Svalbard

Struck down by the seasickness

By Liam // Friday 28 Sep // 15:47:11 // 33 Comments

Hello to everybody back at home! Sorry I haven’t been in touch so far, but I’ve been struck down pretty bad by the seasickness. The ocean has been really rough for the last few days, and a lot of people on this boat seem to have been stripped right down to their most basic survival skills. Even putting on boots to go outside has been a really hard job. A lot of us seem to be more or less in bed all the time.

Today I had to leave my watch because I needed to vomit, but was asked to help lower a sail before I left…it’s still pretty choppy out at sea, and Beth (who I share my watch with, along with Dallas and Nick) and I had a lot of trouble completing this task. Beth fell down and got soaked by a wave, and I took a bit of a smack to the side of the head. I came back in, made a sick, and had a little nap. Nice.

My days seem to have consisted mostly of trying to wake up in time for my watch; remembering to eat; trying not to throw up; and drinking plenty of water so I don’t get dehydrated. So far I’m failing on most fronts, which is a shame because the food is really great on here. I am remembering to drink water though, so that’s something at least. I’m keeping a smiling face about it all, and seem to be cracking a lot of bad jokes, so it can’t be that bad! Been doing an awful lot of slipping around the cabin. I think I damn near broke my coccyx yesterday slipping across the floor into a table.

I’d really love to speak to my girlfriend. I thought that when I was told that there would be broadband on the ship, that I’d be able to maintain some kind of e-mail contact. It would understandably be a bit of a logistical nightmare to do so. It was incredibly moving to receive messages from back home today though.

Damian, Sarah, thank you for looking after Carys for me! Glad to hear all is good there, thanks for sending me a message. Keep it coming!

Carys I’m doing well, a little sick, but resting lots and looking forward to seeing some wildlife! By the way, my tiger toy doesn’t smell the same as it did when it left.I miss you terribly. Sorry I can’t keep in touch at the minute, hope you’re keeping that flat tidy lady! Send me some more messages!

I’m sure that when this passage is over, Greenland will be absolutely breathtaking.that’s what I’m holding out for at the minute. I’m looking forward to hitting land, and rediscovering the ability to walk like a normal person. The things that lay ahead will surely be something to behold.

I’ve also had lots of ideas for new songs, but the current conditions and my inability to find my backside with both hands mean that I’m finding it a little hard to put pen to paper.

And that’s it really, apart from a brief run-in with a few dolphins at the start of the week, which was really beautiful. But theirs was only a fleeting visit. Not to worry, I’m sure we’ll see more.

Until next time, I bid you all adieu.

From the top of the world,

Liam xo

Tags: Liam Frost

33 Comments

  1. Carys Saturday 29 Sep, 2007 // 8:21:38

    Liam! You really don’t know how happy you’ve made me this morning! I’ve been longing to hear from you, for what seems like a lifetime.

    I’m so proud of you. I’ve been spreading the word about what your doing, even sending in messages to Clint Boon and Marc Riley! I managed to get the details of the expedition and the website a mention. I know its only small, I just didn’t like the thought of you being out there and no-one back home in Manchester knowing!

    I think maybe the worst is behind you, soon you’ll be navigating the coast of Greenland and hopefully you’ll get to see those whales! Flat is of course tidy, too tidy and too quiet. I miss you terribly, especially the singing!

    Keep in touch when you can. Keep drinking water. Be extra careful on deck. And just make sure you come home safe and well.

    Sending you a ‘bushel and a peck!’

    Love and Kisses Carys xx

  2. Carys Saturday 29 Sep, 2007 // 8:49:32

    Liam I Just spoke with your mum. See send her love and says she’ll continue to say a little pray every night for you and for the rest of the crew. xx

  3. Carys Saturday 29 Sep, 2007 // 8:55:27

    He, he! I meant prayer!

    Silly Carys xx

  4. Joycelyn & Bill Saturday 29 Sep, 2007 // 9:05:04

    Hello Liam
    It was wonderful to read your blog this morning. We are incredibly proud of you. Sorry to hear you have been so ill, hopefully the situation will start to improve as you near Greenland. I’m sure the new experiences you encounter there will out way the awful discomfort felt. Keep up the blogs whenever you can.
    Lots of love
    Joycelyn & Bill x
    Ps Carys is fine but missing you lots.

  5. Joycelyn & Bill Sunday 30 Sep, 2007 // 8:01:56

    Hello again Liam
    Hope you are feeling better today. I think the words to describe the sea as being rough is modest judging by the photo’s that have come out. I think all on board are extremely brave! I think we need another picture of you soon, an action shot this time, perhaps hugging a polar bear……perhaps not…. but maybe a little tiger! Oh by the way MUTD scraped a win yesterday and I spent the day with Miss C.
    Be safe
    Love Joycelyn & Bill

  6. Rick Boyle Sunday 30 Sep, 2007 // 19:53:20

    Hey there! Keep staring at the horizon – that’s meant to help the sea-sickness!

    Rick

  7. Kim- Mellie's mom Monday 1 Oct, 2007 // 14:46:19

    Liam…Oh my goodness! I hope the sea sickness passes. I will share your trip with Mellie, and you will be in our prayers. She is fine, Her 13 year old brother adores your music as I do! Get home safe soon!

  8. Vegas Monday 1 Oct, 2007 // 15:30:04

    Can’t be any worse than Manc city centre on Christmas Eve, get your skinny t-shirt on!

    I’m positive this trip’ll be amazing for you.

    Mx

    PS – i’m checking the contract on copyright law in the arctic 😉

  9. Nick West Monday 1 Oct, 2007 // 18:18:14

    Please don’t drown yet, I want to see you in concert!

    Nick

  10. Yvonne (Aunt of Carys) Monday 1 Oct, 2007 // 18:31:05

    Hi Liam, I am sure you are feeling better by now. Tried using the sattelite map to see where you are – ended up over Siberia – looks cold there! We are all waiting with baited breath to read more of your adventures. I hope you remembered your camera! Keep well, keep safe.
    Love and best wishes, Yvonne.

  11. Joycelyn & Bill Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 0:19:10

    Hang on in there Liam, you’re doing just great. I hope you’re getting as much amusement out of some of the comments posted as I am!
    Lots of love
    Joycelyn

  12. ann fleming Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 0:24:46

    Hi there young sir. I repeat what I said to your mum at RNCM last December “you must be such a proud mum”. Have a safe voyage and return home brain clogged with more amazing lyrics. Take care.
    Ruth’s Mum x

  13. Fay Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 8:22:58

    Good morning little brother, I am sure you must have reached land by now and are hopefully feeling better.
    I am thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you when you get back from your epic adventure. Lets have an ICE party to celebrate. We will get rid of our 4X4 in your honour and I’m car sharing, can’t quite bring myself to get on the ‘smells like digestive biscuits’ bus though you know where! lots of love xxxxxx

  14. john Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 11:32:07

    hi mate – we’re all very proud of you! please don’t kill me when you get home! keep well and safe – can’t wait to hear about it – john x

  15. Chris Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 13:36:00

    Hi Liam,

    I feel a kinda idiot among all these family members but just wanted to send a message to wish you luck and comment about how jealous i am that you had the opportunity to take this trip on, what a wonderful experience.

    Fingers crossed for some more manc gigs on your return.

    Chris xo ( The setlist collector :O )

  16. Ben Taylor Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 15:59:56

    Innnnniiiittttttt!!!! Mate, well proud of you, reading all the blogs, there is no way I could’ve done this! Missing you loads bro! Cup of tea when yr back?X

  17. Tim Raynor Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 16:27:04

    Hey Liam ,
    good luck with everything , keep drinking the water and hopefully you’ll be over the seasickness soon , hope you’re making the most of the time to write some new songs about the experience !!!! Looking forward to hearing album 2 when you next play live in London..

    :-0)

  18. Carys Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 18:26:39

    Hello you! It’s great to know your up to your usual silly antics! (reference Simon Boxalls blog – Mythical Land of Greenland)! I love it! Take it all in Liam and enjoy. I’m still here, I’m still watching. So come on now, we all want another picture of you, I’m thinking an action shot, maybe wrestling a polar bear?! Love and kisses xx

  19. Yvonne (Aunt of Carys) Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 19:00:12

    Hi Liam, I didn’t know you could get green thermal underwear! Were you the God of the sea or the Christmas tree? Glad to hear you are now in good spirits especially now you have reached calm waters. Enjoy the rest of the voyage and we all look forward to seeing some amazing pictures of your adventure, and of course hearing all the stories you will no doubt have to tell. I’ve given up with the sat.nav. can’t find my way round!
    Keep safe, keep warm, and keep in good spirits!
    Love and best wishes, Yvonne.

  20. Gareth Pickering Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 21:11:35

    Hey lil bro. Sounds like your having a whale of a time – eh get it (oh dear!!!!) – Enjoy everyday as it come, even the rubbish bits. These things make you the person that you are. Catch up on your returnxGx

  21. Joycelyn & Bill Tuesday 2 Oct, 2007 // 22:34:32

    Liam
    Delighted you have finally reached Greenland safely. the pictures so far look amazing. Well done, you’ve been so brave.
    United beat Roma 1-0, I had a word in Rooney’s ear. Enjoy the next few days and take lots of pics.
    See you soon
    Joycelyn x

  22. Jo Dudderidge Wednesday 3 Oct, 2007 // 7:17:54

    hello mate,

    just dropping you a line to say keep it up and stay smiling! I thought Manchester was cold, puts it into context i guess! sorry to hear your being sick so much but i’m sure its all part of the experience. you’ll be hard as nails when your back!!

    Good luck and suck in the memories!

    Jo 🙂

  23. Simon Vaughan Wednesday 3 Oct, 2007 // 10:12:39

    What in God’s name are you doing? First a tattoo and now this – are you secretly becoming a pirate?

    Just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you on your quest. Good luck, try and hold it all together, and I’ll see you on your return to blighty.

    Much love

    Simon

  24. Gwendoline Riley Wednesday 3 Oct, 2007 // 10:19:40

    Hiya Liam,…just read about this…Pretty amazing. Hold on sailor! Club sandwiches not seals etc. Oh I’m not a marine biologist. x

  25. ann fleming Wednesday 3 Oct, 2007 // 17:29:43

    Hi there Liam, my ex-naval informative tells me you will be entitled to a Blue Nose Certificate when you cross the Arctic Circle and hence become a member of Our Numb Friends League (would love to know if this is fact or fiction) check it out with those who are privey to such information. He says he was issued with one on 14.4.73 from the M.O.D. Is my other half perhaps going senile on me? Ruth’s Mum x

  26. Alyson Moore Wednesday 3 Oct, 2007 // 21:39:34

    Well, not quite what I expected when I checked your website today to see if you were doing any gigs soon!

    But hey this looks fantastic … and couldn’t resist leaving a message. Enjoy and I’m looking forward to ice inspired songs when you next hit London.

  27. Joycelyn & Bill Friday 5 Oct, 2007 // 6:09:33

    Hello Liam
    Hope you are gaining masses of inspiration from your spectacular surroundings. I can only imagine how beautiful it is. Absorb it all. When you think about it, you are one of just a few who will have seen at first hand this isolated part of our amazing planet, one who has endured an arduous journey to bring awareness to the rest of us how fragile our planet really is. How wonderful an achievement is that!
    Keep well, keep safe,
    Lots of love x

  28. Chris lavolta Friday 5 Oct, 2007 // 13:23:33

    Hey Liam, this trip sounds amazing (despite the chronic sea sickness), I enjoyed the action photos of you and Brigstocke! Hope you remembered your moisturiser it is important to keep your face working in these arctic conditions! Cx

  29. Alys Friday 5 Oct, 2007 // 14:29:39

    Hey Liam,

    Just read about this in a bulletin…I was rather surprised and extremely jealous! Hope you’re enjoying yourself anyway. Stop in Ireland on your way back and bring me a baby seal won’t you?! Hehe
    Stay warm and good luck.
    xxx

  30. Carys Saturday 6 Oct, 2007 // 16:22:13

    WOW! Polar bears, Northern lights and recording a new song! Well done you! Can’t wait to see it. Love and Kisses xx

  31. Joycelyn & Bill Sunday 7 Oct, 2007 // 3:50:34

    Hi Liam
    You have been busy! Can’t wait to hear the new song and to be recorded against such a backdrop – fabulous! MUTD are top of the prem with a 4.0 win yesterday. Ronnie scored two, even with a black eye.
    Lots of love

  32. Rachael Kichenside Sunday 7 Oct, 2007 // 16:04:55

    Hi Liam,

    this all sounds so amazing, heard about what you’re up to the other day. Good luck with it, hope you start to feel better very soon and see you when you land back in mcr
    x Rachael

  33. Laura Almond Monday 8 Oct, 2007 // 9:38:26

    Hi Liam
    I can’t even begin to imagine what you have experienced over the last 2 weeks. The pictures are breathtaking, you are so lucky having the opportunity to see this amazing scenery. I hope that you are feeling better now. Every one is so proud of you, we can’t wait to hear about it and everything you have learnt. Have a safe journey home.
    Lots of Love Laura xxx

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