| The beautiful Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River, BC |
Normally, I get sick on boats.
Smaller boats:
We went whale watching off the coast of
Oregon.
It was a beautiful, sunny, calm day.
The sea was 'running smooth', as our
captain informed us.
We scurried awkwardly aboard.
And took up places of advantage to
watch for the great denizens of the deep.
The boat put out.
And I immediately turned green.
And stayed that way until we returned
to the dock and I once more stood upon terra firma.
We tried once again at Cape Cod.
You can read that story here.
My Husby took me on a cruise on a
beautiful ship:
We had every every luxury.
Gourmet meals.
Exceptional service.
Deluxe accommodation of every sort.
And I spent the entire week battling
nausea.
Until I was standing once more on solid
ground.
Sigh.
Yesterday, we toured the Maritime
Heritage Centre in Campbell River, BC.
Took the excellent and informative tour
with our guide, Fred.
Poked about through displays of things
nautical.
Tried out Captain's wheels.
Tested the rope-tying.
Exclaimed over the ingenuity,
creativity and artistic talents of Canada's seafaring people.
And finally clambered all over the only
known example of a wooden seiner in its original configuration still
in existence, the BCP45.
And I do mean all over.
We wandered about the deck.
Peered into the now remarkably
fish-free hold.
Took a turn at the helm.
Sat in the minute kitchen and heard
'fishing' stories.
Climbed down into the engine room and
studied the behemoth that gave this tidy little ship power and
electricity.
Stared askance (Ooh! Good word!) at the
tiny bunking facilities that once were home to a crew of six.
And generally spent a wonderful hour,
exploring.
And I realized, as I crossed the
walkway back that I had just spent time on an ocean-going vessel and
not once did I feel the least bit queasy.
It was a breakthrough!
And as long as every boat I get on is
standing perfectly still on supports in the middle of a giant display
room, my seasickness and I can permanently part ways.
Yep. Cured!