When I started this blog last November I uploaded all my travel diaries. Most of these have never been read as it’s only recently, since joining British Mummy Bloggers, that I’ve found some blogging mates to link up with. So I thought I might use the weekend for giving an old post an airing, a favourite that deserves a second go. Feel free to join in…………….
Mum’s Gone to Iceland – whale-watching
Our whale watching trip is back on today as the sun is shining. Last night felt very bloated as, to put it politely, I’ve not been very “regular” this holiday, somewhat surprising considering the frightening experiences I’ve had so far. Nevertheless, have a rummage through Hubby’s huge box of potions and lotions and thankfully find some laxatives so I’m hoping for some results today!
The feeling of nausea is so bad I don’t think I’ve ever felt so ill: childbirth seems preferable at this point. The boat continues to pitch and roll furiously, the waves smash against the side and I’m continually retching and moaning. Unfortunately it’s at this juncture that my body remembers it’s had a good dose of senna the night before! As I heave over the side I suddenly feel a loosening at the other end! OH MY GOD! Where’s the loo and can I get to it in time? If I have to move more than a few steps I’m going to be in serious trouble that even my waterproof trousers will be hard-pressed to contain. But I’m saved by the loo being only a short stagger from where I am. I make it just in time, though hubby is laughing outside as he can see my feet poking out the sides of the cubicle at such an odd angle it looks like I’ve collapsed in there. Well that’s not far from the truth.
When I return to my station I discover my son is also throwing up. Husband spends the remaining three hours (yes….THREE) holding onto the pair of us to stop us falling overboard and trying not to be ill himself. The stern is now a mini sick bay as several other green-faced travellers have joined us and I’m certain the guide only tells you to sit there to avoid other passengers getting covered in the downwind detritus. Whilst everyone else is cheering because a humpback whale has just surfaced, I can’t even raise my eyes to look; I’m passed caring. I’m not sure how many takers there are for the cinnamon pastries: I reckon one batch must keep them going all week.
As we return to the relative calm of the harbour the guide says, “You were very lucky, it was very rough on the earlier sailing”. LUCKY?! Then I remember the blank looks of the previous passengers and it all makes sense…….cold indeed!! Another visit to harbour toilet en route to the car then a very quiet drive back to Hotel Reynihlid.
Husband deposits his grim-looking family in the room then realises, in his rush to get back and his usual faffing about re-packing the car, he has left our son’s rucksack in the car park at Husavik, complete with Nintendo DS, mobile phone, books etc. Son howls and husband turns round, gets back in the car and has another 45 minute drive back the way we came to search for bag. Thankfully bag is safe and well: some kind soul has placed it on a nearby wall. Heartening to realise the Icelanders and our fellow holiday-makers are such good, trusting people. Hubby does his sixth Husavik to Myvatn run in three days and seems to get back to us in a far shorter time than it should have taken him….methinks he was a teensy bit faster on those gravel sections without me squawking at him from the back seat.
At dinner this evening I am still a bit fragile but as we had booked early the waiter tells us we get a free cocktail of the day.
“Sex on the Beach?”, he asks me .
“After the day I’ve had!?…..you’ll be bloody lucky mate!!” I mutter.
Sex on the beach sounds great to me!! We recently had a whale wash up on one of our local beaches, they had to disect it on the shore because they couldn't move it.
I know it's not funny, but it always makes me giggle like a 5 yr old when I hear of someone being "bunged up" as say up north. Great photo btw.
CJ xx
Very, very funny. As a fellow sufferer of sea sickness, travel sickness, morning sickness etc etc, I can picture the scene perfectly. In fact, am feeling slightly nauseous just reading your post. Excellent as usual, Trish!
There is nothing worse than feeling sick on a boat. Great ending to the post!
Thanks for your comments. This post never got any the first time round!
Sex on a warm sunny beach, on shore, now that's my kind of adventure!
It's been awhile since I visited. I love reading about your travels.
Hello again, Mammatalk. Lovely to hear from you agian. Thanks for popping by.
gutted, i left a well thought out and articulate comment on this post and it's gone! Argh! oh well, you'll just have to cope with me saying blurgh, I feel for you. I am not great on boats myself – something I always forget before getting on one. I loved this post by the way, really well written. Had me feeling a but queasy along with you.
Heather – well this comment worked! YEAH. This has certainly put me off boats (unless extremely large cruise ships with a promise of millpond water).