30 June-15 July 2007

Well the period covered was on the dredger so pretty boring really, don't even get a lot of photo opportunities. Though some passing shots may be of interest. The sailing vessel "Grand Turk" (used in the "Hornblower" tv series) on her way to Ramsgate. She was a long way off but sailing into a thunderstorm so I took this as it was better than no photo at all.

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At almost the same time I took advantage of the weather etc and took the following shot of the now disused South Foreland lighthouse, once again the storm clouds are visible.

South Foreland

While steaming round the bay in suction mode an incident developed on the "Pride of Calais" in No.8 berth. A man had climbed outside the rails on the boat deck and was threatening to jump. It took 2 hours to talk him down, the incident involved the police RIB and Harbour Patrol craft. In the photo it's not easy to spot him but he is aft of the last lifeboat between it and the liferafts.

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As a finale the same afternoon the "Balmoral" passed on passage to Rye. She is a 1930s steamer now used for pleasure trips along with the paddle steamer "Waverley". She is a fine looking classic steamer of her age and the weather was kind, as can be seen by the number of passengers on deck.

SS Balmoral

I hope this keeps the boat and ship buffs among you content for a while and after my leave i will try more tug shots.
My next blog may well be the earthquake completion and a belated wedding party for myself and Hazel, stay tuned to this channel.