http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/Life, past, present and planned.en-UKhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/76/88764d9634a25d8daa0d2b81327f17_160x200.jpg <p>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.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/rex_rheni/4093226" title="Rex Rheni"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/226/4093226_e64f8efcf7_m.jpg" alt="Rex Rheni"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Only the buttresses on the banks survive and the one in the photo is now a peace museum.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/bridge_at_remagen/4093225" title="Bridge at Remagen"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/225/4093225_bfe3551f1a_m.jpg" alt="Bridge at Remagen"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/rhine_barge/4093224" title="Rhine Barge"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/224/4093224_c20ba1f25c_m.jpg" alt="Rhine Barge"></a></p> <p>More of this later.<br> TTFN </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/rhine-cruise-7343300/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/rhine-cruise-7343300/Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:27:50 +0100 <p>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.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/apex_fawley/4082765" title="Apex, Fawley."><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/765/4082765_a269f01ce7_m.jpg" alt="Apex, Fawley."></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Then I went back to take the Thrax to Frederikshavn, Denmark for her refit. Cruising down the Solent we passed the PS Waverley.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/768/4082768_6c36c7a505_m.jpg" alt="Waverley in the Solent"></p> <p>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.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/767/4082767_75c52f460a_m.jpg" alt="Thrax in Frederikshavn"></p> <p>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. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/retired-not-quite-7321402/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/retired-not-quite-7321402/Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:19:34 +0100 <p>Had a nice walk with Mark and Judy around Challock. The bonus was the Gliding Club coffee shop, they did bacon baguettes to die for. Some of the walk was on the old Pilgrims Way where I saw this lovely cottage.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/114/3336114_82b8d95f32_m.jpg" alt="Pilgrims Way Cottage" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>They always look so lovely but I guess at times like the recent snow life can be quite difficult. Plus I have to be near water and boats.</p> <p>The following day Hazel went to the Hairdressers in Hythe so I meandered around with my trusty camera. I spied this headstone in St Leonards churchyard, quite a tragic history for this family.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/115/3336115_246b6ac8de_m.jpg" alt="Commander Edward Beckwith R.N." vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Found this info on the SS Persia in Wikipedia.</p> <p>SS Persia was a P&O passenger liner, built in 1900 by Caird & Company, Inverclyde, Greenock, Scotland. It was torpedoed and sunk without warning on December 30, 1915, by German U-Boat commander Max Valentiner.</p> <p>Nearly 500 feet (152.34 m) long, with a beam of 53 feet (16.55 m), draft of 24.5 feet (7.47 m) and a size of 7,974 gross register tons (GRT), the Persia carried triple expansion steam engines capable of driving the ship at a respectable 18 knots (33.3 km/h).</p> <p>Persia was sunk off Crete, while the passengers were having lunch, on December 30, 1915, by German World War I U-Boat ace Max Valentiner (commanding U-38). The Persia sank in five to ten minutes, killing 343 of the 519 aboard. The sinking was highly controversial, since it broke naval international law, or the "Cruiser Rules", that stated merchant shipping carrying passengers should be given opportunity for the passengers to disembark before combat could commence. A warning shot across the bow should have been given first. Instead, the U-Boat fired a torpedo with no warning. At the time of sinking, Persia was carrying a large quantity of gold and jewels belonging to the Maharaja Jagatjit Singh.</p> <p>Among the passengers to survive were John Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu. His secretary (and mistress) Eleanor Thornton, who was the model for the Rolls-Royce "Spirit of Ecstasy" mascot by Charles Robinson Sykes, died. The story was front page news on many British newspapers, including the Daily Mirror and the Daily Sketch.</p> <p>The wreck of the Persia was located off Crete in 2003 at a depth of 10,000 feet (3,000 m), and an attempt was made to salvage the treasure located in the bullion room. The salvage attempt met with limited success, retrieving artifacts and portions of the ship, and some jewels from the bullion room.</p> <p>I found it interesting but then I'm a sucker for ships and the sea.</p> <p>Later down by the canal I saw this Weeping Willow loved the light and colour.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/116/3336116_c27d78118a_m.jpg" alt="Weeping Willow" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>It has since become one of my most successful images.</p> <p>Well that's it for now as i am still toing and froing to the hospital as my Dad is not getting any better.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/03/20/weekend-walks-5792790/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/03/20/weekend-walks-5792790/Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:57:15 +0100 <p>This one of a Lancaster Bomber was taken in Aldershot last year, The Farnborough Air Show was on and the planes were turning over the garden we were in. I blended it into a different sky as the original was rather grey and bland.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/407/3221407_763609ec6a_m.jpg" alt="Lancaster Bomber" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The next was on the same day in the same garden. A spitfire blended with the sky, then I added the memorial statue of a Pilot from the Battle of Britain Memorial on the cliffs above Folkestone.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/406/3221406_06153ca0b5_m.jpg" alt="Never Was So Much Owed By So Many To So Few " vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Both these aircraft are from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. I would like to think the second image is a fitting tribute to the "Few".</p> <p>TTFN </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/02/10/more-in-the-same-vein-5544460/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/02/10/more-in-the-same-vein-5544460/Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:25:11 +0100 <p>Well all we is getting here is rain, watch the news and see snow everywhere. Still at least we can get around.</p> <p>Another evening class last Wednesday, and starting to get into some interesting techniques. I created this one from 2 pics one a statue which I blended into the cemetary scene. I quite like the effect.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/775/3208775_5aa8275b0f_m.jpg" alt="Ghostly Sentry" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>I will have to do the follow on course I think. </p> <p>We are getting some interest in Hazels sugarcraft too, maybe she will get some sales soon, heres hoping.</p> <p>Ok thats it for now, catch you all later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/new-skill-5518075/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/new-skill-5518075/Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:44:08 +0100 <p>Well it was the heaviest snowfall for 18 years in the South east. Commerce, education, and transport ground to halt.</p> <p>Blink and we would have missed it here in Folkestone, by 1430hrs it had turned to rain and by 1800 hrs all traces had disappeared. It actually suited us as we had to drive to Ashford to visit my dad in hospital.</p> <p>But not to be undone we did venture out on foot earlier to capture some images of the big event <img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0">. The first was taken by Hazel of me fumbling with numb fingers to adjust my camera.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/633/3200633_05f802f665_m.jpg" alt="Me in snow" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Of course I had to get owners backers so caught one of Hazel on the top of the cliffs overlooking the Channel.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/632/3200632_5c68c96796_m.jpg" alt="Hazel in the Snow water" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We did walk about 3.5 miles and took lots of pics so will revisit and post as I edit them. I know some of you have caught it far worse than here so hope you are all keeping snug and warm, speak again soon. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/in-the-snow-5497753/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/in-the-snow-5497753/Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:50:25 +0100 <p>29 January 2009</p> <p>Just a quick visit, maybe little and often will stop me falling behind.<br> Been working on photo techniques and created this dolphin abstract from table top images.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/808/3185808_424757b90d_m.jpg" alt="Dolphin Abstract Watermarked" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Not brilliant but helps to practice the techniques.<br> Speak again soon. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/01/29/hello-again-5469254/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/01/29/hello-again-5469254/Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:43:30 +0100 <p>Well I've had my knuckles rapped so here I am. Belated New Year to everybody and hope the present situation doesn't hit you too badly.</p> <p>The cycling went on a back burner in the run up to Christmas but have started again now.</p> <p>I've also started a photographic course to improve my digital skills. I enjoy it very much, this is a composite image made from 3 pics, my first.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/946/3182946_9857c7ea7a_m.jpg" alt="Fireworks over Dover" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Also Hazel has been dabbling with sugarcraft, she hopes to be able to set up a little business in cake decorating. Her work is quite outstanding I just hope my photography does it justice.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/981/3182981_9d8ca7bc75_m.jpg" alt="Pink Rose" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/982/3182982_4b5445ab62_m.jpg" alt="Yellow Rose" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>As for life in general well it's fine given all thats going on I do enjoy my photography and cycling.</p> <p>And as a finale here is a digital creation.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/997/3182997_f31b38f3e7_m.jpg" alt="Death Star" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Well hope you all stay well, until next time ttfn.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/01/28/a-new-year-5464088/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2009/01/28/a-new-year-5464088/Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:34:56 +0100 <p>21st October 2008</p> <p>I'm starting this to record my progress in training and hopefully achieving the goal.</p> <p>I am going to cycle from London to Paris over 4 days starting 9th June next year.</p> <p>Hazel and 2 friends are intending to do the ride as well. We are all using the opportunity to raise money for charity. I have chosen the "Firefighters Charity", as they have helped Fiona so much since her accident.</p> <p>So I will keep you updated on our progress and when I can will add photos.</p> <p>We did 52 miles last Sunday a personal best for Hazel.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/10/21/london-to-paris-by-bike-4907949/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/10/21/london-to-paris-by-bike-4907949/Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:57:19 +0200 <p>Still around blog soon </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/time-flies-4605186/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/time-flies-4605186/Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:42:30 +0200 <p><strong>30 May 2008</strong></p> <p>Part 1</p> <p>Spent the Easter weekend at a friends cottage in Sains les Fressin, about 70 miles from Calais. We had planned to do some cycling but the weather determined that was not to be. Friday we went to Naort to view some underground caves. last used by the German forces during the second world war. Now they are preserved as a museum. Outside is a childrens farm with a fairy tale water mill.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/078/2560078_4b46a6e146_m.jpg" alt="Watermill and Bridge" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Wonderful place I would recommend a visit if your ever in the area. Up the hill from the mill is a windmill, a very old wooden one.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/082/2560082_b0264d9109_m.jpg" alt="Windmill" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>From here we went to Thiepval where the monument to the unknown soldier of the Great War is sited. A very sad and poignant place.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/088/2560088_b803e620eb_m.jpg" alt="Thiepval Monument" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Such a waste from which we still haven't learnt.</p> <p>More to follow.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/05/30/easter-in-france-4247004/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/05/30/easter-in-france-4247004/Fri, 30 May 2008 14:02:56 +0200 <p><strong>29 May 2008</strong></p> <p>Fiona had a very bad accident at the fire station. We have spent a fair amount of our free time at her home helping out. I have a lot of photos to show. And for Mo I am going back to Dover for 12 weeks to do some dredging so will try for some more ship shots. Speak to you all again soon.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/015/2558015_50f689e1d8_m.jpg" alt="Fionas Ankle Injury." vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/05/29/the-reason-i-ve-been-missing-4243014/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/05/29/the-reason-i-ve-been-missing-4243014/Thu, 29 May 2008 16:12:07 +0200 <p><strong>26th January 2008</strong></p> <p>Hello all, I've been absent a long time,but keeping up with youall as when I can. Me I retired from Dover Harbour and am now working part time in a self storage site as assistant manager. Very different to anything I've done before but it keps me out of mischief. Also allows me time to do my photography and cycling. The plans to buy a boat and tour the waterways are delayed as Hazels son Jack is doing so well at school he is staying for AS levels. We still hold the dream though. </p> <p>Any how a small selection of my recent photos. The 1st is of the funiclar railway at the West Cliff in Hastings.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/292/2313292_2aa0d8d8b5_m.jpg" alt="Hastings Funicular Railway edit" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The second is of the old Dungeness Lighthouse, which had to be replaced when the Nuclear power Station was built as it obscured the light to westwards.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/293/2313293_6fbfac3ac1_m.jpg" alt="Old Dungeness Lighthouse" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Third is the new lighthouse built because of the above.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/290/2313290_07076b806a_m.jpg" alt="Dungeness New Lighthouse" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Fourth is a view showing the power station and in the foreground is a chapel little more than a shack.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/289/2313289_43bcd82a71_m.jpg" alt="Dungeness" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><strong>27th January 2008</strong></p> <p>We had a little tour of our part of Kent today and these are some of the photos from the trip.<br> The first is of Dover Castle.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/299/2313299_7a5a97365a_m.jpg" alt="Dover Castle" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Second is of a small chapel inside the Keep.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/298/2313298_fa99bde662_m.jpg" alt="Chapel in the Keep" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We then drove to Canterbury for a walk round where I took the third, a picture of the ornate gateway to Kings School.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/300/2313300_fbd8ea7625_m.jpg" alt="Kings School" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Then on the way home along the old roman road Stone Street we saw a beautiful sunset which provide the fourth.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/302/2313302_18ec86ea59_m.jpg" alt="Sundown" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Well thats about all for now. Hope this finds you all well and thanks for all the posts I've been getting. will be back soon.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/01/31/semi_retired~3659374/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2008/01/31/semi_retired~3659374/Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:12:48 +0100 <p><strong>3rd October 2007</strong></p> <p>Well I can't believe how the time has flown. Been ages since I wrote anything, yet seems no time at all. Not a lot been happening work wise so no ship pics I'm afraid. Gardener it could well have been me I was working that day.<br> A lot has been happening, sorting pensions and finance, that sort of thing. Put in alot of miles on my bike too.<br> My time outside of those has been taken up a lot with rekindling my interest in photography. We think we may be able to sell some as cards, postcards, or prints. main thing is to master the art I guess. I have one ship pic for the fans, the "Apostolos II" unloading bluk sugar at the Tate and Lyle refinery on the Thames.</p> <p><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/074/2028074_01087d60fc_m.jpg" alt="Apostolos II" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We had a day at Greenwich and dropped off to see the Thames Barrier at Woolwich.</p> <p><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/085/2028085_8d925aabdd_m.jpg" alt="Thames Barrier" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The first time I've seen it from the shore. certainly an impressive sight, and less daunting than trying to pass through it on a strong tide. I espied a view of Canary Wharf and the Dome seen through the barrier, and couldn't resist a shot.</p> <p><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/083/2028083_65a513853e_m.jpg" alt="Docklands and Dome Through the Thames Barrier" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>On the opposite bank, is modern 21st century living, I think you'd have to be a high flyer in canary Wharf to live here.</p> <p><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/081/2028081_04453f847b_m.jpg" alt="City Living 21st Century" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>So there you are, that's what I've been up to over the last month or so. I will continue my tale as I go along and will continue to inflict my pics on you. I will be grateful for opinions on the pics, honest ones please. I realise some will like them and some wont. Speak to all again soon. TTFN. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/10/03/missing~3077745/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/10/03/missing~3077745/Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:17:45 +0200 <p><strong>August 2007</strong></p> <p>Well I am back, I have been neglecting my blog of late. Other interests seem to have crowded my time. Been out cycling a lot, and bought a new camera which has involved a lot of picture taking and experimenting with the results. I have been reading blogs though I am guilty of not commenting much.<br> Anyhow I have some photos to publish for the ship buffs amongst you, especially Mo.</p> <p>The first is the "Spring Tiger" cargo bananas and melons. </p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/465/1930465_bfa40a1ab8_m.jpg" alt="DSC01418" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Second is the "Atlantic Iris" same cargo, we must eat a lot of bananas. I took this closer in to add a bit of variety.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/466/1930466_564ce6720d_m.jpg" alt="DSCF0519" hspace="5"></p> <p>Third is the "Alexander Von Humbolt" a German sail training ship, calling to pick up stores, under power so sails furled I'm afraid.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/468/1930468_5e261d1420_m.jpg" alt="DSCF0535" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>When she departed, a couple of mile to the west of Dover she unfurled her sails, she was a way off so the pic does not do her justice, but it's all I've got.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/470/1930470_41a51b7c2f_m.jpg" alt="DSCF0541" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Thats about all for now. For those interested in my photos, click the my photos link on the front page, comments critical or otherwise are more than welcome.<br> Bye for now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/09/01/a_resume_of_august~2905045/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/09/01/a_resume_of_august~2905045/Sat, 01 Sep 2007 10:02:40 +0200 <p><strong>2 Tug Jobs</strong></p> <p>Saturday was fairly quiet 1 banana boat the "Atlantic Hollyhock", I was stern tug and picked her up 1.5 miles east. A routine job straight back to the DCT.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/068/1858068_746763471e_m.jpg" alt="DSC01283" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Sunday was a litle different with a visit by 2 German naval vessels. Hazel came for the ride and took some pics. The 1st shows the smoke we kick up when we hit the throttles.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/072/1858072_3c0befe128_m.jpg" alt="DSC01299" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The 2nd the "Doughty" making a towline fast on the bow I would have done better, but I'm bigheaded.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/075/1858075_c374377e64_m.jpg" alt="DSC01301" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>the 3rd shows yours truly putting the "Dauntless" alongside on completion of the job.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/077/1858077_8c0b10f565_m.jpg" alt="DSC01311" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> We had a good day after on the hottest day of the year so far. Hazel and I used our English Heritage cards and spent a few hours at Dover Castle. I never tire of this place it holds too many memories I guess. Will post some pics later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/08/05/weekend_4_5th_august~2760477/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/08/05/weekend_4_5th_august~2760477/Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:34:41 +0200 <p><strong>Saturday 28th July 2007</strong></p> <p>The day started of fine and sunny, we all spent the morning preparing for the guests we would have at home during the afternoon. Phil and Jack making the banner, Fiona placing the balloons which Hazel had bought that morning. Me I finished off making the sangria and making up cool containers to keep the beer and cider cool. We all mucked in and all was ready for the 1330 kick off. All went well and although the sun disappeared the rain held off so outdoor activity was the order of the day. Some playing swingball.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/734/1841734_929431d0d2_m.jpg" alt="Swingball" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>While the more sedate among us played garden jenga. I lost every time but it was fun, Rick was champion.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/735/1841735_525927dae5_m.jpg" alt="Garden Jenga" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Fiona runner up.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/737/1841737_fc930c0a48_m.jpg" alt="Garden Jenga" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>John 3rd.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/736/1841736_4562cd3678_m.jpg" alt="Garden Jenga" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Geraldine and me dont get in the pics cos we weren't even placed. It was a very enjoyable afernoon for which Hazel and I are grateful to all involved.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/741/1841741_f42a030df8_m.jpg" alt="Hazel And Geoff" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>At 1830 we adjourned to the "Lifeboat" where Laura and Annette had done us proud, an excellent spread including a hot and a cold sea food platter. Lots of our work colleagues came to the evening and everbody seemed to enjoy themselves. Hazel hade made and decorated a lovely cake, this included all the small details made of icing sugar.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/738/1841738_e74865fb6b_m.jpg" alt="The Cake" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We cut said cake on Sunday for distribution to friends and colleagues but posed for the pic late Saturday evening.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/740/1841740_d31b563ed5_m.jpg" alt="Cutting the Cake" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>So all in all we had a good weekend with good company and perhaps a little to much beverage.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/30/wedding_party~2726755/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/30/wedding_party~2726755/Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:49:21 +0200 <p><strong>16th/17th July</strong></p> <p>My last shift before my 16 days off. Not a lot occured, yet another thunderstorm but they are becoming boring. The morning brought a glorious sunrise and this coincided with the arrival of Fred Olsens "Boudicca" at the end of a 2 week cruise to the Baltic. A photo opportunity not to be missed took a few but I feel this one was the best so here it is for all you ship fans.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/590/1804590_547bb1730e_m.jpg" alt="Boudicca" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Thats it for now other events will occur but ship wise nothing for the next 2 weeks. Hard to believe I have only 2 more tours and then I'm finished. Big adjustments coming I think. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/17/night_shift_pt2~2653138/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/17/night_shift_pt2~2653138/Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:11:41 +0200 <p><strong>30 June-15 July 2007</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/042/1800042_9339f4d950_m.jpg" alt="DSC01110" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>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.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/957/1789957_4154101e15_m.jpg" alt="South Foreland" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>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.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/964/1799964_a520422488_m.jpg" alt="DSC00965" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>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.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/958/1789958_f1572ef991_m.jpg" alt="SS Balmoral" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>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.<br> My next blog may well be the earthquake completion and a belated wedding party for myself and Hazel, stay tuned to this channel. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/16/2_weeks_work~2643556/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/16/2_weeks_work~2643556/Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:34:44 +0200 <p><strong>29/30 June 2007</strong></p> <p>Unexpected call at 1900hrs, a vessel had engine problems, she was limping to Dover and would need 2 tugs on arrival. We cover the 2nd tug during the day from the Dredger but at night we cover from home on 1 hours notice. 2000hrs the "Green Malloy" entered the eastern entrance with the "Doughty" made fast aft. We made fast inside with the "Dauntless" and berthed her on the Eastern Arm.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/414/1764414_517a926f3a_m.jpg" alt="Green Malloy" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Then off home for me dinner. 0300hrs the dreaded phone rang another banana boat for the cargo terminal. Crept out the house trying not to disturb anybody and drove to work. The "Crown Jade" picked up both tugs in the outer harbour us on the stern with "Dauntless" and "Doughty" for'ad, routine job and back home in bed at 0500, slept til mother in law phoned at 0830.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/416/1764416_ecb4de37de_m.jpg" alt="Crown Jade" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/05/night_on_call~2580182/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/07/05/night_on_call~2580182/Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:42:55 +0200 <p><strong>28/29th June 2007</strong></p> <p>Shift started off pleasant enough with bright sunny evening although with a fresh s'west 7 wind. 1900 hrs we had the "Hornbay" from the cargo terminal bound for Antwerp. She had 2 tugs due to the wind strength.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/936/1740936_3cf276e364_m.jpg" alt="DSC00920" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Nice routine job and she was safely on her way.<br> 2330 hrs we were called to assist the "Maersk Dover" in 3 berth, she had a fouled anchor jammed in the hawse pipe. Took about 15 minutes to clear it and she was on her way. Then assisted the "Maersk Dunkirque" into 2 berth, they don't like that berth when windy.<br> no pics due to workload and darkness.<br> 0500 29th and Fred Olsens "Braemar" arrived, wind now gale force 8 so she ordered 2 tugs.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/939/1740939_8f33d4fc3b_m.jpg" alt="DSC00927" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>"Dauntless" on a line aft to assist by pushing and pulling and us on "Doughty" to push as and where needed.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/941/1740941_8ba40b7fae_m.jpg" alt="DSC00930" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We moved in to push as she rounded the "Prince of Wales" pier, bit hairy in the swell and wind but landed on her without damage.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/940/1740940_4bcda96bad_m.jpg" alt="DSC00929" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Got her into Cruise 1 ok so all well in the end. Just wish the passengers would cover up before opening their curtains, we do see some grusome sights, very rarely some nice ones I'll admit. It probably come as a shock to them pulling their curtains and seeing 3 grinning faces looking back at them. Then back to base log books handover and home. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/29/night_shift~2541105/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/29/night_shift~2541105/Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:26:09 +0200 <p>That was me in the last post, pictures now corrected. How the hell did I not notice both pics were the same, apologies to those that saw them. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/27/silly_old_sod~2528685/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/27/silly_old_sod~2528685/Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:50:55 +0200 <p><strong>27th June 2007</strong></p> <p>Well here we are bang up to date. I am running down now to November and a pension. Scary thought I'm sure I'm too young.<br> Did two tows yesterday first one a banana boat from the cargo terminal, the "Hansa Visby" routine job and pleasant weather.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/648/1733648_426fe95c58_m.jpg" alt="Hansa Visby" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Followed right after by the "Eline" shifted from Eastern Arm to the cargo terminal. She's here to pick up empty containers. Bit of a statement about the UK now all the containers out of Dover are empty and 60% of trucks are also empty.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/650/1733650_9c52768bba_m.jpg" alt="Eline" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Nothing else occured overnight so enjoyed a nice bit of shut eye before coming home to the building site. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/27/the_present~2527898/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/27/the_present~2527898/Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:52:42 +0200 <p>After my stint as a bus driver I was looking for I didn't know what. Did all sorts of jobs demolition, survey boat in Greenland, storeman in a local factory, none satisfied my needs. I then met the girl who became my wife, that curtailed wanderlust for a while. The marriage was a farce but I did get my daughter Fiona as a result so it was more than worth it. In 1979 I joined Dover Harbour Board as an AB on their tugs. I now had my love of boats satisfied again and was getting paid for doing it. I am still there and finishing on November 1st this year, sadly I can't wait to go. Snowed under by paperwork inept management and political correctness gone mad I just want out.<br> The tugs in 1979 were the "Dominant" and "Diligent" a couple of old girls built in 1955.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/275/1718275_9c8e42933c_m.jpg" alt="Dominant" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>In 1984 with ferries getting bigger they could no longer handle the work so they were replaced by 2 new boats the "Deft" and "Dextrous".</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/274/1718274_cb3b0bd6ad_m.jpg" alt="Dextrous" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>They were a nice pair of boats and handled the work well. January 1995 and I was sent to college in South Shields to get my Mates ticket, I was then to and fro to between college and work for 2 years culminating in my skippers ticket and my first command was on these tugs. In 1999 the cruise terminal opened and we started geting calls from ever bigger cruise ships. Consequently more powerful tugs were needed so the "Doughty" and "Dauntless" replaced the other 2 and they are still in place today.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/273/1718273_4f46d8f426_m.jpg" alt="Doughty" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Also in 2000 we took over the running of the dredger "David Church" an essential part of the running of the port, but I personally hate the work, I find it mind numbingly boring.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/350/1718350_3cc5e62975_m.jpg" alt="David Church" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>That more or less brings me up to date. The marriage finally ended in 1989. Had a few girlfriends (only one at a time) up to 2002 when I met Hazel in an online chat room, and here we are now married. Now we just working towards our dream of a life on the cut. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/23/history_continued~2504016/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/23/history_continued~2504016/Sat, 23 Jun 2007 09:58:19 +0200 <p>Another quick one, not that, blog. I stumbled on this one. I had been having a hard day fighting the dastardly hun. Got home and mum said where the 'ell you bin? your bruvver needs 'is bath. I did no more than shuck off me flying suit and got stuck in. </p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/547/1707547_48242b3059_m.jpg" alt="Tin Bath Talbot Road" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Bloody fool aint I? I'd forgot to take off me flying helmet. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/19/one_of_the_few~2482083/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/19/one_of_the_few~2482083/Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:59:19 +0200 <p>This rather large chubby bee has taken a liking to our pineapple tree. (So named because of the scent of the flowers) It spends anything up to an hour on each flower. Quite an amiable bee too, we can handle the flower while it works with no problem. </p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/696/1703696_5b5239f80c_m.jpg" alt="Buff Tailed Bumble Bee" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/18/buff_tailed_bumble_bee~2475336/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/18/buff_tailed_bumble_bee~2475336/Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:54:50 +0200 <p>Work is going well today Paul has removed some pebble dash around the cracks above the kitchen window and below the bathroom window. The cracks in the pebble dash were quite small. But in the brick underneath a different story.</p> <p>Above Kitchen<br> <img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/330/1689330_8038514708_m.jpg" alt="DSC00880" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Below Bathroom<br> <img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/331/1689331_5911208e68_m.jpg" alt="DSC00881" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>But inside a happier result we thought the brickwork above the interior doors would have to be cut out with all the mess it would entail. Not so exposing above the first door and there is wooden lintels on wooden blocks so that immediately above the door is hollow face with plaster board. </p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/335/1689335_c3026c8d7b_m.jpg" alt="DSC00882" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The cracking is not to bad either so the job is going to be easier than expected, not a bad day so far.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/336/1689336_ef29918fba_m.jpg" alt="DSC00883" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/14/earthquake_update~2450850/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/14/earthquake_update~2450850/Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:39:24 +0200 <p>Just a little fun thing as an aside. When I was a littl'un living in London we used to visit my paternal grandparents in Folkestone. I've just found this pic and allthough much has changed during the past 56 years the actual spot and background hasn't how cool is that. </p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/211/1687211_257666a54f_m.jpg" alt="56 years on original" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>I promise It's me in both.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/180/1687180_3e15223ab2_m.jpg" alt="56 yrs on" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/13/past_and_present~2447246/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/13/past_and_present~2447246/Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:55:18 +0200 <p>Things are suddenly moving apace, builder phoned and he is putting extra labour in <strong>tomorrow</strong> and will do every door lintel in the 1 day. This is good news in as much as apart from the large crack in the lounge all the internal damage will be sorted and only decorating to finish off. Of course the downside being it is going to be pandemonium for a day and bloody messy with all the angle grinding of the brickwork. As a consequence I have to have a sicky to be able to move things, clean up, and make tea. Roll on tomorrow.<br> Incidentally the rear scaffolding has provided us with a nice temporary balcony. No doubt the loss of the roof top platform will soon take place.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/915/1685915_3dde60dffa_m.jpg" alt="DSC00853" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Just thought I would add the current view from the kitchen window if for no other reason than as a souvenir.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/250/1686250_32cf2da3f5_m.jpg" alt="DSC00855" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/13/earthquake_update_2_update~2445002/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/13/earthquake_update_2_update~2445002/Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:52:00 +0200 <p>Work is ongoing external repairs commence tomorrow, internal next Monday. The chimney is complete again. I thought the crew who did were slow and expensive, but they have done a good job. Using the old bricks and mixing the mortar correctly so it doesn't look rebuilt, in fact looks more at home than before the quake.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/445/1685445_bbb6a709a4_m.jpg" alt="DSC00852" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Hope all goes as well. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/13/earthquake_update~2444267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://hazgeoff.blog.co.uk/2007/06/13/earthquake_update~2444267/Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:24:16 +0200