WOOOOMMMMMMPPPPPPP

After a restless night hearing the fog horn sound its “WOOOOMMMMMMPPPPPPP” nonstop, we awoke this morning to fog as thick as peanut butter (or pea soup, whichever you prefer).  I knew there was land just on the other side of the fog somewhere, but it wasn’t until lunch time when the fog cleared and gave way to a beautiful blue sky and chilly temperatures that I could make out the horizon.  Land ho!  Only a few more hours until we dock in St. John’s now and we’re nearly out of all the handy port guides and maps created from resources in the library.  I hope everyone is ready for the “City of Legends”!

It’s been a busy past few days on the final legs of our voyage to Newfoundland.  Yesterday we held Fire and Abandon Ship drills, and the day before “salt-and-pepper” uniform inspections for arrival.  Last night was the usual Field Day (sounds
much more fun that it is!) where we made sure the ship is spic and span before a few days ashore.  Today are final hold inspections and last minute homework assignments being turned in.  In just a few hours we’ll be taking on the pilot and
clearing customs for arrival.  One of the most common questions I’ve had in the library today is: “Will my cell phone work in Canada?” 

I know some of you might be wondering about what the engine cadets are up to these days, while the deckies maneuver us into St. John’s up top.  I haven’t made it down to the engine room just yet to check things out myself, but 2nd Class
Engineering Cadet Michael McGuinn shared his experiences of his day on watch with me today.  Michael’s watch started yesterday at 2330 (that’s 11:30 p.m.) until 0400 (4:00 a.m.) this morning, when he got to head back to his rack (bed) until
0700.  From there, there was of course formation, naptime, and went back to watch at 11:30. 

Normally, his job, as he eloquently told me, “Is to make sure the boilers don’t explode,” by which he means that he monitors the water levels in the boilers, making sure the plant is running well on the boiler side (other cadets monitor the
turbine side of the room).  Michael got a bit of break today during the Fire and Abandon Ship drills, but then went right back on watch.  His favorite thing to do on watch? “I really like to be on watch when we’re pulling into port.  Then
we’re maneuvering; taking commands from the deck side [up top on the bridge], changing burners, sending steam to turbines… it’s a very active time!”  Other times he helps with the daily cleaning of boilers, “blowing tubes,” as it’s
called.  Since the TSES is steam powered, the carbon build up on the inside of boilers creates a sort of insulation and impedes normal use.  When he helps clean the carbon out, he’s really helping to make the plant run more efficiently.

Michael would like to send a shout out to his Nubstep: he loves you and misses you too!

St. John’s, here we come!  Allons-y!

Until next time,
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