#mizzentop

[skepwith]

Why You Wouldn’t Want to Make Love in the Crow’s Nest

A short PSA for OFMD fic writers:

The little platform where Stede and Ed share marmalade is not the crow’s nest, it’s the maintop. There are three tops (foretop, maintop, mizzentop), one just above the lower part of each mast.

The Revenge has no crow’s nest, because it’s not a whaler or an Arctic explorer—and because the crow’s nest wasn’t invented until the 1800s (or reinvented: the ancient Egyptians used something similar, according to Wikipedia).

As you can see in the 1867 illustration above, the crow’s nest was often made out of a barrel, which doesn’t leave much room for shenanigans (though the Swede might feel right at home).

But the most mood-killing part had to be the way it swayed back and forth. Because it was all the way at the end of the mast, every time the ship rocked, the crow’s nest swung like a pendulum. I imagine it felt something like one of those fairground rides you don’t want to ride on an empty stomach.

Not exactly bam-chicka-wow-wow. The tops are a much better choice, especially if your characters like an audience.

That said, it’s your fic, and you should write whatever your little heart desires!

#ofmd #historical pedantry #ofmd meta #mapping the Revenge

[illustratus]

The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805 [2] c. 1905-8

One of a series of five paintings depicting the events of the Battle of Trafalgar. The picture represents the battle between the hours of one and two o'clock when the 'Victory' was placed side by side with the French vessel 'Redoubtable. On the right of the 'Redoubtable is the 'Temeraire' and on the right of the 'Temeraire' the 'Neptune'. It was from the mizzentop of the 'Redoubtable' that the fatal shot hit Admiral Nelson, who exclaimed: "They have done for me at last Hardy." Sails of the ships are in shreds and sailors cling to wreckage in the foreground.

The group was possibly painted c. 1905, around the time of the battle's centenary, and it is unusual in de Martino's oeuvre, as these are the only historical scenes by him. De Martino's contemporaries, Thomas Jacques Somerscales and William Wyllie had both portrayed the event in the 1890s (Somerscales painting c. 1894, in the Government Art Collection). However, it was perhaps an appropriate reminder of one the greatest naval victories at a time when there was rising unease at the threat of war with Germany, and plans to build a Home Fleet.

In 1910 the paintings remained unsold and de Martino sent a round robin letter stating his wish that the Nation should have his 'life of Nelson paintings'. A response was sent on behalf of the King saying he would like to help, but couldn't quite see a way to realise this. On October 30th 1912, following de Martino's death, George V's Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham reported that he had visited the artist's widow at her late husband's studio presumably to view the paintings. Isabel de Martino insisted that the paintings were only to be sold all together. On the 6 February 1913 she wrote to Lord Stamfordham…' I am pleased to accept your offer, about my husband's pictures. From the first, I told you how happy I was to feel that the King would have the Trafalgar pictures… I accept the offer of Twelve thousand guineas for the 7 pictures, the series of the 5 pictures of the battle of Trafalgar and, 1 of the Nile; 1 of the battle of St Vincent.'

George V's diary records that on Sunday 9 March, 1913: 'In the afternoon we went with David & Mary to Martino's studio and his widow and daughter showed us all his pictures.'

Purchased by George V from the artist’s widow, February 1913

#eduardo de martino #art #painting #history #england #france #spain #britain #lord nelson #horatio nelson #cuthbert collingwood #lord collingwood #pierre villeneuve #federico gravina #the battle of trafalgar #victory #redoubtable #temeraire #neptune #mizzentop #sniper #napoleonic wars #royal navy #age of sail #british #britannia #sailors #battleship #george v #captain thomas hardy

[kimmysamaroo]

Today the girls celebrated Divali with their friends at school. (at Mizzentop Day School)

[capecoddaily]

BARNSTABLE –The Barnstable Department of Public Works started a roadway improvement project in the area of Old Craigville Beach Road Monday morning. Work will be conducted on Farm Hill Road, Harbor Hills Road, Mizzentop Road, Red Lily Pond Road and Soundview Road. Improvements include street sweeping, drainage system… .

#Cape Cod Daily News

[temekuopen]

A Return to Scotland - part II

As current Temeku Invitational Champion, Mr. Hanson certainly didn’t need to hone his game and could have continued with the months long celebration, but the allure of links golf pulling at his soul was too strong. The work week officially ended and that meant he would be soaking in all the North Berwick West Links had to offer with 36 holes scheduled. Mr. Hanson and his colleague hopped on the early Friday morning train out of Waverley station Edinburgh, only to arrive at the small seaside town of North Berwick a mere 30 minutes later. The great charm of some of these old Scottish links courses is that they are right in the middle of town, so with but a short 3-5 minute walk off the train, you find yourself seaside at the West Links clubhouse and starter shack. 

While relatively unknown to most American golfers, likely because it is not part of the Open Rota, the North Berwick West Links has a rich and illustrious history. The Club began in 1832, but the course was not a full 18 holes until 1877. It is the 13th oldest course in the world, and 3rd oldest to be played on its original fairways. The West Links is well-known to be quirky and unique, even by links golf standards. Although not quite long enough to hold the Open, it was a final qualifying course in 2013, when the Open was at nearby Muirfield. The back nine is particularly world class and boasts some of the most famous holes in golf, #13-15 Pit, Perfection, and Redan (the most copied of golf holes), along with #16, Gate, which is maybe the most unique putting surface in golf.

#1 - Point Garry (out)

After taking a few warm-up putts, we were off and running. #1 is a relatively short par 4 that is all about the 2nd shot. Luckily, the tee shot found the wide fairway and approach to the back of the green. With the roll of a bending 20 footer, a birdie was had and we were off to #2!

#2 - Sea 

#3 - Trap

Like most links courses, both nines can play dramatically different based on wind direction. We had the wind behind us on the outward nine, and right in our faces on the inward nine. The scores of the day would certainly reflect this, as Mr. Hanson in aggregate over 2 rounds played the outward 9 in +1, while the inward 9 he was +24 in aggregate! Besides the opening birdie, Mr. Hanson’s other scoring highlights included back-to-back-to back birdies on holes 7-9 during the afternoon 18. Particularly notable was the 6 iron he hit on the 502 yard, par 5 ninth “Mizzentop” that end up about 18 inches from the cup. Unfortunately, a poor tee shot meant it was “only” for a 3rd birdie in a row.

#13 - Pit (looking back)

#14 - Perfection

#16 - Gate

#17 - Point Garry (In) looking back

#18 - Home

The back nine certainly lived up to the “hype” as an astounding stretch of holes. Maybe one of the greatest stretches Mr. Hanson has ever had the pleasure of playing.  #11, a long par 5 into the wind “Bos’ns Locker” proved to be a treacherous hole. The stonewall on #13 Pit is not an everyday hazard that is faced in protecting a green.  #14 Perfection requires a precise tee shot, followed by a blind shot into the green down the hill. #15 Redan is the often copied long par 3 that lived up to its reputation as a true test. #16 Gate, offers a narrow 2-part green that is bisected by a giant, deep swale. And that was only after your drive cleared the burn. #18 Home is reminiscent of the home hole at the Old Course as you tee off coming back into town and the clubhouse with cars lined up on the right side. Although not long, it does offer some compelling nuances that only links golf can.

The West Links as a whole, was a wonderfully fun layout. It is the type of golf that every golfer should experience. Apparently, those that rank golf courses agree as it has moved up into Golf Digest’s top 50 in the World. The beauty of the course is that it is wildly fun to play, and scoring can be had if you’re on your game. Yet, the course offers plenty of variety and challenge. I imagine it is a course you would never tire of playing if you played it day after day. I wish I could find out. The 36 holes at the North Berwick West Links was truly one of the most memorable in Mr. Hanson’s golf career. And this most recent trip to Scotland, although brief, only solidified and confirmed his true love of links golf. The day he returns to his spiritual home cannot come soon enough. Hopefully one day, the Temeku Open can also make its way “across the pond”.

[capecoddaily]

Deck: Paving, drainage repairs start May 15thTowns: BarnstableTopic: Public NoticesAuthor: CapeCodToday StaffTeaser: Paving, drainage repairs start Monday, May 15th…Main Image: Thumbnail Image: Body:  From the Barnstable Department of Public Works: The Department of Public Works will be performing roadway improvements on Farm Hill Road, Harbor Hills Road, Mizzentop Road, Red Lily Pond Road and Soundview Road beginning on Monday, May 15,...

#Cape Cod Daily News

[capecoddaily]

CENTERVILLE — The Barnstable Department of Public Works will begin road construction projects Monday in the Old Craigville Beach Road area.Work will include street sweeping, drainage system repairs and new asphalt pavement surfaces on Farm Hill, Harbor Hills, Mizzentop, Red Lily Pond and Soundview roads and is expected to be completed by June 9.Construction operations will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., during which time vehicle access will be restricted to one lane. [...]

#Cape Cod Daily News

[capecoddaily]

BARNSTABLE – The Barnstable Department of Public Works will be performing roadway improvements beginning on Monday. Work will be conducted on Farm Hill Road, Harbor Hills Road, Mizzentop Road, Red Lily Pond Road and Soundview Road. Improvements include street sweeping, drainage system repairs and new asphalt pavement… .

#Cape Cod Daily News