Leighton Signing off

Reflecting on the past month

Hello, well its all over. The cruise has now officially ended and I find myself once again in Leith looking at the Royal Yacht. The decks are empty of equipment and only a few marks on the deck and a lot of happy memories remain of JC015!!!!

It seems like we were only here yesterday but we have been out for quite a while - well its felt that way. How can I sum up the cruise? I've met a lot of interesting people and made a lot of friends and it's a shame that we now have to say goodbye!!! Like most jobs there were times when I wished I was somewhere else - especially when I got wake up calls in the early hours of the morning!! Yet these were few and far between - sailing into the lochs was amazing as was seeing all the little islands and rugged coastline around Scotland.

Yet, the scenery doesn't make a cruise. The people do. The crew and scientific party have been great and although there were a number of small hiccups in the early days of this cruise the drill ultimately proved it's capabilities over and over again and was able to collect some truly spectacular samples from below the seabed. Without the right people a cruise is a disaster and can seem to drag for a million years. In such a confined environment as a ship people need to get on and people are there to help each other. The crew made everyone welcome - the catering staffs were amazing and produced the best food imaginable day after day. Thanks to the Captain as well for letting me go out in the workboat and the lifeboats to see how they work and to get some great pictures of the ship. Also, thanks to the BGS team for supplying lots of information on the science and the more complex aspects of their drill!!! There are lots of people who I need to thank - they know who they are!!!

Then there's you guys. the people who have been reading this blog. Its good for those onboard who read the messages on the guestbook and the pictures their family and friends send in!!! Thanks for supporting this blog!! Especially to Dave's , Pete, Heathers and Julias family who became avid followers of the blog!!

For the scientists their cruise if over - they head back to base to process all their samples. Its not over for us. We to Hull this Sunday to commence recertification of the ship. Someday soon I might take a few days off!!

As for now - I think I will go for a drink..............

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SIGN THE GUESTBOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Goodbye for now!!!!

A picture for Mark's wife - he said you would appreciate this picture!!!

THE BGS TEAM!!!

Mike, Tootums and Gav

BGS Team group Photo

BGS dudes watch the pilot boat approach

Entering the lock into our berth in Leith

Mike, tootums and Bob

Jame's Wife and baby George were there to meet us!!

Weve arrived - the BGS watch as we come alongside

The pilot boat comes alongside