Friday 22nd September
Loading the Flying Buzzard
We are practically ready to go but the weather is still not playing nice. We have had massive seas in the anchorage and it is not very pleasant. So any excuse to get ashore. There has been a lot of call to donate stuff to the northern islands, devastated by Irma and then Maria. The cruisers are very active and have organised plenty of events to support help. So when a call comes through on the VHF to ask for volunteers to spend the day loading the Flying Buzzard with emergency supplies destined to Dominica, we decide to go and do our bit.
Gigi and Robert from Pinnacle join us and the bus is full to take us to the carenage, a jolly group ready to help. Wendy has been organising us and we are soon unloading cars from the general public into the reception of the cruise ship. The 2 young ladies working look extremely pleased with us being there. Many hands make light work. There is a steady stream of cars unloading all sorts of goods (even dog food) and the reception room is soon full. Time to get the pallets out. It is all a bit unsteady but we get there in the end. Of course I want to drive the forklift truck… only get a ride to and from the boat. The Flying Buzzard just tied up, an amazing vessel, real work horse of a boat which is going to take nearly 2 days to reach Dominica. The hold is cavernous and empty but not for long. By the time we have formed an orderly line, all the goods are stowed on board fairly rapidly. And the pallets keep coming. By late afternoon we are all worn out and the bus will be picking us up at the Yacht Club, better be there on time.
I know it is not much but it does feel good to have done something for Dominica. We had such a great time there earlier in the year and we do feel for all those people in so much need right now.