Today was very busy, which figures given that it was my last day and all.
Had a nice breakfast at a little bakery/cafe up from the ship and then went aboard for the grand,
traditional, “Crew Photo”.
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| The crew of the Picton Castle May 25, 2009 |
Once that was done we started unloading the ship’s “cargo” of tropical wood that will be used for two
new schooners that will be built at the Dory Shop here.
Once the smaller pieces were unloaded we spent about two hours rigging up heavy lines, tackles and
blocks so that we could swing the big pieces over the side.
After lunch we started to haul and heave and slowly maneuvered these massive chunks of wood. First we
had to pull each block forward from it’s position in the port breezeway until it was alongside the hatch.
Then we connected three different tackles and lines to it. There were two yard tackles one on the Fore
Yard and one on the Main and a heavy synthetic line run from the main topgallant mast down through a
block and then forward to the capstan on the foredeck.
There was complete silence enforced on deck so that commands could be clearly heard as we inched each
timber up to the level of the rail and then using the yard tackles and lots of pushing we swung each block
over the side and then down slowly into the water.
Once in the water the blocks were towed over to the Dory Shop using the rescue boat.
While we were doing this a scallop dragger on the other side of our dock was using a noisy diesel powered
crane to hoist bits and pieces of chain and stuff on and off their deck. The contrast was amazing
We then cleaned up the decks and furled the sails.
We mustered midships and the Captain thanked us for our hard work and discussed the “Sea Time”
documents that each of us received. These documents are legal documents that confirm the sea time and
duties we had on board the ship during it’s voyage. Each day and portion of a day at sea is counted and
recorded. In order to qualify for an official seamans designation you must have a minimum of 6 months of
sea time. For higher qualifications the requirements are longer so recording each day is important.
Then came the tough part for me… Saying Good Bye!
The last six months have been a fantastic adventure. At times exhilarating, frightening, awe inspiring,
boring, hot, cold, wet, head knocking, toe stubbing, arms aching, back breaking, calming, moving,
hilarious, sad and any other adjective you could think of frankly.
To have to say good bye to such great shipmates, friends, mentors and companions in adventure was really
tough.
This picture, taken by David on my camera as my daughter and I were climbing into the cab to head to the
airport, is of the ship reflected in the rear window of the cab… Sigh.
Looking back...
KJ
Photos of my last day are here.
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