Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

So, we have a big week of changing Japan’s er, like science communication. But the real stuff was at the weekend. I play with my boat. All you pretty women stand in line, because this weekend I am working on the … Continue reading →

I remember being told a joke by an elderly South African gentleman. Two old guys are swapping tales. One says “Lets make up stories that hide the name of a book and the other one has to guess the title.” “Here … Continue reading →

Here is  a list of all British ships that visited Okinawa between 1613 and 1900. I am indebted to my very learned friend Michael Nabholz for compiling this list. There is endless fun to be had looking up these ships on … Continue reading →

One is pleased to be published in the Marine Quarterly. Notwithstanding, one is confused that the article is so short. Why is my photo not on the front cover?

Those conversant with the ways of boats will acknowledge that only a part of the pleasure actually comes from sailing them. The major enjoyment comes from preening the boat. I spend most of my weekend sanding, oiling and varnishing  the … Continue reading →

I have often thought that my poor boat Dileas was a lot like Marilyn Monroe. She lived a short,  dazzling life, much admired by all. She was famous around the world. Even now millions of people are reading of her … Continue reading →

Sunday was cold, windy and rainy, about as close to winter that Okinawa can come. Although this meant I could not get full joy from rubbing perfumed oil into my boat, it did mean I could go out and look … Continue reading →

Today is Saturday and I have an almost un-interrupted day of pleasure. First I go to look for kingfishers with my new lens. I then spend the morning sanding, cleaning and generally pampering the new boat, whose name cannot be … Continue reading →

Following the theft of my D90 and 80-400 lens in California I am bereft. I must buy camera and bird lens now. Ebay gets me an immaculate D300 and a Tokina 300 2.8 for next to nothing. New camera equipment … Continue reading →

I have been weak with excitement throughout the day. Today my new, old boat arrives. Actually I do not think I have told you about my new, old boat. She is a Scaffie, which sounds like a skin disease. http://www.honnormarine.co.uk/Scaffie/Scaffie.htm She … Continue reading →