Summer Cruise 2001
End of the story We returned, tired but happy, minus Evan and Jenny.
The Navigation Station. At first, and sometimes anytime, there is confusion. Where are we? Where were we? Where are we going? Really? Why does it take the Boatswain, both Boatswain Mates, two Crew Leaders (one doubling as Navigator of the Day), the Officer of the Deck, and the lookout to figure this out?
Ah, This looks better. Most of the cruising pictures are of the Scouts' backs because they are busy finding out important things - where we are, where we were, where we are going. . .
Helm Steven, J.O.D., gives Eric helm directions after Navigation figures out where we are, where we were, . . .
Adam sucessfully stands helmwatch, sings, dances, and keeps time with the sea's rolls. Quite an art!
Junior Officer of the Day No, these Scouts are not hugging. Sometimes the J.O.D. must help the lookout find day markers, hazards to navigation, or floating ambergris. Keenan is STILL trying to find out where we are, where . . .
This is a dark picture because it is a stealth picture. Nick, as J.O.D., is sitting in the O.D.'s chair. If caught, Nick walks the plank.
Maneuvering Watch We sure look good coming into dock.
We look even better close up until someone realizes for the "upteenth" time in a row that we do not have enough fenders out. After 11 days, you would think that we would know better.
SternwatchLoren vigilently scans for dangers approaching from the back - ferry boats or tankers or cargo ships or inconsiderate but very fast ski boats. Sternwatch does not report floating ambergris.
Doug keeps Sternwatch company. What a beautiful day! We took no pictures of big swells or waves over the wheelhouse; we did not want to scare any parents with stories of . . .
Off Duty
Cruising exhausts some Scouts. Eric takes a rest in his bunk.
Loren, Jenny and Amanda slept in the wheelhouse.
Some Scouts are so tired that they do not even make it to a bunk.
Others mend clothes.
Sometimes we just look like squirrels because we are tired.
But along with being tired, there are other duties to serve. Loren kept the food sorted.
Jenny prepared to present a safety lecture.
Recreations
Swimmimg - splashing
Swimming - the mile swim included Keenan, Nick, Eric, Adam, Doug, and Derek
Swimming - just laying on the beach
and Loren making sand face art.
Nate works on marlinspike requirement for rank advancement.
There was wrestling.
And Nate built a rock monument - probably as a sign of where we were, where we had been, where we were going. . .
When we were all done, the boat was cleaned and properly moored ready for the next trip. This is known as having our "ducks in a row."
Officer of the DeckThe pressures of leading a ship successfully wear heavily. When we return, we are all too tired to realize that it has been a great cruise - actually a turning point in the crew's ability to be independent and responsible. Is it too early to ask about the next cruise? Where will we go? When is it? Who will come along this time?
Will YOU join us on our next cruise?