A working weekend!

And so it came to pass that I did start work yesterday. And verily did I pass the medical and so I passed on to the ancient town of Ramsgate for the formal Helath and Safety lecture.

Yes, at least for a few days, I am working. The details on Thursday were sketchy at least, not least the job itself. But, on Friday morning I go to sign on early as I have to be in Canterbury for 11 for the medical. The woman in the dole office was nice as anything, nothing too much trouble, searched through some international vacancies for me, in fact I had four women around the table offering advice on how to use the computer; of the lady on the computer was receiving advice.

So, off to Canterbury. I stopped off at a roadside van for tea and a bacon buttie, although I was going for a medical, I was hungry and needed something to eat. It was wonderful, and as I sat there eating and drinking, I listened to the radio as Tony Blair explained why he had taken Britain to war, answering questions with more questions, and generally setting his own agenda; as always.

And into the doctors, and apart from the weight issue, I sailed through, even to the point that he said I no longer needed glasses. So, I have the ticket and so onto Ramsgate to the main yard for a death by powerpoint presentation. And then onto the boat to meet the other survey crew and see how things were.

Turns out that there is one other member of the survey crew, and just the master and that is us, three! It's a small boat, and can only go 20 miles out. But we're happy enough, or I am as I am getting paid. Don't know how much yet, but better than minimum.

And at half five it was time to go home, with the thought that on Saturday we unbox the kit and set it up. And when I got home, Jools had cooked the curry and a nice chilled beer waited on the table.

Yay, work!

Today was glorious weatherwise, and all days long as I looked out of the window of the boat I thought of the pictures I could be taking. Oh well, think of the money.

I was awake before the alarm, and when I looked out of the window it was snowing again. Oh well, at least it was just a dusting. It did make the 20 mile trip to Ramsgate interesting.

And, then we unboxed the kit, connected everything, did tests, drank tea and waited. We do now have some obstacles in our way before we can work; a safety inspection, the installation of automatic vessel identity beacon, installation of PLB locator, and a new liferaft (maybe). Oh, and a new radio. But apart from those we will be able to work. Maybe on Wednesday, as the wind blew and the sea went up and down lots.

So, we did things with the computer and navigation computer all afternoon and then it was time to come home. Jools came in the car and then we went to a fish and chip restaurant and I had huge cod and chips whilst Jools had battered sausage and chips. And it was good.

Time then to drive home whilst the full moon looked down.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts.