The North Sea

Dear Readers,

It’s been nothing but beautiful and rugged cliffs for the past few days, as we loop our way through the Isles. There’s been some light rain here and there, and some very serious battleship and backgammon tournaments. I've occasionally stood in as honorary ‘judge’ for a few of these, but prefer to escape when the games get too bloodthirsty to see what cadets are working on elsewhere around the ship.

Down in the depths of the engine room, it becomes clear just how much skill and attention goes into getting this big old ship moving (pictures coming soon). The gauges alone are worth a good long (perplexed) stare as they register key information about machinery such as the rudder, shaft, propeller, and boilers. Relying on roughly one barrel or 36 gallons of fuel per nautical mile, the TS Empire State has a giant steam turbine bigger than most New York City apartments, as well as about a million moving parts that require constant maintenance and care. Engineering cadets stand for “watches” of approximately four hours, a time during which they learn the nuts and bolts of ship construction, gain practice communicating with the “deckies” upstairs, and gain the knowledge that hopefully keeps us from being stranded in the middle of the ocean. 

From my perspective, they seem to be doing a wonderful job!

I am happy to report that we are now finally in the North Sea, having coasted our way through the Scapa Flow early yesterday morning. Although I did not awaken on that occasion, many of us have been able to spend some time on deck each misty morning. Today, I awoke again to the fog horn to find the whole sea shrouded in mist. When the fog finally lifts each afternoon, many of us have also seen pods of dolphins. We've noticed that they seem to prefer the bow and are often seen jumping and riding our waves. Is it possible this is their version of surfing?

We are scheduled to arrive in Copenhagen tomorrow by about 5pm. The cadets all seem pretty excited about the chance to spend some time shore-side and are already talking at length about bike rentals, Danish sausages and pastries, and visits to the Viking Ship Museum. Look out for more exciting news about our time in Copenhagen soon after we return!

Cadet Shout Out: Irene Gogos says “Brittany Storr: I’m sorry you’re stuck working for the rest of the summer. Have fun at INDOC, show the Mugs who's boss!”

--Laurel--

P.S.  Mailing information for the ports:

Copenhagen

MAERSK BROKER AGENCY - As agents only

Rasmus Melchior Rasmussen

Ship Agency

Maersk Broker Agency

Midtermolen 1

2100 Copenhagen Ø

Denmark

Lisbon, Portugal (24-28 July)

Marmedsa Noatum Shipping Agency (S5 Agency World) Av. D. Joao II - Lote 1.18.01 - Bloco B - Piso 2 Edificio Art's - Parque das Nacoes

1990-084 Lisboa (Portugal)

Attention: EMPIRE STATE c/o

Joao Marques