Haven't read Coastal Passage for a lonnnnggg time.
BUT, of course Customs would be responsible for whatever has happened to this bloke, wouldn't they???? They blame the weather, planetary alignments, food poisoning, gear breakages on Customs!!!!!
I just got sick of the relentless (a) attacks on Customs and; (b) whinging tone to many of the articles. It's like there's a total sub-culture of the cruising community that have nothing good to say. I call them the Knitting Circle.
I mean...really...best lifestyle in the world and they're whinging!!!! I'm thinking of sending a truckload of those xenophobic stickers I see on cars to the editor..."If you don't love it, leave it!!!".
The mag really morphed into a medium for Customs-bashing and conspiracy theories.
Personally, I took umbridge to their attacks. I haven't worked as a Customs Officer for nearly 10 years but my ex-husband is still in the job, so I still hear the goss. My 15 years included 3 years as smallcraft officer in Gladstone, relieving in Bundaberg and being seconded to National Parks. I did countless marine patrols aboard Customs vessels and Coastwatch aircraft.
Maybe times have changed...yes, the marine unit people do carry pieces now
, but my colleagues and I back then were never guilty of the sins The Coastal Passage accuse us of.
Not a mag that I go anywhere near I'm afraid....but happy reading to all those who do.
Happy Saturday all.....I'm going sailing
