Well, I’m here, back at my parent’s house. Nobody is in, and I’ve just heated up the “spag bol” my mum left for me in the kitchen. I’ve added my own ingredients by way of garlic bread, and what a treat it is to be able to heat it up in an oven. I also raided the shamefully lacking wine stash (sorry Dad, but if it helps, this Shiraz is a wonderful compliment to my dinner).
Kudu is in a complete mess, a hectic pile of everything all over the cabin. Everything got thrown in there this morning, from fenders to washing up I hadn’t done. Well, almost everything since in my haste I left the sails and boom on the quay in Stonehaven. Clever, eh. I’m hoping I might be able to get the sails back at least.
It feels strange to be here. I’m not sure I like it. I could be back to work in less than two weeks time, I hope I am, but I’ll be back to paying off debt, suffering the twice daily commute, the rude people who are obviously more important that anybody else around them, and the sad want for the weekend to arrive. It will be like I never left London, instead living the east coast dream between the alarm clock and the realisation that it’s now 9:30AM, and you had a conference call 15 minutes ago.
Oh dread. I hope it’s gone tomorrow. Maybe this is just the comedown from an entirely different way of life and in a few days I’ll be back to normal.
Well, I seem to have messed this post up. I was going to write a big post thanking everybody for all the support and help I’ve had, but I feel that this rant has kicked off on the wrong foot. I’ll write a proper thank you post another time when I’m a bit more cheery, but suffice to say for now, I remember everybody who helped me, from the first person (Jim Dew) to the last (Gordon, who gave the toilet key back to the Harbour Master for me this morning). Whether you left a comment on this blog, bought me a pint, shared a conversation, donated some food, or advice, lent a friendly ear, kicked me up the backside when I needed it, offered equipment to keep me safe, or travelled miles with a spare transistor and soldering iron to fix my solar charge controller without being prompted, I thank you.
Chin up Nathan – Tomorrow is another day and after a good rest, you will feel far more refreshed.
The Jester Challenge beckons!
Best wishes David
Make sure you finish all the Shiraz!
It’s a new day tomorrow!
You have done more than most this year….and it’s only September!
Chris
Well, I feel the same after only three week’s summer cruising and it takes at least a few weeks to get back to pretentding that life is acceptable. So I wouldn’t tell how long it’ll take for you.
Nath – keep the blog going to update us on all the work you’re going to do on Kudu over the winter as that’ll be really useful for the less experienced of us
.
Also, you can keep doing videos of any sea trails etc and I fully expect a video of Nath’s first day back at work…
Just like to say Nath I would love to have met you at Preston but not enough notice for me to arrange time off, still just incase you don`t already know I am very proud of what you have achieved even though the journey to Preston wasn`t quite as planned and I am also very proud of the son you have become, I know since May 2nd you have struggled at times but never asked for help just kept going so regardless of any other opinions I am a very proud mum and pleased to see you home if only for a while.
See you later.
Dear “Mum”
You’re right to be very proud, and I suspect that Nathan will do a lot more to be proud of yet.
Its not just what Nathan’s achieved that’s to be admired, but his attitude the way he’s behaved and related to people, endearing himself to a good number of the East Coast sailing community through actual or “virtual” contact.
Hopefully he’ll bring Kudu back to East Anglian waters again before too long, by whatever convoluted route!
Bill
SECONDED-and therefore motion carried!
BTW – The sails and boom are safe with a very nice gentleman from the YBW forum who, first thing this morning, drove down to the harbour, collected them and is storing them safely at his home – Thank you very much indeed Ron, you are a true Gent!
Thank you for the updates on the site & the video’s. I have been following you progress at least daily – the updates and video’s have been fantasic! Best of luck with the job hunt & saving for you future adventures!
I’m sure you will soon realise how much you have acheived – that will cheer you up!
Steve
No really Thank you Nathan,
you really have been an inspiration and a total breath of fresh air, I don’t know many lads your age with such a can do – positive attitude. Don’t let daily life drag you down, you will soon be working towards future goals, and I am sure that whichever company you find a job with, they will appreciate you just as we all have.
Best of luck
Sorry to see it all ended. it was good keeping up with your blog since eyemouth. We’ll watch this space for your next adventures, no doubt you’ll be back
Rory (off Maxine – the rudderless ones!)
Well Nathan, I don’t know you but all summer I’ve been following your progress. It has got me through some frustrating days at work and given me a lift when I needed it.
I look forward to you recommencing hopefully next year.
You’ve learnt a lot and the only way – on the water.
So when you pick up your adventure again you’ll probably not experience quite so many mishaps.
Good luck and thankyou.
Read the book I referred to in a previous reply. I suspect you’ll empathise.
Justin
To Nathan’s mum, that was the nicest thing I’ve read. You’re right to feel proud.
Nathan, you have a great attitude and a mum to be proud of!
There should be more people like you (both!)
Keith
stop it you lot, I can’t type when crying.
Nathan, you’ve loads of great memories and good friends from this adventure – and you’ll have many more adventures in future.
Enjoy home comforts while you can, and after a winter of giving Kudu some much needed TLC, she’ll pay you dividends far greater than money in the bank.
Now, maybe I can concentrate on my studying………
hugs n stuff
All these posts have given me a big grin on my face Nathan! It’s great to see people have enjoyed your adventures as much as I have. Once you get yourself sorted with a job you’ll be back in the water in no time, don’t worry about it. x
Nathan, you’re an inspiration to loads of people and what you’ve managed to do is amazing. I’m sure you’ll manage to complete the trip soon but whatever happens, keep up the good work and best of luck to you.
It was good to meet you Nathan. You did well – and you can always come Squibbing!
I, like all the others wish to thank you Nathan for all the entertainment you and Kudu have provided since your adventure began. I hope you will return renewed and refreshed and I will look forward to it. The days just won’t be the same anymore.
Good luck and fair winds
Well done Nathan, it was a pleasure for most of us. The others, well, I couln’t give a toss about.
Now, how about we have a forum trailer relay like we did for AlistairR a couple of years ago. Get Kudu back to where you can work on it at leisure and cheaply.
You suss the storage spot, and I will bet we can get it moved for very little.
I bet I can talk Clive into the trailer, and possibly his Rangie.
Having watched youre videos on you tube I can now only thank you for being an inspiration.
Dont know how I managed to stumble across youre videos but I am grateful i did.
No offense to all the other you tubers out there but your videos are the only ones i have enjoyed and been inspired to get into sailing.
Now i just need a job to help me save for a yacht and I will hope to be sailing past you one day and get the oppurtunity to say hi in person.
Once again I thankyou you are an inspiration to many.