susys running away to sea

"The rigors (sic) of an expeditionary lifestyle"

Saturday, April 29, 2006

More Itinerary

Date From To Miles
7/1 Random Sound Random Sound 30
7/2 Random Sound Smith Sound 30
7/3 Smith Sound Catalina Hbr. 40
7/4 Catalina Hbr. Bonavista Hbr. 20
7/5 Bonavista Hbr. Deep Cove 15
7/6 Deep Cove Cruise Bv. Bay 30
7/8 Cruise Bv. Bay Cruise Bv. Bay 30
7/9 Cruise Bv. Bay New Harbor 30
7/10 New Harbor Deadman’s Bay 35
7/11 Deadman’s Seldom Come By 35
7/12 Seldom Twillingate Hbr. 30
7/13 Twillingate Southeast Arm 35

7/14 Cruise Notre D. Cruise ND Bay 30
7/15 Cruise ND Bay Shoe Cove 30
7/16 Shoe Cove Coachman Hbr 40
7/17 Coachman Fourché Hbr. 30
7/18 Fourché Hbr. C. Rouge Hbr. 30
7/19 C. Rouge Hbr. Hare Bay 30
7/20 Hare Bay St. Anthony 10
7/21 St. Anthony West Road 30
7/22 West Road Red Bay 35
7/23 Red Bay St. Barbe Hbr. 35
7/24 St. Barbe Port au Choix 55
7/25 Port au Choix Bonne Bay 75
7/26 Bonne Bay Bay of Islands 35
7/27 Bay of Islands Port au Bay 35
7/28 Port au Bay Codroy Harbor 45
7/29 Codroy Harbor

Friday, April 28, 2006

Itinerary

Date Act. From To Mi.
5/30 CTP Cuttyhunk 40
5/31 Cuttyhunk Plymouth 50
6/1 Plymouth Hull 40
6/2 Hull Hull --
6/3 Hull Lunenburg, NS --
6/4 In transit Lunenburg, NS --
6/5 In Transit Lunenburg, NS 330
6/6 Lunenburg Lunenburg --
6/7 Lunenburg Jeddore Harbor 65
6/8 Jeddore Liscomb 50
6/9 Liscomb Whitehead Hbr 40
6/10 Whitehead Hbr Canso 20
6/11 Canso Louisburg 50
6/11 Louisburg Louisburg --
6/12 Louisburg Louisburg --
6/13 Louisburg St. Pierre --
6/14 Transit St. Pierre 180
6/15 St. Pierre St. Pierre --
6/16 St. Pierre St. Lawrence 36
6/17 St. Lawrence St. Bride’s 50
6/18 St. Bride’s St. Shott’s Cv. 35
6/19 St. Shott’s Chance Cove 35
6/20 Chance Cove Fermuse Hbr. 17
6/21 Fermuse Witless Bay 20
6/21 Witless Bay St. John’s 20
6/22 St. John’s St. John’s --
6/23 St. John’s St. John’s --
6/24 St. John’s St. John’s --
6/25 St. John’s St. John’s ---
6/26 St. John’s St. John’s --
6/27 St. John’s Pouch Cove 17
6/28 Pouch Cove Grate’s Cove 30
6/29 Grate’s Cove Heart’s Content 27
6/30 Heart’s Cont. Random Sound 35

Sunday, April 23, 2006

I stole both of these today

"Profiter de la vie et saisir les opportunités lorsqu'elle se présentent"

which is

'Grab a chance and you'll never be sorry for a might-have-been' in Arthur Ransome language.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Complaint Refuse Service

Just reread the council email - note subject is:

Complaint Refuse Service

HAHA! Refuse Service is just what they offer - refuse to pass on messages, eh! When I get back I want a job with my council - looks like a doddle to me.

Friday, April 21, 2006

10 days and counting ...


Getting a bit odd now - keep looking at the garden:

"I wonder if I'll be here to see the apple blossom/tulips/rosebuds before I go?"

Sounds as if I'm about to depart forever!

This picture is one of my favourites - and should really be with RLS, as it shows triumph just before failure! I thought a couple of hours spent trolling around a sheltered bit of the Caribbean on a green plastic toy kayak would enable me to keep up with the Antarctic pros! Still, at least I got towed back by tasty totty!

Keep on keeping on

This makes me laugh (I love RLS - life as well as writing):


"Our business in life is not to succeed,
But to continue to fail in good spirits."

Robert Louis Stevenson

Where's yer bin?

About two weeks ago, I rang my local council rubbish department, as my bin, unlike those of my neighbours’, had not been emptied. Through metaphorical chewing gum, the girl I spoke to said the rounds had changed, and she was not permitted to pass on a message to the right people - it was against the ROOLS!!!! I’d have to ring back at 3 pm. Right in the middle of teaching - so that’s out of the window. If I wanted to complain, I’d have to write in, she added. So I spent a merry half hour being politely offensive filling in the on line complaints form for the rubbish department. Then I spotted a direct line form to Our Leader on the council. (Rereading the email below - Ask the Leader - obviously a party game.) So I copied my rude yet scrupulously civil message to the Leader, adding that I copied it to him because I gathered he would not be allowed to receive it via his organisation.


This was the email I received in response:


>From: "H*****d-C***k Stuart"
>To:
>CC: "Cllr K********y" >Subject: Complaint Refuse Service
>Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:00:36 +0100
>
>Dear Sir or Madam,
>
>Thank you for your recent communication via 'Ask the Leader' and the Complaints form.
>
>I am sorry that you have experienced a difficulty with our refuse collection service and that the matter was not resolved when you telephoned.
>
>Although we have an extremely high collection rate, occasionally a bin is missed and we have a procedure in place to deal with this. We ask residents to inform us by the end of the day following the scheduled collection so that we can return the next day to resolve a problem. Residents need to telephone 084*** *** *** (this number is published in our quarterly magazine and on the website).
>
>It seems that you did this. I can confirm that your area has not changed in the recent round changes. It is also the same crew that empties the Black bin so the crew know the area and would not have confused you with the community centre.
>
>Having made a mistake in missing your bin it was then compounded by the way your telephone call was handled. I will be taking this matter up with the supervisors of the teams concerned but in order to provide suitable guidance it would be helpful if you could confirm to me the telephone number you used, the name of the person you spoke to and any job reference number they may have given you.
>
>I appreciate that you may have excess waste when you present your black bin next Tuesday, the 25th April and I have asked the crew on this occasion to collect it.
>
>Thank you for drawing this matter to my attention.
>
>Yours faithfully,
>
>
>
>S. L. H*****d-C***k
>Environment Operations Manager


To this I replied:

Dear Sir or Madam

Thanks for your email - fortunately the bin WAS finally emptied.

But there are two things which need your urgent attention.

1) I was told the rounds had changed. If this is not so, please tell the department people concerned. Erroneous information is useless.

2) Please ensure that any so-called 'rules' about not being able to pass messages around the department concerned (and any others) is scrapped forthwith, should it actually exist, and the assertion that I would have to ring AGAIN is also scrapped. One call should be sufficient in a well-run and well-organised company.

I should, however, like to thank you for your kind reply.

Susy Worzencraft

A cheery message from Susy Worzencraft
PS: please don’t send LARGE attachments, as it blocks the drains



But there was another email, and by this time, I’m p*ssing myself:


>From: "H*****d-C***k Stuart" >
To:
>Subject: refuse collection 2nd email
>Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:13:49 +0100
>
>Further to my earlier email, I have confused myself. Next week is not black but Green again and we cannot take excess waste that may be in plastic.
>
>Please let me know if you have a difficulty and I will see what we can do
>
>Regards
>
>Stuart
>01*** ******



Irresistible!


Hi there Stuart - this is getting quite chummy!

Don't worry that I might confuse MYSELF rgarding the correct colour of bin to be put out - I always check what my neighbours have put out, so that at least we're all either wrong, or right.

Best wishes, Susy

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Running INTO the sea



Just thought I'd post this picture of me having a dip in the flooded volcano that is Deception Island, off Antarctic Peninsula. Note the snow on the (still active) mountain slopes - melted from the extreme heat. Note too it's only the girlies who are in their cozzies - the fully dressed people are the men! I'm the one in the black and white swimsuit - and does my bum look big in this!

I think I'm practising for the sea off NFL. It was something like a freezing plunge pool, after scalding in our 'sauna' - a hot pit dug into the black volcanic sand on the shores. That sand gets everywhere you can think of - and then much further!

Monday, April 03, 2006

Life Should ...


"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO !! what a ride!"

PS - gotta get a digicam!
My first email:

Personal questions, I know, but …For example: I'm straight, and though now single, not looking to change this situation. What I'd be looking for from a trip like this is lighthearted adventure and fun, sailing, living on board, meeting new people, going to new places. What I don't want is "crewing" with a silent "S" taken for granted! I'm not that kind of woman. However, I'm extremely comfortable with friendship and companionship, at many levels, have always enjoyed men's company and (generally) their way of living. I've always thought boys got the better deal and played better games. Saying that, on returning to Singapore, the first thing I did (after 2 showers), was to put on make up and a dress!



Jack’s reply: (now, how would you respond to this from a complete stranger you were contemplating spending several months with?)

NO SEX???? KIDDING, JUST KIDDING!!!

(I treated it at face value – a jokey blokey – time will tell ….)

Hi, Susy--good & welcome questions, which I will answer in the order posed:

Are you serious about this trip?

Absolutely! I have had all the charts (about 50) for 4 years trying to get there, but lack of crew, & other issues, etc. has prohibited.

Is your boat well found, as you describe (photos would be excellent)?


Absolutely! She's a moderate displacement (17,500 lbs.) blue water ketch that has crossed the Pond with a previous owner. I have installed RADAR, LORAN (more accurate around Nflnd), GPS, VHF, & auto pilot. Also, 6 person Avon life raft,
135% roller furling jenny & 90% storm jib.


What is your sailing experience in bad weather?

Forty-fifty knot winds 80 miles offshore. Somewhat minimal, because I listen to weather forecasts and do not venture out in (or put into port) gales, which is possible in cruising within 100 miles of the coast.

Off rocky coastlines?

Extensive. I have cruised Maine for 30 years, and the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia (they don't get rockier--many offshore rocks & ledges) several times, plus the southern coast of Newfoundland. I have sailed the entire east coast of the US & Canada, mostly single handed.

Have you had other replies to your posting?

A half dozen--but don't worry, no one else has anywhere near your qualifications, and I have already dismissed most. Right now you would be my #1 choice. If that changes, I would let you know immediately. (Of course I have the same question--are you considering any other cruise options?)

Have you a family?

Divorced 30 years, several close relationships, none now, three adult kids, mother (95 yrs. young), four siblings and countless nieces & nephews.

Would they be happy for a stranger to come on board?

Not an issue. At this point our Nflnd. cruise crew consists of you and me. Most of the trip will be port to port, only a couple of overnights (max. 300 miles)--would you feel more comfortable with another crew member? People with the necessary experience who want to cruise this remote island are few & far between.

Are you taking any other crew members or guests?

I might get a good friend to join us for the three day trip from Boston to Halifax Nova Scotia and Cape Breton to Nflnd. (One possible mate for a week is a displaced Brit who has lived in Nova Scotia for many years.)

Are there any personal troubles you are escaping from?

Only the boredom that comes from sailing familiar waters.
I agree whole heartedly with (your message) --except the part about putting on a dress....

Further Q&As:

Me: I'm no freeloader, and would expect to pay my food and other agreed expenses. As I said earlier, though, my life is currently changing, and the job (University Lecturer, IT) is being cut from beneath me (funding cut), so I don't have a bottomless purse. Actually, I'm glad about that (apart from the loss of salary!). Late last year my partner of 5 years and I split up, my choice. My children are also independent, though I love them, and see as much of them as I can. This means my life can now be mine, even if on a tighter scale. This is why I answered your message.


Jack: I usually handle finances by setting up a 'kitty' from which we pay food, fuel & dockage costs (in Nflnd. the latter are practically non-existent). All repair, maintenance & gear replacement costs are mine.Me: I have sailed with lots of people in lots of boats over the years, and have found most of them very normal and likeable. Some have expected slave labour. I work pretty hard on boats, always do at least, usually more, than my fair share, because I like to. But I really don't appreciate being exploited. As a good example of sailing trips with friends, we have a watch system for overnight/longer trips, and stick to it. On shorter cross-channel trips (12-18 hours or so), we have watches at night, but daytime we just informally agree on who steers, watches, cooks, washes up etc. Navigation is initially set out by the skipper, but everyone is expected to mark the course on the chart at agreed times. Sail changes are done by those on deck, who call for others as necessary - all very laid-back, relaxed and good humoured and we pitch in where and when required.


Jack: The above are very similar to my sailing procedures. I try to treat crew as partners, sharing decisions and tasks. Although you'd have to trust me with ultimate sailing/safety decisions, we would discuss all options including ports visited, length of stay, weather conditions, sail or remain at anchor, etc. Crew are full participants in the cruise, not mute working passengers.Me: I don't smoke or take drugs, but sometimes have a drink after a trip - it was a bottle of wine after the somewhat exciting delivery to Copenhagen - skipper threatening heart attack no. 2, dead engine, summer gale, large shipping advancing, no electrics, radio, etc! Normally one glass will do.

Jack: I don't smoke, drink, or drug. You are more than welcome to your glass (or several) of wine when at anchor.

Me: BTW I googled your name. Is the photograph you?

Jack: YES.






Me: Please google "Susy Worzencraft", and you will see a few things about me there, mainly sailing/boaty and one of my dive articles.

Jack: Whew! You certainly put me through the paces! And given me good insight into your sailing experience.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Meanwhile, I'm getting demob happy, as the release date gets closer:

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/960931/an/0/page/0#960931

21 February 2006: Had to have Bean, my cat, put down. Very old and poorly, but ate a huge breakfast of salmon and purred to the end. Sad, but ...

Mid March 2006: Thank God I'm British! So good at queueing! I certainly had plenty of practice, waiting in the coldest March for decades outside the American Embassy, Grosvenor Square for a couple of hours. Met a couple of peeps - left one queueing on my behalf, and got the other one to show me the way, not to Amarillo, but to McDonalds' basement loo, a short walk away! Eventually let in, waited another hour - in the warm - couple of mins talk with an official - waited another couple of hours - had another couple of mins talk with another official - waited a quarter of an hour (speeding up!) to pay yet more money for return of passport + visa.

Total time waiting: 5 hours
Total time seeing officials: 5 minutes

And why the visa? I'm only spending a week in NJ with my brother before catching the boat, and the UK and the US have a special relationship (??) which means no visa for up to 3 months' visit. But it's the method of transport which is the problem - it's not a cattle cruise liner - all pre-processed. No, no, I'm pretending to be an individual, possibly returning more than 3 months after leaving. Intriguingly, Newfoundland is classed as an offshore island! Really! So, I'm not leaving the country and it's waters, but counted as not leaving the States at all. I am quite surprised at the somewhat cavalier attitude of US bureaucrats towards their neighbour. But, hey! They do it, because they can!