Day 15

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this email -I shall blog first
and then explain.
So… Derry – what a stopover! it was absolutely amazing, the place isn’t
exactly the prettiest or the most scenic, however, the people are
unbelievably friendly and if we were known as Clipper crew, then we were
treated like celebrities vs a close friend that they honestly couldn’t do
enough for.
I met some guys at the Beach Boys concert (that the Derry Londonderry
Doire) crew went onstage for. Who were really nice and invited some of the
clipper crew and myself back to their place for a pint.
Happy to see how the ‘locals’ live.. er no – turns out one of them had won
6.5million euro in the lottery 4 years prior. The place was amazing – it
even has it’s own mini nightclub!
Jeez I sure can pick em… ;p
Anyway – some very nice people were met and firm friendships formed.
I look forward to catching up with them again – hopefully in Den Helder.
Which – we are currently on our way too.
There go my fingertips… again.
The parade of sail was brilliant, I have no idea how many people formed
together on the banks to see us off, but it must have been in the tens of
thousands and was quite humbling and proud experience.
We had a red arrow display fly over and then began the race start.
We were doing quite well, until the top of Scotland – the butt of Lewis to
be exact… who has been the butt of many a joke – when the wind decided to
leave us. Fortunately I was too busy seal spotting. The whales have made
another performance and the debate between was that a whale/dolphin
continues. Scotty and I just call them Wafins now.
Easier.
Which brings me to the morning of the 01 July..
I wasn’t going to blog this, but, I have to. For my own sanity and the
respect I feel I need too.
Unfortunately, I had the email that was preciously written by my sister
Helen, to advise me that my beloved, one and only Gucci cat had passed
away. Who I had only just spoken to on Saturday night.
As you can imagine if you know me, I am literally devastated and it has
been a huge effort just to get up on deck. I haven’t missed a watch, but
it’s been really really fucking hard!. Many tears have hit the ocean over
the top of Scotland. Fortunately we were still in phone range, so I was
able to chat to Helen.
To my sweet little phasto, rest in peace little furry one. I will miss you
forever and a day and I hope one day we meet again in some form. I would
look for a shooting star that we used to sit and watch together, but it’s
always day light at the moment.
I will be cremating her and using her ashes to plant a white rose bush at
mums house, who I am forever grateful to for looking after my cuddle bunny
so well, she passed peacefully in her sleep.
I am going to be carrying out a funeral, as it is the least I can do to say
farewell and wish that just once more, I could hold her in my arms and
bury my nose into her fur, whilst she carries on like a pork chop and
hisses whenever I tell her too.
To my family/Nat – thankyou for support and the kind words. Please give mum
a huge hug for me.
To Gucci the wondercat – you will be forever missed, but not just by me. To
anyone who met you and had the pleasure of giving you cuddles and hearing
your classic purr and meow meow carry on.
I love you to infinity and beyond and will miss you dearly.
RIP Gucci Gosling – aka phatso/funny little cat.
01March1997 – 01July2014 (17 years young)
x meow. x