Skipper!

Skipper!, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

Well – it’s been far too long since I’ve blogged. Note to self – do blog at least twice a week! Anyway – having passed my Day Skipper – here I am actually in charge of the boat. Henry and James (Proctor) along with Roger and Kerry (Head) were my first victims as crew and miraculously survived the day in the Solent with me. Chris and I had sailed earlier in the week – down to Poole and then Weymouth and back via Lymmington. As soon as I have edited the photos, I’ll get my favourite one blogged.

All still going well with the intrepid explorer – just don’t know how I found the time to work?? Anyway, expect to see some more updates over the coming days!

Weekend in Guernsey

Carl taking photos whilst Luke searches for stones. We had a wonderful weekend in Guernsey with John and Ali and their two sons, Carl and Luke. Great company, beautiful scenery and lots of talking, eating, drinking and playing!

The photographer …

Searching for stones …

Day Skipper – The Office

Day Skipper – The Office, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

I made it! Licensed to sail the ocean as Captain of the ship! Had a great week, confidence improved and ready to charter a yacht and get out there to practise my new found skills. Skiing season over – sailing season beginning! Here is the new office – long may it last!

Stay away from The Solent!

Day Skipper Course Crew

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged – busy busy! Anyway, thought I’d let you know that I am headed onto the ocean blue to take my practical day skipper course his week. Miraculously, I managed to pass my exams last week for the day skipper theory after a week at school and in their wisdom, Sunsail are letting me lose on the Solent.

I met the rest of the crew last night – 3 young lads and another chap, who like me, is attempting to get his skipper qualification. I think it will be fun – in any event, I’m taking the Bombay Sapphire, plenty of tonic and lemon just in case. So landlubbers – until next week!

Day Skipper Course

Day Skipper Course

Hong Kong in May

Hong Kong 2009, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

It’s been ages since I have blogged – getting into bad habits according to Captain Parker! Anyway – back from France at the end of April and we were headed off to Hong Kong for the weekend. A fab trip – meeting up with our good friends Nell and Steve for lunch as well as sight seeing. We stayed Kowloon side – this pic was taken as we walked down to the Star Ferry terminal to go across to HK island … a spectacular skyline no matter what time of the day or night you see it.

I’ve been back in London for a few days catching up with the world and am now settling in Port Solent whilst I plot out the next few months of the gap year!

Vallee de la Manche – spring has sprung

Vallee de la Manche, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

My last couple of days in Morzine. Skiing is over and I’ve done some hiking – vallee de la manche is beautiful and the mountain flowers exquisite …

Essert St Pierre

Essert St Pierre, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

The family has left me – I’m on my own in Morzine for my last few days here. Out with the camera once more – here is the view from the other side of the mountain to where Chris and I are living – Essert St Pierre over to Essert-Romand. The valley really is beautiful.

Maman et sa fille

Maman et sa fille, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

A great picture from Chris …

Mummy

Mummy, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

My Mum comes to stay in Morzine. Intrepid explorer (like mother, like daughter!), she ventures up to the ski slopes in the telecabine …

Nick, Jane and Jack

Nick, Jane and Jack, originally uploaded by deakin.karen.

The Hendy entourage comes to stay – Jane, Nick and Jack; Chris and Dominique stay at home. Another great day’s skiing!