⛵ ⛵ ⛵ ⛵. . . "Tour of the Gulf of Aden". . . (cont.)
[Last time...]
“But Sairrr...Ahh wooldn’t put too much stock in it...she was a yoong hen, wi' a simple way aboot 'er." Ickied tried to deflect.
The Captain looked up slowly and locked eyes with him…
“She was a yoong hen twenty-fife years ago… when Ahh was yer age an' sittin' at th' bench wi' mah coppers oan th' table!"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The weather in the Indian Sea was near perfect for sailing. A good wind kept the all the sails full and the Silverton was plowing north-east at a furious pace...
On the forecastle, Seaman- Landsmen Ocketechange, Ergino and Seaman- Ordinary Seaman Andofzara all gathered for a quick break from their work…
“Ahh see yoo've bin strugglin' alang, haur in th' warld o’ th’ Indian brine...” Ocketechange said as he took a sip of hot coffee.
“Och aye, weel, it's a lang way froms haem.” Ergino replied as he took a bite out of his plain.
“Here's a comment an' a wee bit o’ gossip…” Ocketechange said quietly as he leaned over towards him, “Ahh hear ‘att the new Boy-Errislravenhill... is a womins!"
Ergino’s eyes opened wide, “Shut yer gob!"
“Nae, is whit Ahh hears…that's wa she wears her hat sae low!”
“Blye me! Ahh heard thaur was mair than two wimins oan board, but Ahh ne'er see's them!" Ergino replied in surprise and a little excitement.
“Weel, next times Ahh see’s 'er up oan deck, I'll lit ye knows!" Ocketechange said.
“Ye dae 'att! Ahh'll tak' a guid look!"
Out of sight behind the powder barrels but not out of hearing, "Boy"- Errislravenhill sat sipping a coffee…
“Okay, th' bludy raven kin be a Tom-loon!” She murmured to herself quietly.
Suddenly, from up in the nest, the deep bellowing voice of Seaman- Ordinary Seaman Tuna rang out, “Lain-Ho! Seychelles!!”
“Wussatt?! Seychelles?!” The Captain yelled up.
“Aye Sairrr! Less than twalve miles, north-eest!"
“Braw timin’! Commander Galligan, bring her aboot twenty degrees ta th’ port side an’ hauld ‘er thaur until Ahh says otherwise!”
“Aye Sairrr!” Galligan replied as he spun the big wheel twenty degrees to port.
The Captain got out his big thirty inch scope and slid it open. In the distance, he eyed the highest slopes of the volcanic island with a steady and careful gaze...
“Will we be puttin’ ashair oan th’ western coast Keptin?” Galligan asked.
“Nae! We’ll round th’ northern tip an' comes in from th’ eest! Victoria is uir destination!”
Meanwhile, up on the forecastle many of the crewman gathered in excitement. Seychelles had always been a sailor’s shore leave of choice, and today was no exception.
Unable to resist the temptation to catch a first glimpse, Errislravenhill stood up and wandered up onto the forecastle, keeping her hat low. As she walked past Ocketechange, he nudged Ergino in the ribs, causing him to turn and take a good look…
“Potzblitz! ‘Em’s noot th’ hips o’ any cheil Ahh knows!” He said as he gawked.
“Nae, an’ me either mate!”
⛵ ⛵ ⛵ ⛵
"Victoria is th' capital an' largest city o' Seychelles, situated oan th' north-eastern side o' th' main islain an' sae forth. Th' city was first established as th' seat o' th' British colonial government. Th' principal exports o' Victoria ur vanilla, coconuts, coconut oil, fesh an' guano (Bat jobby?! Shlaggum Shlot!). Attractions in th' city include a clocktower (modelled oan th' tower in London), th' coorthoose, th' Victoria botanical gardens, th' Victoria museums o' history, th' markit an' th' brightly colored fesh (colored fesh?! Weel, they's fesh everywhaurs) -Captain Joshua Slane
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Confused? Ascared? Seasick? Need a private chat with the Captain?" - joshua.slane@aol.com
Reference: Pictures frae www.freeimages.com, www.pexels.com, pixabay.com, steemit.com an’ www.google.com/maps