Time to go Home

Well all good things come to an end, and so did this trip. Two days before crew change we got hit with a storm of 16 ft waves and wind gust of 60 MPH. The ship was a rocking and a rolling, was even pushed off its heading and had to shut down production for close to 24 hours. Word was to be ready to stay for an extra day or two because if we could not get off on Monday we might have to wait until Wednesday or as late as Friday. Lots of sad faces for two days ... I think not knowing was the thing that worried everyone the most. Could not tell folks at home for sure when we would be off.

As luck (GOOD) would have it we did get off Monday.. First step was a small boat transfer to the larger ship. This was both the most fun and dangerous part of the trip. Waves were still 4 to 6 ft and choppy, but everyone was more then ready to take the ride. Everyone got wet as well, some more then others. Some had foul weather gear so stayed dryer then the ones that chose not to wear the gear.

Second part of the trip was an hour ride in a helicopter to land, then shuttle to the airport. At the Airport I was lucky and was able to get an early flight out, unfortunately I was delayed at the layover airport and only saved 30 min, from what my first flight would have been.

Now up to this point everything was fine, however when I requested a shuttle to my hotel for the night it took 45 min for it to show up. ( after three calls) I do not like waiting in the cold after a long day of travel so was not a happy camper when I Finally arrive at the hotel... I had been up for the 30 of the last 33 hours and had not eaten in over 14 hours... This was a long stressful day and the shuttle wait was not fun... I will not Name the Hotel, But I will do my best never to stay at one again...

After all but passing out in bed at 8pm I found myself awake at 3am unable to sleep anymore. Ended up watching television until 10am when my ride arrived to take me home..

All in all except for the shuttle it was a great trip because it got me home again. Now to relax and sleep for two or three days... Do not plan on doing a thing until I have some energy..