Gecko

Disappointed today's SAR training sortie was cancelled due to the supply vessel being fully occupied in their primary role, supporting multinational efforts to find more oil and gas.  The world's energy needs takes precedence over our need to practice hoisting SAR Techs off a ship's deck, but I still really wanted to go flying.  I flew yesterday, and have two trips tomorrow, so I can't complain, but I still do.

So stuck on SAR standby, I take my book into the sun, dressed like some airline jock, struggle to find a spot out of the distracting scent of the overflowing sewage tank, and eventually settle into a plastic deck chair I had purchased in Mombasa.  A small gecko joins me, basking in the sun by my side.  He seems quite content to just take in the heat, but my mind is restless and needs distraction.  Frederick Courteney Selous's "A Hunter's Wanderings In Africa", early nineteenth century ivory hunting, provides all the stimulation I require.  

Soon I will be stalking kudu in the African bush with a 30-06, so I find the book invigorating, motivational.  I'm thinking a gin and tonic would suit the ambiance just fine, but I have a few hours to kill before I can even consider a drink.  Still, it's not a bad life.