An afternoon on the SS Hestmanden

We walked down to Leith dock this afternoon for a fabulous couple of hours on the SS Hestmanden. The ship's official title is the Norsk krigsseilermuseum. This translates as the 'Norwegian war sailor museum'.
 
The main display is on the middle deck of the ship. Here we learnt about the role of the Hestmanden and its sailors in the first and second world wars. We also visited the sailors' living quarters, the boiler room, the captain's more luxurious domain, the main deck, and the bridge. 

We read the stories of individuals who served on the ship and their suffering, both when in service and afterwards - if they were lucky enough to survive the war(s). We were particularly saddened by the tales of young boys who lost their lives at sea, some of whom joined up when aged just 14. The (until recent) lack of recognition in Norway of the sacrifices of the country's merchant seamen in wartime also made for difficult reading.

It's possible to visit the ship free of charge tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday between 11:00 and 17:00. After this, it will be travelling to Spiller's Wharf in Newcastle. The guide told us that it will be possible to visit the ship there from Sunday 1st June until Wednesday 4th. My not-so-little sister may pop along with her Second World War enthusiast partner on Sunday.

Our trip to the ship was sandwiched between a run and tea/coffee and cake on Leith Walk.

Also today, over a rather dodgy Internet connection to another boat, we confirmed ski-ing holiday plans for next January with Mark and Audrey (as blipped with us in April last year).

Exercise today: 1 hour on the exercise bike; 7k run; walking (21,293 steps including run).