Podcasts about ferries

Six shipbuilders have been shortlisted for the job of delivering the much-anticipated new Cook Strait ferries. This comes after the Government pulled the plug on iReX because of cost blowouts, which was set to deliver new port-side infrastructure and two rail-enabled hybrid ferries. Ferry Holdings chairman Chris Mackenzie won't disclose the names of these companies. "We're not making anything public...we will not announce who the six are, we will be announcing the successful shipyard further down the track." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has set a deadline for the new Interisland ferries. Two new ferries are due to arrive in 2029, and the wharf currently home to the Aratere ferry is set to be demolished within a year to make room for infrastructure that can support the new ships. Ferry Holdings Ltd has initiated discussions with KiwiRail and the Port of Marlborough to understand the infrastructure required to meet the deadline. Chair Chris Mackenzie joined Kerre Woodham to delve into what is being planned for the ports. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon went to war with Trump, then immediately retreated. Live coverage of Donald Trump’s first 100 days rally from Warren, Michigan. // Guest: Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) says Washington is in its crosshairs over sanctuary status. But what does this mean? // Expect for long wait times on Washington’s ferries to continue through the summer.

When Manatee County got rid of bus fares- ridership went up. And it's not the only place in Tampa Bay where more people started taking the bus after fares went away. Hillsborough County made its most popular bus route, from downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida, free for this year, and ridership is way up. On this episode of Florida Matters, Manatee County Transit Division Manager Kevin Hoyt explains why it makes sense to get more people on the bus, even when they're not collecting fare revenue. And, Streetsblog USA senior editor Kea Wilson talks about how other transit agencies around the US have adopted the fare-free model, and the arguments for and against removing the fare box.  Also, if you've driven the recently reopened Howard Frankland Bridge, you might have noticed it's built higher to withstand storm surge like Tampa Bay experienced during the last hurricane season. WUSF's Sky Lebron caught up with historian Rodney Kite Powell on top of the bridge, before it reopened to traffic. Hear how the original bridge, which opened in 1960, was built for a post-war population boom, much like the remodeled bridge is built to handle traffic for Tampa Bay's current population boom. And you'll get caught up on some of the latest transportation news from around the greater Tampa Bay region. Hear why the cross bay ferry is sailing for the last time, about efforts to ease traffic woes on the dreaded I-4 corridor, and how Tampa International Airport is dealing with animal problems. 

KiwiRail admits it may be helping out its competition by reducing its Interislander fleet to two. Aratere will be retired when demolition begins on its decaying dock in Picton late this year or early next, to add infrastructure for new ships. Two new ferries are due in 2029. KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy told Mike Hosking some passengers may opt now to travel with Bluebridge. He says capacity is spread between the companies when one faces an issue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Manatee County got rid of bus fares- ridership went up. And it's not the only place in Tampa Bay where more people started taking the bus after fares went away. Hillsborough County made its most popular bus route, from downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida, free for this year, and ridership is way up. On this episode of Florida Matters, Manatee County Transit Division Manager Kevin Hoyt explains why it makes sense to get more people on the bus, even when they're not collecting fare revenue. And, Streetsblog USA senior editor Kea Wilson talks about how other transit agencies around the US have adopted the fare-free model, and the arguments for and against removing the fare box.  Also, if you've driven the recently reopened Howard Frankland Bridge, you might have noticed it's built higher to withstand storm surge like Tampa Bay experienced during the last hurricane season. WUSF's Sky Lebron caught up with historian Rodney Kite Powell on top of the bridge, before it reopened to traffic. Hear how the original bridge, which opened in 1960, was built for a post-war population boom, much like the remodeled bridge is built to handle traffic for Tampa Bay's current population boom. And you'll get caught up on some of the latest transportation news from around the greater Tampa Bay region. Hear why the cross bay ferry is sailing for the last time, about efforts to ease traffic woes on the dreaded I-4 corridor, and how Tampa International Airport is dealing with animal problems. 

FRIENDS AND ENEMIESIn this episode of The CBP, we discuss the looming threat of a recession in Canada and its potential impact on the markets, including Bitcoin. With economic indicators flashing warning signs and the stock market in free fall, many are wondering if a market crash is imminent. We examine the recent comments from Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, and what they might mean for the Canadian economy. Meanwhile, the ongoing trade tensions and tariff disputes are adding to market volatility, causing many to reassess their risk management strategies. We also delve into the latest crypto news (all garbage), including the recent Bitcoin price crash and what it might mean for the broader crypto outlook (all going to zero). With interest rates on the mind, will we see a bear market emerge, or is there still a bullish outlook to be had? Join us as we break down the latest developments and provide our analysis of the current market sentiment.Join us for some QUALITY Bitcoin and economics talk, with a Canadian focus, every Monday at 7 PM EST. From a couple of Canucks who like to talk about how Bitcoin will impact Canada. As always, none of the info is financial advice. Website: ⁠www.CanadianBitcoiners.com⁠Discord:   / discord   A part of the CBP Media Network: ⁠www.twitter.com/CBPMediaNetworkThis show is sponsored by: easyDNS - ⁠⁠www.easydns.com⁠⁠ EasyDNS is the best spot for Anycast DNS, domain name registrations, web and email services. They are fast, reliable and privacy focused. You can even pay for your services with Bitcoin! Apply coupon code 'CBPMEDIA' for 50% off initial purchase Bull Bitcoin - ⁠⁠https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/cbp⁠⁠ The CBP recommends Bull Bitcoin for all your BTC needs. There's never been a quicker, simpler, way to acquire Bitcoin. Use the link above for $20 bones, and take advantage of all Bull Bitcoin has to offer.

A visit to Sydney Harbor expands Paula Garrett's horizons.

President Trump's announcement of sweeping new tariffs on goods entering the United States from around the world has caused chaos in international markets, and producers have been trying to work out what it'll mean for them. The UK faces tariffs of 10% on all exports to the States. The US is the third largest export market for UK farmers after Ireland and France, according to the most recent DEFRA figures. On average, we sell £68 million worth of cheese, £23 million worth of pork and around £3 million worth of beef to the States every year. Salmon is another major food export. All week we've been visiting islands and hearing about the advantages and challenges of living in some of the UK's most beautiful places. A survey by the Young Islanders Network found the biggest concern for young people in Scotland's islands, is housing – or a lack of it. We speak to people about some of the problems they've faced - and some of the solutions.For communities on the Isle of Lewis off the west coast of Scotland. ferries are essential - and for crofters who have livestock, the ferry service is a vital part of their farming business. However getting animals on and off the island by boat isn't always predictable. In Guernsey, dairy farmers have welcomed a decision to increase the support they receive from the island's government.Firefighters are warning of the 'extreme risk' of wildfires in Scotland. The fire service has issued its third warning this year after fires in hills near Glasgow and in Aberdeenshire. It says after a spell of warm weather there is plenty of dry vegetation which can act as fuel for fires, and is urging people not to light fires outside this week.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

It's what US President Donald Trump is calling Liberation Day in the US today; dishing out tariffs on almost every nation on earth. New Zealand exporters will now face 10% tariffs on everything imported into the United States. How should the government respond? Also, Rail Minister Winston Peters has announced his plans for the Interisland ferry replacements. He's decided they'll be 200m long and rail enabled - but no contracts have yet been signed. Was this an underwhelming announcement? To answer those questions, Labour's health and Wellington issues spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and National's Otaki MP Tim Costley joined Nick Mills for Politics Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An independent review has backed controversial muck-spreading regulations for farms across Wales, but said improvements are needed. Stricter rules on spreading and storing manures have been phased in since 2021, against a backdrop of fierce opposition from the farming industry. The Welsh government says it will implement all the recommendations in the study in full, though some will take longer to deliver. A ban on the burning of heather on deep-peat land could be extended to cover a wider area of England. Conservation groups have called for heather-burning on peat land to be stopped altogether, but representatives of the game shooting industry claim that controlled heather burning can encourage development of sphagnum moss and be used as a firebreak to prevent the spread of wildfires.All this week we're visiting islands and hearing about the advantages and challenges of living in some of the UK's most beautiful places. For communities on the Isle of Lewis, off the west coast of Scotland ferries are essential, and for crofters who have livestock, the ferry service is an essential part of their farming business. However getting animals on and off the island by boat isn't always predictable.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

More than a year after work came to an abrupt halt when the government cancelled the previous mega ferries contract - Picton residents are pleased to hear there will be two new Cook Strait ferries, but they aren't convinced that they'll be any cheaper. It's also still not clear what exactly the infrastructure work in Picton will involve, or when it will get underway again. Samantha Gee visited the port side town.

Labour MP and Spokesperson for Transport Tangi Utikere joins us LIVE to talk about the Government's announcement on the new rail enabled ferries that are apparently going to cost us less, be as good, and delivered post haste...all while they have no shipyard to quote them, or booked to build at this stage.Parliamentary security has made at least one referral to the police in relation to threats against MP Benjamin Doyle, says the Green Party. Doyle will not be returning to Parliament this week following accusations at the weekend of inappropriate language on a social media account.'Splits us into two': Willie Apiata hands over Victoria Cross over entitlements issue. New Zealand's most decorated war hero Willie Apiata had just gifted him his New Zealand Victoria Cross medal to carry to Parliament in hope of having the definition of a veteran changed in legislation.================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Four more years. That's how long we're going to have to wait for KiwiRail's new interisland ferries. But I reckon it will turn out being longer than that. The Government says it will be December 2029. By then, we will have had two elections. But I don't think it will happen in that timeframe, because I listened this morning to someone who knows a bit about this. Mark Thompson's his name. He was in charge of the Government's ferry ministerial advisory group. He reckons the Government is a bit on the optimistic side, thinking the ferries can be here in four years' time. He was talking this morning about decarbonisation within the maritime sector creating huge, worldwide demand for new ships. As he puts it, he thinks the Government will need its spinnaker up and calm seas to meet the deadline, because of what's happening internationally. Spinnaker up and a calm sea. A wing and a prayer. Fingers crossed. Sounds exactly like the way we do infrastructure here in New Zealand, doesn't it? I thought Mark Thompson sounded pretty unimpressed with the announcement. That will be because the Government has ignored his committee's advice to not go with ferries capable of carrying rail wagons. His advice was that ferries that could only carry trucks would be cheaper. But Winston, of course, was all-for ferries that can carry rail wagons from the get-go. So maybe Mark Thompson's nose is out of joint a bit. But I'm listening to what he has to say. Because he's the guy who looked into this whole ferry thing after Finance Minister Nicola Willis pulled the plug on the former Labour government's iReX project. Winston Peters isn't buying any talk about delays though and says the new ferries will be here by the end of 2029. But when you dig further into his announcement yesterday, you see that he's talking about the ferries being no frills, on one hand, but also saying that many of the costs he's cutting will need to be paid for somehow in the future. And these are the costs for the on-land facilities at Picton and Wellington – which he's suggesting will have to be covered by the ports themselves. He's saying that investment is needed at Picton, but he reckons the facilities in Wellington have got another 30 years in them. Again, doesn't that sound so familiar when it comes to infrastructure in this country? “We can get away with what we've got for a bit longer” – the same for the ferries themselves. The ones that keep clapping out. As for the new ships - if we do end up competing with the rest of the world for new vessels because of a global influx of orders, we could end up waiting more than four years. That's why I'll believe it when I see it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conor Pope, Consumer Champion at the Irish Times

The Minister-in-charge has promised Interislander's ferries are safe until our new ones arrive. The Government's announced specifications for two ships - rail enabled and larger than the current pair - for roll out by Christmas 2029. Picton's port infrastructure will be replaced, but money will be saved by modifications and refurbishment in Wellington. Previous plans were canned in 2023, after cost blowouts. Minister for Rail Winston Peters says KiwiRail's given him an overview of the existing ships. "They are very confident that these present utilities are going to be capable of going well past 2029." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OPINION After Sunday's very underwhelming announcement on supermarkets from Finance Minister Nicola Willis, I was a bit worried that yesterday's announcement on the future of the interisland ferries would be much the same. Lately the coalition government has made a bit of a habit of making announcements that mean very little. And to some extent, that's exactly what we got from Rail Minister Winston Peters yesterday. Now first; a bit of background. Finance Minister Nicola Willis cancelled the brand new interisland mega ferries shortly after the election, pointing to the extreme cost blowout. She spent a year working on replacements and late last year we were told she was about to announce her bold new plan. It turned out Winston Peters was made Minister of Rail and given until the end of March to devise a plan. Yesterday was the end of March and up steps Winston Peters. And he seems to have done a good job. Yes, the new ferries will be rail-enabled which KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy said was great news for the public. I think most of us would agree that rail-enabled fairies is the right way to go. The two new ferries are also going to be 200 metres long - a bit longer and wider than the current fleet but smaller than the mega fairies that Nicola Willis cancelled. And all of this sounds great. But there's one big glaring problem. We haven't actually ordered these ferries. This was Winston Peters confirming what the government wants to buy. It was an announcement of a shopping list, not a contract. It's an announcement of an announcement. My biggest problem here is that our existing fleet of three ferries, which have broken down, run aground and lost propellers, have to last us until 2029. That's four years away at best. And according to the former chair of the Ferry ministerial advisory group Mark Thompson, that might not be possible. He says that is an ambitious timeframe. We still don't even know exactly what the ships are going to look like and who's going to build them. We also don't know how much these replacements are going to cost. And keep in mind we have to pay the contract break fee for the mega ferries. And there's one other concern I have. What happens if next year there's a change of government and a new government changes the plans again? Ultimately we need to rely on these ferries lasting until 2029. Yes, we've had a good summer with no breakdowns. But history tells us there's a lot of water between now and 2029 that these old ferries have to cross. And these old girls are getting older not younger, and they are certainly not without their issues. For me this is still a case of wait and see. I can tell you it's definitely not the plan I expected to come out yesterday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the future of the Cook Strait ferries becomes clearer, some are lamenting how long it's taken. Two new road and rail-enabled ferries and port-side infrastructure will be ready by late 2029. Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Todd Valster says while the cost isn't public yet, he's happy they will be rail-enabled. He told Andrew Dickens the delays haven't given people confidence. Valster says the previous Government's plan took ages to put together and there's been more delays as this Government's plan has emerged. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister-in-charge has promised Interislander's ferries are safe until our new ones arrive. The Government's announced specifications for two ships - rail enabled and larger than the current pair - for roll out by Christmas 2029. Picton's port infrastructure will be replaced, but money will be saved by modifications and refurbishment in Wellington. Previous plans were canned in 2023, after cost blowouts. Minister for Rail Winston Peters says KiwiRail's given him an overview of the existing ships. "They are very confident that these present utilities are going to be capable of going well past 2029." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for Rail Winston Peters is expected to finally reveal his long-awaited plan for Interisland ferry replacements today - but will we see the full details of the new ferries? Also, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is seeking advice on whether the supermarket duopoly needs to be broken up. Is it likely we'll see decisions on the grocery sector soon? To answer those questions, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Rail has confirmed a much-anticipated announcement on Interislander ferries is days away. The Government pulled out of contracts for two new ships in late 2023, citing cost blowouts, and are yet to announce the alternative. In December, it was promised Winston Peters would announce a solution by the end of March - which is Monday. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls speculates as to whether or not there'll be an update tomorrow - and what we can expect. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Fiona, Marlene, and regular guest Lynne as they dive into the most pressing topics in Scottish and Westminster politics. From Labour's disastrous welfare cuts and the ongoing battle over PIP (Personal Independence Payments) to the Scottish Tories desperate attempts to run down Ferguson Marine,  the trio offers insightful analysis and opinion.  Tune in for an eye-opening discussions on topics as diverse as the dangers of the nuclear industry, the latest Believe in Scotland litterpicking campaign, and Canada's spirited stand against Trump's aggressive rhetoric.  Stay informed with topical chat, thought-provoking clips, and expert commentary on current events shaping our world today. Chapters: 00:00:53  Nicola Sturgeon cleared  00:02:16  Decolonising Scotland 00:08:41  Lorna Slater - return of the Deposit Return Scheme  00:11:03  Believe in Scotland litterpicking campaign 00:14:44  PIP - Labour's Poll Tax Moment? 00:16:04  Stephen Flynn calls out Labour's manifesto 00:18:36  What is PIP and who is affected? 00:20:07  Diane Abbot calls out Starmer 00:24:29  Richard Murphy on other options for Reeves  00:27:50  Will Scotgov mitigate PIP? 00:31:11  David Kelly, the nuclear industry's tritium crisis 00:34:17  Graeme Downie plays patsy for Labour  00:36:49  Dorothea Barron, women see round corners 00:38:55  Ferries bad say hypocritical Tories 00:46:33  Reform UK - not what they say on the tin 00:56:53  Elbows Up Canada! #scottishpolitics #PIP #elbowsup   The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?  https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod, Industrial Cinematic by Kevin MacLeod  

Dawn hosts Dina's story about the Ferries in the Ozarks while we drink a Ferryboat cocktail hooch. Follow Us! ozarkshaintsnhooch.weebly.com Ozarks Haints N Hooch on Patreon Instagram and Faceboook - @ozarkshaintsnhooch Contact us! OzarksHaintsNHooch@gmail.com @OzarksHaintsNHooch is Dawn Larsen and Dina Larsen Gillman

Tomás Noel Searraigh, Doolin Ferries ag labhairt faoin mbád nua atá faighte acu.

Governor Ferguson announced that he will delay the hybrid electric conversion of ferries in order to get ferry service back to where it was in 2019. The House of Representatives voted to censure Rep. Al Green for his antics during Trump’s speech on Tuesday. // President Trump announced that he will delay tariffs with Mexico on USMCA goods until next month. A Canadian delegation from Alberta is coming to the United States to discuss becoming the 51 state. // An illegal immigrant from Mexico was indicted for child sex crimes in Snohomish County.  

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 5th of March, things were moving quickly this morning regarding aid to Ukraine and a possible peace deal, so Jimmy Rushton joined out of Kyiv to give the latest. Winston Peters talks ferries, the Chinese, and his new Mongolian horse. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss gangs running prisons, Wellington water and MPs' credit card expenses on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's push back on the cost of the Government's broken ferry deal. Hyundai is back in the running to build the two new ships after the coalition canned its original contract in 2023. Documents indicate the Government's set aside $300 million to cover that broken agreement. It must be paid regardless of a new deal. Rail Minister Winston Peters told Mike Hosking the issue's being considered in negotiations, but disputes the cost. He says the real cost is far lower, and it's an appalling situation and shocking decision he's had to deal with. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Hyundai is back on the table for a potential Cook Strait ferry deal, Winston Peters is reiterating his view that the previous deal wasn't a good one. The Government set aside $300 million to resolve all exit costs for the deal. Peters says the idea that breaking the previous deal with Hyundai alone will cost $300 million is 'just wrong'. "We cannot afford this blowout in costs for both the ferries and the infrastructure that went with the ferries that were ordered. It costs us way less than $300 million." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes new Cook Strait ferries will be rail-enabled. Minister for Rail Winston Peters is promising more details by the month's end. He's confirmed Hyundai - the company whose ship and infrastructure deal was dumped by the Government - is in the running for a new contract. The break fee on the original canned deal is $300 million. Maritime Union national secretary Carl Findlay says the cancellation was silly. He explained getting world-class builders to make the ships as close to the original plan would be ideal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(music) I(5 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(music) (10 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(no music) (10 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(no music) (5 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(no music) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(music) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(no music) (5 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(no music) (10 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(music) (10 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(no music) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(music) I(5 hours) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

(music) #1295 Ferries & Blind Dates - Let me bore you to sleep (2nd March 2025) by Jason Newland

A tale of firsts, set on a rainy camping trip, among young friends.Based on a post by Josh stone, in 2 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at My First Time. They stood in the dunes, feeling the sensation returning slowly to their clammy bodies. She grasped the two ends of the massive sheet together, behind his shoulder blades.Then she stood up on tiptoes slightly, and his thumbs slipped slightly into under the elastic of her pants. She gave a sigh, relaxing into his embrace, and he instinctively pushed her wet knickers down, feeling as they rolled over on themselves as they slipped down her ass. He followed by pulling her wet tee shirt up over her shoulders, where she tugged it over her head, and tossed back by the bags.She stepped carefully one leg out of the wet panties, returning to the warmth of his arm and pulling him even closer as she did so. Her gentle murmur as his hands felt the shape of her hips and thighs spurred him on, piquing his interest in this new adventure, this new and unusual setting. The absence of wet fabric quickly allowed her pelvis to dry and her body warmth gradually increased. But His wet boxers were still a problem.Intimacy in the open air.Their bodies relaxed into one another as they dried out within their towel, and he felt her goose bumps disappear from her legs. She pushed his boxers down, allowing their bodies to have full contact as they warmed up together. She lifted her head towards him, and they kissed for the first time since they had left her tent. He felt a sudden jolt of passion as her free hand reached down his belly and holding his contracted and rippled sack of balls. She continued to fondle his sack gently, and felt warmth return to his crotch. He was glad she wasn't giving attention to his shriveled wet pecker, which would need much more warmth an blood flow, to resume even a normal flaccid size. It wasn't even worthy of being called a cock, when shriveled this tiny. He was preparing an embarrassed explanation for his tiny tally whacker, but it was welcome surprise for him that the awakening of his desire to know every intimate corner of her body, to feel his release at her demand and within her. Had somehow convinced his unconscious brain to re=prioritize rations of blood flow and retention to his promising phallus.His hands reached her breasts, feeling her nipples hard once more. She moaned as he rolled one between his finger and thumb, the bottom of her breast cupped in his hand as she massaged his balls. Her warmth and dexterity both relaxing and tensing him in turn. They both felt as his cock stirred to her touch, her other hand released the towel and surrounding his shaft, as he swelled.They stopped to spread the picnic blanket from her bag on the gentle hill of the dune behind them. They found a slight ravine where they could recline and be somewhat concealed by the several dunes, in every direction.She beckoned for him to join her as she lay on her side, and he lay beside her. Hands were on hips, and kisses deepened. It was as though they were again cocooned in her tent the night before. They were completely warm suddenly, the coastal breeze seemed to pass over their heads and they enjoyed the refuge of these sand ravines.Both were deeply turned on by the range of senses that had been awoken. Her breath began to quicken as she felt his erection press against her mons. She bent her upper knee and planted her foot to rest, creating an open crotch for him, and he felt as her body tensed slightly when his fingers wandered towards her most private place.Trying not to spoil a moment she had been enjoying so much, she had hoped he would not notice her anxiety, but knew all too soon that he had. Their kiss ended, his hands moved reassuringly to her shoulders, following her lead."Nigel; I've never," She whispered. "I'm. I am enjoying this so much. But I've never done this before" Her face flushed red as she revealed this most intimate truth to the man she had only really met 24 hours ago.He put a hand gently to her face, looking into her deep brown eyes. "Libby; This is new to me, too." He confessed. "I really have no conscious idea what I'm doing. Our bodies, though, seem to be working in a magical sync, like they've done this since the dawn of creation." Wry smiles grew on both of their faces as the reality of the situation dawned."I was so nervous I would mess things up, I really like you" he said eventually. "I want to explore with you"."Me too" she replied "You've been giving me such pleasure, I assumed you had been with loads of people before.” They kissed, then she added' “I want to learn what makes you feel good".And so began a time of great learning for both of them. Their inhibitions lifted as they allowed themselves to be honest, to open up, to allow their most deeply-held feelings out to one another.She traced every inch of his rippled, lean torso, feeling his ribs rise and fall calmly before circling his navel, running her fingers through his salty hair, his pubic hair. He guided her as she stroked his cock, exploring it carefully with her eyes as well as her hands. She felt as he neared the brink of orgasm; then brought him back from the edge with his words helping her to understand this most secret of connections. She kissed him tenderly, on his arms, his chest, his cock, her lips gently enveloping the tip, tasting his precum, feeling him harden in her mouth. She licked his length, learning how a change of pace or pressure affected him physically, hearing from him what felt good. It was beautiful for both of them, a symbol of trust, and a marker of a new chapter in their lives, their relationship. This was not simply about orgasm, about release, it was also about connection. He was not ready to collapse, not yet. So he withdrew from her mouth, telling her about how sensual it was, how much pleasure she had given him.He felt her hip bones with eager hands, brought hands to her ass, felt the way textures changed. He put his hands on her thighs, felt as she moved onto her back, her legs opening, relaxing. He felt the softness of her inner thigh, how it became softer and softer as his hands neared her groin. She told him how much she wanted him to touch her, showed him how to touch her clitoris. He felt her wonderful heat again as his finger, wet with her moistness, explored delicate folds of skin. He had never seen a woman's vagina before, not in real life. He saw the way her labia darkened as he touched her, felt as her clitoris seemed to retract and then harden as she touched him. She was so open to him, so relaxed, her breathing deep and her chest was rising visibly. As he placed a finger at the entrance to her hot moist cunt, she groaned, urging him to explore inside her. His finger slipped more easily inside than he remembered from last night, her legs rising slightly as he felt her vaginal walls envelop his hungry finger. Another finger slid inside, and she told him to move them against each other inside her. As her hips rose further, she pulled her knees to her chest, and he felt the strong muscles at the entrance to her cunt open up, encouraging his fingers, deeper and deeper. He felt more horny in that moment than he could ever remember feeling before, as he saw her bulging vulva, wet with excitement, and so clearly trusting him to give her pleasure.She was nearing orgasm, her breaths were shallower and her guidance less necessary. It was so exciting to be outside together. He was desperate, suddenly; to be even more intimate. He dipped his head between her legs and gingerly licked her clitoris, trying to emulate what his fingers had done at first. His fingers were still deep within her, and he felt her tighten around him as his tongue began to explore her tiny nub. She guided him once more, telling him to lick around her inner labia, her clitoris too sensitive to be the sole focus of his attentions. He saw as she began to play with her nipples, felt her reach for his cock.But she surprised him. Instead of stroking him as before, she moved her body round, lying flat on her back and taking one of his legs and pulling over her torso, then sliding up so her cunt was directly under his mouth. Then she put her hand behind his head, and guiding it down to her vulva.As he focused on his oral adventure between her thighs, he felt the exquisite feeling of her taking his turgid cock in her mouth; as he licked her clitoris.It was the softest and most stimulating thing either of them had ever felt. There was absolute trust in both of them as they pleasured each other, her tongue and lips winding around his cock, as hard as it had ever been.His tongue licked her whilst his arms wrapped around her ass, and his hands parted her labia, feeling her wetness combined with his saliva running down his hand, between her legs and between the cheeks of her perfectly-formed ass.She felt as he inserted his fingers once more, and he felt as her cunt began to ripple, to contract around him, her panting building to a crescendo as she took him deeper into her mouth. They were in a sort of magical rhythm where both tension and a deep calm overcame any inhibition that might have previously existed.His fingers squirmed as her spasms grew, she felt wave after wave of pleasure dominating her body.“Oh, Nigel! Oh, Nigel. You're Amazing!” was heard by the birds in the area, but no one else. As she was in her climatic bliss, his ability to hold back got weaker and weaker. He felt as the crown of his cock felt a soft place in her mouth, the warmth of her kisses overwhelming him. He felt as his balls contracted, felt as his orgasm built, not immediately like when he touched himself, but almost in slow motion. And then it arrived.“Libby, here it comes, ah, ah!” he shouted.He exploded in her mouth, releasing a guttural, almost primal shout as he came. She felt as he pulsed between her lips, tasted his semen for the first time.“Oh, my fucking gawd, Libby!” You're a sex goddess, baby!” He finally declared.They held each other tighter in that moment than they had ever held anyone before, her nails digging into his thighs as his tongue gently lapped at her opening.It was only after the sun began to come out that they moved from their embrace, his cock now soft, and his head resting on her thigh. She turned her body round so that they could kiss each other's mouths, and both could taste each other, the salt of the sea, a relaxedness returning. They lay in each other's' arms as the sun shone, warming their naked bodies in that most beautiful of settings. And they knew that the next week would be one of further exploration, of firsts for them both. Nigel and Sonia, Homeward Bound.The journey back to London was long and tiresome. Ferries, trains, carrying heavy packs. Libby bailed on her girlfriends and rode back with Nigel. This gave the new lovers some endless hours of private conversation and further cemented their bond.He told her of his empty house, his parents away until Tuesday. Would she like to come and stay?She immediately accepted his hospitality.By the time they had got in, put a wash on, eaten takeout, and had a shower, they were spent. Eyes closing and ready for bed. This felt different to being away, and they were now even more nervous somehow.“Have I satisfied you, Nigel?” Libby asked as they completed the late meal.“And then some, Libby.” Nigel admitted. “ I honestly need to give my sore cock a break til morning, if you can allow me?”“Oh, thank God!” My poor cunny is stroked and licked raw, and reamed out by the greatest lover in all of the British empire!” Libby finally expressed her relief.And so they both fell quickly into sleep, lying in each other's arms, tender kisses and good nights. Tomorrow would be another day. But he awoke sometime early in the morning, as she shifted in her sleep and he felt differently in his half-slumber.His hands moved slowly on her warm skin, feeling her muscles completely relaxed as she slept deeply, the sound of her deep breaths synchronized with his own. Only semi-conscious, he moved instinctively, his mind still foggy, somewhere between consciousness and slumber. The tips of his fingers reached round and down, holding her thigh ever so gently, tiny hairs the only contrast to her smooth, soft skin as he ran them along her body towards her body. As he felt her flesh draw inward, her softness giving way to the strong muscles of her groin, he rotated his wrist, pushing his hand down the front of her thigh and gradually down to her knee, noticing the change in texture as he reached her kneecap. A long breath, followed by a deep swallow.He became more conscious as he squeezed her leg ever so slightly, cautious not to awaken her, seeking more feedback and releasing a little tension. He trailed his hands back up her thigh, reaching around the outside to trace her hips, stopping where his skin met the cotton of her underwear. He felt the thin band of elastic at the edge of her knickers and followed this with this index finger slowly and deliberately upwards until he reached the front of her body, the point at which it began to curve back inward and down into more intimate space. His palm lay flat on her hipbone as his fingers stretched and splayed, relaxed but inquisitive, and he considered what might come next.She shifted slightly, her hand adjusting the elastic of her waistband, and she muttered something inaudible. He descended back into his dreams, his hand on her under the thin sheets on that sticky summer night.He woke as she shifted her body, her leg slightly bent as she relaxed her hips. His hands held her thigh at their highest point, with the top of his hand feeling the fabric of her panties whilst his fingers sensed the tender skin at the very limit of her thigh. His grip tightened a little as he noticed his heart rate rise, his left hand shifting slightly on the bedsheets beside him.He lay for some time, enjoying the peace and sensuality of the moment, enjoying the memory of exploring her body and his own. He could hear her deep breaths, sense her chest rising and falling, and feel her long hair against his face as they lay side by side, his body slightly turned towards hers as she lay sleeping on her back.His index finger explored her thigh once more, more intentionally than before, and he reached the edge of her knickers once again. This time, his finger felt downwards, between her legs, until he could reach no further. He loved the point where her thigh met her groin, where her skin became covered by cloth, and where he knew she was most sensitive. His finger began, ever so slowly, to feel across the hem and then the soft cotton of her pants. He felt the change in texture as her smooth skin gave way to soft, downy hair under the fabric as it rose from the firmness of tendon to the softness of gently rounded labia. She took one sharp breath. His quickened.His fingers hesitated as he reached the point where her labia met beneath her underwear. He could feel her cleft under his soft touch, and imagined being able to see her, so familiar and yet so secret and mysterious, even after all these months. His fingers followed the line of her slit until he reached the mound above her clitoris. The slight rise of the space where he knew her labia covered her most sensitive place, his finger stopped. He felt as her breathing quickened a touch, or at least he thought so. His temptation growing as she swiveled her hips upwards a fraction, only to relax again a moment later.In the gloom he tried to recall her underwear in his mind. Pale cotton, white, or possibly cream, simple in design with a plain band around the leg, a broader, flat waist-band with a stitched brand name in the same color as the rest. He could just make out the raised letters as he drew his finger tentatively up to the top of her knickers.As he felt her skin again, his palm laid flat against her. He waited. She did not speak or change position, but a deep intake of breath gave him courage, a sign of her satisfaction. Her stomach was warm and flat and the ball of his hand lay on her belly button, two fingers slipping ever so slightly beneath the waistband of her knickers. Nervous of misjudging the moment, he arched his hands, the tips of his fingers moving slowly up her body. He circled her naval, moving in on each rotation until his finger found itself inside and her strong stomach muscles tensed a soft, voiceless sound emerging from her mouth. He was emboldened and turned his body to face hers for the first time. As his hand crept upward, he felt the ribbed fabric of her vest-top. He brought his hand up until he felt her right breast in his hand. Her small breast fitted easily into his hand, with his thumb reaching around to her sternum, then arching over her firmness, feeling her nipple hardening as he did so. As he noticed her hardening, he felt his own arousal growing.Between his thumb and forefinger, he rolled her nipple gently again and again through her top. Her breaths were becoming shorter, and he knew she was feeling the same as he was, relaxed, sensuous and warm. She lifted her top, exposing her breasts in the darkness, and he felt her nipples properly for the first time. They were very small and very hard, rising from slightly puffy areolae, perfectly formed. He could not wait any longer, and brought his head to her chest, licking around her nipples, then taking one lightly into his mouth. He sucked her gently, his tongue exploring the slight variations in texture between her nipples, her areola and the skin surrounding them. He brought his other hand round and caressed her other breast, his erection beginning to push against the fabric of his boxer shorts.She spoke for the first time, uttering his name in hushed tones as he pleasured her breasts, reaching for his boxer shorts as he sucked her into his hot mouth. She pushed them down until she could reach no further, and he took over, taking them down over his legs and feet as she hurriedly removed her clothes. As she lifted her vest over her head, she raised her arms, then folding them around his strong back, their naked bodies fully in contact for the first time since they had got back. She felt as his erection pressed against her stomach, her breasts, slick with his sliver, pressed against his chest, and their breathing fast and synchronous. They both knew in that moment that they would give themselves to the other tonight, a new experience for them both, exciting but without fear.She rose onto her knees, turning the green lamp on that sat beside their bed. "I want to see you" she told him, as she looked down at his body, his cock hard and large. As she lowered her head, he felt his erection strengthen, felt the softness of her lips as they kissed and then enveloped the tip. She tasted his pre-cum as her tongue ran in circles around him, her lips exploring the contours of his cock. She slowly took more of him into her mouth, felt as he groaned, knew of his pleasure. He told her he loved the feel of her mouth around her, loved it when she took him deeper inside. She wanted more than anything to give him the release she knew he longed for, and changed angles, her saliva running around him, leaking from her mouth and down to his balls. Her hands cupped him, feeling this wetness and she stopped momentarily, lifting her head and licking him excitedly up his shaft. She shifted onto her side, her hands helping her to slip one of his balls into her soaking mouth as her hands took over on his cock, and she felt as his scrotum contracted as she gently sucked. He grunted as she sucked harder on him, heard him tell her he was close to the edge.Again she shifted, heard him sigh in relief as her lips kissed his belly. "I want to feel your cum in my mouth" she whispered, before taking his cock back into her mouth. He wasn't going to argue with her, and he felt his cock slipping deep into her mouth. She raised and lowered herself around him, and he reached for her breast. The sound of her mouth slopping around him, her tongue lapping hungrily around his cock-head, and the sucking on his member made him harder than he could ever remember, and as she reached yet further down, he felt as his balls pulled tight and he erupted into her mouth, spurting line after line of thick cum into her hungry mouth as he twisted her nipple between forefinger and thumb.They both collapsed, exhausted onto the bed and he looked lovingly into her beautiful brown eyes before kissing her deeply. He tasted the salt of her mouth, felt that she was still in need of his loving. After running his hand down her curvaceous back and onto her tight ass, he felt her part her hips slightly, and reached round to find her own hand already stimulating her clitoris. In gentle circles, she was rubbing herself as they kissed. He put his hand gently on top of hers, feeling the rhythm, learning her technique. He felt as she moved the skin above her hood, the place where her pubic hair ended and her tenderest skin began. They were both aroused, but he was still exhausted from her sensuous blowjob, and they lay there for some time, kissing deeply and playing with her clit. He carefully felt around her cunt, his fingers tracing the shape of her lips, remembering how tenderly he needed to be when touching her clitoris directly. Her breaths deepened and she shifted her hips round, inviting him to dip his finger inside her. Feeling her so hot and so wet inside was hugely exciting for them both. She was so open and so horny in that moment, and she wanted to be filled up.Take Me.She rolled onto her front, kneeling up as she did so, until she was before him on all fours. He saw for her from behind for the first time, her beautiful ass and her soaking and engorged vulva red from stimulation. He watched as her hand once again came up between her legs, saw as she rubbed herself in front of him. Her other hand came up the outside of her thigh, caressing her arse-cheek before coming back round to her cunt. He watched in astonishment as she used two fingers to part her cunt lips, and he saw her opening, deep crimson and incredibly inviting. He kneeled up, noticing for the first time that he had once again hardened. Immediately, and without any words being exchanged, he pushed his hard cock deep into her. They both felt as his erection slid into her body, the ripples of her flesh running over his cock as it pushed deeper and deeper into her body. Her scream was unexpected and guttural. She had longed for this moment since their first kiss back on that rainy holiday, and had dreamed, imagined and rehearsed how it might feel. Her fingers had given her pleasure, for sure, but nothing compared to this.Her pelvis moved backwards onto him as he pushed once more into her, and he felt as the tip of his cock touched her cervix. He held her hips, feeling their bodies moving in rhythm, slowly at first. Her finger returned to her clitoris as the pace of their pushes increased, and he felt her tighten around him, gentle grunts coming from them both."I'm going to cum. I want you to cum with me. Now, now!" She cried at last, and he felt her spasm again and again, as her whole body shook.He reached over her ass and up her back before moving his hands around to her front, cupping both breasts. He tried to pull his cock from her hole as he felt himself about to explode, but she resisted, moving herself with him "Cum in me, Nigel. I want to know what it feels like. I want our bodies to be one."He felt as another spasm grew in her body, her hot wetness and her invitation bringing him to the point of no return. A sound emerged from his mouth that neither had ever heard before, and he came violently, feeling his seed coating her hot, wet, rigid cunt, feeling their juices mixing and becoming one.Their cries of ecstasy filled the empty house. Heavily they both panted, as the spasms rolled over their bodies, in waves.They fell onto their sides, his cock still deep within her body, as they began to recover. Their breathing deepening, and their bodies cooling. He smelled her hair and felt her ass against his front, as he softened. Minutes later, he felt as he slowly slipped from her opening, a small slick of wetness tickling her thigh as it emerged with his spent cock, her satisfaction as she knew that this would be the first of many times their bodies would reach such deep and exciting satisfaction. They fell into a deep sleep that lasted well into the next morning, and they awoke tired but full of ideas for the day ahead. Based on a post by Josh stone for Literotica.

More great music and chat from the world of bagpipes, as Gary pays another visit to the bagpipe factory of RG Hardie, and explores a lovely piece of brand new music composed to celebrate the recent launch of the latest addition to the Calmac fleet, MV Glen Sannox. PlaylistAnn Gray with Dirty Little Harry, The Memphis Rendezvous, The Wise Maid and A Cup of Tea from Tales of Magpies and RavensIain Speirs with The Royal Scottish Pipers' Society and The Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band from Music from the Spirit of ScotlandSpirit of Scotland Pipe Band with 2008 World Pipe Band Championship Medley Set from Music from the Spirit of Scotland Angus MacColl with Sine Bhan, 3 x Trad Reels, Liberton Pipe Band from Lord Todd Challenge, 2007Connor Sinclair with Major Manson at Clachantrushal, Susan MacLeod and Broadford Bay from Glenfiddich Championship 2019 Tim Cummings, Pete Sutherland and Brad Colodner with Donny's in the Shop and Katy Bess of Tennessee from the Birds' FlightEriska and the Isle of Arran Music School with MV Glen Sannox.LinksTo Win a Deluxe RG Hardie Pipe Case Click and Enter HereIsle of Arran Music School feat. Eriska with MV Glen Sannox VideoCairdeas Winter Gathering Support the show

How is it that you can show up to the ferry terminal, not see many cars, but still have to wait multiple sailings? We hear how (and why) B.C. Ferries is allotting more and more space for drivers with reservations. Plus: why isn't there a buffet on ferries anymore? And what's replacing it? And a few other ferry-related tidbits.

The Prime Minister's open to corporate tax cuts in this year's budget. Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB last night that our corporate tax system isn't competitive enough with other countries. She confirmed the corporate tax rate, currently sitting at 28 percent, is being looked at as part of the whole business tax system. Christopher Luxon confirmed with Mike Hosking they're willing to make changes, and there's a lot of possible options. He says any announcement would be part of the May budget. Luxon says lower tax rates are one way to encourage growth, as well as incentivising investment in things like technology. Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown is urging the Government to ease the visa restrictions for Chinese tourists. China has a policy that allows New Zealanders visa-free access if they're visiting for less than 30 days – a policy Brown says we should be reciprocating. Luxon says there are some challenges involved in powering up the number of Chinese tourists coming into the country. He told Hosking that there are genuine immigration concerns to consider, and they need to ensure there's a good policy in place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details could be coming this week about the procuring company for the Interislander ferries. In December last year, the Government announced it would set up a company to procure the ferries, freeing up Kiwirail. It's committed to a March deadline. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she believes Minister-in-Charge Winston Peters has a handle on the process - and will be incorporating once the directors are appointed. She says her alternative procurement plan is ready to go as a fallback. "The Minister for Rail is doing the right thing, he is comparing that option with what else might be out there and he's running the process to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This Day in Maine for Monday, January 27, 2025.

Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Economic Opportunity Institute’s Rian Watt, Seattle Times Josh Farley, and Washington Policy Center’s David Boze.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy Meskill, London Correspondent, reports from Holyhead on the reopening of one of the terminals at the Welsh seaport