Time for reflection

29 April 2019

We are currently in the English Channel under main engine due to unfavourable wind conditions. A time for reflection. How does one decribe to a land lubber what it is like in a force 9 gale ? I will try: It is 2.00 AM. The weather outside your house is terrible. The wind is trying to blow your roof off. You find yourself spread eagle, face down, laying on your roof in a vain attempt to stop the wind removing the roof. Underneath you the roof is shaking and vibrating. You can not see anything, and as for the noise, well. There are two kinds, a high pitched whistling and a relentless roaring.

You are on your own, no one to help. That is until the fire brigade arrives. But wait, what are they doing ? The fireman is trying to wash you off the roof using a high pressure fire hose. No help at all. Well, I tried. Sadly only a seafarer will understand. And why we do it? Sometimes there is just no choice.

Update from our guest: Crazy Kiwi.