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Charter Fourteen

September  ~ 2003 

By :  John Allen
Passenger List:- Tony Warrilow, Stephen Blakey, David McGroder, John
Allen, Kate Skarrat 
I was just stoked John and Belinda were at the airport to pick us up.  I
pictured them in Honeymoon bliss, playing scrabble in Phuket and
forgetting about the charter.  But then again, John is the ‘Office’
Manager and its time to get back to work.
Our first contestant, David McGroder, John’s fire fighting brother.
Second, Belinda’s fire fighting brother.  The hose control between these
two is spot on.  Tony, ‘the Wildebeest’ Warrilow the next contestant was
a werewolf photographer extraordinaire.  The beauty of the group, Kate
Skarrat, a professional surfer from the Goldie.  And of course there was
me….John Allen…the ‘consummate seppo’ as the captain put it. 

The adventure began amongst feeding sailfish in the Padang Harbour.
Rinsing the aeroplane grime and our previous existences away at a
picturesque nearby island, we were ready for the overnight crossing.
The ensuing days, we surfed ourselves senseless, dragged our lures and
mixed the Bintangs with Heinekens.  We are on holiday aren’t we?  Just
checking! 
It wasn’t long until we had nightly slideshows, compliments of Tony’s
technology.  Feasted on Elvis’s culinary creations (my favorite being
the BBQ Spanish mackerel with a rich green curry sauce – EPIC!) and
doctored various ailments.  Selemat’s passion for fishing is
unparalleled and it wasn’t long until we were hooking up more than a
rock spider in Thailand.  Spanish Mackerel, Dog Tooth Tuna, Trevally,
and even a barracuda. 
The swell hit like a Mac truck and our limits were pushed.  The captain
pushed us deeper and we saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
Mangrove missions, and snorkeling entertained between free fall take
offs, and heart pumping rail-grabs.  We are still on holidays, aren’t
we?!!!! 
Kate had to leave the party to compete in the Quiki event in France (WIN
FOR THE BJ).  We had lost a team player, so we were forced to drink
heavily and jump off the top of the boat naked (well I was)! 
Dodging other boats in a Mentawai game of chess, we were surfing alone
once again.  The Wildebeest landed the fish of the trip, Steve soul
arched into another barrel, Dave claimed he wasn’t going to drink
tonight – but did.  And, I, well I relaxed on the deck and listened to
The Clash.  God Bless Joe Strummer.  Just another day in Paradise. 

Above all, this trip allowed us to get back to the basics – wearing no
shoes, breathing fresh air and just surfing. 

Is there anything else?????????????????? 

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