Life on the Atlantic

Sorry to have been away from writing for a while, but yesterday evening we moved into heavy seas and the Library had some books fall off their shelves. Last evening was damage control of just wedging books on shelves to keep any more from falling.

Today was putting them back up and in order. So like 52 pickup I had to sort the books by call number back into their places.

The sun came out around 1330 for a few minutes, but the horizon was obscured - so the cadets couldn't get a position fix. The NOAA guy, we call him Weather Wizard, says we should be out of the effects of the storm in a couple more days. So maybe they will have better luck or they might get a break for a night position fix.

Last night the Captain put the ship about into a following sea which greatly reduced the rolling and gave us a chance of a good night sleep without getting tossed out of our berths. With the exception of the weather decks being secured, life and watches go on as usual. The cadets attend classes, stand watches, and some leisure time while the officers and crew go about the endless tasks of running the ship.

This morning the Captain had the ship come about and we turned into the 15 to 18 foot seas. The ship pitches (goes up and down) more, but there is less rolling. As the day wore into night the ride has once again become gentle.

For me, one of the more interesting aspects of life aboard ship has always been the scuttlebutt. Folks will stop by an engage you with innocent conversation talking about this or that before they finally get around to asking, have your heard we are going to do x, y, or z. Like fairy tales there is a bit of truth in what they say - although sometimes remarkably little.