visitor on deck

That visitor I had on Deck a few days ago, was la Post delivering a parcel in person. Very polite but instead of leaving it in the marina office, as it had to be signed for, they thought they'd look me up. The address "Cutter - The Promise" was too tempting and I end up entertaining a young woman in a blue uniform, English graduate to boot, who's family had once owned "un cotre" much like my own humble ship. Lovely lass, liked my freshly ground coffee and cognac and full of enthusiasm for old boats. She's been all over too. "Les Antiles" especially. I'm surprised she hadn't met one of my absent crew, who also hails from those parts. I had to explain our pole mast, as The Promise doesn't carry a proper topmast - too much rope for a start - but also a little excessive on a 35 footer. She'd carry one, mind but the sail power would be awsome and un-necessary when short handing. Like she is, the tops'l goes up to the truck on a wire halyard and down the same way. Of course, it meant that she could spot my towering rig from the car park and didn't have to ask the man directions. We idled a pleasant few hours and, as it seemed I was her last delivery, had a spot of lunch, as you do. More importantly though, the parcel. Mademoiselle la Post came bearing my agent's marked up proof of my book! More of this particular adventure... next time. Hold hard.

winter drawers on

I've been quiet too long. Low batteries, ice everywhere, condensation in the lockers, frost encrusted rigging. I've spend days sometimes, lost in Patrick O'Brian and Hilary Mantel. (Wolf Hall - some book, if'n you're into history or politics). Oh blast! Some bugger on deck now... Be back soon with tales of coral reefs, sunken treasure and yo'ho'ho.