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 Accidental Cruiser in the West Indies

 

World's worst crew in the best playpen ever.

This journal is a log of all the messages from Susie & Lance. For pictures, please see the Gallery.

Falmouth Harbor, Antigua 16.05.12

Occasionally distracted on watch
Occasionally gets destracted while on watch
When sailors get together with stories of terrible passages made, a recurring theme is the crew mate from hell. Minor irritations borne of odd little habits can be magnified in the confines of a small boat into gigantic feuds. We have just had the poster boy for bad crew behavior and we love every minute.
Promenading on the foredeck
Promenading on the foredeck
At the wheel
At the wheel

Take the number one rule of sailing: "stay on the boat". If not watched carefully, this little blighter will do his best to wriggle into the drink when he sees a passing bird. He even fails to honor direct orders from the captain to don his PFD. In fact, he has made it clear that he does not care for the life vest at all and must be wrestled into it.

At the companionway
At the companionway

A good crew member takes special care to keep personal belongings stowed neatly; this fellow strews items about with great glee. Instead of a cheerful hand lent at clean-up duties, we get mango smeared all over the cockpit. He has even been caught peeing down the scuppers!

Sand does not pass the taste test
Sand does not pass the taste test
Sand castle lessons at sunset
Sand castle lessons at sunset

 

 

 

 

 

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Mango Face
Mango Face
At least he doesn't have a bad attitude. Any crew who adds sulking to even minor sins cannot be tolerated aboard ship. Lance, in contrast, is having a blast. He has decided that Queen Emma is the best playpen ever made. Benches and settees are all at perfect furniture walking height. Endless toys to bang. A constant parade of interesting things flying, walking or swimming by. Interesting noises and new textures to be explored. Best of all, three grownups are also in the play pen with nothing else to distract them.
Following the pelican
Following the pelican

We are slowly warming to the notion of salt water although we do not approve of unexpected waves wetting our feet. All waves are unexpected. We have established that sand is not particularly tasty and very hard to get back out of your mouth. However further investigation is required. We do not approve of naps but sleep hard and long at every bed time. We really like mangos. Pelicans are intriguing. Water play has possibilities. Dinghy rides are fun except for the pesky PFD. Hanging out with sailors ashore results in constant adoration. It also affords lots of opportunity to take your stroller for a walk and to hoist yourself on new structures.

At the companionway
At the companionway

The captain and crew of Queen Emma whole-heartedly welcome the youngest member of the ship's company. We do feel he needs to work on that peeing-in-the-cockpit habit. All other rules are suspended until further notice.

You want me to put on what?
You want me to put on what?
Exploring Antigua
Exploring Antigua
Just noodeling around

Just noodeling around

Walking practice at the Sea Breeze
Walking practice at the Sea Breeze
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