Meeting the Falkland Islands Resupply Ship - Sat 5 Feb 11

I was up early to go aboard one of the tugs that was going out to meet the FIRS and bring her in to port. The idea was sound in theory, but the time that i needed to be in the port to be sure to be aboard before the Pilot was getting earlier and earlier! i've never been on a tug before let alone go out to sea to escort a container ship. The crew were very hospitable and made some delicious fresh coffee which was delicious, tasted like rocket fuel and very very welcome at silly o'clock in the morning! The heavy rain had eased a bit by the time we left port and we could make out the container ship in the distance. The tug made its way very quietly out toward the ship and, although i could feel the motion of the ocean, i was okay .... to begin with! Bump - the little tug juddered and the waves began to spray over her bough and on to the wheelhouse windows - me no likey! The crew, having spotted my colour changing, assured me that the party was just starting. i was now looking out the back of the wheelhouse window becasue the sea was flat calm in the wake, so i tried to keep my eyes on the horizon. and then i forgot all about my seasickness as we drew alongside the container ship. Within seconds the Pilot had hopped from the tug on to the ship through a door in the ship's side and we were reversing away awaiting his direction. We followed port side for a while and then, as the ship was manoeuvred in to port, played push me pull you with a second tug. You would not believe how quiet these tugs are! It was incredible to watch these little vessels pushing this humungus big container ship so gracefully. And then i went to work!.