Ship Ahoy!

Sorry that I did not make my deadline of Sunday for my blog, but I was on a sailing ship for most of the day - and sick too at the same time!

As my present to my boyfriend for his birthday, we had tickets to sail on the "James Craig" on Sunday. This very old ship has an amazing history - which I won't get into here, but you can read up on it at the Australian Heritage Fleet website... http://www.australianheritagefleet.com.au/JCraig/JCraig.html

Now this was an AMAZING ship.. I don't know much about these massive sea-going vessels (the bf does!), but all I can say is there is lots of sails (21 in fact!) and an incredible amount of of rope... a kinky boy's paradise!

It's hull is metal, but pretty much the rest of the boat is wooden. Three large masts dominate the ship, and as you would imagine, is impressive under full sail.

We boarded the boat just after 9:30am to an accordion player jigging away - little did I know he was starting what was to be the longest musical gig I've ever seen someone do! I thought is was actually a delightful addition to the trip, giving an old-time feel. (Oh.. *MOAN* I sound like an old biddy!)

We were looked after well with coffee and tea, biscuits, fruit, cheese, all provided for the morning and afternoon tea breaks, while for lunch we were each given a packed paper bag full of goodies.. Being vegetarian, our lunches included two small vegetarian rolls, a quiche, muffin, fruit juice and a nut/fruit bar. (I wondered why bother serving them in paper bags.. but then I guess the paper bag could double later to store the food if it came up again with sea-sickness!)

All this was nice, except on such a COLD day on the water, and with your truly with a cold/sore throat already, I wish we had maybe something warm for lunch. The warm tea though really did help to keep the insides warm.. I will have to remember that next time!

As far as the route we took, as of the time we left, we were told we would simply be taken where the winds blew. For this reason, each cruise route is obviously different every time. As most passengers, let alone the crew, are there to enjoy the ship when in full sail, we were at mercy of the weather. We used the propeller engines to clear the harbour, and after a quick "man overboard" emergency drill in Watsons Bay, we were clear of the heads and had the sails down.

For this trip we made our way south only a short distance, to be in line "The Gap" and then made our way almost steadily East - straight out into the open ocean.

All while we travelled, we watched the volunteers run about the ship pulling and easing ropes as the Captain ordered. As passengers, we were even encouraged to get involved with all of the action. I declined, as I was under the weather.. plus I have girly arms anyways!

It was an interesting cruise, ranging from a sunny day at the start with sheltered and almost flat waters, to some rainy weather with a little bit of a squall later on. With a brief view of a whale and of course the American Fleet (particularly the "Kitty Hawk") in the harbour, it was a cruise with much to see and experience.

By the time we got off the ship at 4:30pm - we were completely exhausted, but happy. The bf certainly enjoyed his present - he had a smile from ear to ear. (I love you baby!)

It is something that would be wonderful to do again - preferably when I'm not sick with a cold! I'm not a water/ship sort of person at all, but I had a wonderful time, and I encourage anyone to go along and experience a cruise on a Heritage Ship - it will be like nothing you have ever done before!

Until next time, take care sweeties!

Shelley
xxx