Summer Cruise 2003

Weigh the anchor!! Slip the lines! We're away to tropical paradise and relaxation.

Well, maybe it is not quite that easy. AARRRGH! There is a good deal of organization and preparation before we leave each day. It all begins with a very careful consideration of which Scouts perform which tasks aboard. That is the acting Boatswain's job.

The navigator for the day is responsible for recommending departure time, speed, route, and arrival time. The navigator is also responsible for making sure the log is properly kept. This is a big job, requiring accuracy and expertise. If it isn't done right the first time, it gets done in the wee hours. Uh-oh! But it is finally right and set for the morning.

Then the assigned engineering crew must check and ready the engines, fuel lines, fuel, generator, and water. Here Nate and Devon examine items on the checklist to make sure all is in order before they go forward to start the engines.

Nick commands with Jessica as J.O.D.

Chelsea watches for hazards while Amanda navigates.

Meanwhile, Nate is on stern watch making sure the Zodiac rides well.

The theory is that a well-trained crew can operate the boat while the adults supervise. It is a great theory. In actuality, these pictures were taken later in the cruise when the crew had some time to practice.

And so the first day we came to rest at Brennan Island.

And one of the adults could relax.

Meanwhile, crewmembers practiced their boating skills.

And so the cruise went - Preparation, Cruise, Arrival and Play. Once on our travels, the bridge tender was napping when we needed a bridge opening. But he finally woke up, thanks to our air horn, and we continued on our way.

And we made ice cream. Why does this Scout look as if we shanghaied him?

Breakfast pancakes had help from the engineering department.

We also anchored out in Georgianna Slough where Mrs. Sterling told visitors that they could visit. No one had checked to see how those guests were to get onto the boat. There were no gang planks, no dock; there were, however, miles of thick blackberry brambles lining the banks. The following picture is of Mr. Martin, Gregory, and Nick breaking trail through the blackberry bushes in an attempt to get to the boat. You say you cannot see anyone? Really? They are there, loading groceries from the bank onto the Zodiac. Their gear is there, too, and Mr. Sterling is supervising.

Westgate Landing provided the ideal spot for the relaxation and play we had anticipated. First, the crew inflated the inner tubes.

And played on them.

And jumped from the rope swing connected to the Compass Rose's hydraulic arm.

And sailed the Sunfish.

And wind surfed. In our unit it takes two summers to learn to wind surf; the first summer is spent just learning to stand up, and the second summer is spent learning to actually go somewhere.

Jessica, Chelsea, and Tristan completed the mile swim.

Of course, every cruise must have equipment to repair. The Zodiac needed a carburetor cleaning, the generator needed a capacitor, the port transmission needed Mr. Sterling's personal attention.

It was also here at Sacramento that the Scouts went to see Pirates of the Caribbean and visited with crewmembers from the Compass Rose.

After cruising back to Brennan Island, Scouts decided to try to rescue a man-overboard victim. It just did not seem too hard to get someone from the water into the boat - until they tried it. We agreed later that it is a good thing the Zodiac is an inflatable.

By the end of the cruise one Scout discovered what happens when you tease the Junior Officer just long enough. When you untie his shoelaces enough times and un-velcro his sandals regularly, steal his hat and wear it, and find innumerable other ways to "bug" him, you might just find yourself in the Zodiac, tied out. That would mean the boat would be tied away from the dock in such a way that you cannot get out of the Zodiac without having to swim. It would serve you right.

At the end of thirteen days, with a weary, but well-trained crew, the Orion headed for Petaluma Marina. There parents picked their Scouts up and took them home to reacquaint them with flush toilets, unlimited hot water, daily showers, and school.