It has been a busy couple of weeks since I last wrote, time really does seem to fly by on here, I just hope that when I finally get home time slows down. At last I feel like I have broken the back of this trip as I am into my 5th month with less than a month to go. February seems so long ago now, it almost seems a life time away.
Well we got in the papers yet again, thankfully this time for something we did do, chasing pirates. It was an interesting period although the six hour watches were tiring. I know that these modern pirates are vicious buggers; you only have to read the reports of hostages being tortured. However until the nations of the world take proper action and until the companies stop paying the ransoms it is only going to get worse. Having operated in the 5m swells whilst chasing them it seems that not even the south west monsoon will stop them any more and I wouldn’t like to climb in and out of skiffs in these mountainous seas. I think what is more worrying is that with the current droughts hitting this part of the world more people will get driven into the piracy game as a way to feed themselves.
Anyway after our little chase we had a port visit, the visit was to be a brief stand down but once again things got messed up. When we arrived there had been delays in getting Dip Clear and so our arrival was delayed by a couple of days so we only got two nights alongside. Saying that it was a nice change to be alongside for a couple of nights. I didn’t bother going ashore as we were only allowed outside the gate until 1800 and there was no WiFi inside the port. At least by not going ashore I can save money for my leave.
Back at sea for the final stint this trip; it should be a busy couple of weeks with lots of replenishments which will definitely help the time go by quickly. It is all working out quite nicely as this first week will be busy and then things should quieten down so that in the last few weeks I will be able to write handover notes and my report.
It is going to be good to get home though, I just hope the weather is reasonable as I really want to take the little ones down the beach and see them running around. Now that we have a cycle trailer they will be able to come out on my bike rides, I just hope that they enjoy them as it will give me a chance to get fit whilst entertaining the little ones. The doggy will no doubt be happy about the trailer as it will slow me down so he won’t have to run so fast to keep up.
I think my plan to do a long distance bike ride this leave will have to be put on hold as by the time I get settled back at home the weather will have changed and anyway I will want to spend lots of time with the little ones when I get home. I may have a look at cycling to Dartmoor and spending one night wild camping as it is something I have said I have wanted to do for a few years but I keep putting it off. Depending on the weather and whether I can find a cheep big tent we may even take the little ones for there first camping trip as I know Debbie would enjoy it and it would be a good experience for the little ones. There is just so much I would like to do when I get home, I know there will be jobs around the house that need doing but hopefully when I get home we will all have a bit of a break for a week or so before cracking on.
Well not sure how many more times I will write my blog before I come home but I will try and write at least once a week. So until then I will enjoy what’s left of the sunshine and dream of cooler climbs.
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