Last week, we all rejoiced in the fabulous news of the Corpulent Porpoise sailing once more. My predecessor, and last year’s sailing program in general was plagued with a series of problems. This was not helped by renaming the boat, as is the tradition of the camp. Well, I believe that this is one of the unluckiest things that you can do to a boat.
So, in an attempt to skirt around the boat’s bad luck, I have kept the name this year. This is by a large, in opposition the rest of the staff, who wish the tradition to continue. I have however, put my foot down, and kept the name.
And sure enough, Monday was a glorious day. The ‘Porpoise sailed beautifully on Monday morning, and everything went great. Perhaps all of my fears had been in vain, and my simple action of keeping the name have solved the situation. Wrong.
Sailing back into dock on Tuesday, the boat was quite sailing as I had expected it. We were getting very near the berth, and we began to lower the main sail (theory being that we could sail in just using our front ‘jib’ sail). Suddenly, we heard a ‘crack’, and the jib sail fell down the mast, and fell into the drink. Acting quickly I ordered paddles onto the deck, before the wind could blow us too far away. I hauled the jib sail back on the boat, and we moored up (or parked for those of you that don’t speak nautical).
Upon closer inspection, the rope that keeps the sail at the top of the mast. Now here’s a big irony – one of our assistant camp directors helped us set the boat up. He is not known as a man of great competence (unless you are talking about the camp’s money, or reversing vehicles). So when he said to me ‘that line will never hold’, I of course did the exact opposite. How was I supposed to know that the one time Tom would be right this century was this time.
So anyway, I was now left with a merit badge class to teach, and a pretty vital metal wire stuck at the top of a 25ft mast. Bugger. Apparently the curse of the Corpulent Porpoise continues.
This was a pretty major problem. The best way to complete the job would require us to bring the ‘Porpoise out of the water, lower the mast, sort the problem out, and then reset the mast, and launch again. Unfortunately, this would require the use of a pretty strong vehicle (maybe the Suburban?), and the cast of Ghandi (well 3 or 4 people). I didn’t really want to make use of that many of the camp’s resources, so I developed a plan. Cue Hannibal Smith from The A Team: ‘I love it when a plan comes together’ he says putting a cigar into his mouth.
Using Terry’s car, I would transport an extension ladder to the boat, have another staff member hold the ladder against the mast, whilst I climb to the top of the ladder, and grab the wire. One of the advantages of being a member of ‘Adventure Sports’ is that I have a larger staff that I can call upon for support. So while my assistant Jaffle carries on with the sailing merit badge on the small SunFish, I could borrow another Adventure Sports staff member, and some ‘toys’.
With Terry’s agreement, I loaded the ladder on Wednesday morning, and Mike and I headed for the lake, armed with a climbing harness, a sling, and some lobster claws (like safety clips on the end of two ropes). We arrived at the boat, and set the ladder up. Mke held the bottom, whilst I climbed half way, to throw a sling around the mast, above the spreader bars to secure the ladder.
At this point, I feel the need to point out, that this boat has a fair amount of bad luck surrounding it. The boat is 34 years old, and the securing point that the mast attaches to is weakened. I am about to scale 25ft of this mast, right to the top, whilst it’s in the water, and still wobbling about. Nothing could go wrong with this plan at all! Of course, I wasn’t afraid to carry this out…
In an attempt to go less far up the mast, I had borrowed a long armed magnet from Handicraft, so that I could just magnet the metal wire from just over half way up. Unfortunately the wind had wrapped the boat around several other wires, so the magnet plan wouldn’t work. With all the bad luck, and poor equipment in mind, I nervously began to scale the ladder. I found the wire that I was after, and began unwrapping it quickly. I wasn’t going to hang around here longer than I needed to. Job done, I came back down the ladder, and relaxed.
In the whole operation, nothing went wrong. Which was a good thing, because despite wearing a climbing harness, and having lobster claws attached to me, I never attached the lobster claws to anything else! But hey, I had safety equipment with me.
But the curse of the boat continued. On the way home, we hit a small bump at 25mph, and one of Terry’s roof bars snapped. Well, not actually the metal bar, but one of the silly bloody plastic feet. I was understandably furious, and very upset that I had damaged Terry’s car. I apologised to Terry, and offered to replace the part and/or pay for it. Terry proceeded to say don’t worry about it, as he explained that a replacement would cost $200! Can you believe that? $200, and it can’t even hold a flipping ladder?!?!?!
Following this, I have asked the camp’s gun-totin’ chaplain to exorcise the boat of all it’s demons.
And as if that wasn’t bad enough, the garage have finally contacted home about Ernie. You may remember that a bars in my rear suspension snapped. Well, the garage agreed to hold on to Ernie until his MOT this week, saving Dad having to pick him up. W Jones have never been bad to me, and they have always contacted me if it was going to be a big job. Bearing in mind that the largest bill I have ever paid is £400ish, and the car is only worth £300-£400, you can understand how angree and annoyed I would be at W Jones calling my parents, and saying ‘It’s ready to be picked up, that will be £850 please’. They’ll be receiving a phone call on Monday morning from the United States…
This has been a really bad week, and I was very confident that I was heading for depression. But it is amazing how easy I am to cheer up. One of my friends took me to the local town for some latin American food (which was delicious by the way). Whilst we drove around, Jordan let me drive his Jeep Wrangler!!! Not only is it a small American 4 by 4, but it is also manual. It felt so good to drive automatic again!
Well, here’s hoping for a happier week…
If you knew the jib halyard wouldn’t hold, why not leave a comment saying that you are as knowledgeable as Tom.
If you didn’t know that the jib halyard would snap, why not leave a comment saying that you under estimated the curse of the Corpulent Porpoise.
Quote of the Week: ‘Yeah, we believe in God, Jesus, all that crap’ explained one staff member, as we discussed his faith in Roman Catholicism.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Week Two: Welcome back to Ockanickon!
Hey look, this post was delivered to you on time, thanks to the good people of Ockanickon Scout Reservation, Pennsylvania.
I have to start this post proper by announcing:
THE CORPULENT PORPOISE SAILS AGAIN!!!
After procrastinating for several days, on Wednesday, we finally launched our glorious Catalina 22 sailing boat, named ‘The Corpulent Porpoise’. Our beautiful brown 1970’s boat is now afloat again on Lake Nokamixon, ready to enthral Scouts in the art of sailing. Of course, the path to a floating sailing boat was not easy…
Monday was a day of cleaning and repairing. All of the little bits of wear and tear that had occurred over the Winter needed to be repaired. We also started off the season with the largest department this year, with more than 1000 staff members. Unfortunately, my competent assistant director Joe killed them all. Well, the ants and their nest were a bit of a nuisance. So, despite starting off with the largest department on camp, I now manage the smallest.
We were then hoping to launch on Tuesday. Unfortunately, we had to put some fancy stickers on the boat. Kind of like road tax rather than go faster stripes (not that they would help – nothing will make our boat go faster). So come Wednesday, we finally towed the boat to the lake. I had hoped that it would be a fairly simple affair. Regrettably, I had failed to take the Tom Leitz factor into account.
I freely admit that I didn’t know how to raise the mast of the boat, as I usually play with smaller boats. So, I relied on one of our Asst. Camp Directors who seemed confident that he knew what he was doing. WRONG!!! Mind you, it only took two attempts to raise the mast. After Joe and I had unwrapped the vital cables and lines that were needed.
Having said that though, we launched successfully, and the boat seemed to sail fine. One could almost sail beautifully. Almost. But we did dock with all the grace of an elephant on drugs. Yippee.
Alas, all did not make for a relaxed set-up week. Despite my multiple responsibilities at camp, someone has deemed me, rather bizarrely, as competent. And competency never goes unpunished. On top of being Sailing Director (now offered as part of our Adventure Sports Department) and one of our Commissioners (customer relations), I now also share ‘big brother’ responsibilities for the young staff members, supervise one building for medical check-in, and all round nice guy. Yet in spite if this, I’m still not allowed my own walkie-talkie! Well, I wouldn’t trust a British guy either.
This week, I have done lots of driving. I love driving, but all of these automatic US cars, just aren’t as good as Ernie. Who by the way is due his MOT soon, as well as other repair works. I hope he’s okay. Don’t get me wrong. As under-powered as these cars are, they do give me some freedom, and allow me to get about. Big thanks to Terry who often lends me his car.
Lastly, today has been the first day of camp. Scouts have finally arrived, and the fun really begins. The camp politics are out the window for a while, and I can get down to the business of teaching Americans how to sail. Woo hoo. I also feel the need to say that of the two (hi from Dave Senior ok I love all you UK people ttyl) And thanks for that Dave… anyways… Of the two Medical Recheck buildings, the building I ran didn’t get loads of complaints. I’m counting that as a win!
If you have a message for Dave Senior, a fellow director in Adventure Sports, why not leave a comment.
If you don’t have a message for Dave Senior, but may in fact like to leave a comment anyway, why not leave a comment.
I have to start this post proper by announcing:
THE CORPULENT PORPOISE SAILS AGAIN!!!
After procrastinating for several days, on Wednesday, we finally launched our glorious Catalina 22 sailing boat, named ‘The Corpulent Porpoise’. Our beautiful brown 1970’s boat is now afloat again on Lake Nokamixon, ready to enthral Scouts in the art of sailing. Of course, the path to a floating sailing boat was not easy…
Monday was a day of cleaning and repairing. All of the little bits of wear and tear that had occurred over the Winter needed to be repaired. We also started off the season with the largest department this year, with more than 1000 staff members. Unfortunately, my competent assistant director Joe killed them all. Well, the ants and their nest were a bit of a nuisance. So, despite starting off with the largest department on camp, I now manage the smallest.
We were then hoping to launch on Tuesday. Unfortunately, we had to put some fancy stickers on the boat. Kind of like road tax rather than go faster stripes (not that they would help – nothing will make our boat go faster). So come Wednesday, we finally towed the boat to the lake. I had hoped that it would be a fairly simple affair. Regrettably, I had failed to take the Tom Leitz factor into account.
I freely admit that I didn’t know how to raise the mast of the boat, as I usually play with smaller boats. So, I relied on one of our Asst. Camp Directors who seemed confident that he knew what he was doing. WRONG!!! Mind you, it only took two attempts to raise the mast. After Joe and I had unwrapped the vital cables and lines that were needed.
Having said that though, we launched successfully, and the boat seemed to sail fine. One could almost sail beautifully. Almost. But we did dock with all the grace of an elephant on drugs. Yippee.
Alas, all did not make for a relaxed set-up week. Despite my multiple responsibilities at camp, someone has deemed me, rather bizarrely, as competent. And competency never goes unpunished. On top of being Sailing Director (now offered as part of our Adventure Sports Department) and one of our Commissioners (customer relations), I now also share ‘big brother’ responsibilities for the young staff members, supervise one building for medical check-in, and all round nice guy. Yet in spite if this, I’m still not allowed my own walkie-talkie! Well, I wouldn’t trust a British guy either.
This week, I have done lots of driving. I love driving, but all of these automatic US cars, just aren’t as good as Ernie. Who by the way is due his MOT soon, as well as other repair works. I hope he’s okay. Don’t get me wrong. As under-powered as these cars are, they do give me some freedom, and allow me to get about. Big thanks to Terry who often lends me his car.
Lastly, today has been the first day of camp. Scouts have finally arrived, and the fun really begins. The camp politics are out the window for a while, and I can get down to the business of teaching Americans how to sail. Woo hoo. I also feel the need to say that of the two (hi from Dave Senior ok I love all you UK people ttyl) And thanks for that Dave… anyways… Of the two Medical Recheck buildings, the building I ran didn’t get loads of complaints. I’m counting that as a win!
If you have a message for Dave Senior, a fellow director in Adventure Sports, why not leave a comment.
If you don’t have a message for Dave Senior, but may in fact like to leave a comment anyway, why not leave a comment.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Week One: Welcome back to America
Okay, I know I’m a little late posting, but I’m a busy guy again. This is the first time I’ve been able to sit down with my laptop, and I’m not even on the Internet! Right now I’m sitting in ‘Totem Lodge’ at Ockanickon Scout Reservation after a days hard work, trying desperately to type over the noise of people talking about rotten fish in broken freezers…
So what have I been up to this week. Well, first and foremostly, it would appear that I have arrived in Yankee-Doodle land again. I’m not sure how, but I think I got on a plane. Many of my American friends asked me how the trip was. I know that they are just trying to be polite, but what do they expect me to answer with? We were attacked by dragons mid-flight?
Of course my answer was ‘boring’. I still can’t quite understand how boring flying is. Why did people ever get excited about it? Yeah, yeah, I understand the whole against nature thing, but still – BORING! Although I do have to tip my hat to British Airways once again – superb service and a new entertainment system. It was amazing, I was able to use the entertainment system like BBC iPlayer or YouTube. Hundreds of movies when I wanted it. Despite all of this, they still wouldn’t let me drive!
So, I landed at Philadelphia Airport (I have to say that Newark was a nicer flight, and airport last year), and was told to expect one of the Asst. Camp Directors, Tom (he’s not the one that I went hand gun shooting with last year). I came out of international arrivals, and was expecting to find Tom looking grumpy waiting for me. What I was greeted with, was 8 of my colleagues from last year. Even Pat (the health officer), who I hadn’t expected to see. Most amazing arrival party ever! There’s the bar there Mum and Dad…
By the way, in between writing these paragraphs, I have had dinner, and carried out a rescue drill on the High Ropes course. It’s now 9.30pm.
After arriving in the US, what’s the first thing any normal person would do? (Apart from go through US Customs, and get suspected for being an illegal working immigrant) That’s right – go out and get some Mozzarella sticks! We stopped by a bar called Bennigans (Irish themed) and had drinks and a few snacks.
Since arriving, I have mainly spent my time doing that dreaded r word. Now, what is it again? Re- Re- Rela- Oh yeah, relaxing. It’s been terrible. I haven’t been able to do anything else but. Although having said that, I have found that I’m particularly good at the singing part of that Rock Band Game.
On Friday, I went with a couple of guys to a local theme park – Six Flags Great Adventure. If you have really good memories, you may remember that I visited this place before I left last year, but some of the rides were closed. One in particular I was really gutted about. Kingda Ka shoots you (using some sort of magnet system) at 128 mph into a vertical 450ft climb. The ride only lasts about 30 seconds, but the speed and the view were amazing. The car even began to shake as we neared top speed (just like the taking off in the Space Shuttle I would imagine).
I left a curious comment last week about driving a big ol’ American pickup. Unfortunately, the plan of borrowing a GMC High Sierra 4x4 Pickup has fallen through. My friend (and Asst. Camp Director) Terry is letting me borrow his Toyota. How about that for irony – I have travelled 3000 miles, and the car I am lent is just like a small European car. I guess that is why Terry gave me a 1st Class in driving in the US!
So with all of that in mind, I know launch whole heartedly into Camp Ockanickon’s summer season 2008. I guess, as it’s now 11pm on Tuesday, I have already launched, but I’ll leave those frustrations until next week. Yip-dee-do.
If you drive a big American truck, why not leave a comment saying how high you sit in the road.
If you drive a smaller car, why not leave a comment saying how good your petrol mileage is (or gas mileage if you are American).
So what have I been up to this week. Well, first and foremostly, it would appear that I have arrived in Yankee-Doodle land again. I’m not sure how, but I think I got on a plane. Many of my American friends asked me how the trip was. I know that they are just trying to be polite, but what do they expect me to answer with? We were attacked by dragons mid-flight?
Of course my answer was ‘boring’. I still can’t quite understand how boring flying is. Why did people ever get excited about it? Yeah, yeah, I understand the whole against nature thing, but still – BORING! Although I do have to tip my hat to British Airways once again – superb service and a new entertainment system. It was amazing, I was able to use the entertainment system like BBC iPlayer or YouTube. Hundreds of movies when I wanted it. Despite all of this, they still wouldn’t let me drive!
So, I landed at Philadelphia Airport (I have to say that Newark was a nicer flight, and airport last year), and was told to expect one of the Asst. Camp Directors, Tom (he’s not the one that I went hand gun shooting with last year). I came out of international arrivals, and was expecting to find Tom looking grumpy waiting for me. What I was greeted with, was 8 of my colleagues from last year. Even Pat (the health officer), who I hadn’t expected to see. Most amazing arrival party ever! There’s the bar there Mum and Dad…
By the way, in between writing these paragraphs, I have had dinner, and carried out a rescue drill on the High Ropes course. It’s now 9.30pm.
After arriving in the US, what’s the first thing any normal person would do? (Apart from go through US Customs, and get suspected for being an illegal working immigrant) That’s right – go out and get some Mozzarella sticks! We stopped by a bar called Bennigans (Irish themed) and had drinks and a few snacks.
Since arriving, I have mainly spent my time doing that dreaded r word. Now, what is it again? Re- Re- Rela- Oh yeah, relaxing. It’s been terrible. I haven’t been able to do anything else but. Although having said that, I have found that I’m particularly good at the singing part of that Rock Band Game.
On Friday, I went with a couple of guys to a local theme park – Six Flags Great Adventure. If you have really good memories, you may remember that I visited this place before I left last year, but some of the rides were closed. One in particular I was really gutted about. Kingda Ka shoots you (using some sort of magnet system) at 128 mph into a vertical 450ft climb. The ride only lasts about 30 seconds, but the speed and the view were amazing. The car even began to shake as we neared top speed (just like the taking off in the Space Shuttle I would imagine).
I left a curious comment last week about driving a big ol’ American pickup. Unfortunately, the plan of borrowing a GMC High Sierra 4x4 Pickup has fallen through. My friend (and Asst. Camp Director) Terry is letting me borrow his Toyota. How about that for irony – I have travelled 3000 miles, and the car I am lent is just like a small European car. I guess that is why Terry gave me a 1st Class in driving in the US!
So with all of that in mind, I know launch whole heartedly into Camp Ockanickon’s summer season 2008. I guess, as it’s now 11pm on Tuesday, I have already launched, but I’ll leave those frustrations until next week. Yip-dee-do.
If you drive a big American truck, why not leave a comment saying how high you sit in the road.
If you drive a smaller car, why not leave a comment saying how good your petrol mileage is (or gas mileage if you are American).
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
But I have a good excuse
Yes, this post is several days late, but hey! I do have a reasonable excuse. I've flown to America!
Now, I don't want to give away all of the United States stuff (or I'll have nothing for next week), so I'm going to try and remember some things that I got up to last week. And I'm sure there was some good stuff, but I guess we'll just have to read on and find out.
Well, mostly this week, I have been getting ready to travel to America. Now, many of you might think that unsuprising, but how do you pack to live in another country for three months? With great difficulty, that's how! Although, I actually use a different method - leave it all to the last possible minute, and then hope for the best. Yes that's right boys and girls, my bags were packed at 1.14pm on Monday, ready to leave for the airport at 1.15pm. Woo, I rock.
But indispersed amongst the packing, and do paperwork to go, and everything else that is involved with leaving your life for three months, I did find time to do other stuff. Most ammusingly was Wednesday. For a variety of reasons, Mum and I had to move some stuff around. Such was this stuff, that Ernie, as amazing as he is, would not be big enough, and thus a van was required. So, unfortunately, I had to do a life long dream and ambition and - DRIVE A FORD TRANSIT!!!!!
Now, they (whoever 'they' are) say that you should never drive your dream car, because it will be a disappointment. If only I had listened... I would never have known the wonder that is a Transit Van! I guess the phrase just doesn't apply to vans. It was awesome (how many van drivers can say that about their van? Only Trasit drivers I'll bet)! A van that drives just like a big lumbering car. Brilliant.
After a whole day of bombing about in my short wheel based Transit (named Tony), I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I had enjoyed the day so much in fact, that when Michael and I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, guess what we took? That's right, a Short Wheel Based Transit. They even fit through McDonald's drive-thru's. When I had to return the van, I began to even contemplate trading in Ernie for a Transit. Y'all now how much I love my car, but that van was brilliant!
I know that I've spent alot of this post talking about vehicles, and that this post hasn't been very long, but I need to finish on news about Ernie. On Friday, I went out for lunch at McDonalds (I know, two in one week, but hey ho). On the way, we hit a pothole in the road, and we suddenly heard this metal clank, and grinding. I pulled over, and checked the exhaust. Nothing unusual. So I carried on, along the A27 at 60. But the steering tracking was WAY off. Then we hit a bump, and something definitely felt wrong. When I braked, the car pulled violently right. Oh dear.
So, for the first time since time began, Ernie had to be recovered. On a flatbed. Made worse still, by the idiot driving the flatbed. First off, the RAC sent a man in a Transit, who found the problem - a broken tie bar (part of the suspension). But he couldn't tow me. So an hour later, the flatbed turned up. The man jumped in my car, drove reclessly up the ramp, and didn't even close the door! Then, to add insult to injury, he only strapped one side of the car down.
Well, I've heard from the Garage (although with my iminent departure to the US, I didn't think I'd fond out), and amazingly they were able to get the parts from Ford. God bless W Jones. They are even going to take care of Ernie for a few weeks until the service and MOT. Bloody marvellous.
Well that's it. I'm off to eat lots of fatty fast food, drive a big 'ol pickup truck (more about that next week), and generally embrace the American culture. Yeehaw!
If you think that travelling to America is exciting, why not leave a message saying what you do to make the flight more enjoyable.
If you think that travelling to America is boring, why not leave a message saying that you find flying as dull as me.
Quote of the Week: 'Is that swing low sweet chariot?' I need to explain this. Sunday was Founder's Day for the Nautical Training Corps (I'd forgotten why I left before it last year) held at Portsmouth. After the service order was given out, one of the cadets asked me, 'It says here to sing the National Anthem. Which one?' To be fair that could have been the quote of the week, but after I said 'Our National Anthem' he then replied with the above. The British education system sure works well!
Now, I don't want to give away all of the United States stuff (or I'll have nothing for next week), so I'm going to try and remember some things that I got up to last week. And I'm sure there was some good stuff, but I guess we'll just have to read on and find out.
Well, mostly this week, I have been getting ready to travel to America. Now, many of you might think that unsuprising, but how do you pack to live in another country for three months? With great difficulty, that's how! Although, I actually use a different method - leave it all to the last possible minute, and then hope for the best. Yes that's right boys and girls, my bags were packed at 1.14pm on Monday, ready to leave for the airport at 1.15pm. Woo, I rock.
But indispersed amongst the packing, and do paperwork to go, and everything else that is involved with leaving your life for three months, I did find time to do other stuff. Most ammusingly was Wednesday. For a variety of reasons, Mum and I had to move some stuff around. Such was this stuff, that Ernie, as amazing as he is, would not be big enough, and thus a van was required. So, unfortunately, I had to do a life long dream and ambition and - DRIVE A FORD TRANSIT!!!!!
Now, they (whoever 'they' are) say that you should never drive your dream car, because it will be a disappointment. If only I had listened... I would never have known the wonder that is a Transit Van! I guess the phrase just doesn't apply to vans. It was awesome (how many van drivers can say that about their van? Only Trasit drivers I'll bet)! A van that drives just like a big lumbering car. Brilliant.
After a whole day of bombing about in my short wheel based Transit (named Tony), I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I had enjoyed the day so much in fact, that when Michael and I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, guess what we took? That's right, a Short Wheel Based Transit. They even fit through McDonald's drive-thru's. When I had to return the van, I began to even contemplate trading in Ernie for a Transit. Y'all now how much I love my car, but that van was brilliant!
I know that I've spent alot of this post talking about vehicles, and that this post hasn't been very long, but I need to finish on news about Ernie. On Friday, I went out for lunch at McDonalds (I know, two in one week, but hey ho). On the way, we hit a pothole in the road, and we suddenly heard this metal clank, and grinding. I pulled over, and checked the exhaust. Nothing unusual. So I carried on, along the A27 at 60. But the steering tracking was WAY off. Then we hit a bump, and something definitely felt wrong. When I braked, the car pulled violently right. Oh dear.
So, for the first time since time began, Ernie had to be recovered. On a flatbed. Made worse still, by the idiot driving the flatbed. First off, the RAC sent a man in a Transit, who found the problem - a broken tie bar (part of the suspension). But he couldn't tow me. So an hour later, the flatbed turned up. The man jumped in my car, drove reclessly up the ramp, and didn't even close the door! Then, to add insult to injury, he only strapped one side of the car down.
Well, I've heard from the Garage (although with my iminent departure to the US, I didn't think I'd fond out), and amazingly they were able to get the parts from Ford. God bless W Jones. They are even going to take care of Ernie for a few weeks until the service and MOT. Bloody marvellous.
Well that's it. I'm off to eat lots of fatty fast food, drive a big 'ol pickup truck (more about that next week), and generally embrace the American culture. Yeehaw!
If you think that travelling to America is exciting, why not leave a message saying what you do to make the flight more enjoyable.
If you think that travelling to America is boring, why not leave a message saying that you find flying as dull as me.
Quote of the Week: 'Is that swing low sweet chariot?' I need to explain this. Sunday was Founder's Day for the Nautical Training Corps (I'd forgotten why I left before it last year) held at Portsmouth. After the service order was given out, one of the cadets asked me, 'It says here to sing the National Anthem. Which one?' To be fair that could have been the quote of the week, but after I said 'Our National Anthem' he then replied with the above. The British education system sure works well!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Please wait...
I'm busy flying to the US at the mo. If you're all good boys and girls, I might put a post up when I arrive. Check back on Tuesday!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Two week to post?
Sorry, it's the best double meaning title I could come up with.
I suppose that I had better cover the basics first - why was there no post last week? Well, firstly, I wasn't at home on Sunday of last week, I was camping with the good ol' Nautical Training Corps. Secondly, I didn't return until late Monday, by which point I had to get stuff ready to go away early Tuesday morning on a two day climbing course in Southampton. Lastly, since I got home on Wednesday, I have completed and handed in a 23 500 word portfolio for University. So all in all, I've had a busy one.
But, back to business. What have I been up to over the last two weeks? Unusually, I can remember some stuff. To start with, I helped out my middle school on some trips. On Monday, we all went by train (which was very exciting) to Chichester train station. From there, we walked up to our real destination for the day: Chichester Cathedral.
And that is about as exciting as I can make that sound. There were even some exciting activities like making Gargoyles. Yet some how, that activity was made to be as dull as humanly possible. So why, oh why, did I stab my self in the eye with a metaphorical fork, and go again on Wednesday? Arghh...
So, after a week of boredom, I landed in Friday, ready for a bank holiday long weekend camp. Of course, lots of exciting stuff happened at camp, and you can see some of those exploits in our new video on YouTube by clicking here. But as a brief front load, we had 14 cadets going, and Sturdy and a parent were helping with transport. Unfortunatly, when it comes to residential trips, it's not just children that need transporting - it's all of their kit too.
I suppose that I had better cover the basics first - why was there no post last week? Well, firstly, I wasn't at home on Sunday of last week, I was camping with the good ol' Nautical Training Corps. Secondly, I didn't return until late Monday, by which point I had to get stuff ready to go away early Tuesday morning on a two day climbing course in Southampton. Lastly, since I got home on Wednesday, I have completed and handed in a 23 500 word portfolio for University. So all in all, I've had a busy one.
But, back to business. What have I been up to over the last two weeks? Unusually, I can remember some stuff. To start with, I helped out my middle school on some trips. On Monday, we all went by train (which was very exciting) to Chichester train station. From there, we walked up to our real destination for the day: Chichester Cathedral.
And that is about as exciting as I can make that sound. There were even some exciting activities like making Gargoyles. Yet some how, that activity was made to be as dull as humanly possible. So why, oh why, did I stab my self in the eye with a metaphorical fork, and go again on Wednesday? Arghh...
So, after a week of boredom, I landed in Friday, ready for a bank holiday long weekend camp. Of course, lots of exciting stuff happened at camp, and you can see some of those exploits in our new video on YouTube by clicking here. But as a brief front load, we had 14 cadets going, and Sturdy and a parent were helping with transport. Unfortunatly, when it comes to residential trips, it's not just children that need transporting - it's all of their kit too.
So, with that in mind, the Intrepid Box Trailer (which has now been named - wait for it, read on) needed towing. As usual, that responsibility fell to muggins here, and my trusty old Escort. And I don't mind telling you that it took all 1392 cc's of my little Escort's engine to get the heavy old trailer to Surrey. And yes, the speed dial does fall in proportion to the road's angle rising. I think at one point, from a 60 mph run up, we lost revolutions back down to below 30. It's alright though, apparently the Sturdy minibus was just as bad!
Huge thanks, by the way, to Graham, who helped us out of the mire. Muchos Gracias!
So, our trailer has finally got a name? At our first parade of the camp, we were laying down the ground rules. One of the cadets (if memory serves) was becoming a serial hands in pockets demon, so he needed a grounded realistic threat. So the obvious choice was to think Great Escape, and in our best German voice threaten 'Cooler! 20 days!'. Obviously we wouldn't lock kids in the Intrepid Box Trailer (or 'The Cooler') because that would be cruel.
Although, apparently, we would steal other officers classic cars, and attempt to run junior officers over. Winning the award for best Sunset Parade of the year, Stuart provided us with immense entertainment. I noticed one of Stuart's junior officers with his hands in his pockets. So I ran accross the parade field to point him out the error of his ways. He ran, but straight into Bungle's arms. Stuart getting ready for a comedy fight, paced towards the junior officer, just before seeing Ernie.
At this point, I should say that Ernie's engine was running in an attempt to charge one of my phones up. With no success. Anyway, Stuart stops walking towars the officer, and makes a beeline for my car. In he jumps, and the car disappears behind the minibus whilst it turns around. Then it comes onto the parade field, heading for the junior officer. Ernie's life flashes before my eyes, just as Stuart pulls up to a stop, an inch from the laughing junior officer. Flipping hillarious.
So, after camp (all many more interesting things going on), I travelled down to Southampton for a Climbing Course. It was a great course, and not just because it was mainly full of attractive young women. One of them even seemed to take a real interest in me. I almost left her my mobile number (and she really was an attractive 18 year old), when my common sense hit home again. I'm leaving for America in a few days, it would be a good three months before I would be able to see anyone again. Bugger.
And now this week, I have been feverishly working away at my laptop to get my placement portfolio done. I have to hand something into Univrsity to prove that I haven't just sat on my backside for 12 months and twiddled my thumbs. And just a short 23 500 word later (did I mention that already), by Saturday I was ready to panic about trying to get it spiral bound. Thanks once again to Graham for the lead on who might do it.
Lastly, I want to leave you with the same YouTube video as above, but with a different reason for watching it. Mum came back from holiday, and brought a great hat back with her. I have a habbit of wearing 'silly' hats, and this hat is quite special!
So, with Stuart and my sad knowledge of Indiana Jones, and inspired by the new movie, we set about recreating scenes. Of course, to avoid copywright problems, one of my senior cadets came up with something intelligent (amazingly). I present to you:
So, for your viewing pleasure, here is Walton Firs Camp, featuring Andiana Jones and the Camp of Doom.
If you have seen the new Indiana Jones movie, and you liked it, why not leave a comment.
If you have seen the new Indiana Jones movie, and didn't like it, firstly, you're an idiot (he's 65 years old), secondly, don't leave a comment.
If you haven't seen the new Indiana Jones movie (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) why not leave a comment saying how much you're looking forward to seeing it (like I am, when I go with Michael to see it on Wednesday WOO!).
Quote of the Week: 'No, she's just always standing in ditches when you see her' Graham replied, when Hannah asked if Chrissie (who is about 5ft tall) had a height problem. Other top answers included, no she wanted to be that height.
Quote of the week: (Well, I was away last week) 'Oh dear' sighed Gillian on Monday morning, 'I fear this is going to be a queer day' as we walked to the train station with 60 children on the way to Chichester Cathedral.
Tune of the Month: Raiders March. John Williams (it's the theme tune to Indiana Jones)
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