Which brings us to now!.... Here we are

Day 3 on the Island.... 11 DEC 2010 - Now this was a great day!

We left the house at about 10:30am – apparently Marc & the rest of the gang would be arriving at 11:30am/12noon...Eeeek! I could wait!! Mia & I picked Di and Arlene again and then we were off to the False bay Yacht Club. Some of Julie & Aaron’s family were there already and so was the Governor of St Helena, a few people from the Tourism office and of course all of the Governor’s Cup people.

We went do to the boat dock just in time to see Our Dianne bolting around the corner & then – as if she’s done it a million times – she asked for her life jacket & we put ours on & hopped on a boat that took us right up to them.... I tell you – if I could bottle a moment it would be that one.... I was so happy!! And so was Mia. Tearing rolling down my cheeks I waved happily at my husband.... the first time to lay eyes on him in 10 days....boy it was a good sight!

Once they crossed the finish line we climbed over to their boat & Mia almost jumped at daddy! She gave him such a BIG hug!! So did I. Oh it was so good to see him. We obviously hung around while they got everything packed up and sorted out. We then had to climb back onto the ferry boat and go back to land while they back up the last few things. About 20 minutes later they finally also came ashore....it was o great to have him with us! Mia had more hugs & a picture to give to daddy. Poor tired daddy... he really looked like he had been out at sea but Mia would let go of him for a moment.

We had a beer or 2 at the yacht club and then we were off to get Marc bathed & settled in – he really was finished..... after a long bath and some clean clothes he was ready to go & we were off to town again. Mia did her usual & fell asleep & we went off to Donnie’s for a drink. Julie, Aaron & Rian were there parked right outside & just let Mia sleep in the car & joined them for a few G& T’s. Ah – it felt like a real holiday now J Mia woke up at about 5ish & played with some of the local kiddies. They had great fun.... We ended up at Ann's place – the restaurant of choice for any yachties coming through the Island. What a cool place. So chilled. You order at the counter & they bring it to your table but it’s so chilled. Mia just runs around & no one minds.... I really like it there.

We ended up getting home pretty early & both my ‘kids’J were asleep by 9pm.... Shame – it was the first time Marc had slept in a bed with a duvet in 10 days...he was out for the count & I was so happy....my family was complete J

What a day it was & I was asleep in no time too.....

Living life now.

xxGxx

Which bring me to now... TUESDAY, 14 Dec 2010, Day 6 on the Island - we’ve finally had some time to really explore the place.....and wow – what a place! We wondered into town again & Mia had a swim at the public pool – they have a great baby pool & Mia & I lay around in there while daddy went off to do a radio interview with the local station.

I popped Mia in the car & drove around for a while daddy wrapped up the radio talk & as usual  Mia fell asleep within 30 seconds.... While she was asleep we took the opportunity to go for a long drive... I really can’t explain to you how beautiful it is. The interior of the island is so green & lush with big forests & tropical vegetation surround by vast meadows. The official buildings date back to the 1800’s & they are so quaint...always surrounded by little stone walls & more history than we could imagine.... but then you drive over another hill and suddenly it’s stark & rigid with grey brown cliffs & semi arid like vegetation. It really is remarkable. We drove down to Sandy Bay yesterday afternoon.... what a drive. The only way to get to the Islands only beach is to drive down a road that is about as narrow as a bicycle path & has more bend than a bowl of spaghetti....I was very glad Marc was driving...I might have panicked a little when having to turn down a road that u can’t see because it’s so steep in places.... Mia once woke up just as we got to the beach....I keep saying beach – but it definitely isn’t the white sandy beaches one would imagine. It is very different & takes a moment to get ones head around how different it is but once you do...it is so beautiful. The sand is pitch black volcanic sand....and so are the pebbles that lead up from the beach to the sheer volcanic cliffs that surround the bay. It’s like someone spray painted it all black....  

According to the sign there is a strong under current so no swimming is aloud.... so typical...but we played in the waves a little & the warm water was a welcomed change from the normal icy water we’re used to in Cape Town. Marc did some shots for the documentary as well. It was a great moment actually.... We always said we want to be able to bring Mia along with on our shoots one day.... and here she was...collecting black pebbles & filling daddy’s pockets with them.

We headed back to town after that and went back to the usual spot – Ann’s Place – where we seemed to run into everyone again & had their famous Tuna Fish cakes... I liked them – but they’re very salty – so they’re not for everyone. We took Mia home at about 9sih – so late for her but its holiday & she loves the fact that there’s no schedule at the moment. It so good for me too – not stressing the whole time about Mia’s schedule & what has to happen....

We were all passed out by 10am again – but I’ve also realised, it’s 2 hours later in South Africa so our internal clock probably felt like it was midnight – no wonder we pass out every time....

Sleep tight

Living life now

xxGxx

A little more catch up....Arriving at the Island

Day 3: Mon, 6 Dec 2010

Well this definitely did not feel like a Monday - Mia woke up at 6:30am (Actually 7:30am but with the time change it was now an hour earlier) So we waited till 7am for our morning coffee...then we got dressed & went off to start it all over again.... 1st breakfast....

After that the days blurred together & did get easier... by the 2^nd last night I was no longer eating in my roomJ Mia actually sat through a dinner with me – starter & all! The last day was the best... of course – They brought out the baby pool (Thanks guys - cause I didn’t want Mia to play in the for the 1^st 3 days ;-/) and she had a blast – I could actually sit on the deck & enjoy a cold beer & some lunch in the sun with the rest of the guests while Mia splashed around right next to me...bliss.

There was also a cocktail evening & a BBQ that night which was fantastic! By that time Mia had made friends with the girls next door to us – aged 10 & 7 they seem to have no problem with Mia being the ring leader – I KNOW – HAVE U EVER ;-) They walked around with Mia & even watched some DVD’s in our cabin.... I did have to cut the evening short as Mia was finally getting cranky & it was time for bed. But I had a lovely night....and that brought us to Day 5...Thursday, 9 Dec 2010 – we arrived at the island at 6am....so when we I woke up & looked out the window – We were here! And the island looked beautiful...something out of Jurassic Park....Mia was still fast asleep & I managed to pack up our overnight bag (They picked the rest of the things up the day before at4pm.) and get everything ready & then woke her up – got her dressed & went on through to customs & immigration to get everything stamped again. We then had some breakfast & got ready to disembark.

They called our number at about 9am & we had to go down to the front desk where we put life jackets on – Mia had her own baby one & which she loved! We then went down the gangway & right onto a little boat. Mia loved every minute of it. We we’re taken to shore & got out against the harbor wall...where again – Mia just took it in her stride. We then hopped on a bus & drove about 300 meters up the road to the little customs room....everyone was super helpful & friendly! We went through – put our bags through the x-ray scanner & then as if perfectly timed Mia was soooo super cute & charmed all the customs ladies whilst sitting on the chair like a little angel whilst mommy got all the bags together. They lady from the tourism department was waiting right there for us & got someone to drive our car to us.... it was so easy! I drove out of the harbor area not knowing where to next & thought I’d stop at the tourism office – if I could find it & take it from there....but as we came out of the gate a lovely lady holding a sign up saying “Yew Tree Cottage”- the name of our house – and so I stopped & she hopped in & drove with me through town, showing me everything on the way including the police station where needed to stop& show them my driver’s license.... we then drove up a ridiculous road called “Ladder Hill Road”- a ONE LANE, 2 way mountain road with bends & blind spots & a sheer cliff on the one side.... car’s coming down the hill have to make way on the one of the designated wider sections of road for traffic coming up the hill...and this actually seems to work.... it definitely is an interesting drive J

So far I had been trying to take in this strangely familiar place – all the research & picture had helped me recognize everything but had not done it justice! What a place! I really can’t explain it – it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before in all my travels. It has the age & beauty of any great European village, with gardens, castle walls & beautiful old churches, but it all has this really island atmosphere and that was just Jamestown...the main town.

As we drove up through the island the scenery change from harsh volcanic rock to lush green rolling hills & forests. So green & tropical, but with old English lanes, complete with stone walls & hedges....just stunning. A few more windy roads & hills & we were at our holiday house, YEW TREE COTTAGE. They don’t have street numbers here – they name their houses....and that becomes your address. I love the concept & I guess with an island of less than 5000 souls, you really not just a number here.

The house was lovely! A really old colonial house, complete with long veranda & musky smell. I loved it! And so did Mia! Once our host had left it didn’t take long for us to really move in! Toys everywhere, Dore the explorer on the telly & mommy doing some washing & making Mia some tea.... all in all it felt like a really holiday house already!

We went back down into town & I timed the Ladder Hill road decent perfectly – slipping in behind a very pink ford truck that was clearly very local & simply drove when he drove.... it went very well & my 1^st up & down ladder hill road was a success!

We had to head back to the harbor to collect our Hold luggage that was now also in the customs room....everything was there & Mia had fallen asleep so I simply let her sleep in the car whist I loaded everything in. I then hung around chatting to some friends who were waiting for their things & then slowly headed back up to our holiday house – I keep saying the whole thing – Holiday House – because I have to practice using it like that with Mia. I made the fatal mistake of call it home once & Mia was so upset it wasn’t our real home in Simon’s Town that it took be an hour calm her down J

By the afternoon it was pretty overcast & very drizzly so mommy and Mia veg’d out on the couch for the rest of the evening & had a pretty chilled 1^st night in St. Helena!

Hoping daddy comes home 2morrow. Really missing him now! Was feeling pretty isolated way up here at the top of this Island - that really is in the middle of nowhere.

Living life now.

xxGxx

Day 2 on the Island – 10 Dec 2010

It started with great excitement as I got the house ready for what I hoped would be Daddy’s arrival. We left the house just after 10am – it would have been earlier but as we were about to leave Mia needed to use the loo...perfect timing as always. Anyway – we picked up Di & Arlene (Di is the Dianne – of “Our Dianne”- her husband is Marc’s skipper Billy and Arlene is Di’s twin sister.) on the way – as they hadn’t got their car yet. But speaking to them they said that it looked like They guys would only be in tomorrow, at about 11:30am... L I was so sad to hear I had another night without him.... but we went into town anyway & explored a little... I didn’t want to explore too much without Marc as I wanted to share this with him but we walked around town a little. Mia had a play in the little playground & then we got some ice-cream & sat on one of the white benches in the garden & enjoyed the atmosphere.... it was lovely & very relaxing. We drove back up at about lunch time – and once again Mia fell asleep on the way...which seems to have become island tradition. When we got home Mia stayed a sleep for a change & I put her in bed & just relaxed...which has also become tradition here ;-) I listened to the local radio station – Saint FM – which seems to be the best way to get any info needed.... I must say it really takes some getting used to not having a cell phone here. There’s allot of sort of just running into people & seeing how it goes as you can’t call anyone. But I have managed to get everyone’s numbers – everyone has a landline at least – so that worked – if the person is at home. The highlight of my afternoon was a phone call from Marc! He called from the sat phone on the boat. What a lovely surprise!! I was great to hear from him but afterwards I felt like there were a 100 things I forgot to say! L I really hated feeling so far away from him. Mia woke up right after that & then we just relaxed. Painted, drew a bit, watch a DVD or 2 & then it was bath & bedtime again. So another quiet & early night for me....

Living life now.... quietly but living it J

xxGxx

Finally Travelling!

Well after months of planning I am finally here! St Helena Island & in some ways, it's been so much easier than expected!

One really feels like you're in the middle of nowhere & traveling by ship, you really understand how big this planet is....we travelled for 5 days across the ocean & did not see another soul..... And it was quite a humbling experience from that point of view :-) But Mia didn't let me dwell in the moment for too long...boy she was busy & doing it on my own was really tough because Mia would not go to anyone - so even if people wanted to help they couldn't.

Getting online was harder than I thought & the ship only had email - no internet - but in keeping with all things old school for this journey - I kept a journal of the days so I wouldn't forget anything when posting this....

Day 1: SAT, 4 DEC 2010

So, I was running around like a mad thing until the very last minute..... As always... But left and got to our friend Waldo's house just in time, who was taking us to the ship. Mia of course only fell asleep 5 minutes before we got to Waldo's house. We got to the Seafarers Mission (Where we meet the RMS staff & they take us to the boat.) with about 20 minutes to spare & this past was soooo easy! Mia carried on sleeping in the car & we literally pulled up right next the trailer & they loaded everything in - not scanning or weighing.....Info that might have been useful last night when I was frantically packing & repacking & then weighing everything to make sure I was in the prescribed limit....I'm such a nerd :-)

Anyhoo! Within 5 minute of waking up Mia & I were in the van & driving off to the ship...my excitement was finally mounting! More I couldn't do so what was done was done.... I could finally relax & enjoy this. It really was so easy....we simply walked up the gang way, & Mia had to push her baby up it in her pram....very cute!

We got on board & Mia was an absolute star through the whole process! We had to wait in line & have our passports checked at the front desk - Mia gave "her little book” to them herself... Then it was off to passport control - which the 2 immigration officers set up in the Main Lounge Alcove and Mia just stood in the line patiently...she was so sweet. Once our passports were stamped we were shown to our cabin & that was that! sooo flippen easy!

Of course Mia loved the room but we must have been there for 5 minutes when Mia said - "I wanna go look around mom” And so it started....the beginning of the 5 day run around the ship :-) Mia is busier than ever & her attention span is about 3 & 1/2 minutes so u can imagine how many things we had to do all day.... I convinced her to stick around for another 10 minutes while I made some phone calls - appreciating the last bit of time with my cell phone & in turn my independence :-) I called daddy from the OUR BIG SHIP to his LITTLE BOAT...it was great to be able to do that!

And then it was off to explore....we got as far as the playroom & Mia was in her element...nothing like somebody else’s toys :-) we returned to our cabin round 4ish & then there was an announcement made that the ship would only be departing at 21:00 as they were waiting for other passengers....:-(

My only conciliation was that we could really get settled before having to deal with the motion of the boat..... Which I was still pretty nervous about.... I didn’t know what to expect. so after a little more exploring we ended up at dinner - I chose the early sitting at 6:45pm for Mia only to learn that even this sitting was still pretty formal & Mia was not impressed.....It was a disaster, Mia really has terrible table manners - something I have started working on with her but it wasn't going to happen on that 1st night - I ended up leaving before the starters were even served & had them send some scrambled egg up to our room for Mia - which of course she ended up not eating...she has a yogurt I had packed in from her bag.... grrrr so I had a very dry, cold scrambled egg on my first night on the ship....it's safe to say I was a little disappointed at how the evening turned out....To add insult to injury - I had to run back down to the dinning saloon 10 minute later to get her water bottle & they were serving the main course - roast lamb with baby potatoes & seasonal veggies...mmmmm...... It turns out that we can bring kids down at about 5:30pm & the chef will make them something..... Lesson learnt :-)

After "Dinner" Mia was so tired after her exciting day there was no way I was getting her into this "Shower things" to try a new way of washing.... so I put on her pj's & let her watch a little TV (Our portable DVD player - was a life saver.)

We departed at 7pm in the end as the passenger we were waiting for cancelled...grrrr :-/ I was waiting for the bobbing to begin & braced myself for the nausea....but nothing. It was so gentle & I haven’t felt one bit of tingle....thank goodness!

Mia & I watched her new DVD together. (The new Tinkerbel adventure...so cute!) But my plan of her passing out 10 minutes into the movie back fired & she was still awake when it ended at 9:30pm! But once I turned down the lights a little more & insisted she close, her eyes - she was out in about 2 minutes! :-) By this time it was almost 10pm &I passed out too!

Day 2 - Sun, 5 Dec 2010

The night went really well. I woke up twice because I was convinced Mia was going to roll of the bed - but she was fine & slept through to 7:30pm. I was woken at 7am, by Ivan - our cabin steward - with my early morning coffee along with the ships daily activities & dress code.... Aaaahhh. I could get used to this :-)

When Mia woke up the 1st thing she said was "downstairs":-)  I explained that we 1st had to shower & get dressed - which she once again did not want to go near :-( So, I showered & we got dressed - Mia is really into her skirts at the moment...very cute - so she wore a skirt & then wanted her sunglasses on & wanted to carry her handbag....a real little madam ;-) Teehee.

So, all dress up we were ready for breakfast! I was really excited about this meal, since I never had dinner & because it was things Mia actually ate...eggs, toast, yogurt....But when we sat down again she was such a silly toddler again...u know - not really speaking, pulling funny faces & hiding behind my chair every time some spoke to her....and not eating again....:-( But somehow I got through my eggs & bacon & then we were off again!

Up & down the stairs, in & out of the playroom & our cabin...and then we went outside & onto the deck & she played around the pool area & the deck for at least20 minutes ;-) She was splashing around the overflow of the pool....it was good :-)

We then went back to our cabin & I lay her down & put a DVD on & she was asleep in 10 minutes :-) Aaahhh...this was getting easier & easier :-) As she sleeps for at least an hour & a half I thought I’d take the opportunity to go grab some lunch for us...so I locked the door & ran upstairs to grab a bite.... 10 minutes later when I came back to the cabin, little Binkie Bow was coming out the room...she had unlocked the door by herself....bugger. Mommy had forgotten to put a nappy on her & she wet the bed :-( So much for a peaceful hour or 2.... I managed to convince her to lie down again & watch a little more TV - just so that she still has a little quite time - but either way - that means no sleep....so I didn’t want to think what she would be like by 5pm.....

This was going to be a long afternoon ;-) and then as if Murphy though - teehee, let’s see what she can handle a little card was slipped under our cabin door - it was an invite to the captain’s cocktail party at 6pm....and both Mia & I were invited...oh my word - on the day that Mia doesn't have a midday sleep - really :-/

Sooooo...the cocktail party was ok... Mia actually greeted the captain, even though 5 minutes before hand when I told her what we had to do her words were "I don't want to meet the captain!" :-)

We got to stay for awhile 15 minutes....just around the time that mommy finally had a drink in her hand....because she wanted a milkshake! ;-) We manage to bribe her with a sparletta & a straw & she sat still for another 10 minutes.... I decided to take her back to the cabin when she started spitting into the air, because she could see it floating through the sun particles..... :-) I had 3 sips of my G&T....so much for being a grownup for 5 seconds.....

We came home & I let her watch 3 gummy bears....and then it was bath & bed. She was so tired but so stubborn. When it came to shower time the fun began.....I had to take her in kicking & screaming! I don't want to know what the neighbors were thinking! BUT once she was in & I show her that the shower nozzle can be brought down to her level & she can even hold it she was fine....ai jai jai....Mommy know best huh :-) She absolutely loved it be the end & sat there for ages spraying the wall & her baby.....I finally got her out and then it was into PJ's and bed time.

I had a whole stack of books ready for bedtime & asked Mia to just wait in bed while I go make some down the hallway in the pantry....by the time I came back with her tea, she was asleep...so sweet. Happiness....

I watched a little TV myself - on the Ipad & passed out too....The boat felt a little more 'lively' in the night but I wasn't too bad. We had to turn our watched back an hour at midnight....All in all a pretty good day :-)

Living life now

xxGxx

RACE DAY!

Well it finally happened..... After months & months of planning the 1st December 2010 actually arrived & at 12noon the fleet of 17 vessels began their 1700mile journey to the most remote piece of land in the world.

The day actually started out much like any other.... Mia was already in bed with us :-) She normally comes through at about 5am & comes & cuddles.... by 6:30am she was up & about since it "is light outside mommy!" and I can't argue with that.......... Marc & I said our good byes while Mia watched a little telly & then as most mornings she really didn't really wanna get dressed for school & when it was time to say good bye to daddy she was a littler more interested in her chocolate biscuit than the fact that daddy was going to sea for at least 9 days........ Kids.... She's just to little to understand whats really going on. But Marc got his chocolate covered kiss & hug & I rushed Mia to school.

By the time i got back the cameraman were gathering at our place & Marc briefed them on the days proceedings.We got to the yacht club at about 8:40am & it was already a hive of activity. Sailors with their families walking up & down getting their final preparations sorted out.

My LOVE and I just before the ceremony.....

Billy & Spook's family all gathered round to say there good byes & i was there spending every last moment with my love....


Everyone standing around watching the team get ready...

Of course just to prove I was also there:




The whole thing was quite surreal....

The ceremony was really nice & Reverend Peter Storey did the blessing of the fleet which I thought was really beautiful.



Blessing of the Fleet

The team was as ready as they'd ever be.......



The official team pic at the ceremony.



Because we were working as well we did our goodbyes at home so we tried not make a big deal about it all but it was pretty emotional....  So before we knew it they were heading out to get ready for the start...

The next time they dock will be in St Helena...

And this was when I started to feel pretty lonely..... I had a bout 15 minutes before I boarded a friends boat & sailed out into the Bay to watch the start & I really felt quite lost...and very sad.


And they're off! Our Dianne had a awesome start & just flew threw the short course they had to do...

I'm so proud of him, of them all! They were the 1st out past the harbour wall & were heading down to Cape Point miles ahead of the rest of the fleet!



A yacht with it's spinnaker up really is a thing of beauty....



My last view of my love..... was quite a sad one but I knew he was loving every minute!



Farewell my love...be safe. xxxxxxxx

It turns out I did get to see them one more time.... I drove up to Cape Point national park & saw them on the Atlantic side of the Cape just after they rounded the Cape..... Was so lovely to see! 

What a day! I read his blog this afternoon & after a challenging night (their words) the crew are still very positive & in good spirits! There has been some sea sickness but I guess that;s part of it sometimes.... shame man.


Well I have 2 sleepies left & need about 20 so I'm gonna go! Chat soon!

Living life now.
xxGxx

Farewell my LOVE.....

I can’t believe the day actually arrived & Marc has sailed off into the sunset....literally J  & i have no way of hearing from him until I’m on the ship – if I’m lucky or on St Helena. It really feels quite bazaar feeling. I mean – we’ve always travelled 7 when Mia came a long & stayed at home more & he would go without me....he’s been to the arctic circle & Iceland & yet he’s never felt so far away.........



My sailor & I :-) About 2 hours before the start.

I just went to check out the link - to track the boats...soooo cool. I can see where he is which I love! Just wish I could talk to him....

I really am quite nackered but I just wanted to do a quick blog on today. I'll add the rest 2morrow!

Living Life Now
xxGxx