Shangri-La

[Keith Tindell]

The joyful memories even today 50 odd years ago, of pacing up and down the foredeck on lookout in the tropics, and seeing the dawn of a new day, total solitude before the ship woke up, the swish of the dolphins on the bow wave, simple but pleasurable memories, then down to the messroom, big full brekkie, ready for the days overtime, and the dreaded soogy bucket. oh to be able to do it all again KT

[Captain Kong]

Hi Cappy
Maybe only a handful of men had adventures at sea. the rest never got ashore from their container ships.
Cheers
Brian

[Ivan Cloherty]

Cappy, some people are just readers, we can excuse the newcomers as they need to get the feel of the ship under their feet, but once they do, I am sure they will participate. I also notice that we have people on the site who have only made one or two contributions since 2008/9, which of course is their right, but surely guys (you know who you are) you must have had at least one or two adventures in your time at sea with which you can regale us, they may be similar to what has already been posted, but that doesn't make them any less acceptable or interesting. Others may not want to relay their exploits because their wives/partners/children etc may also be reading their contributions, surprise yourselves they may more than likely be proud of your exploits. I also know that some are worried about their use of the English language and spelling abilities, please do not be, this is not a school and you are not going to get marks out of ten whether or not words are spelt correctly or incorrectly, something we are all guilty of. It is stories we are after and we know for sure that they are out there: so join in enjoy the site, the banter and the camaradrie, because we are undoubtedly a dying breed and we need these stories for the young who will never experience the likes of what we were privileged to experience and get paid for, even if we did consider it a pittance at the time. And as Bogie would say 'here's looking at you kid' time to get those fingers moving! (let's keep it clean Cappy)

[j.sabourn]

#50... Maybe getting their Briefs to prepare the evidence for all the mysteries and unsolved crimes of the past being admitted to. You never made no mention of being overpaid in 1959 did you. If you did expect a letter any day wanting reimbursement with interest. Probably some of your past employers are down to their last million now and getting worried. Maybe Sandy from the Newcastle pool if still alive is going through the posts to see if he can sue anyone for defamation of character. Or some maybe just trying to figure out whats special about your seaboots. I notice some ask questions and don't hang around for an answer, this must be the only site going back with more older seafarers than others, apart from myself of course, know you are getting on in years. Cheers John S

[John Pruden]

I think its the only career you can have solitude and camaraderie at the same time plus a bad head from the night before plus the time with the ladies of the night a cheeky smile on your face and john half the exploits read by wives I would have been stabbed {with a knife cappy} many times over?jp

[cappy]

The joyful memories even today 50 odd years ago, of pacing up and down the foredeck on lookout in the tropics, and seeing the dawn of a new day, total solitude before the ship woke up, the swish of the dolphins on the bow wave, simple but pleasurable memories, then down to the messroom, big full brekkie, ready for the days overtime, and the dreaded soogy bucket. oh to be able to do it all again KT

#####yes kt they were true valhalla times.......also the other humerous side like the time on the risley when the old man refusedv any more subs because all were adrift .....so as we let go a full sized dummy was thrown over aft ......and all hands shouting man overboard....the old man on the bridge running round on the bridge and shouting down to the second mate is it alive is it alive ....the same in the next port .....on letting go from the 3rd port the old man on speaker shoting can you see any dummies and a mysterious voice shouting no cos there all on the bridge you stupid old shite ......the wheelman said even the old man was laughing .......and no dr s at the end of th11 month trip.... which funnily enough ......really wanting to get back to shields.....still feeling a bit of sadnees seeing shipmates with there suitcases going and knowing you would probably never see them again and one time looking up to the wing of the bridge and the old man shouting bye cappy ....i was as proud as punch didnt even think he new my name......ssad and happy days regards cappy

[Louis the Amigo]

Hi shipmates, Hi ivan, yes Ropners' were allways long trips go on and stop on. I only thought the trip was for a few weeks steel pipes to Canada, some pipeline up north ? but it took over 10 months to get back to homewaters, I had a great time with a very young crew party every night in my cabin the food was bad? but you cant have it all, If Ropners were into spaceships the long trips they done as normal no one would make it home to spend your wages?

[j.sabourn]

#57... Louis they probably expected you to build the pipeline as well, was this not mentioned. JS

[John Callon]

Yes I do mean the the uni in Newcastle on Tyne.
Regards
John

[gray_marian]

#45, Yeah 'imagine'...........Happy Daze the drawback being I like to talk!