Copenhagen Bound

Dear Readers,

We set off yesterday towards Copenhagen under mild weather conditions. Tim, our resident NOAA-affiliated weather wizard, says that a storm is coming, but the plan is to proceed slowly to skirt up behind the weather system. For now, we are headed at a gentle six to eight knots “north towards Alaska” as one of the instructors joked recently. For now it’s nothing but a gentle rocking as the cadets sit down to begin their classes.

Hoping to absorb one tiny iota of their nautical knowledge, I've been doing a bit of classroom hopping – which isn't always too difficult since the library itself is occasionally used as a classroom. Right now, for instance, I am listening to a lecture about various types of enclosed spaces and the types of gases for which a self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn. Fortunately for us, the library has wonderful air flow with the AC system permanently cranked way up to a setting that I like to call “Arctic.”

The cadets are themselves very eager to talk about what they learn, both in the classroom and at their various “watch” stations. My favorite place to visit on breaks is the bow of the ship, to talk to the cadet poised up there with binoculars for a 45-minute shift. Other boats, runaway barrels, whales and anything that could damage the ship are just a few of the items they are asked to look out for. So far I've missed a pod of dolphins, but I plan to catch a whale!

Cadet Shout Out: John Hannon, 2nd class, says “Hi to John and Eleanor Hannon. Don’t forget my birthday and make sure you give me good presents! Love, Jr. ADO 2nd Class Cadet Hannon.”

--Laurel--