allworkedout

Well we have managed to fit in leisurewas captured by soldiers of the U.S. 9th Armored Division on 7 March 1945, time too. At the start of October we did a Rhine river cruise for 7 nights. Very enjoyable and the ship "Rex Rheni" was quite comfortable with good food.

During the 1st days cruising we passed the remains of the "Bridge at Remagen" the film covered the true story of the capture of this bridge. It was captured by soldiers of the U.S. 9th Armored Division on 7 March 1945. However on 17 March 1945, ten days after its capture, the Bridge at Remagen collapsed, killing twenty-eight U.S. soldiers.

Only the buttresses on the banks survive and the one in the photo is now a peace museum.

The Rhine is the busiest waterway in Europe and you only have to visit to see the truth of this. Many barges and and passenger vessels to be seen. This one was a pusher tug with a barge loaded with wind turbine blades, another windfarm somewhere.

More of this later.
TTFN

Well I have had more work since July than before I retired. Did some relief Master work for Solent Towage on the Apex and Tenax. 3 weeks working the Esso contract at Fawley. Much different to what I was used to. Very well equipped tugs with superb accomodation.

Some of it was escort work from the pilot boarding area south of the Nab Tower to Fawley then berthing, some 25 miles and 6-7 hours.

Then I went back to take the Thrax to Frederikshavn, Denmark for her refit. Cruising down the Solent we passed the PS Waverley.

It was a 3 day trip with good weather all the way, arrived safe and sound then I caught a flight to Gat wick and home.

Now I am relieving back at Dover til Christmas. I find the relief work quite good as I can virtually come and go as it suits me. I hope there will be more with Solent Towage as they are such a good outfit and the work is interesting.