Today I nipped along to Port Jefferson to take a peek at the Tall Ship - HMS Bounty that was in dock there. Magestic and magnificent in all her glorious splendour and perfect for a little picture taking!
It was interesting to take a peek above and below decks and even though this version (built in 1960) is slightly larger than the original, she is no less impressive. Built to film the movie "Mutiny on the Bounty" and later used to film one of the Pirates of the Carribean series, you can't help but admire the authenticity of the vessel and imagine what she would be like under full sail and heaving under heavy seas.
Checking out Tall Ships rather floats my boat as at the ripe old age of 13 my Grandfather "ran away to sea", embarking upon a voyage on just such a vessel, making his way from Tasmania to England ...many many years ago.
He spent the rest of his life sailing the seven seas and to the best of my knowledge, loved every minute of it, eventually becoming a merchant seaman and later a cruise ship Captain for the well reknowned P&O Cruise Lines.
I can't help but wonder what he would have thought of my day out today and how he might have felt if he had been able to come, and take what would have been a walk down memory lane.
I think about my Grandfather often and miss him a lot. He was an interesting character. Having spent most of his life at sea he never learned to drive a car, relying on my Grandmother for that and many other aspects of "real life" connection to the world. When he was "on land" he gardened, did the Times Crossword Puzzle before lunch and watched the wresting on TV at night. He had the best compost heap ever and likely in today's terms would be considered a "plant whisperer". An adventurer and a gardener ...bit like me I guess ...or is it the other way around and I'm a LOT like him!???
So.... "Ning Nong" (and don't ask why I call him that, that's a whole 'nother story!) ... today was for you!
xoxoooxo
Fantastic captures and (as usual) I love the processing. Great work. So nice to be on the water!
Posted by: bob towery | July 04, 2012 at 12:36 PM
What a touching story about your grandfather - and, I see he liked his pipe, too. Your photos are fabulous as always. Thanks bunches. Karen
Posted by: kareninkenai | July 02, 2012 at 12:34 AM
What a cool man your grandfather must have been! I bet he would have loved these images.
Posted by: Joanne Thieme Huffman | July 01, 2012 at 07:40 PM
This is a great story. I mean, a great character sketch. There's a lot of love in your words. I know he would be so proud and happy.
It would be cool to be on that ship. lovely images.
Posted by: Chris | July 01, 2012 at 05:09 PM
Great,He would have loved to take that walk with you. OXOX M
Posted by: Mother Bear | July 01, 2012 at 07:36 AM
what a delightful tale. thank you for telling us about your grand dad!
Posted by: lyle baxter | July 01, 2012 at 07:02 AM