A Captain's Log: 9

Entries from the archives.

Lewis’ A Captain’s Log series are taken straight out of our travel journal: a battered old book where we first began to document our travels together, nearly a decade ago.

It is written in dedication to his Grandad, a Captain and All Ship’s Pilot at Portsmouth’s historic dockyard. He was the anchor throughout Lewis’ and his sister’s childhood, steering them away from the turbulence at home, and he would not be the man he is today if it was not for him.

I hope you enjoy reading Lewis’ side of our story as much he enjoyed writing it.

Captains Log: Matera, Italy

Date: Sunday 14/10/2018

As the crew and I look out of the ship’s window this morning, nursing a cup of tea and peering into the unknown, a thick layer of fog covers the area and I begin to wonder what is in store for us today. My gut tells me our fate is already determined, but I’ll be damned if we don’t give this unique city another shot.

We had to tackle a major catastrophe the previous day - the crew and I managed to lock ourselves out of the vessel. It took all of my captains wisdom and ingenuity to keep the situation calm and figure out a solution. I created a weighted lasso out of my trouser cord and a key ring and, with great skill, hooked it over the locking mechanism and pulled it open. Saving the day, of course. Sophie and Humphrey were ecstatic.

All is well for now but alas, I can feel a storm brewing.

L.W.Parfoot

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Captains log: Hendaye, France

Date: Tuesday 20/11/2018

Much has happened since my last log. After nearly two months of exploring far and wide, we have left Italy and travelled the long and arduous road to the west coast of France. Humphrey was so happy to see the sea, as were the first mate and I.

I finally got the chance to brave the open ocean with my trusty new surfboard too: a 7.2ft fish, turquoise in colour. It performed flawlessly. My co-pilot braved the water yesterday with a rental board and hopefully we will purchase her a vessel of her own soon, but our funds are questionable. We had an urgent budget check yesterday to plan our last few weeks, with the realisation that the journey home is fast approaching.

I just we hope we can make it through the next few weeks in one piece, one baguette a day should do it.

Capt L.W.Parfoot

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Captains Log: Arcachon, France

Date: Friday 1/12/2018

December is upon us and with a chill in the air and provisions dwindling, the harsh reality of winter has arrived. Our four-legged companion has become so desperate for nutrition that he has resorted to feasting on faeces. The time to brush his teeth is imminent. Hopefully, the beast won’t attack and all parties will remain unscathed.

Our plan today is to continue heading north. The seas have been unkind and injuries have occurred. A split lip, tears were shed. I have been spared any injuries from the ocean and terror of the waves but I feel this is only the beginning. I am hooked.

Alas, time to set sail.

Capt L.W.Parfoot