Last trip

I was elated when I left the MN, I was a lecky, to take up a shore based engineering role. However, after the readjustment, and for the intervening 38 years, I've missed the sea terribly and realise it was the best job I ever had. There should be some way that retired seafarers can get one last trip at sea to revive all of the memories whether they be good or bad.

I have the perfect solution to that one Steve.
Just spend your non-sea time telling you're Mrs about all the places you've been to and seen. Then, when you retire, she will ensure to claim the right to go on cruises to check these places out. Of course it will cost you a fortune, just to be able to tell her "it wasn't like this when I was here". But at least you do get back to sea, and it's nice to not chip rust all day up a sampson post, plus you eat better.

HaHa, you're right there Johnny. There won't be many places still like when I was there.....

Been there, done that.
Going on our 25 cruise in 10 days.
Tell her when we get to a port I knew, my goodness it has been cleaned up, all the bars ae gone.
Well the ones I knew are.

I didn't start until 1977 but heard plenty of comments that I'd missed the best years. I can honestly say that 4 years of deck cadetship on various types of ship in different parts of the world was great. A stint in the North Sea on a shuttle tanker followed by time on coasters after I had met my wife and then pilotage meant I was able to see my family grow up. I had the best of worlds. Sailing the world whilst I was single then working closer to home with a wife and family. Over forty years at sea in which I was able to enjoy a family life as well. No complaints from me.