It's Friday 16th, I've been here on the platform for a week. Only three weeks to go then...
I was typing nonsense as usual in my noisy little cubicle the other day, and all of a sudden there was a click and everything went off - lights, computers, fans, air conditioning, the lot. I sat in total darkness wondering if it was my fault, bless me. Quite scary really. The total silence, shocking in itself, was soon replaced by an ominous whoooshing sound, as the gas burnoff unit (you know, the flame you see on any oil or gas site) began venting 80 million cubic metres of gas. The flame was about four metres long and quite close to the container I work in. We beat a hasty retreat to the main living quarters and waited for another evacuation to swing into action. Alas, it was only a generator failure and curse them, they started the spare within 15 minutes and we were all free to carry on regardless. Apparently if the blackout had lasted much longer we could have been in danger, as all the surrounding rigs push oil and gas to this one for storage, and pressure would have built up quite quickly...
Lubiloo, if you're still reading this, I've been to the gym and used the bike three times in this first week so that mountain bike ride is looking a distinct possibility when I get home. You better be ready girl. That of course goes for anyone else reading this who fancies being shown up by a wheezing 50 year old on a rusty old nail. Grant, you there fatty?
And another thing - I want a long walk organised for sometime between 13th and 21st Feb. I favour the walk from New Mills along the Sett to Hayfield, then over to Edale. Done it once and would like to try it again weather permitting. Food in the Nags Head is fine, and there's a train home - whoopee.
And another thing - I want parties organised. Trips to the pub. Barbecues. Actvities. Yes I know it'll be February but use your imagination(s).
I have taken some pics on the rig (naughty me), but they are all a bit oil-rig-ish if you know what I mean - an emphasis on rusty iron and miles of open water, with the occasional boat/helicopter to break the monotony. I know you're all dying to see them so as soon as I figure out a way to transfer them onto this PC I will publish and be damned.
More later. Be good.
