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Sick leave in the southern, nearly Indian, Ocean

November 22 2008

I am on sick leave at present. I have been diagnosed as having a severe eye infection. So I am not taking it face on at the moment. Face on means sticking my head and eyes wide open (not shut} into the blaster. The blaster? That’s the constant high-pressure water stream being forced up along the side of the hull in a genuine power reach. In the old day the hose of water resembled sticking your head into a toilet bowl and flushing it. That was approx how the water felt (believe me- I tested it after the race in 2oo2).  But this time I think it best resembles going down to the local fire brigade, borrowing their biggest, meanest high-pressure hose and turning it up to its max and then sticking your head into the beam. That is probably why most drivers wear some sort of helmet or goggles. But that is not for me!

We only have size XL helmets onboard, and that does not come anywhere close to the size of my potato head, so no helmet. Besides it’s a little poofy and more for the ones under 4o years of age. So right now I am paying the price of having open eyes. REeeeeeD they are. The doctor thinks they are infected, but ha ha, I know better. They have only become saltwater allergic, which under normal circumstances does not rectify a watch of sick leave. Haven’t told anyone. Enjoying the moment of compassion amongst my fellow mates. And those are rare moments in this male dominated world at sea.

The only thing missing is the nurses. We have a very sorry state of nurses onboard. Maybe it is meant to be so, just to get well faster. Cannot stay sick for long with such ugly nursing capacity. The food is about the same quality as on a normal hospital - being c*** from beginning to end. Hey, maybe I should just get back on deck, just a little too long faced sitting here feeling sorry for myself. But it was great as long as it lasted. I think I will go and tell them on deck.

Just found a set of swimming goggles in the diver bag. I will now officially create the department of silly looks. It is somehow more me than silly walks.

Right I’m going back on deck, Stig