Monday4th March
1430,Somewhere blue and hot,
The last 24hours have been a taste of the long journey ahead.
Workingroutines are in full swing and each of the four watches is moving around likeclockwork.
Ricky and Iare enjoying the sun, i.e. burnt to crispy bacon and with few places tohide.
It’s Chris’s(one of the cadets) birthday today and the galley crew surprised him with acake. Our singing was awful but well received.
The ship hasmany home comforts and everyone is pulling together, learning from each otherand becoming friends as we go along.
DJ is good formorale, usually singing or doing something daft to keep us focussed on the jobahead. It’s true that no one rides for free on the Lord Nelson. Effort andmotivation are essential.
Sam had a hardtime adjusting to the jousting waters early hours of this morning, but he haspulled round and is coping ok.
It’s Terry’sturn on the helm and she looks very serious, sitting behind the huge wheel andsteering us ahead.
I think Garyis under the bridge, scrubbing away old paint as the crew are freshening up"Nelly’s" rough spots. He’s one of the on-board security team, so he’s seriousbut up for a laugh.
Rachael is ourwatch leader and is doing an excellent job of keeping us in check. Having acouple of cheeky squaddies on board usually means trouble, but she is keeping usactive and on our toes.
The watch isoperating as it should be. It needs to, to keep things goingsmoothly.
The road aheadis a busy one, with a beautiful view and some good company.
Missing my dogand poor diet,
Chris, AftStarboard Watch.