things have gone well this year with my research, though I have not done much archive work. Mostly I have done conferences 3 in the past 6 months and attended a course seeing some worthwhile archives in London. I have been doing plenty of reading on Nursing and have found that the study of the History of Nursing is very difficult!! There are few books written on nursing in the period I am writing on that are not textbooks for nursing. So trying to locate sources is interesting to say the least. Of course there is the Royal College of Nursing to go to but I am trying to understand the period from different points of view and finding that is the difficult bit. Though that is what this studying is for really!! I had my first request for information the other day which I was most impressed with as it means someone thinks I know what I am talking about!!
Tomorrow we shall aim to go with the tide in the after noon where we shall sail to Queensborough and moor on a swinging mooring till 4 am the following morning then sail the last part to Dover marina, we hope to be there on Wednesday morning all things going well!
I feel I should say something of my research at this point as well. I have managed to gain a place at Royal Holloway and am hoping to start there for the new semester, all things going well! But first I must resolve my issues with the department at Brookes and then have an operation in September of which I shall get to luxuriate in bed for 8 weeks. Something I am not looking forward to. Mind you I shall have plenty of time to write this blog and read.So far though things have gone well this year with my research, though I have not done much archive work. Mostly I have done conferences 3 in the past 6 months and attended a course seeing some worthwhile archives in London. I have been doing plenty of reading on Nursing and have found that the study of the History of Nursing is very difficult!! There are few books written on nursing in the period I am writing on that are not textbooks for nursing. So trying to locate sources is interesting to say the least. Of course there is the Royal College of Nursing to go to but I am trying to understand the period from different points of view and finding that is the difficult bit. Though that is what this studying is for really!! I had my first request for information the other day which I was most impressed with as it means someone thinks I know what I am talking about!!
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