I joined Araluen at Avonmouth Bristol in June 68 we sailed to Finland,Sweden, then to Australia via Capetown arriving in Freemantle on the 31st of July which was my 18th birthday. found it hard to get a drink in Freemantle or Perth as it was 21 for drinking in those days in Australia. Having my head shaved first trip over the line I probably looked about 15 at the time.?? We went round the Coast stopping at Melbourne,Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and up to Cairns where we loaded raw sugar to take to Japan. Great place to visit when your a young lad wanting to sow your wild oats.?? that's a story for another day.. Sign off now
Regards
Steve ( Originally from Bristol England. Now Melbourne Australia )