Mississippi

Mississippi Mississippi you black river... You have to watch men’s trouble On black lots and tears... Famous black singer Paul Robson sang about her this way. In fact, this river could tell many stories, also about of my sailor’s life... For years our ships dropped here anchors, arriving to load grain for Europe and all world. Some Polish Steamships Co. ships, were loaded here every day, we knew this river how own, because we were more often on her, then on our river Oder. This time I was sailing to New Orleans on m/s "University Jagiellonski”. Longest world river (together from Missouri -6970 km), named by Indians "Father of waters” marked at sea own presence on 60 mil in front of estuary - changing blue water of Mexican Gulf onto gray and muddy. She rolled and settled at the estuary yearly about 211 millions' cubic meters of mud. This material sedimentary yearly shifts estuary of river about 100 meters into the sea, where (at high state) about 51000 tones of water falls in a second? There are places where fresh water meets salt water and creates on 3 - 5 meters depth suspension "Slush” – so dense, that may even reduce speed of ship. "Father of waters” draws own springs Itasca of (460 meters above level of sea) in State Minnesota from outflow of lake. Near of St. Louis accepts tributary of Illinois and Missouri and close to Cairo join the richest in water tributary of Ohio. From this place run of river is moles and variable, she divides onto arms (bayous) and running through boundary strip banks it had spilled. Inches drainage basin hugs 3250000 square kilometers - or 10 times more then Polish territory. Sometimes Mississippi runs 7 knots, but sometimes falls of river arguments, is so small (20mm on 1 km) is exceedingly – then water almost ‘’stands’’, and river is reaching width 2.4 of kilometer. We are sailing between numerous Oil Rigs exploiting of oils fields and gas, as usual in deepest SW PASS entrance of the river. There we are taking pilot to Pilot Town - for one stage about 1,5 hour of navigation this time we sailing to Batton Rouge. On Pilot’s Ladder climbs with trouble fat Pilot. -Fucken shit!!! – We can hear him on the stairs. -Welcome on board - I greet him politely on bridge. -Go to Hell Captain! Why do you have not a lift? - he answers. I have reduced already my 60 pounds weight and I am hardly alive - he adds. From where this Americans have such a fat asses? - I wonder myself. In a few moments Pilot cached second breath, started eat sandwich prepared by cook and recovers better humor. - Do You Know Captain? - he asks - some days ago - here in entrance from one ship jumped into the river 12 stowaways from Dominican Republic. Only one survived – he told newspapers after that how he saw own family eaten by alligators. -Cholera!!! Nice story, I heard that happen often here under the way... - Not very often!!! You know these stupid stowaways escaping to paradise and when they see land can not stay any longer and jump to the water - and there are alligators waiting on them on swamps. - They do not know, that there is not any passage through these swamps... - So how this one survived?.. -When he saw what is happening, jumped again to the water and cached piece of wood and on top of that sailed on bay. Sake of God, fisherman found him. He had luck, because you know who knows this river, will tell you that it’s very small chance to survive... It was morning, and mosquitoes from swamps were biting like crazy..., Cholera – I think - on this infernal swamps lying in ambush malaria and Yellow Fever... At Pilot Town we changed Pilot and together with Pilot entered young boy. -Such a young and already Pilot? - I wondered... -Captain... My Father was here Pilot, and my uncle still is a pilot at Mississippi. - I Know... I know – I heard about, here to join as pilot, one should have Pilot in family... - This is mafia Captain; one should have besides two pilots for recommendations... -Just, I saw once on the river black Pilot’s assistance? -This is truth, he was a one – Federals pushed us to do this, to show that there is not have racism. But this "Gorilla” did not resist long time. -Just because of you – I though - in fact racism exist in this State, where is 52% of Blacks, and probably in New Orleans 70% residents are black. -Captain... As you know history, we white discovered this land, and we were fighting for these territories, and Negroes were our slaves... - I know that, I read Louisiana history open by .R. La Salle'a, who in 1682 year sailed from Canada, then on Mississippi reached Mexican Gulf. Took up this Land in the name of France’s King Louis IV and named Louisiana from the name of king Louis. - Captain, from where do you know our history? You know surely, that this white Frenchmen established here in 1694 year first village. -Of course, but natives were Indians here – I put in.. -That’s why we had to fight with them... and not only with them. Frenchmen always fought for freedom with Englishmen and Spanish. Really in 1817 they united this State. - I Know I read about it, New Orleans was foundered by Frenchmen in 1718, but passed together with Louisiana State in 1763 in Spanish hands, then after that in 1800 came back to France, and France sold him in for United States in 1803 … -Just you can see how much we had to fight, and we brought Negroes here as slaves from Caribbean to work onto plantations. They proliferated so much, and now we cannot manage with them. By the way to New Orleans we passed 13 small ports where were berthed some ships, and on following anchorages were waiting others. Some of them were loading from floating elevators. Traffic on the river was "How on Marszalkowska street”, between ships sailing up and down the river, sailed tugs, motor boat, push-boats with long set of barges. Pilots made an appointment between themselves on "two whistles” or on "one” and they passed starboard or port sides. Yearly arriving here over 6000 ships... Largest may have draft up to 13.7 meter. Turning about sixteenth miles before New Orleans Pilot said: - Do you Know Captain why this turn is called: "English Turn”? ... -Why? -During war with Englishmen, English fleet was sailing to New Orleans and reached to this turn. Here they met Pirate La Fayette sailboats, which laid them that big French Fleet stands below New Orleans. Englishmen frightened and turned back here – and this way New Orleans was saved. -This means. The lies can be sometimes helpful – I joked. -During this times lived also very famous General Andrew Jackson, who in 1815 beat here Englishmen, he used different stratagems and he was bloody hard. Anyway he was well known already 9 years before how lay Dickenson in duel. He defended the best's name of own Rachela. This Dickenson was excellent shooter - from 8 meters located four shots in silver dollar and hit the string. Jackson cheated him, because he dressed very wide coat and Dickenson did not know in which place aim into his heart... First shoots Dickenson: -"Great God, I did not hit him!!!” – shouted surprised, because Jackson of steel stood aimed the gun at him.. Seconds shoots Jackson, everybody noticed that he was bleeding from the chest. His shoes were full of blood..., but he Remained in position and killed Dickenson. Pilot was changed this time on two – of course whites. On Pilot ladder climbed Father with son …. -Hi Captain! This is my son - future Pilot - introduced the boy shaking my hand. - Welcome Pilot’s family – I greeted them with smile. - You Have rights Captain, this is family... , Really good mafia - joked Pilot. We were close to New Orleans; we could see forest of skyscrapers - hotels and offices. -Captain do you see this old restaurant on this cape on port side on Algiers Point? -Seems... very old perhaps has 200 years - so many what United States? -Captain ... This is new restaurant, inside is very exclusive... Americans are crazy on antiques.... Owner of this pub paid one million dollars, only for making this pub older.... You see this roof ... he put old rusty plates? ... - In fact ... You have short history over 200 years, and because of this, some crazy millionaires are taking to pieces castles in Europe and rebuilding them on newly in America. We turned on Algiers Point and in front of us appeared great panorama of New Orleans On the river how during old former years navigated steam side wheelers (paddlers) and stern-wheelers and we could hear from them romantic music, and on decks see dancing pairs.. Cascades of lights brighten up center of city. On the "River Walk” and around of fountains walked as usually many people.... - See Captain how "River Walk” berths is damaged... - Damn it! There is big hole in the berth... What happened? – I asked looking through binoculars.. -Three days drove into in this berth one ship!!! Probably she had rudder trouble... My friend Pilot got a shock – he saw how on ship’s fore deck falling people from promenade "River Walk” - you know there are shops there... He was running forward and calling for ambulance, then on fore deck saw manikins from shop’s windows.. Fortunately nobody was injured... Only berth and few shops were shattered, and ship of course was towed to shipyard. We passed under two bridges, as usually it was looking that stern mast, will not pass – however we had 2 meters of margin - not once young seamen were gathered here I was watching how old Father -Pilot, was teaching own son. - You See Captain my son is young, but this river he knows well - because was brought up on her.. He already worked on motorboats, and now is time to teach him something more. - You Know Pilot... I think, it is fantastic to pass own knowledge and live for son. We berthed to K-2 (floating elevator), and maneuvers done son under vigilant eye of Father. We were anchored on two anchors, mooring ropes were on buoys. Elevator already waited. On shore we could go only by motorboat, of course crew was ready for shopping. -Gentlemen! – I speak before departure - remember, that not long time ago one steward from our polish ship drowned here. He jumped on motorboat, slipped into the river, and he was no more seen. From this accident is issued new office regulation, all crew going shore by motorboats have to wear life jackets. Everybody wore life jackets and twelve of crew went on shore by motorboat. Driver of minibus drove us about one hour on highways to the center of New Orleans - on Canal Street. Here were cheap Greeks & Jewish shops - selling electronics mainly In one shop I commenced bargain a price for lens to my camera. Seller was clever like a fox. -This fellow bargains with me how Polish Jew – I said to colleague. -Tylko nie polski Zyd! (Only not polish Jew!) - Suddenly said seller. -You better watch what you speak, because you somebody will shoot you, her we have Jewish mafia – he worn me. Seems that in this 1.5 one-millionth city were "Our” Jews also- I responded. We walked between skyscrapers, passed some supermarkets, where man can everything and spent evening of course on French Quarter... Here in center of amusement played world’s famous stars... here played Luis Armstrong and other stars of jazz. Here ends yearly parades of "Mardi Gras”. We watched striptease of transvestites and dance on pipe; drunk cocktail "Hurricane” and we had to come back on the ship. It’s dangerous walking here in the night between homeless sleeping on the sidewalks, but we had only to reach our appointed minibus - that is a second face of capitalism. It close to 2300 hours, when motorboat with crew arrived to the ship and all one by one jumped on gangway’s platform - carrying shopping. I waited as last one - watching as usually, everybody safe entered without problems...Finally remained only three of us: I, Chief Steward and Marian – former 3 rd Engineer. - Sailed with us as "Honorable passenger”. Suddenly I saw how lightly drunk Chief Steward jumps onto backs of standing on platform other seaman. For moments I thought that both of them, would fall in water, but other kept strongly the rails.... Passed long second. I could not help them, because gangway was too far... Suddenly scream and splash of water ... -Chief Steward falls down!!!… -Man over the board!!! – I shouted in Polish and English, anyway everybody saw what happened I cached the motorboat searchlight and put on swimming Chief Steward. He was close to rudder; He works very hard to be afloat... He had no life jacket – but I remember that all crew entering on gangway wore life jackets- it probably runes over his head. -Hold on!!! – I shouted to him and I throw him life buoy. Life buoy fell one meter from him... -Fucken shit!!! – The heaving line is too short!!!... Suddenly -I saw life buoys and life jackets falling down from ship’s deck ... The crew was throwing them down. They could not see fighting with strong current Chief Steward... His "Frog style” was bloody quick and desperate. Two young Americans Skippers of motor boat, were maneuvering approach closer to drowning steward, but they were afraid to catch him in motor boat propeller... -Hold on life buoy!!! – I shouted – throwing again same ring. -Fucken shit !!! – I shouted – again too short!!! Suddenly I saw thrown down from deck life buoy... afloat straight onto nose of Steward... He does not see it... - You have life buoy in front of nose!!! – I shouted with my full power. Steward throws hands out with his last power and cached life buoy... Strong current immediately took him in darkness... I run up motorboat, down the river follow Steward, searching with searchlight nervously ... Is he still alive? Suddenly in light something flashed.. - There is!!! Perhaps reflection from life ring!!!- I shouted. -Go there!!! – I passed wheel for American, and concentrated on searchlight. - I have him there is!!! – I shouted happy. -Marian –I said to our honorable passenger - keep him in searchlight, I will through him life buoy. Young American skipper run near and I through life buoy just in front of Steward’s nose... He was holding tightly life buoy with which sailed in darkness. -Catch Life buoy! - I shouted as much I could, because of noisy motorboat engine He caught it... Now he hanged on two life buoys, and I had him on heaving line... Easy, easy –I think- do not break this line. I towed him to boat side. - He is alongside ... Cholera Marian help me to heave up him on deck!!! - Shit! Like this we have no chance...boat side is too high and current too strong. - cried Marian. -Lets tow him to the bow – there is ladder - advised American. On the bow Steward had no enough power to climb the ladder... -Keep me on my legs – I cried. Then we fixed ‘’bodies chain’’ and that way we heaved up Steward on deck. He was trembling from effort and nerves... I took him to the wheelhouse and even it was warm, I asked American to switch on heating, because Steward looks to fall in pieces from shivers... -Now we look for rest of belts and life buoys – I ordered and run again down the river. After ten minutes we found, all life buoys and life jackets thrown from the ship ... Only plastic bag with Steward shopping sunk in front of our bow. When I cooled down, I realize, that I had no time to tell the crew what happened...I did not notice that this action lasted over half an hour. -University Jagiellonski! Captain speaking! – I call on VHF . - University answers – they replayed at once. -We rescued Chief Steward... All is O.K.... He is alive!!! -Thanks God!!! We thought he already sunk!!! In fact you should thank God - I said to Steward, who was thanking me, because everybody speaking, that this was miracle.... So we can see that a miracle happens!!! Captain W. Grycner

M/S "CARE "

M/S "CARE " Finally long awaited telephone from Warsaw has rang: - Sir, this is speaking Polservice, you will join the best ship tomorrow in Rotterdam. She was bulk carrier 38000 DWT, name "CARE" – owned by German. I was completely surprise, because I thought, that I would wait for a long time for this dreamt dollar's contract. I heard short information and of course I confirmed, that I’ll go. - How much do they pay? - asked my wife. - You Know, cholera, that from this nervousness I forgot to ask them - I answered worried. I forgot also to ask, what is the ship, but he said, that was best one. Besides German owner - this sounds O.K. Next day I arrived to Rotterdam, where at hotel I met English Crewing Manager. Crewing office was placed in England. After a long conversation the Englishman was glad, that I speak English. - At last we will understand Chief Engineer, who also is Pole, you will be translator - affirmed dignified the Englishman. At dinnertime sat at our table nice Filipino woman, it turned me out; she goes onto my ship. During conversation I was not told why she had flown from Manila. Latter on I inquired, that this sweat girl was owner of directing crewing agency for Filipinos and she came, because just they were on strike demanding the pay for hitherto existing work. Next day all three of us took a taxi and drove on board. My eyes powerful heap of that scrap appeared to be "Best ship" - I groaned in spirit reminding myself the conversation with "Polservice" representative. The ship has 22 years old and she was horrible neglected. In cabin I met English Chief Officer, who had already packed his luggage. He was very glad to see me, so he embraced me palm saying: - Chief, no problems, only a big problem! He took his valise, and said: -Bye! Bye! And he went down the gangway not familiar me with the ship at all. I appeared in front of white dressed Scottish Captain. - Hello Chief! How good, that you are already on board, you have at once to fill up ballasts - said "Old Man" onto welcome. - Aye Sir! - I answered - I get already to work. I did not know what was waiting for me. Filling up ballasts – routine job, easy thing, so I rang to engine room, to order Engineers fill suitable ballasts, how it is practised in our fleet. Chief, this is not our job, it has been always Chief Officer work - I heard from Chief Engineer, also Pole. I found a carpenter /Filipino/ and I ordered him to measure ballasts. - Chief, it does not have to measured, there are holes in ballasts tanks and they are leakages between them - calmly affirmed carpenter. I rummaged in - /ship was built in Leningrad/, Russian-German - English documents, I drew out plans and I began to bite in two ballast systems. Pumping station was situated in engine room, and through whole ship was mean ballast channel, from which really they filled following ballasts. I got off to engine room and I began to bite into pumping station. On the big rusty box watches showed coefficients, opened air following ballast valves, but unfortunately they could be opened only on board, but not down in ballast’s channel. Ship began to lean out, water was not coming there, where it had been pumped in – valves were stock. I climb up onto deck, and I quickly measured ballasts by myself and I went down 15 metres onto manhole ladder, into valve’s channel running along starboard ship 's side. In darkness, in high one-meter channel, in stinking and oily water I found by feeling cart on rails under water. Slowly, going on pushed manually cart, I lit up torch and I checked following valves. Stubborn springs of valves I hit with hammer this, springs until they were with rumble released. Whole wet and oily, I was crawling 200 meters on cart in the one-meter channel, then I reached exit manhole, climbed on ladder to the deck and again went to Engine Room. Trough next 20 hours I measured this rout, over and over, it was kind of relay race, bloody exhaustive. I was polished, wet, dirty and close break - damned life of bilge’s rat. Did my dollar contract have to look that way? Perhaps I will not hold out and I will give it up. But return home it’s shame, so I compressed my teeth and I continued to work as hard as I could. In spite of huge troubles and all opposites, I filled up those damned ballasts tanks and emaciated felt into the bed dirty. After two days, we sailed away already, and there was no time for meditations, I had to work. All ship was rusted, and engine was spraying fountains of oil and hot water. Everybody was surprised that she is still afloat. We were drifting few days, and repairing engine, but fortunately we reached Norfolk in States. We had to load pet coke to Romania. Our Captain – elegant one, was sipping whisky and didn’t take anything to his heart excessively. Tired, eternally dirty Chief Engineer was weeping every day, that engine would not go further. When we arrived to Norfolk road- suddenly surprise- to the ship's side arrived motorboat with FBI man, and in a moment the "Old Man" called Chief Engineer and me to his cabin. -Gentlemen, please pack necessary things. You have to go with FBI Officer onto land to hotel- informed us stifled and nervous "Old Man". - What is going on? - I asked surprised. - Nothing, all Poles (from communist country) have to be put into hotel, because there is in this port Navy Base – answered armed FBI Officer. - What? Does it mean, that we are arrested? – asked frightened Chief Engineer. - No you will stay in hotel only during ship’s berthing at this port. After loading I will bring you back on board – added Officer. We looked insecure to each other, how can he deceives us, but well, what to do, how authorities order that way, it has to be this way. We packed bundles and we got by motorboat and under escort to shore, leaving the furious captain, with all the problems. The FBI Officer drove us in his car to a beautiful seaside hotel, comfortable with air-conditioning, ten stations TV network, restaurant, disco and a beautiful swimming pool. Summer was in full moon, and lot of guests were staying at hotel. We were informed in the morning that in restaurant and bar we can eat and drink what we wish to, only we have to sign the bills. The FBI Officer said, that we could go to city or where we want, except Navy Base... It’s wonderful - I though to myself - I can live all the time in such prison, that is luxurious holidays, and additionally ship’s salary is paid. In restaurant and bar after few days all bowed us, because we drank only dearest liquors and we signed large tips /pocket money/ for waiters and bartender. The hotel /American House/ was opened for all people and all the time guests were changed. We were spending all days on the beach or at pool, and the evenings at disco. We went to the city to have some shopping. One day arrived to the hotel an American family, with Polish origins. - Oh, you are Poles! – suddenly started to cry old man, close by us in restaurant. In a moment we feasted together, and American countryman boasted, that he is millionaire, who made moneys on packing of potatoes. His seventeen years beautiful daughter, took a liking for herself of me and every day in the morning, she woke up me inviting onto pool. Dad was watching us with approval, on and in conversation mentioned, that he need to have as a son-in-law only Pole. The heart is not a servant, stayed in Poland. The FBI Officer made us “family album”, but he got frightened, when we began to photograph him also. He transported us with pleasure by own car, where we only wished ourselves, but not to Navy Base and he was very friendly at all. He told us once, why they take Poles and all of seamen from communist countries to the hotel. Once upon a time, when it was not under restriction yet, our seamen were returning after drunk to the ship, they missed the way, and reached the Navy Base. They were walking dikes long after navy ships, wanting to tour them, until somebody did not realised himself, about type of excursion. Terrible hum made himself, they were recognised as the spies and jailed. Latter the matter of “spies” was explained, and they were free, but from this time greater rigours were introduced, which pleased us personally very much. On removals from the FBI Officer’s" Family album”, I recognised some friends from Poland, apparently we were not only one experienced American hospitalities here, resulting from this rigours. We spent in hotel one week, it passed like lightning and FBI took us with his motorboat back to the ship on the road. Our ship was full loaded with coke and waited for us at anchorage. The Scotsman greeted us swear languages, and after that, he added to me: - Chief, get to work, pump up this damned ballasts, because nobody is able to do this. All luck, that ship loaded light coke, which permitted not to discharge all ballasts. Captain tried alone to crawl in valve’s channel to discharge ballasts, but after few hours he gave up entries. American Chief Engineer signed on (according rules) for manoeuvres of entries and exits from port, was paid 1200 dollars. Sitting in the cabin, he pulled whisky and did not look down to machine engine at all. I pumped up ballasts and we sailed to Romania, surprise oneself, that this scrap is still afloat. At sea the "Old Man" received a telegram that we will be sailing on the line to Norfolk. Thunder hit him, on thought that he would work again in valve’s tunnel. I was jumping up happy; will I always have free holidays at "American House"? But company did not like it! From Romania I flew plane onto different ship from the same company, where Captain /German/ sack off German Chief Officer, because he was lazy and he was eating too much. Shit! No more holidays - I thought, and now I should stop eating. Captain. . Włodzimierz GRYCNER

Berber’s Belly Dance.

Berber’s Belly Dance. S/s "Białystok" was laying up since a couple days in Casablanca. It was 1969 and I was 2nd officer at that time. Once free of duty I decided to recognise the night life of this beautiful city. The guide, a small Arab conducted me to a night club, where Berber’s girls were dancing “Belly Dance”. We took a seat at a modest corner and had a beer, just because there were only 5 dollars in my pocket. On the floor were dancing beautiful, longhaired girls. They were dressed stingy, on bust small golden blocks, on hip wide golden belts, and of leg covered delicate muslin. Round parquet floor sat excited Arabs. Suddenly among them I saw the American keeping in hand bunch of dollars. He was sitting close to an Arabian white dressed "Sheikh" with bunch of drachmas in hands. They were in competition... "Sheikh” gone out onto parquet floor and put - notes for belt of dancer, and American stuck dollars to girl’s forehead. Girls sold themselves by auction this way, and they were dancing just like in trance. At the moment I heard Arab shouting at the American: - Where are you from? The answer was amazing: - From Warsaw. It shocked me. From Warsaw? From where does he have so much money? I got up and approached to him, patting from back into arm and said: -Cześć Koleś ! ( Hi man !) His answer surprised me once more: -“Cześć Koleś trzymaj się ramy, bo spadamy” (Hi man , hold on frames, because we are falling down). These words could know only Warsaw citizen... We threw ourselves into arms and I asked him: - What do you do “Old Man” here? - I am drinking. My wife owns so many factories, that I cannot lose it... - Never mind. I can help you. I sat down between the "Sheikh" and the American and we commenced to reduce fortune of his wife. In track of conversation it came out, that American was Polish origins and he has not seen country from 30 years.... He was really glad to meet a countryman. Beautiful Berber’s girl was still dancing in front of us. For a while I felt myself horrible poor between these rich men. Suddenly a great idea came to my mind, I drew out five zloty coin, I entered how they onto parquet floor and I put her for golden block on bust of dancer. Surprised our aluminium 5 “golden” with fisherman drew out and she took them onto tooth, in order to affirm, whether it was silver one. She began sweat around and asks how much this is dollars. Nobody could answer her this question. Finally she came to me... -Listen- I said – if you exchange tomorrow you will exchange this coin in bank, you will get 50 dollars... instead. Of course this coin was worth only few cents. At once she began to dance only for me, I gave her 50 dollars per dance, when the rest only 10 dollars … I did not have five-zloty coins more, so I started to strike intensely, what here " turn inside out ". They sold themselves by auction Sheikh with American further. I thought, how to bit them ...then I reminded myself about Polish Steamship Company marks into valve, which I had in pocket. I got up and I honoured my dancer putting the mark between her breasts. It made her astonished again and she was asking everybody around what is this. Because again nobody could explain her, so she asked me once more. I explained her that I am a ship owner, and this is my owner’s sign and from today she can travel on my passengers' ships free of charge, everywhere she only wish to go. This I pierced all of them!!! She was delighted and she was dancing now only for me... "Sheikh" got himself nervous; American was laughing like a crazy.... In sure moment she tore out herself a black long hair, she wraps upon a cigarette and she gave me. "Sheikh" explained me that this is a Berber’s sorcery and then when I light this cigarette with hair I will fall in love with her till the end of my life. I lighted the cigarette, but I threw out the hair just in case it might be the truth. Certainly I am not superstitious, but on Fridays I hate to sail, and when I will see nun, or black cat crossing my road …I come back to home. Suddenly drunk already the American began to dance on the floor and girls ran away. Between Arabs murmur of discontent passed- men do not dance here. This game could bring bad result and become dangerous. When I was trying to pull down him from the floor, not successfully, suddenly into club ... came two policemen. They were equipped with large white sticks, white helmets, and white belts. I thought to myself, that this could be end of the game and soon they will put us into handcuffs... I was not right ... It came out, that the owner of the club called them for our protection. The game was lasting until white morning had come.. But it is another story. For adults only ... Capt. W. Grycner

America

America We arrived to Tampa on Florida at night, like pirates during old times , but M/V "Clipper Eagle” arrived here not to rob and kill, just brought steel from Europe only. Saturday 1st of February, just begins great pirates holiday- ”GASPARILLA”. -Gentlemen! As old pirates - sailing from year’s seas and oceans, we have to participate in this holiday!!!- I said to my crew. We lowered our quick motor pontoon and we came together with pirate’s conquest of the city!!! Around of us sailed hundreds of motorboats, luxurious motor yachts, excursions' ships (sternwheelers and side paddlers), pontoons, water scooters and different floating vehicles. Hundreds of these water vehicles, with pirate banners, surrounded pirate’s big sailboat .... " Jose Gasparilla”. Pirate’s parade lasting!!! Guns cannonade resounds in ears. The side’s volleys from pirate sail boat and answers from surrounded her motorboats, which shoots from installed on decks small guns - battle lasts!!! On pirates deck, masts and yards, in smoke of following volleys, running originally dressed pirates. Between masts hanging pirate – this one apparently was Captain’s Gasparilla victim. On surrounded her boats, also crowds of disguised pirates- sailing together alongside of gulf, and landing on shore, and in battles breaking resistance of natives... Falling following bastions!!! Pirates inevitably coming to center of city- " Down Town” - here is last attack and city surrenders!!! Pirate sail boat " Jose Gasparilla” moors at representative berth. Now pirates take up power in the Town- begins pirate carnival lasting almost month, regularly from 1904 year- this time 93 once. Around of us on hundreds water vehicles dancing naked girls, some one especially showing charm own body - particularly to my camera., throwing to us coral beads and sending kisses... Just passing big motorboat, standing on deck richly dressed pirate scatters " Gold coins” and strings of colorful coral beads (“ glass beads”). We run on our speedy pontoon alongside the berth, on which screaming girls sending us kisses, only sheriff does not pleased, switched on his warning horn on his patrol boat ordering us to slow down speed. Now pirates coming onto streets of city – lasts street ceremony. Commencing Pirate Parade on towed on platforms Pirates Boats. Again Pirates throwing "Gold Coins” and coral beads... Plastic corals beads (worthless), but to get them people screaming; girls showing bust, and get down on knees begging... People shouting: " Beautiful Princes! King 's Son! Throw me pearls and gold”!!! In the evening the sky flashing in beautiful fireworks, on the streets dancing pirates... In Down Town, on six stages exchanging musical bands, playing to the white morning. It lasts also cultural festival, sport competitions, street runs and many different others entertainments, many games for children and special children pirate ceremony. And all of this, in order to play and enjoy the live!!! How the legend said Jose Gasparill (well-known arguments as Jose Gaspar), was born in 1756 year in Barcelona. He was King’s officer in Spanish fleet. He revolted together with crew, stool King’s treasures and escaped with King’s ship. Then next 30 years he plundered ships and western coast of Florida. His base was on islet " Gasparilla Island”(Boca Grande) not far from Fort Myers. Legend tells that during one attack, pirates captured Spanish Princes and English beauty, who after that felt in love with one from pirates name Batista. Captain allowed them to run away from pirate ship and after that Batista married English beauty on her of native land. On 21st December 1821 year finished good luck of Gasparill. He attacked sailboat, thinking that this is trade ship, but it was navy ship S.S. " Enterprise”. S.S. Enterprise allowed to come getting ready Pirates close about 500 yards and fired all sides cannons, doing sieve from Pirate’s boat. Onto bow of sinking Pirate’s boat climbed captain Gasparill, then tied himself with anchor chain and he jumped at sea shouting: "Gasparill can be killed only from own crayfish, not from crayfish of enemies ” !!! His 21 comrades were rescued and latter hanged in New Orleans. Only one (Juan Gomez) was not hanged, because was too young for hanging. Juan (ship’s boy) was after that working as a fisherman on south coast of Florida and was known there as Panther Key John. He knew where he was buried (not far from estuary of river Alafia) one from pirate treasures (11 millions' dollars in gold and jewelers). He showed this place for two friends and that how began two millionaires fortunes on Florida. On evening 3rd of February we sailed to next discharging port -Mobile in Alabama State. -Captain! You arrived exactly on carnival street parade - pilot said - today we begin two weeks holidays, "Mardi Gras” -or ‘’Fat Tuesday’’ (before Ash Wednesday and fast, one should eat up to full). -We have in Poland "Fat Thursday”- I boast, but I knew, that we do not make parades from this reason. After mooring agent transports free from work crew to "Down Town” in heart of carnival. Schools orchestras march in parade, and funny dressed class friends dance into rhythm of carnival music. In front of us passing colorful platforms, showing fantastic world, on one of them even stays small Eiffel Tower - once ruled here Frenchmen. From these vehicles, beautiful dressed up "Princesses” throwing coral bead. I catch some coral beads (once even from smiling policeman). Dressed into coral beads we feel in carnival we fall in rhythm dance. I have my old video camera as usually and I am doing my movie. In front of camera beautiful girls kissing my amused sailors. Crowd dancing singing, girls screaming, in the air flying coral beads and different presents. Everybody fighting for flying presents and dressing into coral beads. Horse Police watching, this time smiling. Parade lasts two hours and disappear how after hitting of magic wand. Suddenly just after parade appears line of garbage trucks, street watering trucks and garbage men, with vacuum cleaners on backs (looking like Martians). In a few moments streets are cleaned, but empty! Yet late transvestite (disguised like Princes) sending us kisses, but other two black guys fighting on the street and shooting guns. One of them falling down and lies in blood - it returns sadness and daily routine. We hide quickly to bar- for small beer, which barman do not want to sell for "Young”(our youngest sailor), and identification card makes him sure, that ‘’Young’ has 21 years and is allowed to drink small beer... That’s the America... In night we arriving to New Orleans- just beginning of "Mardi Gras”, here famous richest and joyful. In New Orleans we berthed in Down Town, discharging next parties of steel products. One "Mardi Gras” parade passing close by our berth, seldom opportunity to see carnival. Usually our ships loading somewhere far away from center of the town, or anchored on the river. Every day evening (during eight days) through city marching 3 ‘’Mardi Gras’’ parades. In each one participates over 20 colored platforms, towed by tractors. Parades passing the streets during four hours playing instruments and dancing. Disguised Princesses throwing from platforms coral beads... People gather on shoulders begging for coral beads, and girls to get more corals showing busts. On one from platforms we perceive advert: ” POLISH PORK” In parades are mainly high schools and universities - orchestras and dancing girls from classes, there are present also military schools and navy. Between them with burning fires walking also poor fellows and collecting thrown for them coins. Three biggest and richest parades are of course in "Mardi Gras’’ -Fat Tuesday, over million people participates in this holiday. After ceremonies cavalcade of private cars (pick-ups) will travel streets families dress up colorfully. Parades of course are finished on "French Quarter”- in French district. There from balconies girls and boys throwing coral beads to the girls on street, which showing busts, also girls on balconies do not to be worse and also showing busts, for this people screaming and giving them in award prize- coral beads. Games lasts to the morning, around bars open, shows (of course striptease with dancing on the pipe), everywhere resounds musician. Here begin own career Luis Armstrong. It is fantastically, but also dangerously - better not walk outside of strongly guarded district "French Quarter”. Every year here is noted about 450 murders!!! I caught kilogram of coral beads (not showing my bust) -my granddaughters will have some to wear!!! We touch to Houston in Texas, where we have to discharge last part of steel and to load wood pulp, with destination to Rouen. Good luck not leaving us we hit exactly on "RODEO PARADE”.... On the "Down Town” streets, between "skyscrapers” rolls over cowboy’s parade. Thousand cowboys ridding horses and on carriages arrived to Houston parades and on RODEO !!! Some groups arrived with 300 cowboys who have spent over 600 kilometers ridding on horses, and driving 20 cowboys carriages during 18 days!!! Through streets riding cowboys, running cowboy’s carriages and rich decorated platforms with beautiful girls, but here nobody throws coral beads. Marching High Schools orchestras are playing, class girls are dancing, but here main attraction are cowboys of course. They came here to fight in RODEO, riding horses, take the bulls on lasso and tie them, rid on crazy bulls and wild mustangs. Next three Saturdays on RODEO they will drive in mad gallop cowboy’s carriages here on RODEO. Tonight cowboys will meets on great "Barbecue under 300 tents (under each one amuses about 100 peoples) grilling mainly of course big T-bone Steaks. They will drink heavily and dance cowboy’s dances. Also we are invited there, under agent’s tent. We were eating, drinking free of charge and we were amused how old cowboys!!! Between tents we were dancing with cowboys dressed up how on old westerns, everybody arte friendly, girls hang on us, and kissing, of course girls screaming to my video camera. Among this thousands cowboys I saw only few blacks... "Beautiful life spends cowboys”..., but sailors more beautiful!!! There was one more surprise waiting in Houston. One day entered to mess room Mexican boy, left leaflets and invited us to church, offering free transportation to trade center. Crew was happy, because it was very far to the city, and taxi cost lot of money. After supper we were packed to small bus, where already were sitting some Arabs. Our driver said, that for moments we will fall to church, and after that he will drive us onto shopping. We agreed did not know what is waiting us, anyway-we thought- it will be okay in Sunday a little pray. But it was different church, called ”Gulf Meadows Church” - one from this crazy American churches, which non-stop are present in television. In entrance they greeted us warmly "Priest” and parishioners. Church inside was like in evangelical churches- behind of Altar was only big white cross. We were invited to reserved benches, and in moments arrived others sailors from Latvia and Colombia, brought by different touts (guides). Mass began "Show (filmed by televisions)”. Around of Altar played orchestra and sang black and white chorus, all parishioners danced clapping hands into rhythm of joyfully music. Religious song’s words were projected on church walls. Every few minutes from parishioners came out an old woman and danced solo in front of Altar... The Bibles were distributed and brochures in Polish language, Russians got in Russian, Colombians in Spanish, and Arabs in Arabian. Russians additionally got earphones - for translation. Most surprised were Arabs (confessor of Allah), they stood frozen not understanding why they were brought here.?... To run away from church it was not possible, because everybody watched us, anyway how to drive away, when church was far way from town? At last starts to pray "Priest”- he was singing and slowly brought faithful into trance. Everybody around us stood with arms up to the sky, some of them crying, others trembling in trance... "Priest” prayed also for sailors, stated that it is not important what faiths and nationalities we are, this church is international - and anyway we will meet once in the one Heaven... He welcomed us, telling what kind of guests we have today in church, we had to stand up and all parishioners greeted us with applauses, and near standing with hand shaking... We did not know what to do; it was stupid for dance in church. Finally we were standing and shaking together with parishioners, anyway I explained myself, that it is not important in which church man is praying- important is to who... They were praying to the same God, only little different... Suddenly "Priest” said. -Today I had vision- nine parishioners from today's mass will pass a miracle. Then he invited to Altar those whose need help. In front of Altar meets many crying and trembling in trance parishioners. "Priest” singing and praying touched their heads, and they fell onto floor... Lucky for them, in second row behind them watched others parishioners, whose were catching them and ling on the floor. This looks incredibly and authentically, nobody could suppose that old grandmothers so good well plays own role. Anyway not all of them fell after touching and also not all were trembling ling on the floor. Our guide explained us, that only deeply believers falling down and trembling. After also "Priest” let himself into trance ling on "Altar” felt in front of him, of course caught in suitable moment by faithful. After few minutes all of them got up and nothing happened to them. If anybody passed miracle? Parishioners returned crying onto own places in benches. "Priest” again was singing with chorus (Alleluia) and starts inviting us for touching – maybe he wanted put us on the floor? In this moment our guides and parishioners tried to push us in front of "Altar”. Here were severely disappointed, because nobody from international sailor's group did not from move from seats- absolutely refusing... Commenced Holy Communion - it was distributed on trays "Wafer”(fragment of cake) and glass of wine. Everybody together with "Priest” have commune, "Wafer” and drunk wine. Now starts culmination of dance and sings, melodies rhythmic and funny, and faces of parishioners were radiant with joy. Everybody was perfectly amused exchanging hand shaking and kisses. It was for sure that this mass made this peoples happy!!! At last for the end between sitting rows make circles basket, in which we also put some dollars. "Priest” once again said what international guests international we have today in church and added, that he prays, this church could be for everybody, and parishioners cooked us big ovation again. At entrance were ling free of charge different brochures and religious videocassettes. All mass lasted not few minutes (how said on beginning our guide), but two hours. Anyway after that he drove us onto shopping’s and after madness in big store, took us back onto the ship. Next day you could hear on the ship " Alleluia”!!! We are sailing again, only loading wood pulp in Pascagoula (Mississippi) and Wilmington N.C. and to Europe - to home!!! Everywhere is well, but at home best!!! Captain W. Grycner

MOJE KSIĄŻKI

MOJE KSIĄŻKI Jak to się stało, że zacząłem pisać książki? Zawsze zazdrościłem pisarzom, że potrafią pięknie pisać. Zazdrościłem mojemu przyjacielowi kmdr Eugeniuszowi Koczorowskiemu, że ma na poddaszu w Sopocie piękne atelier, gdzie maluje cudowne obrazy i ma bogate morskie zbiory. Na dodatek napisał 30-ci morskich historycznych książek, które ilustrował swoimi rysunkami. Kiedy zapraszał mnie do swojego atelier na poddaszu swojego domu w Sopocie, malował i cudownie opowiadał historie o swoich podróżach po świecie. A ja rewanżowałem się mu swoimi przygodami. Często wyjeżdżałem od Niego z podarowanym przepięknym obrazem żaglowca na morzu, a malował cudowne Clippery pod pełnymi żaglami. No, ale żeby być malarzem, pisarzem – trzeba mieć talent! Ale przecież ja od lat pływając zbierałem pamiątki z całego świata, tylko nie miałem gdzie tego godnie prezentować. Aż wreszcie po trzyletnim pływaniu u niemieckich armatorów, kupiłem dom, w którym był duży wolny pokój. Tu będzie moja Tawerna, tak postanowiłem. Przyjechał Gieniu Koczorowski i posadziłem go na środku 30- metrowego pokoju i poprosiłem: „ Geniu, proszę namaluj jak ma wyglądać moja Tawerna”. Eugeniusz wziął arkusz brystolu i narysował moją „Kapitańską Tawernę”, a na drugim arkuszu węglem namalował „Dar Pomorza”. Tak to powstała moja Tawerna, dokładnie tak jak namalował ją Gieniu, a pierwszym zawieszonym na suficie eksponatem był namalowany na brystolu „Dar Pomorza”. Przez lata przybywało eksponatów i opowieści. Gieniu przyjeżdżał do Tawerny i przywoził w prezencie następny obraz. W 2019 roku Gieniu odszedł na wieczną wachtę, a ja wygłosiłem na Jego grobie przyjacielskie ostatnie pożegnanie, a w moim domu ciągle przypominają o Nim Jego obrazy. Nigdy nie dogonię mojego Mistrza (twórcy 3000 obrazów i 7000 rysunków), bo malować nie potrafię. Ale, zaraziłem się od Niego i zacząłem pisać książki. Zacząłem opisywać moje marynarskie życie. A jak to się zaczęło? Zawsze coś tam bazgroliłem, pływając opisywałem moje życie na morzach i oceanach, ale nigdy nie miałem odwagi tego wydać. Był początek lat 90-tych. Wracaliśmy do kraju całą załogą z Marsylii. Jechaliśmy autokarem, a z nami jechała dziennikarka Krystyna Pohl. Z nudów opowiadałem Jej moje przeżycia na morzach, aż w końcu wykrzyczała: - Panie kapitanie! To są tak ciekawe historie, że musi pan je napisać! - Pani Krystyno, opowiedzieć to ja mogę, ale pisać, to trzeba umieć – odpowiedziałem. - Niech Pan pisze, tak jak pan opowiada! To będzie autentyczne! A my to wydrukujemy w tygodniku: „Morze i Ziemia”- wypaliła. - No dobrze, spróbuję – zgodziłem się. - Tylko proszę nie więcej niż cztery strony – dodała. No i tak, to się zaczęło! Po dwóch dniach przyniosłem pierwsze opowiadanie. Oczywiście pani redaktor je poprawiła! W sumie w szczecińskim tygodniku „Morze i Ziemia” ukazało się dziewięć moich opowiadań, a moja córka odbierała moje honorarium – na cukierki. Tak się rozkręciłem, że moje opowiadania drukowały także miesięczniki: „Morze” i „ Kurier Morski”. Z „ Kurierem Morskim”, to nawet podpisałem umowę! Kilkanaście opowiadań wydałem własnym sumptem - metodą chałupniczą. W czasie rejsu wydrukowałem je na statku i oprawiłem w okładki z map nawigacyjnych upiększałem malowidłami i zdjęciami, potem je lakierowałem, wiązałem sznurem i pieczętowałem pieczęcią lakową. Czasami schodziłem z taką książką do maszynowni i robiłem tam miedziane tabliczki z dziurkami, a następnie mocowałem je do grzbietu książki. W kraju rozdzielałem te książki, każdą z numerem, a pierwszą otrzymała Krystyna Pohl, którą nazywam: „Mamą Chrzestną –mojego pisania”. Kiedy miałem juz czterdzieści opowiadań, zebrałem je i wydałem swoją pierwszą książkę: „ Życie marynarskie” w 1999r. (drugie wydanie w 2004 r.) Pisząc na statkach, doszedłem do wniosku, że moje międzynarodowe załogi nie znają mnie, nie wiedzą, co przeżyłem i zacząłem tłumaczyć moje opowiadania na język angielski. Drukowałem je po angielsku i rozdawałem różnym załogom na różnych statkach. Moje załogi, okazało się, że były bardzo zainteresowane i proponowały mi przetłumaczenie tych opowiadań na swoje języki. Wreszcie zebrałem te tłumaczone opowiadania i oprawiłem je znowu w okładki z mapy. Tak powstało kilkanaście moich książek, początkowo w sześciu językach: polskim, angielskim, chińskim, po filipińskim (tagalog), greckim i hiszpańskim. Pisałem dalej i tłumaczyłem, aż któregoś razu wpadłem na pomysł i w Nowym Orleanie na Missisipi podarowałem taką książkę pastorowi Christ Garet, który odwiedził nas na statku. - Christ! Mam pomysł, żeby tę książkę przetłumaczyć na wszystkie języki świata. Stworzyć międzynarodową bibliotekę marynarską – powiedziałem. - Captain! No problem! Wspaniały pomysł! W moim kościele są wszystkie języki świata! Przecież to Ameryka! – wykrzyknął. - Bardzo się cieszę! Chciałbym kiedyś przeczytać książkę chińskiego kapitana po polsku- dodałem. - Oczywiście, to można będzie zrobić! Za miesiąc u nas w Nowym Orleanie będzie zjazd 600 delegatów z całego świata, z misji katolickich (Stella Maris) i Domów Marynarza, to ja im pokażę twoją książkę i przedstawię twoją ideę – stwierdził uradowany. Po miesiącu, kiedy byłem ponownie w Nowym Orleanie, Christ oznajmił mi: - Captain! Wszyscy delegaci zaaprobowali twoją ideę. Robimy Międzynarodową Bibliotekę Marynarską. I okazało się to prawdą! Po latach na morzu, koło Kanady spotkałem polski statek, a kapitan na UKF-ce krzyczy do mnie: - Włodek! Byłem u księdza w Kanadzie i dał mi twoją książkę tłumaczoną na wiele języków. Kiedyś w Szczecinie spotkałem marynarzy z moich załóg. - Panie kapitanie! Byliśmy w Indonezji i w „Stella Maris”, zapytano nas: „ Skąd jesteście?”, a potem przyniesiono nam pańską książkę, były to opowiadania w wielu językach. Może kiedyś rzeczywiście przeczytam książkę chińskiego kapitana po polsku?- pomyślałem. Kiedy pływałem 24 lata po Odrze, jako komodor Flisów Odrzańskich, opisywałem ciekawe zdarzenia, inicjatywy i wyszła z tego książka: „Moja Liga-Moja Odra”. Nagle zostałem pilotem morskim i przez pięć lat wprowadzania i wyprowadzania statków na trasie Świnoujście – Szczecin, zbierałem ciekawe opowieści. Nawet w nocy, kiedy wracałem ze statku, siadałem i krótko opisywałem jak było, żeby nie zapomnieć. Wreszcie stwierdziłem, że ponieważ nie ma książki o szczecińskim pilotażu, więc moim obowiązkiem jest napisanie jej. Tak powstała książka: „Pilot morski”. Kiedy wielokrotnie odwiedzałem moje Liceum Ogólnokształcące w Chełmży, pomyślałem że muszę przecież opisać moje dzieciństwo i tak powstała książka: „Nasza Chełmża”. Na morzu opisywałem dalej moje rejsy i tak narodziła sie książka: „Morskie zawirowania”. Wreszcie na emeryturze zebrałem zdjęcia z mojego życia i wydałem książkę: „Życie z pasją”. Postanowiłem też przeczytać i nagrać moją książkę: „Życie marynarskie” i wydałem ją, jako audiobook. Czasy się zmieniają i młodzież czyta książki w telefonie, dlatego wydałem też: „Życie marynarskie”- jako e-book. Wszystkie moje książki wydałem za własne pieniądze. Postanowiłem również nieodpłatnie przekazać moje książki do Morskiej Biblioteki Cyfrowej, którą tworzę razem z Zachodniopomorską Biblioteką Cyfrową w Książnicy Pomorskiej. Teraz kilkoma kliknięciami w Google, można przeczytać i pobrać wszystkie moje książki na całym świecie.

MOJE ODZNACZENIA, NAGRODY, PODZIEKOWANIA

MOJE ODZNACZENIA, NAGRODY, PODZIĘKOWANIA Moje odznaczenia, nagrody, listy gratulacyjne, podziękowania wynikają z mojej pracy na morzu i społecznej działalności. Najbardziej mi miłe sercu jest wyróżnienie mnie przez moje Liceum Ogólnokształcące w Chełmży. Otóż w 2014 roku w Gdańsku w Tawernie „Zejman” podczas wręczania mi: Międzynarodowej Nagrody Conrada „Indywidualności Morskie” nagle nieoczekiwanie zjawiła się Pani Dyrektor ZS Chełmża Janina Nowacka z delegacją. Wystąpiła na scenie z gratulacjami, wręczając mi kwiaty, co wywołało ogólną wesołość, (bo akurat był Dzień Kobiet) i podarowała mi obraz mojego Liceum Ogólnokształcącego w Chełmży, które ukończyłem w 1963 roku. Było to piękne, wzruszające, nieoczekiwane zdarzenie, które jednak miało swój dalszy ciąg. Po paru miesiącach, nagle zadzwoniła do mnie Pani Dyrektor ZS Chełmża. - Panie Kapitanie, czy jak zwykle może Pan do nas przyjechać na uroczystość Inauguracji Roku Szkolnego? - Oczywiście, że mogę! Kocham moje LO i jak zwykle przyjadę - odpowiedziałem. - To się bardzo cieszymy, bo mamy prośbę, żeby Pan wręczył nagrodę dla najlepszego ucznia. - Ok.! Wręczę i podaruję moją nową książkę – odpowiedziałem. -, Ale czy Pan się zgodzi, żeby ta nagroda była Pańskiego imienia? - Oj! Pani Dyrektor, takie wyróżnienie, to się robi po śmierci – odpowiedziałem zaskoczony i zdziwiony. - Nieprawda Pan jest dla młodzieży wzorem i przecież dostał Pan Międzynarodową Nagrodę Conrada, nazywaną „Oskarem morskim”. Ta nasza coroczna Nagroda dla jednego wybitnego ucznia będzie się nazywała się: „Indywidualności Szkolne”. - No dobrze zgodziłem się. Co się nie robi dla mojego kochanego LO! Tak to się zaczęło wieloletnie wręczanie nagrody mojego imienia i spotkania z młodzieżą mojego LO Chełmża. Wybitni uczniowie w różnych dziedzinach, byli nagradzani specjalną plakietką repliką witraża 100-letniej auli LO i moimi książkami. Drugim wzruszającym odznaczeniem jest Medal „Za Odwagę i ofiarność” w ratowaniu życia i mienia. Otrzymałem go od Rady Państwa w 1972 roku za uratowanie samobójczyni. Dziewczyna wskoczyła z nabrzeża w Gdyni do wody, między krę. Nie chciała być uratowana, nie chciała złapać się koła ratunkowego i pomału tonęła tracąc przytomność w lodowatej wodzie. Musiałem wleźć do wody i ją wyciągnąć, a potem nieprzytomną ratować do czasu, aż po pół godzinie przyjechało pogotowie. Przeżyła jak się potem dowiedziałem. Smaczku dodawało to, że o przyznanie medalu wnioskował Urząd Celny, bo samobójczyni była celniczką. Niesamowita historia, którą opisałem w mojej książce. A najciekawsze i niespotykane było zachowanie celników, odwiecznych wrogów marynarzy, nagle zostali naszymi przyjaciółmi. Oczywiście najwyższą moją nagrodą jest Międzynarodowa Nagroda „ Conrady Indywidualności Morskie”. Dostałem ją za długoletnią działalność społeczną, a szczególnie za bycie przez 20-cia lat Komodorem, podczas ekspedycji LMiR po Odrze, zwanej Flisem Odrzańskim. Ta nagroda cieszyła mnie bardzo, szczególnie, że nie można jej było załatwić po znajomości. Na wysłaną w świat moją płytę, na której nagrałem 10 minut mojego społecznego działania, głosowało elektronicznie 50-ciu laureatów. Spośród wielu nominowanych wybrali i mnie i byłem teraz w doborowym towarzystwie laureata –króla Norwegii Haralda V i 100 laureatów na całym świecie. Prezydent RP Bronisław Komorowski, kiedy dowiedział się, że otrzymałem tę Nagrodę Conrada, przesłał mi wieczne pióro podpisane Prezydent RP Bronisław Komorowski i list z gratulacjami i podziękowaniem. Najwyższą nagrodą LMiR jest „Pierścień Hallera”, który 10 lutego 2010 roku na rynku w Pucku wręczył mi Prezydent RP Lech Kaczyński, Marszałek Sejmu Bronisław Komorowski (wtedy też, jako Prezes ZG LMiR) i Arcybiskup Sławoj Głódź. Odznaczonym wtedy stojącym przy mnie był też admirał Andrzej Karweta, który razem z Prezydentem RP dwa miesiące potem zginął w katastrofie samolotu w Smoleńsku. Na „Pierścień Hallera” pracowałem społecznie przez 27-lat, podczas których dostałem wiele innych nagród i podziękowań. Jedną z nich to piękny Krzyż LMiR „Pro Mari Nostro”- drugi, co do znaczenia po „Pierścieniu Hallera”. W tym miejscu muszę wspomnieć, że w moim domu na ścianie wisi 84 odznaczenia, nagrody, listy gratulacyjne i podziękowania. O kilku bardzo ważnych wspomnę. Wielkim wyróżnieniem jest „Honorowy Obywatel Miasta i Gminy Ulanów” i „Honorowy Flisak”. To wynik mojego 24 letniego pływania, jako Komodor Flisów Odrzańskich, podczas których Flisacy z Ulanowa budowali 90-cio metrową tratwę. To wynik moich wizyt w Ulanowie i promowania miasta w kraju i na świecie. Przy okazji pływania po Odrze uzyskałem dyplom Kapitana Żeglugi Śródlądowej. Jako jedynemu Kapitanowi Żeglugi Wielkiej wręczono mi w 2017 roku w Warszawie Nagrodę „Przyjaznego Brzegu”, a na dyplomie napisano: „ Dla Kpt.ż.w. Włodzimierz Grycnera niezmordowanego komodora Flisów Odrzańskich, za Promocję Odry w Polsce i na świecie, na dodatek było to w towarzystwie wiceprezydenta Szczecina, któremu też wręczono taką samą nagrodę, którą odbierał dla miasta Szczecina za regaty „The Tall Ships’ Races”. W 2019 roku z wielkim wzruszeniem przyjąłem nominację Koła Ligi Morskiej i Rzecznej przy Akademii Morskiej w Szczecinie, które nadało mi tytuł: „KAPITANA MŁODZIEŻY” za wsparcie, pomoc i ogromne serce dla studentów Akademii Morskiej w Szczecinie. Udało mi się razem ze studentami AMS, po raz pierwszy w historii stworzyć Koło LMiR AMS i po roku działania mieliśmy już 250 członków aktywnie działających. To wspaniała młodzież. Moje 24 lata pływania, jako Komodor Flisów Odrzańskich zaowocowało wieloma wyróżnieniami i podziękowaniami. Między nimi jest Odznaka Honorowa za Zasługi dla Województwa Lubuskiego, czy Srebrna Odznaka Honorowa Gryfa Zachodniopomorskiego, za Zasługi dla Rozwoju Regionu, czy Srebrny Medal „Za Zasługi Dla Obronności Kraju” – za integrację polsko-niemiecką na Odrze. Minister Edukacji Narodowej 17 lipca 2001r. nadał mi: „Odznakę Honorową „Za Zasługi Dla Oświaty” – W uznaniu szczególnych osiągnięć w działalności na rzecz rozwoju szkół i innych placówek oświatowo-wychowawczych oraz pomocy nauczycielom. Uhonorowano mnie też: „Wielką Komandorią”- Ligi Morskiej i Rzecznej oraz „Honorową Eurolegią” - Ligi Morskiej i Rzecznej. Na mojej ścianie wisi też wielkie wyróżnienie, jako jedynego kpt.ż.w. od Starszych Mechaników Morskich: „Medalem 35 lat Stowarzyszenia Starszych Mechaników Morskich”. To wielce zaszczytne wyróżnienie, tym bardziej, że przecież ogólnie jest znana „rywalizacja” między kapitanami, a mechanikami. Jest też wiele innych wyróżnień, takich jak: „Nagroda Złotego Kompasu”: ” ZA CAŁOKSZTAŁT DZIAŁALNOŚCI NA RZECZ LUDZI MORZA I ŚRODOWISKA GOSPODARKI MORSKIEJ”. Czy Honorowa Odznaka: „SZLAK ODRY”- KTŻ ZG PTTK Oraz Promotor Miasta i Gminy Ścinawa. Są też nominacje: z 2015 roku – Nominacja (Złota Luneta) – Kultura i Sztuka Roku 2014 i z 2020 roku - Nominacja do honorowego tytułu „Ambasador Szczecina”. Moimi najwyższymi Państwowymi Odznaczeniami są: „Srebrny i Złoty” „Krzyż Zasługi”. Natomiast za moją 38-letnią pracę w Polskiej Żegludze Morskiej otrzymałem: - brązową, srebrną i złotą odznakę: „ Zasłużony Pracownik Morza”. Oraz złotą odznakę: „Zasłużony Pracownik PŻM”. Cieszą wiszące na ścianie korytarza do mojej Tawerny 84, odznaczenia, listy gratulacyjne, podziękowania od: Prezydenta RP Bronisława Komorowskiego, od Wojewodów, Marszałków, Prezydentów, Burmistrzów, Wójtów, Sołtysów i różnych organizacji – trudno je wszystkie wymienić i opisać. Wszystkie te moje odznaczenia, nagrody, listy gratulacyjne i podziękowania, były wynikiem solidnej pracy i społecznego działania, co było moim celem w życiu - zrobienie czegoś pożytecznego dla ludzi i gospodarki morsko-rzecznej. Kontynuacją tego mojego działania są: „Tableau PSM”, „Kamień PSM”, Skwer Kapitanów”, „Plac Nadodrzański” i inne moje inicjatywy.

LIGA MORSKA I RZECZNA AKADEMII MORSKIEJ W SZCZECINIE

LIGA MORSKA I RZECZNA AKADEMII MORSKIEJ W SZCZECINIE Jako członek Ligi Morskiej i Rzecznej i ponad 20- letni wiceprezes Zarządu Okręgowego LMiR, oraz przewodniczący Koła Ligi Morskiej w WSET i WSB spotykałem się od lat z młodzieżą. Bywałem też nawet w przedszkolach. Opowiadałem o morzu w gimnazjach i liceach. Co roku przez 24 lata, jako Komodor Flisów Odrzańskich codziennie przez dwa tygodnie opowiadałem o morzu i zachęcałem do LMiR. Założyłem Koło Ligi Morskiej w gimnazjum w Nowym Warpnie, a dziewczyny z koła zdobywały nagrody w Ogólnopolskim Konkursie „Młodzież Na Morzu”. W Białym Mundurze na rynku małego miasteczka Nowe Warpno wręczałem laureatom konkursów dyplomy, nagrody i moje książki. Spotykałem się wielokrotnie z młodzieżą tego gimnazjum. Jednak koło przestało istnieć - kiedy zlikwidowano gimnazjum. Znowu młodzież nie miała, żadnych perspektyw i włóczyła się po ulicy, uciekała z miasteczka. Wielokrotnie Burmistrzowi Nowego Warpna proponowałem, różne sposoby zainteresowania się i zaangażowania młodzieży, ale nie było zainteresowanych. Odnowili miasto, za odzyskane pieniądze z Urzędu Morskiego, ale nie zrobili nic dla zatrudnienia mieszkańców i dla młodzieży. Powstało miasteczko dla turystów. Ale zawsze marzyłem żeby powstały Koła Ligi Morskiej i Rzecznej w uczelniach wyższych. A szczególnie oczywiście w Szkołach Morskich. Wielokrotnie na spotkaniach zachęcałem nauczycieli i uczniów Technikum Morskiego w Szczecinie, ale Pani Dyrektor zawsze stwierdzała, że nie ma chętnych nauczycieli, żeby społecznie prowadzili takie koło. - Przecież ma Pani nauczycieli kpt.ż.w. , nawet oni nie są zainteresowani?- dziwiłem się. - Takie czasy Panie Kapitanie, nikt nie chce pracować za darmo – odpowiadała. Ale był jeden uczeń w tym Technikum Morskim ( Dawid Stanek), który pilnie słuchał i kręcił się przy mnie nieustannie. Zjawił się na Ogólnopolskim Konkursie „Młodzież Na Morzu” i wręczałem mu nagrodę. Potem przyszedł do mnie na „Darze Młodzieży” i obiecałem mu pomóc, dając mu swoją wizytówkę. Aż wreszcie zaczął studiować w Akademii Morskiej w Szczecinie. Nagle z kolegami zjawił się znowu na uroczystości na „Skwerze Kapitanów”. Wtedy to zaproponowałem im spotkanie w mojej Tawernie. Poprosiłem, żeby przyprowadzili z 12-tu kolegów i koleżanek, bo tyle wygodnie siedzi w mojej Tawernie. Zaprosiłem na to spotkanie przyjaciela kpt.ż.w. Lecha Katkowskiego, który pięknie gra na gitarze i śpiewa wszystkie marynarskie piosenki. Oczywiście moim celem było zachęcenie ich do zapisania się do Ligii Morskiej i Rzecznej i stworzenie Koła LMiR w Akademii Morskiej. Nie było nigdy Ligi Morskiej i Rzecznej w PSM, WSM i AMS – a przecież to właśnie tam powinna być! Według regulaminu potrzebowałem siedmiu kandydatów, żeby założyć Koło LMiR. Przyszło ich 12-tu dziewczyny i chłopaki, w mundurkach i spotkanie było fantastyczne, a młodzież kulturalna – wspaniała. Lechu grał i śpiewał, a ja opowiadałem o morzu i Lidze Morskiej. Jedli wiktuały przygotowane przez moją Grażynkę i pili tylko piwko. Śpiewali z nami, a teksty nieznanych piosenek czytali na telefonach. Byli wśród nich Ukraińcy i nawet Egipcjanin (student inżynier mówiący po polsku- nauczyła go nasza dziewczyna). Jeden z Ukraińców z polskiej rodziny zadziwił nas, kiedy odśpiewał pięknie po polsku wszystkie nasz patriotyczne pieśni. Tak ich przekonywałem, że natychmiast postanowili zapisać się do LMiR i stworzyć Koło Ligi Morskiej i Rzecznej w Akademii Morskiej w Szczecinie. Na następne spotkanie w mojej Tawernie zaprosiłem moich przyjaciół sławnych Kapitanów: Rektora WSM prof. dr kpt.ż.w. Aleksandra Walczaka, Rektora WSM mgr kpt.ż.w. Eugeniusza Daszkowskiego, kpt.ż.w. inż. Józefa Gawłowicza i kpt.ż.w. Pilota Morskiego Lecha Katkowskiego. Lechu grał i śpiewał, my opowiadaliśmy. Studenci słuchali zauroczeni morskimi opowieściami. Znowu mieliśmy następnych chętnych do LMiR. No i zaczęliśmy tworzyć Koło LMiR w AMS! Najpierw, jako Wiceprezes ZO LMiR razem z Prezesem, zatwierdziliśmy deklarację założycielską, potem stworzyliśmy nowe legitymacje LMiR AM, potem dostosowaliśmy statut, a na końcu opracowałem ślubowanie. Koło LMiR AMS rozpoczęło działalność 7 stycznia 2019r. Dnia 24 maja 2019 roku członkowie Koła wzięli udział w obchodach Święta Szkoły w Akademii Morskiej w Szczecinie, gdzie ślubowali na sztandar uczelni. Przysięgę prowadziłem i razem z Rektorem prof. dr hab. inż. kpt.ż.w. Wojciechem Ślączką i prorektorem dr Agnieszką Deja i Prezesem ZO LMiR Zenonem Kozłowskim, wręczyłem pierwsze legitymacje LMiR AMS. Razem z młodzieżą ruszyłem do społecznych akcji: zorganizowaliśmy wiele społecznych akcji, takich jak między innymi: „Dzień Dawcy Szpiku”(zebraliśmy ponad 110 chętnych-byłem wtedy z nimi), Zorganizowaliśmy akcję „Oddaj_Krew Challenge” (studenci oddawali krew). Zorganizowaliśmy akcję „Studencka Pomoc dla seniora”, gdzie członkowie Koła robili osobom starszym zakupy podczas pandemii. Z Caritas studenci wzięli udział w akcji „Tak pomagam”, w której zbierali żywność suchą oraz długoterminową dla ludzi szczególnie potrzebujących w okresie świątecznym. W tej akcji udało się zebrać 100 kg jedzenia. Udali się też studenci do Kliniki Hematologii i Onkologii dziecięcej. Wzięli udział w 28 finale Wielkiej Orkiestry Świątecznej Pomocy. Wzięli też udział w zbiórce pieniędzy na rzecz hospicjum dla dzieci i dorosłych. Zbierali i przekazali 18 kilogramów mokrej karmy na rzecz Towarzystwa Ochrony Zwierząt w Szczecinie. Wzięli udział w sprzątaniu pomnika "Tym, którzy nie powrócili z morza" i w kweście na rzecz renowacji pomnika. Równocześnie promowali Akademię Morską w Szczecinie i LMiR w szkołach średnich. Odwiedzili 7 miast, 14 szkół średnich i spotkali się łącznie z 1400 uczniami. Wraz ze mną uczestniczyli w wywiadach dla radia i telewizji, dotyczących działań koła LMIR. Uczestniczyli w uroczystościach „Niepodległość na maszt”, na „Skwerze Kapitanów” i w innych uroczystościach. Jednocześnie przeprowadzali renowacje dwóch nieużywanych i zaniedbanych Omeg Akademii Morskiej, a pomagał im mój przyjaciel Jachtowy Kapitan Tomek Włoch, z którym też pływali na Jego jachcie. Pływali też z Jachtową Kapitan Urszulą Teodorczyk i z innymi kapitanami i na innych jachtach. Organizowali też szkolenia żeglarskie i reprezentowali uczelnię na Akademickich Mistrzostwach Polski w ergometrze wioślarskim. Wzięli udział w szkoleniu ratowników SAR. Udzielali się naukowo, uczestniczyli w konferencjach takich jak np. „3. Ogólnopolski Kongres Kół Naukowych IKONA 2019 i w innych konferencjach. Pomagałem mojej wspaniałej młodzieży, wielokrotnie organizując integracyjne spotkania w mojej tawernie, gdzie planowaliśmy działania, śpiewaliśmy szanty, snuły się opowieści o morzu i zacieśnialiśmy więzi przyjaźni. W 2020 roku Koło LMiR AMS liczyło już 250 członków wspaniałej młodzieży. Nagle sprawili mi wielką niespodziankę: Na ogólnym zebraniu LMiR AMS wręczono mi plakietkę: A na niej pisało: KOŁO LIGI MORSKIEJ I RZECZNEJ PRZY AKADEMII MORSKIEJ W SZCZECINIE NADAJE TYTUŁ KAPITANA MŁODZIEŻY inż. WŁODZIMIERZOWI GRYCNEROWI KPT.Ż.W ZA WSPARCIE, POMOC I OGROMNE SERCE DLA STUDENTÓW AKADEMII MORSKIEJ W SZCZECINIE Przewodniczący Koła Dawid Stanek Walne Zebranie Członków Szczecin, dn. 02.12.2019 r. Brawo LMiR! Brawo młodzież! Dziękuję! Dziękuję bardzo!