Swimming with Dolphins

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It was another beautiful day in Hawaii. This was not an organised tour but a swim from one of the tenders only 100 meters from the anchorage. We put on fins and a mask and there we were amongst it all! Each of us lost in our own worlds, I was diving down, staying below in the quiet blue until my lungs would scream for air and I would reluctantly come back gasping to the surface. These beautiful creatures gliding along amongst us checking us out but not caring. This was a very good day!

Christmas week in pictures

On the paddle board with dolphins two days before Christmas on my way back from the grocery store.
Up close and personal with the molten rock and boiling sea on Christmas eve.
Fishing for the day on boxing day and whale watching on the 27th. It is hard to say that it was hard work but it actually was a bit. Not in the day down the coal mine sort of a way but it was certainly busy.
I hope all are well at home and looking forward to new years celebrations

The rough with the smooth

Just as it seems, the whole rest of the world is about to finish work and spend Christmas with friends and family we have gone into full on work mode. We spent a night at sea relocating. I had elected to stand watch most of the night so that more folks were fresh to prepare the boat when we arrived. This morning I felt really tired as I checked my e mails. It was a surprise to see that the hotmail people had chosen a nice picture of Brighton beach, under 6 inches of snow. I looked out the window at the tropical paradise before me and decided to take an early morning swim... Wish you were all here..

Pleasant sailing

After being waved off by Mrs P Junior from a dark dock in San Diego we set out into a wintry night and a low pressure system off of the California coast. It is always unpleasant knowing that you are in for a bit of hectic weather but we had to leave and by leaving early we would miss the worst of the wind and rain that was expected. As we have made our way south and west over the past week we have finally found the sun and warmth of the tropical latitudes, the bridge doors can remain open day and night and the boy scout uniform of shorts and a tee shirt can once again be sported.

Green Flash

I have stared out over several sun sets in my life and it has always been suggested that there might be a green flash just as the sun dips the horizon. Bollocks! I have said, on many occasions. If there is a green flash I will eat my hat!
As my afternoon watch progressed it looked obvious that the sun set would be a nice clear one, so I took out my camera, set it to three frames a second and kept my finger on the button for the last stages of the beautiful sun set. No one was more surprised than me then to witness a green tinge to last nights dying sun. It was by no means a flash but it did go green for at least one third of a second..
Now I have to get down to the nasty business of eating my hat.

Christmas came early this year

It was a rare treat to have Claire visit me in San Diego for the weekend and as can usually be expected plans were cut short by work! However we managed to spend a lovely 48 hours together before a sad farewell at the dock side. The sun went down and we pushed off to sea leaving Claire waving to us on the dock.

All statistics can be manipulated.

I hear from the best wife that 13.2 of the miles discussed previously, were actually run by her when she completed a half marathon in London sometime in October!
If anyone else would like to borrow the watch for long distance running events this will help to make me look really tough in the coming months.

Boring Training Statistics

In my attempt to start climbing out of the lower levels of the SMFL* and to earn the right to wear tights without embarrassment, I have been in training. What usually happens when I do this is, the boys and girls at home start to step up a notch too so although I am fitter and stronger than before I still pale into insignificance and remain somewhere down in Division 3.

The 4th of December will mark 2 months since I foolishly entered the silly French running thing and also the start of my campaign to be fit enough for it. To impress you with my nerdy enthusiasm for my new gadget here are my statistics for the period.

Calories Burned..37,587
Calories eaten today about 30,000 (food on board is very good!)
Average heart rate in beats per minute.. 141. According to Dai this is not enough and I must surely be close to death. However my maximum was 193 beats per minute. (You should have seen that carrot**!)
Total Ascent 31,866 feet
Total descent 32,209 feet
Total number of miles run 234.05
All of that in 44 hrs of training. Gosh I am tough aren't I!! No actually but I am making a good effort and it feels good to have a focus while I am away.

* SMFL or Sussex Men's Fitness League, a fictitious league comprising of most of my friends and a select bunch of local girl guides all of whom can beat me in sporting prowess. Your level in the league is pretty much just decided on by me. Seems fair

** Carrot. This is a fit young woman, normally with a very nice arse, wearing something to compliment it, while also running. A joy for any man to follow in any event or on any day of any week for that matter. Usually known as a carrot for it's ability to motivate the male runner into keeping up, (so to speak) at a respectable distance behind anyway.

Situation Goes Pear Shaped.

As per usual when arriving into the United States of America from a foreign port, we were welcomed with open arms... Well, fire arms actually and although we were greeted we were certainly not welcomed. The three armed customs officials had all been on board at least once, if not twice in this past year and the familiarity was totally lost on their humourless demeanor. One of these officials must have had the body mass index of a large hippo! As he sat down I was worried about his gun. I winced a little as the gun became enveloped in the folds of his body fat. Guns just make me a little nervous, especially when carried by professionals such as these! God only knows what would happen if this bloke wanted to use it.

Next is the US agriculture, (complete with guns) they inspect the ships fridges for non USDA approved meat, foreign fruit and vegetables. Any garbage that we have collected on the trip between the last port and arrival must also be inspected. We are wise to this these days, so we make sure we use anything up, fruits are juiced veggies are used up because if you don't, these guys basically make you chuck it. It must then be thrown into a large garbage sack, marked foreign garbage and collected by a special truck that probably takes it to the same tip as the rest.

The next day the truck comes. There were two Mexicans (probably illegal workers) and three armed men to make sure we threw six avocados and 3 bags of cardboard and food packaging that was our complete complement of garbage from the passage. The laugh of it is that the avocados that we will buy in the shop up the road to replace the contaminated foreign ones, will probably also come from Mexico!

A Sunday run

I will be sad to move on from Mexico. It has taken a while to suss out the area. My Sunday morning runs have taken me into some remote and beautiful places. This weekend I took a picture of one of the sand tracks that I have been taking. You can just see the road stretching into the distance. The first day I came over this hill I was unsure of where the road would end up. It ends up at another hill with another remote road and then another.
California will not be the same however and it will take some time to discover the trails. Soon though we will be in Hawaii and I have been taking to some guys in a club called 'HURT' (Hwaian Ultra Running Team) and hopefully they might show me around. Lucky me!

Real Men Wear Tights

I have even bought a pair for myself but I am worried that I might not be man enough to wear them.
While in the French alps this summer I was slightly inspired by the upper echelons of the Sussex men's fitness league (committed tight wearers) Who after running/walking over 200kms in a few days and during that distance went up hill for a staggering 18-20,000 Meters! They were still able to run over the finish line and then, not happy with that in itself started to dance as well!
The long and the short of it is that I have foolishly entered an event next spring called the Eco Trail Du Paris and am now in training... In my eagerness to fit in, I have purchased tights, a lightweight rucksack and the piece de resistance a cleaver GPS watch that is astounding me daily. I have been testing this with my gadget savi mate, Dai who is confusing me with his seemingly extensive knowledge on the beats per minute of my heart. I will have to see if the tights make a difference!

But Now it is time for work

So here I am in Mexico. Everyone continues to believe life is all sun sets and gin and tonic for me so might as well keep up the illusion. It has to be said that occasionally life at work can be good. No one can actually work 24 hours, seven days a week, so on the odd occasion between work we are lucky to be able to enjoy our surroundings. I know that it has been howling a gale and raining all weekend in England, so in order to cheer you up, here is a picture of the beach club near to the boat that we are able to use.

checking in

Hello... A whole month has passed since arriving back at work. This is a good time to reflect on my time off at home. In summary 'Very Good' seems to do the trick. Lots of time with Mrs P junior and a trip to California and Nevada including the Canyon and Las Vegas. I also made a trip to the Alps with some members of the Sussex men's fitness league. Basically to watch a few of the division one boys show off quite a lot. Meanwhile Dai and I found very uncomfortable places to sleep and drank some wine! I also spent lots of time generally in and around Sussex, friends, family, some sporting activity and some drinking of beer. All good stuff.

And then he flew to Mexico

My arms are killing me....

Deer Mountain on Purpose

While I have been away at work this time, I have made every effort to stay in shape so that I can keep up with at least one or two of my friends (and my wife)when I am next home. I am very disappointed to hear that, as soon as they have seen that I am having a go, they try that little bit harder! Re doubling their efforts so that they can continue to hang on to their precious positions in the Sussex Men's Fitness league. David, even ran up the steep side of the South Downs, SEVEN times in a row! This would be the Sussex equivalent to completing the Grouse Grind.

Well my friend, you had better get out there and pop up the side of those Downs another 14 times because I went up to the top of Deer Mountain yesterday for a second time in three days!

Deer Mountain by accident

Deer Mountain is a peak that stands overlooking Ketchikan at 3001 feet or 914 meters.
I saw from the guide book that there is a trail leading to the summit and so while I was on an after work run, I decided to go and see where the trail began, fully intending to return on the weekend if there was time. A couple of hours later I found myself sat at the top of Deer Mountain surveying the wonderful view with wide eyes.

After I had sat for a while and looked about me, the crisp blue sky and incredible scenery had absorbed my mind, until that is, I noticed how low the sun was getting! Then I started to think about bears and wolves, getting back before dark and what the hell I would do if I twisted and ankle or something on the way down…This really is not the best place to be on your own, in your running gear when no one knows where you are. I blame the Canadians. I would never have gone up a mountain that is nearly as high as mount Snowdon this unprepared before! (Snowdon is 1085 meters, but you don’t climb it from sea level!). I didn’t even bring a friend who is slower at running than me.

If it is nice, I might go up again on the weekend but this time I will take my walking boots and a backpack with water, a camera and a phone!!

An Alaska Donkey Kick

Yesterday evening most of the crew went ashore to the pub and after frequenting 'Fat Stans' bar for a few hours, one of the lads asked the very buxom bar maid what drink she would suggest he tried. She replied without hesitation, 'An Alaskan Donkey Kick'. Being slightly over refreshed, that sounded like a good idea and so he promptly ordered one for himself and one for one of the other lads. The girl came bounding happily from around the back of the bar, told him to knock back the drink, which he promptly did and before he knew what was what she slapped him around the face with the full force of a scorned woman. As it turns out, An Alaskan Donkey Kick, is a shot of local liquor followed by a swift slap across the face by the bar maid!

I have not seen anything so funny for quite some time! I nearly fell off my stool bent over and crying with laughter along with the rest of the crew and not least so because of the look on the face of the poor lad who was yet to enjoy his drink.

Small towns are always fun! Stans bar was supposed to shut at ten last night but because we were all having fun they stayed open until we rang the bell for ourselves and called it a night at about 2am.

Air Reconnaissance

I am once again lost for words

The guy who ownes and runs the dock down here suggested checking out the area by float plane. At first I just thought he was just trying to sell us a trip but as I thought about it it made total sense. It is such a vast area which would take weeks to explore by boat, so today I went with him to check out some anchorages and cruising areas.

We landed high up on a mountain lake, soured through the mountains and spent two most incredible hours in a place that is untouched and vastly unexplored.

More pics of Alaska

Testing out the Man Skills

This is brilliant! There isn't really any sport to it either, so although I would like to boast and tell you how honed my man skills are, any fool could catch a fish here! As a result we have eaten steamed salmon, salmon pie, sushimi and now we have found a guy who will smoke it for us, so we can keep eating the stuff well after we leave.

Tomorrow I am going to see some of the area by float plane!

The Inside passage to Alaska

I hope that a few pictures will capture the atmosphere of our trip up through the 'Inside Passage' to Alaska. It was just two days but the changes in weather and scenery at every turn made this relatively short passage very memorable.

and to sea once more

It is funny that 6 weeks in a beautiful place and not much to write about. After a morning at sea the proper adventures has already started.
Not more than an hour had passed and we spotted our first pod of Orcas, killer whales playing just off the bow of the boat. It was beautiful.

Then shortly after lunch we responded to a May Day radio call. We were fortunately just 7 miles from the small sailing boat that had a medical emergency. We launched one of our fast boats and sent our nurse with two crew who were able to revive the gentleman. The poor bloke was a diabetic and had passed out due to low blood sugar. Anyway he was stabilized and eventually transfered to a coastguard boat and taken ashore, we are now on our way again.

'Bean' there and done it Again!

It is wonderful to be in one place for a while and Vancouver has to be one of the best. I generally like to find a small, quiet place with friendly people, who get to know my name. A place where I can go and relax away from the boat. Here in Vancouver it was the 'Bean' coffee shop, The Bean Around The World was virtually at the top of the boats gangway and the staff and customers made me feel really welcome. This is my new favorite. As if anyone would care about Daren's guide to worlds best coffee shop hangouts.

#1 Bean Around the world, North Vancouver

#2 Sentient Bean, Savannah, USA

#3 Esperanto, West Village New York

The last day in Vancouver started with a coffee at the bean and then we over did it a bit on the exercise. We cycled the 50 minutes to the foot of Grouse mountain and had a final go at the 'Grind'. Powered by Canada's finest Java I made a small improvement on my time... I have managed to climb to the top of Grouse Mountain in just under 54 minutes! Thats it now. I have done that! I can't see me beating that time unless of course one of my friends from home manages to do 53 mins, then I might be tempted back to beat them but for now I'm all ground out.

The Royal Visit

The red carpets were rolled out in Vancouver and everyone was on their best behavior. It is always exciting to have a royal visit! I managed to skive off for the afternoon. I even had a shave, pulled out a clean T shirt and found my best flip flops. This particular guest got the real VIP treatment! She was even treated to an ice cream in the park!

It's always nice to bump into ya mum when you are a long way from home

reflection of Vancouver Skyline

This cool picture of the Vancouver Skyline reflected into the bow of our boat was a by product of having to take pictures of some minor damage. This was caused by a tug boat that had managed rather carlessly to bump into us during the middle of last night. I might just add that we were tied up alongside, just in case anyone starts to point fingers in my direction.

Re ground the grind like a little old lady!

After work on a very rainy Tuesday Christian and I were surprised that the car park at the foot of the Grouse Grind was just as full as it was on a sunny Sunday! Boy these Canadians are a keen bunch but I guess we were there too.
My new time up the steep 2.9 KM path is 56 mins and 3 seconds. I felt that I was really pushing it and have to admit that a mere 3 minute gain was a bit disappointing. Christian pointed out that in fact it was a 5% improvement and he was impressed that I had manage to get there 7 minutes ahead of him. We both sat at the top, soaked through and a bit cold but feeling pretty pleased with ourselves! Until that is, we had been studying the monitor displaying peoples efforts during that day and for the year. It appears that the fastest time for ladies between the age of 70 and 79 is a staggering 63 minutes! It is almost impossible to imagine a little old lady at nearly 80 years old! storming up the side of this mountain in just over an hour but it is also beautiful and very amusing that this is the exact same time that it took my now very demoralised colleague, who is a man in his early 30's.!
As they say here in the Rockies. If you come across a bear in the wild do not run! Unless of course you can run faster than at least one of your friends. I have finally found a friend that I can beat at running and as we are in the Rockies that is a good thing.

North Vancouver

This is North Vancouver which is pretty close to where we are staying! Someone carelessley parked a big yacht in the way.

Sunday Morning Run

This picture of Carl, Emily and myself at the end of our run with Grouse mountain in the background. You can just see the cable car cables. Take 2 on the grind is scheduled for after work on Monday or Tuesday this week.

This morning we went for a nice run in the Capilano Valley. These Canadians make you feel bad because they are all so trim and athletic! As a result most of the crew have been making time to do some excersise. It definitely helps that the natural beauty of the place is incredible! All the pictures I have shared are within 5 minutes of the city. Vancouver has to go down as a world wide winner for places to be held up for a month or so.

Grouse Grind take 2

After work on Thursday we decided to go to the mountain again. I was keen to beat my 59 minute time and Christian and I thought it might be best to bring Emily the nurse (just in case)

A passer bye was roped into taking this picture our 'before', You will see that we have done so much running that our legs have been worn out, almost to the knees!
Unfortunately we found the Grouse Grind path, was closed for maintenance so we were a little disappointed but soon found a trail going down the valley that was so beautiful the mountain was almost forgotten. Pictures of that trail will follow tomorrow.

Grouse Grind

We have been in Vancouver for some time now and as some folks may know, my mum tends to visit Vancouver quite a bit. She has been asking me virtually every day if I have been up Grouse mountain yet. I guess she knew that I would enjoy it. Contrary to popular belief I have been busy at work so hiking up the local mountains, although high on the wish list has to be fitted in on precious time off.

Eventually we decided to go for it. Grouse mountain has two routes up, the cable car and the 'Grouse Grind' As the sign says, it is a climb 933 meters over 2.9 km, so it is quite steep. Nothing very high or very far, just a nice walk up a pretty mountain with a fantastic view! However. For some reason this is no walk. The 'Grouse Grind' is a Challenge! Something that the Sussex men's fitness league (all divisions) would LOVE! There is even a cleaver way to time yourself by obtaining a swipe card you can start your timer at the bottom and by swiping it again at the top, your time will be displayed for all to see in the cafe at the top. Probably on the Internet somewhere there are pie charts and graphs to show you how strong you are compared to others, that you could then gloat at in the pub.

I had heard about it (repeatedly) from my mum but it took me 4 weeks to find time to go and see for myself. I turned up in the car park on Sunday morning with a friend, wearing good walking shoes and with a small back pack containing a rain jacket and a picnic. The car park looked more like it was the start of the local half marathon than the foot of a mountain trail, with people everywhere in shorts and running gear. In my sensible walking attire I stuck out like Mary Poppins would at a Fat Boy Slim concert!

Anyway my first attempt (yes, I will have to go again) took me 59 minutes. Elite runners can do it in 35 mins and the average walk will take about 90 mins. So next weekend we will be up early in the car park in running gear like the rest of Canada and we are going to try and do it as fast as we can!

As this is the new bench mark for determining your position in the Sussex Men's fitness league and I currently have the fastest time up the Grouse Grind, this must put me firmly at the top of division one!? Luckily non of you have any holidays booked in Vancouver this year.

W.O.W

On Thursday Carl and I decided that we would rent some kayaks and go for a paddle at a place that is about a 10 minute drive from where the boat is parked.

I called at lunch time to book two boats and was told to arrive as early as possible as it was going to be very busy that evening. Without asking too many questions Carl and I left work as quickly as we could and by 545 we were picking up our paddles and getting ready to go onto the water. As we were adjusting our gear, one of the young centre employees came over, looked at us confused and said, "You guys are obviously not with W.O.W are you?" We were now as puzzled as he was, so at least we were even.

He continued to explain, that Thursdays is Women on the Water day 'W.O.W' and that there was about 100 ladies due to arrive at any moment for said activities. Carl and I looked at each other, thought how horrible it would be to be in the middle of 100 female, Canadian out door types and continued to prepare for our paddle. We were ready to go but suddenly Carl was having all sorts of trouble with his foot rests and then his seat and had to pop to change his buoyancy aid and then again to use the toilet. Luckily we managed to get away before the tide of girl power arrived. We paddled for 2 hours stopping on a quiet island to enjoy a cold beer that we had brought along. It was a fun evening. Carl wants to go back next Thursday but says that he has a meeting that might delay his departure from work.