Tue - December 6, 2005
First Entry
I am trying to join the world of blogging, so we
will see how it goes.... I am trying to do this in a way that fits my lifestyle.
I can do this right on my laptop at anytime and then post online on my own web
page. So welcome to my blog, and I will do my best to keep you up to date on all
of my adventures. So check this site often I will be sure to add pictures here
as well.
Capt. Rusty
Capt. Rusty
Posted at 08:37 AM
Sat - December 10, 2005
Home in Syracuse
Well here I am, a little update to what is going
on to fill out some details now that I have my very own Blog. I am at home in
Baldwinsville, NY (Syracuse area) at my parents house. I finished up with my
last contract for the fall at Thompson Island Outward Bound in mid- November.
Shortly after I moved all my things back to New York state for the winter. I
have returned to Boston once for a visit and to do some business. I am currently
in process of taking a job for the winter in Cabo San Lucus, Mexico as first
mate on board the Sunderland. There is a link on my web site
http://homepage.mac.com/captrustywildrice/ under ships I have worked on.
I have received verbal permission from immigration in Mexico to take the job, I am just waiting for the final go ahead to pack my sea bag and head on down there. That is one reason why I had to go back to Boston. I needed to get my captains license "authenticated" to prove to the Mexican government that it is real. It seems that Boston was the only place where I could get an apostille to get that done. While in town I also received the last sea letter that I was waiting for and uped my Captains license to a 200 ton near coastal master. Now all I need to do is get my STCW done if I want to go any further with that.
While in town my good friend Logan needed a dog sitter for my favorite black lab, Abby, so I stuck around for the rest of the week and weekend to do that. Enjoying Logan's three bed room apartment with a view of Boston Harbor's Western Way and Long Island bridge, and high speed wireless internet. What could be better than that? I enjoyed breakfast on a couple of occasions with Katie Cartier and Sasha Hamel even joined us once. The end of my visit was rounded off by a day of church activities with Sasha at her ward of the LDS church. It was a very enjoyable time.
At home I have been able to speed some time with my 17 month old niece playing and singing sea chanties, which has been the highlight of my time home.
Today I finally got around to getting some new glasses after breaking the ones I had way back in May when I was still on board the Sloop Providence.
I have received verbal permission from immigration in Mexico to take the job, I am just waiting for the final go ahead to pack my sea bag and head on down there. That is one reason why I had to go back to Boston. I needed to get my captains license "authenticated" to prove to the Mexican government that it is real. It seems that Boston was the only place where I could get an apostille to get that done. While in town I also received the last sea letter that I was waiting for and uped my Captains license to a 200 ton near coastal master. Now all I need to do is get my STCW done if I want to go any further with that.
While in town my good friend Logan needed a dog sitter for my favorite black lab, Abby, so I stuck around for the rest of the week and weekend to do that. Enjoying Logan's three bed room apartment with a view of Boston Harbor's Western Way and Long Island bridge, and high speed wireless internet. What could be better than that? I enjoyed breakfast on a couple of occasions with Katie Cartier and Sasha Hamel even joined us once. The end of my visit was rounded off by a day of church activities with Sasha at her ward of the LDS church. It was a very enjoyable time.
At home I have been able to speed some time with my 17 month old niece playing and singing sea chanties, which has been the highlight of my time home.
Today I finally got around to getting some new glasses after breaking the ones I had way back in May when I was still on board the Sloop Providence.
Posted at 08:42 AM
Computer All Gone
Well if you are looking at this Blog, you
probably got my e-mail about it and my computer being stolen. I am trying to
recover the files so I can post it from my parents computer for the time being.
If this is the only post that you see, then I didn't do a very good job.
Needless to say I am bummed. Mostly about the loss especially the things that
can't be replaced like a couple hundred pictures because it has been a month or
two since I last backed them up. Maybe some music too. Anyway I am not going
to write more about it. I just don't want to think about it.
Posted at 11:35 PM
Mon - December 12, 2005
Lady Washington
Doing this new Blog thing I realize how
incredibly boring it would be if I actually used it every day. Let's see
yesterday I sat around being bummed all day about my computer and digital camera
theft. I appreciated all the e-mail I got from friends today and yesterday and
the updates of people's information most of which also included on updates on
their life which is always good to hear. Yesterday I think was one of the first
days that I was in Baldwinsville on a Sunday and did not attend church at my
parents church.
Today I played with my niece Catharina, checked e-mail, picked up my Captains uniform at the dry cleaner, got a train ticket to Boston for tomorrow, was offered the mates position on the Brig Lady Washington. Now that is exciting.
I got an e-mail from Grays Harbor Historic Seaport Authority (owner and operator of the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chiefton) they wanted to let me know that I would be added to their mailing list for updates of the Hawaiian Chiefton's trip through the Panama Canal then up to the California coast. That also told me that I was "on the list" to be a mate when she gets there, but if I was interested there is an immediate opening for a mate on the Lady Washington (the Interceptor from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie and the first square rigger that I worked on). So I e-mailed them back letting them know that I am interested, can start immediately and that I would need my travel expenses covered, and would need to be back to Outward Bound in March. I got an e-mail back immediately asking if I was near a phone.
So I had a phone interview and an offer. They also mentioned that they would be looking for a captain at the end of the month and my license exceeds what they need. I told them about the offer I have already with Sunderland and that I am waiting on news from Mexican immigration. So I gave him a timeline. I e-mailed the Sunderland to see what is happening there and gave them a time line too.
So I plan to be mate on a tall ship by Christmas. We will see what happens. So stay tuned true believers.
In other news I am heading to Boston tomorrow on the train. I am going to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Christmas party on Wednesday night. My date for that ended up having to work, so I am looking for another one. It is "civilian dress casual" for civilians. I will be wearing my Merchant Marine Captains uniform since I don't have my Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform yet. If there are any ladies in Boston reading this that would like to have a wonderful evening with a Captain in uniform then e-mail me ASAP. :-)
Today I played with my niece Catharina, checked e-mail, picked up my Captains uniform at the dry cleaner, got a train ticket to Boston for tomorrow, was offered the mates position on the Brig Lady Washington. Now that is exciting.
I got an e-mail from Grays Harbor Historic Seaport Authority (owner and operator of the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chiefton) they wanted to let me know that I would be added to their mailing list for updates of the Hawaiian Chiefton's trip through the Panama Canal then up to the California coast. That also told me that I was "on the list" to be a mate when she gets there, but if I was interested there is an immediate opening for a mate on the Lady Washington (the Interceptor from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie and the first square rigger that I worked on). So I e-mailed them back letting them know that I am interested, can start immediately and that I would need my travel expenses covered, and would need to be back to Outward Bound in March. I got an e-mail back immediately asking if I was near a phone.
So I had a phone interview and an offer. They also mentioned that they would be looking for a captain at the end of the month and my license exceeds what they need. I told them about the offer I have already with Sunderland and that I am waiting on news from Mexican immigration. So I gave him a timeline. I e-mailed the Sunderland to see what is happening there and gave them a time line too.
So I plan to be mate on a tall ship by Christmas. We will see what happens. So stay tuned true believers.
In other news I am heading to Boston tomorrow on the train. I am going to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Christmas party on Wednesday night. My date for that ended up having to work, so I am looking for another one. It is "civilian dress casual" for civilians. I will be wearing my Merchant Marine Captains uniform since I don't have my Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform yet. If there are any ladies in Boston reading this that would like to have a wonderful evening with a Captain in uniform then e-mail me ASAP. :-)
Posted at 04:13 PM
Mexico Update
No sooner had I finished the last entry when I
got a phone call from the Sunderland in Mexico. They are going to immigration
tomorrow to present my case and to see if I can come down before I have my FM3
which is the document that allows me to work there. So I will get a call again
tomorrow and can be in Mexico the following week. They are thinking long term
so I would have to stay at least through the season which would be the end of
May or early June, and it would be difficult to get out in March. So I will
have to see what I can negotiate with Outward Bound. It may be just as easy to
take the Lady Washington up on here offer at the risk of burning a bridge with
the Sunderland for work in the future. We will see so check back next week for
exciting news of travel and Tall Ships adventure no matter what
happens!
Posted at 04:52 PM
Thu - December 15, 2005
Boston Visit
So Tuesday I hopped on the train in Syracuse
bound for Boston. Amtrak was nice enough to call me a let me know that the
train would be two hours late! So I got to sleep in. I should up right on time
to catch it (late) and it was latter still. By the time I got to Albany and
then on to Boston there was no chance of making the boat out to Thompson Island
for the night. :-( So I stayed with my friend and former shipmate Chris
Mancini.
On the train I got a few phone calls. (my mother lent me her trac phone for the trip, which everyone was very happy about, now I could be reached by phone!) I got a call to set up a meeting with my parents insurance agent to talk about my claim. That will be tomorrow (Friday), hopefully all will go well there. Mexico called to tell me that things are looking good for me to come down there, that they have one more meeting on Thursday and that they wanted me to be on the plan on friday. I told them of the other option on the Lady Washington. They reiterated that they really want me to stay for the whole season which would be June. I told them I would give them a decision by the end of the week. I e-mailed the Lady Washington yesterday (Wednesday) and told them I would take the position. I called and left a message with them today saying the same. I hope all is well there, because I haven't received a confirmation yet and I will e-mail the Sunderland tomorrow to tell them I am not comeing!
In Boston I stayed with Chris at his parents place in Beacon Hill. Since I had slept most of the day we were up late watching a movie. Bram Strokers Dracula. I got to bum into a friend and fellow sailor from the Tall Ship Bounty and Pirates of the Caribbean Filming, Emma, who was hanging out with Chris. I attemped to recruit her as an Outward Bound watch officer for next summer. On that note, anyone interested in working as a watch officer for Outward Bound contact me and I will get you in touch with the right people. There is an extensive training program (which I went through) that will get you your captains license. It is a great deal and a great program to work for. We are especially in need of female watch officers.
Wednesday morning Chris and I heading into South Boston where we met up with my friend and former shipmate (from the Niagara) Jill and we all went to my favorite breakfast joint, Terries' Place on East Broadway. So I could get one last grilled Chocolate chip muffin before I left town. I spent a little bit of time at the New England Sea Farers Mission checking my e-mail and met up with Captain Michael Burpee and Emily Grouber at the noon boat and the change of the watch for the MVOB boat crew. We grabbed lunch and hung out for a portion of that afternoon.
For the evening Emily joined me at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Christmas party. I got all dressed up in my Merchant Marine Officers uniform since I don't have a Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform yet and ended up being the best dressed person there so got to lead the pledge of allegiance. There was a 21:30 boat that night so I spent the night on the island visiting my good friend Logan who will be running the Boston Marathon to raise money for the Willauer School. Contact me if you are interested in sponsorship and I will point you in the right direction.
Today an early rise to catch the boat. I killed a little time at the Seafarers Mission and then headed to South Station and on the train back to Syracuse. I was greeted in Central New York by freezing rain. Snow is what I miss the most by not being at home. I miss playing in it, camping and skiing, but I sure don't miss driving and having to deal with it.
Since I won't be home for Christmas or my Birthday (January 10 th) this year as most years I got my gifts early. A couple weeks ago my parents got me a new scanner (which now does me lots of good without a computer!), and when I got home tonight there were a couple packages for me. I got some new "Mickey Mouse" boots (the old military extreme cold weather boots) to replace the pair that got separated when I sent them back from Alabama last winter on the Providence, and a pair of marmot soft shell pants. Too bad I am going someplace warm this winter! I am sure I will put them to use before I leave and next fall.
So I expect to be on my way to California next week as soon as I hear back from the Lady Washington.
On the train I got a few phone calls. (my mother lent me her trac phone for the trip, which everyone was very happy about, now I could be reached by phone!) I got a call to set up a meeting with my parents insurance agent to talk about my claim. That will be tomorrow (Friday), hopefully all will go well there. Mexico called to tell me that things are looking good for me to come down there, that they have one more meeting on Thursday and that they wanted me to be on the plan on friday. I told them of the other option on the Lady Washington. They reiterated that they really want me to stay for the whole season which would be June. I told them I would give them a decision by the end of the week. I e-mailed the Lady Washington yesterday (Wednesday) and told them I would take the position. I called and left a message with them today saying the same. I hope all is well there, because I haven't received a confirmation yet and I will e-mail the Sunderland tomorrow to tell them I am not comeing!
In Boston I stayed with Chris at his parents place in Beacon Hill. Since I had slept most of the day we were up late watching a movie. Bram Strokers Dracula. I got to bum into a friend and fellow sailor from the Tall Ship Bounty and Pirates of the Caribbean Filming, Emma, who was hanging out with Chris. I attemped to recruit her as an Outward Bound watch officer for next summer. On that note, anyone interested in working as a watch officer for Outward Bound contact me and I will get you in touch with the right people. There is an extensive training program (which I went through) that will get you your captains license. It is a great deal and a great program to work for. We are especially in need of female watch officers.
Wednesday morning Chris and I heading into South Boston where we met up with my friend and former shipmate (from the Niagara) Jill and we all went to my favorite breakfast joint, Terries' Place on East Broadway. So I could get one last grilled Chocolate chip muffin before I left town. I spent a little bit of time at the New England Sea Farers Mission checking my e-mail and met up with Captain Michael Burpee and Emily Grouber at the noon boat and the change of the watch for the MVOB boat crew. We grabbed lunch and hung out for a portion of that afternoon.
For the evening Emily joined me at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Christmas party. I got all dressed up in my Merchant Marine Officers uniform since I don't have a Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform yet and ended up being the best dressed person there so got to lead the pledge of allegiance. There was a 21:30 boat that night so I spent the night on the island visiting my good friend Logan who will be running the Boston Marathon to raise money for the Willauer School. Contact me if you are interested in sponsorship and I will point you in the right direction.
Today an early rise to catch the boat. I killed a little time at the Seafarers Mission and then headed to South Station and on the train back to Syracuse. I was greeted in Central New York by freezing rain. Snow is what I miss the most by not being at home. I miss playing in it, camping and skiing, but I sure don't miss driving and having to deal with it.
Since I won't be home for Christmas or my Birthday (January 10 th) this year as most years I got my gifts early. A couple weeks ago my parents got me a new scanner (which now does me lots of good without a computer!), and when I got home tonight there were a couple packages for me. I got some new "Mickey Mouse" boots (the old military extreme cold weather boots) to replace the pair that got separated when I sent them back from Alabama last winter on the Providence, and a pair of marmot soft shell pants. Too bad I am going someplace warm this winter! I am sure I will put them to use before I leave and next fall.
So I expect to be on my way to California next week as soon as I hear back from the Lady Washington.
Posted at 08:59 PM
Sat - December 17, 2005
The Chronicles Of Narnia
Today I took my mother to see the Chronicles of
Narnia, the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe for Christmas. The best part of it
all was the teaser trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean II Dead Man's Chest
during the previews. It was the first time that I saw it on the big screen. It
was great, but it would have been nice to slow it down to exam the scenes that I
am in. I make an appearance three times in the trailer, but you have to know it
is me and where to look.
I bought a new sea bag on the way to be ready to pack it and head west for the winter. I still haven't heard from the Lady Washington since I accepted the position and that concerns me. A confirmation of my acceptance would be nice. I am getting ready to get my sea bag packed and be ready to go at a moments notice. Is something has changed I don't know what I will do, since I turned down the position on the Sunderland in Mexico last night. It didn't fit my needs anyway.
I had thoughts of visiting my friend Brock in Elmira today, but my parents didn't have a vehicle I could barrow and the bus schedule just was not convenient. Since I won't be home for Christmas, and since I gave my mother her present today (the movie). I gave my dad his present today too. A collection of old time TV shows on DVD. Andy Grifith, The Beverly Hills Hill Billies, I Love Lucy, and Red Skeleton. Some of his favorites. My folks don't have a DVD player, so I had to tell them that they can watch them on their computer because they didn't know!
In other news I have decided to let go of the Jeep since I haven't used it in over a year anyway. So if you or if you know anyone who is interested have them contact me. It has about 150,000 miles on it, all highway miles. It has done a number of cross country trips and has lots of character. It is sold "as is". It runs, but has not had the steering column or the locks repaired from when it was stolen in May of 2004. There is no radio in it right now, and the rough rack has been removed as I added that myself. I am asking $1000 or best offer for it. I would keep it if I actually would use it, but I don' t seem to have a need for wheels right now.
I bought a new sea bag on the way to be ready to pack it and head west for the winter. I still haven't heard from the Lady Washington since I accepted the position and that concerns me. A confirmation of my acceptance would be nice. I am getting ready to get my sea bag packed and be ready to go at a moments notice. Is something has changed I don't know what I will do, since I turned down the position on the Sunderland in Mexico last night. It didn't fit my needs anyway.
I had thoughts of visiting my friend Brock in Elmira today, but my parents didn't have a vehicle I could barrow and the bus schedule just was not convenient. Since I won't be home for Christmas, and since I gave my mother her present today (the movie). I gave my dad his present today too. A collection of old time TV shows on DVD. Andy Grifith, The Beverly Hills Hill Billies, I Love Lucy, and Red Skeleton. Some of his favorites. My folks don't have a DVD player, so I had to tell them that they can watch them on their computer because they didn't know!
In other news I have decided to let go of the Jeep since I haven't used it in over a year anyway. So if you or if you know anyone who is interested have them contact me. It has about 150,000 miles on it, all highway miles. It has done a number of cross country trips and has lots of character. It is sold "as is". It runs, but has not had the steering column or the locks repaired from when it was stolen in May of 2004. There is no radio in it right now, and the rough rack has been removed as I added that myself. I am asking $1000 or best offer for it. I would keep it if I actually would use it, but I don' t seem to have a need for wheels right now.
Posted at 05:43 PM
Give Me Feedback
Be sure to give me feedback. Let me know if you
are actually reading this from time to time. Let me know if you like it, or if
you find it boring. I am open and willing to make changes to this to make it a
valuable resource in your keeping up with me. This is for you my friends more
than it is for me. Besides, I would love to hear from you from time to time
anyway and to share with you the more "behind the scenes" things that I wouldn't
put here! Hope to hear from you
soon.
Rusty
Rusty
Posted at 09:02 PM
Sun - December 18, 2005
Packing My Sea Bag
I am anxiously awaiting an e-mail saying come on
out and sail with us! So to be ready, I have started to pack my sea duffle so
that I am all set to go. It is amazing how simple sea life is. What do I need
to bring? Foul weather gear, sea boots, marlin spike, rigging knife, work
clothes, funny clothes, one set of nice clothes for going out, water bottle,
mug, journal, camera, lap top (if I get a new one), post cards and stamps, that
is about it. How could it be any simpler?
Posted at 07:30 PM
Wed - December 21, 2005
Wild Rice Adventure Network
Many of you may know about this already, but if
you don't here is a resource that I have created to help people network in the
adventure education and sail training fields. It is called the Wild Rice
Adventure Network and is a .mac group. If you want to join it is by invitation
only, so e-mail me and I will send you an invitation. It is for seasoned people
in the field to help those that are new find their way. It is a place to ask
questions and get answers from some that already do it. It is using the
internet to do what I try to to do already. Connect people to tall ships and
adventure education programs and training. So if you want to join the network
contact me. If you already got an invitation to join, what is keeping you?
http://groups.mac.com/wildriceadventurenet
Posted at 08:16 PM
Fri - December 23, 2005
Departure Date
While, I finally got my shipping orders so to
speak. I am heading out to California on December 27th from Boston. So I will
be heading back to Boston on the 26th. I am getting my train ticket now. I was
finally able to reach the right person at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport
office today, after leaving e-mail and voice messages all week, though not as
many as the week before. I did talk with him on Monday and he said I was hired
and he just needed to clear it with the "Big Man" being executive director Les
Bolton and he would be in touch with me the next day. I wasn't worried too much
about it, since I had worked with Les last time I was on the Lady and have kept
up with him at the ASTA conference each year. Tuesday came and went with no
call or e-mail. So I send an e-mail, left a message on wednesday, left a
message with their operator on thursday and then finally reached him today.
So we talked about arrival times and travel arrangements. I will fly from Boston on Tuesday to San Francisco. So I will be taking the train (hopefully) to Boston on Monday. I actually meet the boat closer to LA, but this way I can get a round trip ticket and only need one day of travel to get back to Thompson Island in March. I will be leaving the Lady Washington when she is in San Francisco, then one day of flying and I will be back in Boston in time to start as a core instructor with Outward Bound. Perfect. We will see if it actually plays out that way. I am sure it will.
So we talked about arrival times and travel arrangements. I will fly from Boston on Tuesday to San Francisco. So I will be taking the train (hopefully) to Boston on Monday. I actually meet the boat closer to LA, but this way I can get a round trip ticket and only need one day of travel to get back to Thompson Island in March. I will be leaving the Lady Washington when she is in San Francisco, then one day of flying and I will be back in Boston in time to start as a core instructor with Outward Bound. Perfect. We will see if it actually plays out that way. I am sure it will.
Posted at 10:40 AM
Sun - December 25, 2005
Christmas Blog
Merry Christmas! I thought I should say
just a few words to wish everyone a merry Christmas for those who read this
blog. Yesterday, Christmas Eve, and my mothers Birthday, the whole family (Mom,
Dad, Grandma (who all live together), brother Michael, Sister-in-law Kim and
Niece Catharina) all got together at Applebees to take Mom out. Last night the
whole family (minus Grandma who doesn't go out much) went to Christmas Eve
service at my family's church. I got to fill some people in on what I am up to,
and a lad who will be graduating from high school soon, (you know the ones you
remember when they were a baby and they make you feel old now, I am way to young
to be saying I remember you when....) expressed an interest in prop making in
the movies (well he father filled me in on it). They also had an interest in
tall ships from a trip they did to the Boy Scout Sea Base, (unfortunately not a
season when I was working there). I told them I could help them out. So today
when we all went back to church for the Christmas day service I presented both
father and son with an ASTA directory and gave them some contacts in Hollywood
that I had met from my Pirates of the Caribbean experience and other things to
help them network and figure out schooling and such. What a chance encounter? Or
maybe a divine appointment? Since the whole movie thing isn't my main gig and
that the father just mentioned in passing his son's interest in prop design and
work. Just another little amazing encounter. Today I filled some more people in
at church as to what I am up to, including Pastor Carl who was my youth pastor
back when I was a youth.
The family all gathered again at Mike and Kim's for Christmas dinner where we were joined by Kim's brother Dave. Catharina stoled the show opening all her presents and helping people with there presents. A good dinner was had by all. At home I down sized my sea bag one last time, burned some cd's of audio books and music for my travel and got ready for an early morning tomorrow. Tomorrow my journey starts for California. I am taking the first bus out of town for Boston and plan to be the first in line to assure my seat. I imagine that I will be in Boston a couple of days before my flight to San Francisco is arranged. I am really hoping that it will all be worked out before the new year. So keep posted and I hope to run into some of you all on the west coast and say goodbye to my Boston friends one last time as I keep saying (this time for real I hope).
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Love,
Rusty
The family all gathered again at Mike and Kim's for Christmas dinner where we were joined by Kim's brother Dave. Catharina stoled the show opening all her presents and helping people with there presents. A good dinner was had by all. At home I down sized my sea bag one last time, burned some cd's of audio books and music for my travel and got ready for an early morning tomorrow. Tomorrow my journey starts for California. I am taking the first bus out of town for Boston and plan to be the first in line to assure my seat. I imagine that I will be in Boston a couple of days before my flight to San Francisco is arranged. I am really hoping that it will all be worked out before the new year. So keep posted and I hope to run into some of you all on the west coast and say goodbye to my Boston friends one last time as I keep saying (this time for real I hope).
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Love,
Rusty
Posted at 11:23 AM
Tue - December 27, 2005
Bus Ride
Yesterday morning I rose early. My parents took me
out for an early breakfast at the Little Gem Diner in Syracuse, NY. Then it was
off to the bus station. I got there early and was first in line at the gate.
There wasn't near as many people though as there was the Sunday after Christmas
when the line went out the door of the bus station.
My seat buddy ended up being this cool girl also originally from Syracuse and on her way to the Boston area. She is a lawyer and has her own online vintage cloathing company. We had some good conversations together and it made for an enjoyable ride. Unfortunately I lost her in Albany and ended up with a less cool seat buddy. My bus was going express to Boston and she was only going as far as Newton.
Bess (her name) did finally turn me on to My Space. So here I am. We will see how it goes. Since I don't have a lap top right now, I can't access my blog on my own web site (http://homepage.mac.com/captrustywildrice/) , so I will use this for the time being.
My seat buddy ended up being this cool girl also originally from Syracuse and on her way to the Boston area. She is a lawyer and has her own online vintage cloathing company. We had some good conversations together and it made for an enjoyable ride. Unfortunately I lost her in Albany and ended up with a less cool seat buddy. My bus was going express to Boston and she was only going as far as Newton.
Bess (her name) did finally turn me on to My Space. So here I am. We will see how it goes. Since I don't have a lap top right now, I can't access my blog on my own web site (http://homepage.mac.com/captrustywildrice/) , so I will use this for the time being.
Posted at 11:49 AM
Wed - December 28, 2005
Stuck in Boston
I am still in Boston, though I had expected and
hoped to fly out today. The vessel that had hired me and promised
immediate employment and work (three weeks ago) called yesterday twice to work
out my travel arrangements to fly out today and said they would e-mail me my
itinerary. When I checked my e-mail they said it was decided that they
wouldn't need my services until January now. Needless to say I am pissed
because I turned down the Mexico job to take this one because of the promise of
immediate work. I won't be able to find something else that will let me
return to Outward Bound in march by January either. So I am stuck on
unemployment until the Lady Washington is ready for me.
Posted at 11:52 AM
Thu - December 29, 2005
Boston Ship Visits
I have been here in Boston a few days now, and I
have been doing very well at not spending any money. I did go out to
breakfast this morning with the port chaplain at Terrie's place my favorite
place to grab breakfast in South
Boston.
I have been spending most of my time in Boston at the New England Sea Farers Mission. They let me use the phone, internet, and allow me access to the facility even when no one is around. It is also a place I can crash if I ever need to, say if I don't make the boat out to the island and can't find some place else to stay.
They visit a lot of the ships that come into Boston Harbor. Lately they have been bringing Christmas presents out to the ships for the crew members on board. I have been able to visit a wide variety of ships and have had a security pass to access the shiping facilities for some time now.
On Tuesday I visited a bulk carrier unloading a load of salt for Egypt, and an oil tanker delivering jet fuel. We were also going to visit a car carrier, but it left port earlier than planned. Today I got to get onboard a small container ship that runs up to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and back, on an oil tanker down in Braintree, and on a bulk carrier being loaded with scrap metal. It is all really neat an interesting and it is cool to talk with the crew members about their experiences at sea.
I have not heard from the Lady Washington since Tuesday, and I really don't expect to hear from them without me calling them first at this point. That is the way it has been. Tonight Sasha and I were talking about going contract danceing so I suspect that is what I will be up to.
I have been spending most of my time in Boston at the New England Sea Farers Mission. They let me use the phone, internet, and allow me access to the facility even when no one is around. It is also a place I can crash if I ever need to, say if I don't make the boat out to the island and can't find some place else to stay.
They visit a lot of the ships that come into Boston Harbor. Lately they have been bringing Christmas presents out to the ships for the crew members on board. I have been able to visit a wide variety of ships and have had a security pass to access the shiping facilities for some time now.
On Tuesday I visited a bulk carrier unloading a load of salt for Egypt, and an oil tanker delivering jet fuel. We were also going to visit a car carrier, but it left port earlier than planned. Today I got to get onboard a small container ship that runs up to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and back, on an oil tanker down in Braintree, and on a bulk carrier being loaded with scrap metal. It is all really neat an interesting and it is cool to talk with the crew members about their experiences at sea.
I have not heard from the Lady Washington since Tuesday, and I really don't expect to hear from them without me calling them first at this point. That is the way it has been. Tonight Sasha and I were talking about going contract danceing so I suspect that is what I will be up to.
Posted at 11:55 AM
Sat - December 31, 2005
MVOB Deckhand
Thursday night I came back to the island on the
8:00 boat. Sasha wasn't feeling well, so we nixed contra dancing for the
night. Good for me, because Reed injured himself earlier in the day
thinking he might have broken his foot and they needed someone to fill in for
him on the Outward Bound so he could go to the
hospital.
I needed the extra cash being currently unemployed so I jumped at the chance of some work. I got an hour of work in that morning too since Reed had over slept and I did the run for him. It turns out that he only tore some ligaments, but still needed to stay off it for a bit. So I took the rest of his shift and did the rest of the week for him. I get off tonight in time to enjoy the new years eve activities if I so choose to.
I think I will just do some things on the island, though I have invited some others to join me. Checking my e-mail today I did get a message from the Lady Washington saying they would arrange my flight on Tuesday so hopefully I will be on my way out to California by Wednesday. I have only been on myspace for not even a week now and have a few new friends. One unrelated to me I think, even sent a resume in to Outward Bound that I recognized when it came accross. This cure turn out to be a great place to network and maybe I will be here longer than I orginally thought.
I needed the extra cash being currently unemployed so I jumped at the chance of some work. I got an hour of work in that morning too since Reed had over slept and I did the run for him. It turns out that he only tore some ligaments, but still needed to stay off it for a bit. So I took the rest of his shift and did the rest of the week for him. I get off tonight in time to enjoy the new years eve activities if I so choose to.
I think I will just do some things on the island, though I have invited some others to join me. Checking my e-mail today I did get a message from the Lady Washington saying they would arrange my flight on Tuesday so hopefully I will be on my way out to California by Wednesday. I have only been on myspace for not even a week now and have a few new friends. One unrelated to me I think, even sent a resume in to Outward Bound that I recognized when it came accross. This cure turn out to be a great place to network and maybe I will be here longer than I orginally thought.
Posted at 11:58 AM
Sun - January 1, 2006
Happy New Year!!
I am sitting in a very familiar place doing a very
familiar thing right now. I am at my friend Logan's apartment on Thompson
Island, which is like my own home away from home. I am sitting here with a lap
top on my lap, which I am being loned until I am able to replace the one that
was stolen about a month ago now. I am useing the Willauer schools wireless
network at Logans, just like old times until I leave soon for California
(hopefully). So once I get all my software and files onto this computer my own
blog (http://homepage.mac.com/captrustywildrice/) will be up again.
Yesterday was a good day. My shift ended at 8:00 pm when Mike and Emily starter their shift. We went back to the island. Jordana, a childhood friend of Capt. Michael also joined us.
Latter at night there was a "secret" (hopefully the wrong person doesn't read this) boat to pick some people up at our Boston dock and then go to watch the fire works. It was great. We had front row seats. Logan, one of my favorite people in the world and her dog Abby (my favorite black lab) joined us as they were getting back from Christmas break. A family with a young girl that lives on the island also joined us. We had hot cocoa and tosted in the new year.
We were of course back late to the island. I am not sure what possesed me, but I ended up staying up even latter to watch and quote the Princess Bride with a new friend.
After not much sleep, I caught the first boat off the island. Jordana gave me a ride to Harvard Square and I met Sasha for church a little late. It was my third visit to her LDS church, and was enjoyable. I have opened an account and profile on LDSlinkup.com to keep in touch with people I have meet there. I went to there versions of "Sunday School" one a scripture teaching, then a teaching with men and women separated. One of the people I met this week gave me a copy of the Book of Mormon that also included the Peril of Great Price, and the Doctrines and Covenents. I had been wanting a copy of that for a while, so I was very happy to get it.
I met some new people and reconnected with some people I met before, got some new phone numbers, gave out my business card, met a couple of missionary "sisters" and got some invites for dinner. I wanted to make the 4:30 PM boat so I had to turn them down. I went back to Sasha's place, had lunch with her, went for a walk to the park with her and her dog Soulie, helped her roomate move a couple things out, then headed off to catch the T to make the 1630 boat.
That leads me to swinging by Logans and just hanging out here, haveing some dinner, internet and good fellowship. Seems like a good start to the New Year to me.
It is exciting to see what my life may bring me this year with my full time (9-10 month) position with Outward Bound, going back to school, new friends and who knows what else? Stay tuned true believers?
Yesterday was a good day. My shift ended at 8:00 pm when Mike and Emily starter their shift. We went back to the island. Jordana, a childhood friend of Capt. Michael also joined us.
Latter at night there was a "secret" (hopefully the wrong person doesn't read this) boat to pick some people up at our Boston dock and then go to watch the fire works. It was great. We had front row seats. Logan, one of my favorite people in the world and her dog Abby (my favorite black lab) joined us as they were getting back from Christmas break. A family with a young girl that lives on the island also joined us. We had hot cocoa and tosted in the new year.
We were of course back late to the island. I am not sure what possesed me, but I ended up staying up even latter to watch and quote the Princess Bride with a new friend.
After not much sleep, I caught the first boat off the island. Jordana gave me a ride to Harvard Square and I met Sasha for church a little late. It was my third visit to her LDS church, and was enjoyable. I have opened an account and profile on LDSlinkup.com to keep in touch with people I have meet there. I went to there versions of "Sunday School" one a scripture teaching, then a teaching with men and women separated. One of the people I met this week gave me a copy of the Book of Mormon that also included the Peril of Great Price, and the Doctrines and Covenents. I had been wanting a copy of that for a while, so I was very happy to get it.
I met some new people and reconnected with some people I met before, got some new phone numbers, gave out my business card, met a couple of missionary "sisters" and got some invites for dinner. I wanted to make the 4:30 PM boat so I had to turn them down. I went back to Sasha's place, had lunch with her, went for a walk to the park with her and her dog Soulie, helped her roomate move a couple things out, then headed off to catch the T to make the 1630 boat.
That leads me to swinging by Logans and just hanging out here, haveing some dinner, internet and good fellowship. Seems like a good start to the New Year to me.
It is exciting to see what my life may bring me this year with my full time (9-10 month) position with Outward Bound, going back to school, new friends and who knows what else? Stay tuned true believers?
Posted at 11:59 AM
Mon - January 2, 2006
Back up and Running
My blog as you can see is now back up and
running. Thanks to a loan of a lap top from the Willauer school for which I
will be corresponding with students while I am first mate of the Lady
Washington. The students hope to do their Spring expedition (which will be
their last as the school shuts it's doors in June) on a tall ship. Their
correspondence with me will help them to prepare for that. Logan Westmoreland
the principle of the Willauer School and good friend of mine will be running the
Boston Marathon to help raise funds for this expedition. There is a link to her
fund raising site (www.firstgiving.com/westmoreland) under the links section of
my web site (http://homepage.mac.com/captrustywildrice/). Please support her in
this endeavor.
Today I will be working on getting all my files on the lap top, syncing up with data stored on line, and geting all my programs back up, upgraded and running. Maybe I will even run over to the Apple store at the Cambridgeside Galleria to pick up a couple needed things like a power cord.
Today I will be working on getting all my files on the lap top, syncing up with data stored on line, and geting all my programs back up, upgraded and running. Maybe I will even run over to the Apple store at the Cambridgeside Galleria to pick up a couple needed things like a power cord.
Posted at 07:09 AM
My Space
While I wasn't able to post on my blog on my own
website, I have been posting at My Space. Check out my blog there at
www.myspace.com/rustywildrice Check there once in a while if you don't see
posting here. If I am not able to get on with my laptop I will post there. I
will try to copy all the posts I put up there over to here to on the appropriate
date. Other than that I will try to avoid cross posting.
http://blog.myspace.com/rustywildrice
http://blog.myspace.com/rustywildrice
Posted at 07:17 AM
Tue - January 3, 2006
iBlog
I had hoped to be back up and running on the blog
on my own web site, but I seem to be haveing software troubles with it on the
lap top that I am useing. I think it may be that I am still synching up my files
between the lap top and my online storage where the iBlog files are kept. We
will see what happens. I will post when I have moved back.
Today I got to go back to bed and sleep for a little bit longer because the morning boat was canceled and the island shut down due to the the nor'easter on the way. So I caught the boat to shore when it left for a safer mooring on the Boston side. I helped secure the boat, fender it and helped try to find a way to fix the float where it had broken. When all was fast and secure I grab take out breakfast for everyone and we had a late breakfast on board.
When all was done I wondered over to the Seafarers mission for the day. Today is the day I should hear from the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport about my flight to California. I am hopeing that I will fly out tomorrow. We will see. It is still a bit early in the day their time to hear from them. I was supposed to catch a movie tonight, but my "date" canceled due to sickness. So maybe I will go solo or find someone else to join me we will see. I want to see the new Casanova movie or maybe Aeo Flux.
Today I got to go back to bed and sleep for a little bit longer because the morning boat was canceled and the island shut down due to the the nor'easter on the way. So I caught the boat to shore when it left for a safer mooring on the Boston side. I helped secure the boat, fender it and helped try to find a way to fix the float where it had broken. When all was fast and secure I grab take out breakfast for everyone and we had a late breakfast on board.
When all was done I wondered over to the Seafarers mission for the day. Today is the day I should hear from the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport about my flight to California. I am hopeing that I will fly out tomorrow. We will see. It is still a bit early in the day their time to hear from them. I was supposed to catch a movie tonight, but my "date" canceled due to sickness. So maybe I will go solo or find someone else to join me we will see. I want to see the new Casanova movie or maybe Aeo Flux.
Posted at 12:02 PM
Wed - January 4, 2006
Skype VOIP
Well here I am still in Boston, with no word from
the Lady Washington as to my travel information (or if I am still working for
them, I am begining to become a skeptic as to whether I really will be their
mate!).
I spent the night last night on the MVOB since the island had been shut down due to a nor'easter that never really came. Today I spent the day on the island. I met a student from Maine Maritime Academy who is thinking of working for us next summer. I showed him around a little bit, showed him our boats and talked with him about the program. Sasha met with him too. He looks like a good canidate. I hope we get him.
Today I set up my Voice Over Internet Protocal account. I downloaded the software a couple nights ago, but got it all set up today. So I now have a phone number and voice mail. That should please many of you. If you download Skype and join (for free) yourself, we can call each other for free. If not I have a phone number and I can call regular phone most anywhere in the world for a small fee. It costs me only pennies a minute. For me to have a phone number with voice mail included it costs me less than $40 a year. I now can be reached anyplace I can get an internet connection. I wish I had this last winter in the Caribbean!
My new phone number is 617-381-4413, so give me a call sometime. I can have up to ten phone numbers on this account each for an additional fee. So I plan to add local numbers for Washington State and Syracuse, NY areas eventually. Check the contact info section of my web site for up to date contact information. http://homepage.mac.com/rustywildrice/
Well I need to get going I am meeting Sasha on the next boat to catch a ride to the Apple store at the mall to get a power supply for my lap top and a head set so I don't get feedback when I am making calls on my lap top!
<img src="http://share.skype.com/show/image/?id=371" border="0" />
I spent the night last night on the MVOB since the island had been shut down due to a nor'easter that never really came. Today I spent the day on the island. I met a student from Maine Maritime Academy who is thinking of working for us next summer. I showed him around a little bit, showed him our boats and talked with him about the program. Sasha met with him too. He looks like a good canidate. I hope we get him.
Today I set up my Voice Over Internet Protocal account. I downloaded the software a couple nights ago, but got it all set up today. So I now have a phone number and voice mail. That should please many of you. If you download Skype and join (for free) yourself, we can call each other for free. If not I have a phone number and I can call regular phone most anywhere in the world for a small fee. It costs me only pennies a minute. For me to have a phone number with voice mail included it costs me less than $40 a year. I now can be reached anyplace I can get an internet connection. I wish I had this last winter in the Caribbean!
My new phone number is 617-381-4413, so give me a call sometime. I can have up to ten phone numbers on this account each for an additional fee. So I plan to add local numbers for Washington State and Syracuse, NY areas eventually. Check the contact info section of my web site for up to date contact information. http://homepage.mac.com/rustywildrice/
Well I need to get going I am meeting Sasha on the next boat to catch a ride to the Apple store at the mall to get a power supply for my lap top and a head set so I don't get feedback when I am making calls on my lap top!
<img src="http://share.skype.com/show/image/?id=371" border="0" />
Posted at 09:18 AM
Ticket to Cali!!
I finally got the e-mail that you all have been
waiting for. At least I have! I have my flight information to join the Lady
Washington in California. I fly out early on Sunday morning to LAX!
I had a good evening this evening with Sasha. She droped me off at the mall. I got the things that I needed for my computer and did some research into other things I will get latter. I used the free wireless there and she called me on my new voip account and we met up and I helped her do some shoping. After we ordered a pizza and I helped her walk her dog. Then back to the island for the evening. I have moved now from crashing in the Captains duplex to crashing in the spare room in Logan's apartment. I don't want to overstay my welcome anyplace.
Tomorrow night some teachers and I from the Willauer school may try to go see Casanova. Hopefully Emily because we try to go see movies with fencing in them together since we are both fencers. Then the normal Thursday night routine of dancing with Sasha and friends. If anyone nearby wants to join us for the movie or dancing, drop me a line.
I had a good evening this evening with Sasha. She droped me off at the mall. I got the things that I needed for my computer and did some research into other things I will get latter. I used the free wireless there and she called me on my new voip account and we met up and I helped her do some shoping. After we ordered a pizza and I helped her walk her dog. Then back to the island for the evening. I have moved now from crashing in the Captains duplex to crashing in the spare room in Logan's apartment. I don't want to overstay my welcome anyplace.
Tomorrow night some teachers and I from the Willauer school may try to go see Casanova. Hopefully Emily because we try to go see movies with fencing in them together since we are both fencers. Then the normal Thursday night routine of dancing with Sasha and friends. If anyone nearby wants to join us for the movie or dancing, drop me a line.
Posted at 08:07 PM
Thu - January 5, 2006
Just My Luck
So as you know I got my plane ticket from the Lady
Washington yesterday, finally. So just my luck what happens I get a better offer
from Outward Bound Florida programs (Huricane Isaland Outward Bound School)
today. They offered me two sailing trips with the possibility of a third for the
winter before I need to be back to Thompson Island. The pay is not what I
normally make at Thompson Island Outward Bound, but much more than I will be
making on the Lady Washington.
Since I said I would do it and they have my ticket for me already, I am going to stick to what I said I would do, even though they did not give me what they originally offered me.
In other news Abby and I went for a long walk today. It is good hanging out with Abby for a little bit. She is my favorite Black Lab.
Tonight hopefully a movie and danceing.
Since I said I would do it and they have my ticket for me already, I am going to stick to what I said I would do, even though they did not give me what they originally offered me.
In other news Abby and I went for a long walk today. It is good hanging out with Abby for a little bit. She is my favorite Black Lab.
Tonight hopefully a movie and danceing.
Posted at 12:34 PM
Sat - January 7, 2006
Lady Washington Schedule and Mailing Address
Here is my schedule of ports and mailing address
for my time on the Lady Washington for anyone who is interested. Of course my
Anacortes mailing address will always reach me as well.
San Pedro: Jan. 6 - 10
Berth 84
Foot of Sixth Street
San Pedro CA 90731
San Diego: Jan. 12 - 23
We still don’t know!!!
Oceanside: Jan. 24 - 29
1350 Pacific St N
Ocean Side CA 92054
Newport Beach: Jan. 31 - Feb. 7
151 E Coast HWY
Newport Beach CA 92660
Oxnard: Feb. 8 - 14
3900 Pelican Way
Oxnard CA 93035
Ventura: Feb. 15 - 20
1603 Anchors Way Dr
Ventura CA 93001
Morro Bay: Feb. 23 - 27
699 Embarcadero ..9
Morro Bay CA 93442
San Francisco, CA: Mar. 2 - 4
Then back to Boston: March 5- November at least....
TIOB
PO Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
VOIP phone ..: 617-381-4413
San Pedro: Jan. 6 - 10
Berth 84
Foot of Sixth Street
San Pedro CA 90731
San Diego: Jan. 12 - 23
We still don’t know!!!
Oceanside: Jan. 24 - 29
1350 Pacific St N
Ocean Side CA 92054
Newport Beach: Jan. 31 - Feb. 7
151 E Coast HWY
Newport Beach CA 92660
Oxnard: Feb. 8 - 14
3900 Pelican Way
Oxnard CA 93035
Ventura: Feb. 15 - 20
1603 Anchors Way Dr
Ventura CA 93001
Morro Bay: Feb. 23 - 27
699 Embarcadero ..9
Morro Bay CA 93442
San Francisco, CA: Mar. 2 - 4
Then back to Boston: March 5- November at least....
TIOB
PO Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
VOIP phone ..: 617-381-4413
Posted at 12:37 PM
End of the week Activities
Thursday night I did make the movie, but not the
dancing. I found out too late that the dance location had changed and it was a
bit complex to get there by public transit. More complex than what I wanted to
deal with at that hour. Emily Rolling a teacher at the Willauer school went and
checked out Casanova. Since we are both fencers we like to check out movies
with fencing in them together. Last October we went to see Zorro together. She
liked Casanova better. I have to say that I preferred Zorro. It was a nice
movie to see once. I wanted to get dressed up for it, but didn't have much
time, so I just threw on my leather tri-corn and frock coat and called it good.
Since I didn't make it to dancing, I didn't make it to a place to sleep either, the last boat having been at 8 pm. So I crashed at the New England Seafarers Mission. I have an open invite to just sleep on the floor in the Chapel if I need to, but I had never actually done it until then. I am going to stay here again tonight because I need to catch an early flight at the Airport and there isn't ever a boat early enough to get me there. No public transit that early in the morning either, so it looks like I am going to have to take a cab. It wouldn't really work out to stay with anyone, so I didn't ask.
Friday morning I grabbed a hot cocoa from the roach coach and took the first boat out to the island. I went back to bed as soon as I got back since I was up a little late the night before getting my sea bag in order and leaving things behind since I wouldn't need as much now that my time with the Lady Washington is less than originally planned.
Abby and I took a walk after lunch. Logan left on the 2pm boat and was going to keep Abby in the car during a meeting she had, and as she did a run as part of her Boston Marathon training. Since I was geting off on the 4:00 boat anyway, I offered to bring Abby over for her, then she wouldn't have to wait in the car so long. I got off at 4 and Colin the program director for Outward Bound Professional (OBP) our corporate program and I went out and played a couple rounds of darts.
I came back to the island at 8 and was joined by my new friend Jordana who came out for a dinner. We had dinner and I showed her a dvd I made of pictures from my time with Sloop Providence and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Today I joined Captain Michael, Emily and a friend of his Laura for brunch at Terries Place, my favorite breakfast joint. It was nice to go there one last time before heading west. I have been shopping around for a new digital camera. If I don't get one just like the one that was stolen I will be getting something very similar. Well I think this was a bit of a boring entry compared to most. With travel in my future tomorrow I think following entries will be much better.
Since I didn't make it to dancing, I didn't make it to a place to sleep either, the last boat having been at 8 pm. So I crashed at the New England Seafarers Mission. I have an open invite to just sleep on the floor in the Chapel if I need to, but I had never actually done it until then. I am going to stay here again tonight because I need to catch an early flight at the Airport and there isn't ever a boat early enough to get me there. No public transit that early in the morning either, so it looks like I am going to have to take a cab. It wouldn't really work out to stay with anyone, so I didn't ask.
Friday morning I grabbed a hot cocoa from the roach coach and took the first boat out to the island. I went back to bed as soon as I got back since I was up a little late the night before getting my sea bag in order and leaving things behind since I wouldn't need as much now that my time with the Lady Washington is less than originally planned.
Abby and I took a walk after lunch. Logan left on the 2pm boat and was going to keep Abby in the car during a meeting she had, and as she did a run as part of her Boston Marathon training. Since I was geting off on the 4:00 boat anyway, I offered to bring Abby over for her, then she wouldn't have to wait in the car so long. I got off at 4 and Colin the program director for Outward Bound Professional (OBP) our corporate program and I went out and played a couple rounds of darts.
I came back to the island at 8 and was joined by my new friend Jordana who came out for a dinner. We had dinner and I showed her a dvd I made of pictures from my time with Sloop Providence and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Today I joined Captain Michael, Emily and a friend of his Laura for brunch at Terries Place, my favorite breakfast joint. It was nice to go there one last time before heading west. I have been shopping around for a new digital camera. If I don't get one just like the one that was stolen I will be getting something very similar. Well I think this was a bit of a boring entry compared to most. With travel in my future tomorrow I think following entries will be much better.
Posted at 03:40 PM
Sun - January 8, 2006
Flight Out
I am now on my flight to LAX connecting from
Pittsburgh, PA. It is my first cross continent flight in a while. I think the
last one was for the AEE conference in Vancouver, BC when I was on the host
committee in 2003. This is a reminder of how much I dislike these long flights.
my knees are sore from this cramped seating. I am not comfortable. I am a
little tired. I stayed up late last night so I would be tired enough to sleep
on the flight. I slept for a couple hours so far. The in flight movie is now
over, so I just need to protect myself from boredom. If I had known that there
would be so much time between my hiring and my actual departure to the west
coast, I may have considered putting the jeep back on the road and driven out.
I certainly had enough time to do it.
So it was an early morning this morning. I stayed at the New England Sea Farers Mission last night to make it easy. I was up before 4 AM and my cab picked me up early before 4:30. Check in at the airport went smoothly. My sea bag was a bit heavy, they didn't charge me extra, but told me to be careful on the return trip. I haven't eaten much today. Hopeful there is good eating on the ship today. Maybe I will make it in time for lunch. I wonder if they are sailing today and how many sails we have. I think it is likely that there is an afternoon and maybe even an evening sail that I will make it for.
Watched some comedy on the flight tv HBO. Saw a thing on the History Channel's show "Digging for the Truth" with Josh Bernstine who I met when I took a course with the Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) he used to own it and still may, he also used to own the Outdoor Network, which doesn't exist anymore as far as I know.
Flying over Colorado I saw what I think to be the Colorado river. It was a river in a canyon anyway. I can still see it right now anyway. To kill time I started writing my next entry which is a history of all my flying experiences.
So it was an early morning this morning. I stayed at the New England Sea Farers Mission last night to make it easy. I was up before 4 AM and my cab picked me up early before 4:30. Check in at the airport went smoothly. My sea bag was a bit heavy, they didn't charge me extra, but told me to be careful on the return trip. I haven't eaten much today. Hopeful there is good eating on the ship today. Maybe I will make it in time for lunch. I wonder if they are sailing today and how many sails we have. I think it is likely that there is an afternoon and maybe even an evening sail that I will make it for.
Watched some comedy on the flight tv HBO. Saw a thing on the History Channel's show "Digging for the Truth" with Josh Bernstine who I met when I took a course with the Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) he used to own it and still may, he also used to own the Outdoor Network, which doesn't exist anymore as far as I know.
Flying over Colorado I saw what I think to be the Colorado river. It was a river in a canyon anyway. I can still see it right now anyway. To kill time I started writing my next entry which is a history of all my flying experiences.
Posted at 08:46 AM
Flying History
A history of my flying experiences.
Since I am not part of the "jet set" I thought it
would be fun to reminisce on the flights I have taken. I have flown roughly at
least once a year since my first flight in 1991 after I graduated from high
school.
1991- July- Isaiah 6 project to St. Kitts and Nevis. Flew from Syracuse, NY, changed flights in Raleigh/ Durham, NC, to San Juan, Puerto Rico met my group and then flew on to St. Kitts, West Indies. Returned at end of month reverse of same itinerary.
August- Philmont Scout Ranch, NM, Flew from Syracuse, NY changed flights in St. Louis, MO then on to Colorado Springs, CO took a bus to Philmont with an over night stay in some army barracks in Fort Carson. Return trip the same a week or so latter.
1992- June- Philmont Scout Ranch Staff, NM, Went back to be on Staff. Flew from Syracuse, NY, changed flights at Chicago O'Hare to Denver, CO, then changed again to Colorado Springs, CO. I think I took a Greyhound to Raton, NM from there and got picked up by Philmont. I am not sure though I will have to find my journal and look it up! Returned at the end of the summer in August got a ride to the airport from a fellow staff member whose name I also forget. Flew standby because I left a day early. Was able to get from Colorado Springs to Denver ok, then after a few hours on to Chicago O'Hare ok. I ended up having to sleep in the airport and caught the first flight to Syracuse in the morning.
1993- No flying
1994- Spring Break Honduras SCUBA trip with Houghton College. Flew from Rochester, NY to Chicago O'Hare changed to Miami, FL spent the night at a motel in Miami, then on to San Pedro Sula (sp) the next morning. Spent a day in San Pedro Sula and then took a bus to La Ceba (it was Good Friday so not many local airlines where flying) to catch a flight to the island of Utila in the Bay Islands of Honduras. The bus ride was an experience! The flight from La Ceba was too. The airstrip on Utila was just a dirt runway. There were no buildings at the airport, just one crashed plane. The run way was so short that the plane came in just above the water and slammed on the breaks as soon as it hit the runway, stopping just before it dropped into the Ocean at the other end. Likewise when we left the plane stated at one end of the runway revved the engines until the plane shook and then took off down the runway leaving just before the wheels touched the water at the other end.
On the return we were able to get a flight from La Ceba to San Pedro Sula, a night there, then a plane to Miami, Fl, a night there, then back to Chicago O'Hare. The Professor for this trip was big on volunteering the group to get bumped to get us travel vouchers. I don't think we did on the way down, but we did twice on the way back and I got $400 in travel vouchers at least, plus dinner. At the airport I met up with a friend Laura Selicaro, who I worked with at Chingachgook in the spring 1993 and met up with Micah and Rebekah Driscol from the Isaiah 6 Project. They were both students at Moody Bible Institute at the time. Sine we got bumped, then brought me into the city, showed me the school and showed me around. That was cool. I almost didn't make my flight getting back, good thing we got bumped from it!
When we finally did fly out we were put on a flight to Syracuse, that they had stop in Rochester just for us and some others that had been bumped. Believe me the others on their way to Syracuse weren't happy about that!
Summer- June- Reachout Expeditions. I put me travel vouchers to work right away and got a flight to Washington to work for Reachout Expeditions. Syracuse, NY to Chicago, O'Hare, then on to Sea Tac airport Washington. Return trip the same at the end of the summer.
1995- Spring Break- Israel- Bus from Houghton, NY to JFK in New York. JFK to Tel Aviv Israel. Return the same. Bus broke down and we had to wait for another one, school just sent vans to get us because we were close to Houghton.
1996- Summer- Florida Sea Base Staff- Syracuse, NY to JFK to Miami, FL. Was supposed to meet my former girl friend Marie in JFK and we were going to fly the rest of the way together, but her flight got changed in Albany and we met in Miami and caught a shuttle down to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Got a ride to the airport at the end of the summer and the return flights were the same.
Christmas- Christmas break Staff at Florida Sea Base- Flew on Christmas day from Syracuse, NY to Detroit, MI volunteered to get bumped as long as they could still get me in the same day. Rerouted to Tampa and then changed for a flight to Miami. Got picked up with some other staff in Miami. Did not fly back because my return ticket wasn't until January 6, and my grandfather died my last day of work there. So I drove up with two friends back to Syracuse. One got off at Appomatix, VA and the other drove through to Buffalo, NY. Gave the travel voucher to my brother and sister in law the folllowing summer as a wedding gift so they could go someplace away for their honeymoon.
1997- Summer August, Flew home to Syracuse, NY (don't remember my connections if any) from Miami for my brother and sister-in-laws wedding. I wasn't going to make it, but an adult leader on our trip that week ( I was second mate on my first Schooner the Heritage of Miami II) died of a heart attack and the trip ended. So I flew home last minute for the wedding. First time using 1-800-fly-4-les(s) rather than using a travel agent.
1998- Spring BOSS course flew from Sea-Tac to Salt Lake City. Spent a day in Salt Lake City visiting the Temple Square and seeing the Mormon sites. Took bus to Provo, UT and then BOSS picked us up in a van a drove us to the school's base. Return trip, had trouble making the bus to the airport, didn't have enough money for a taxi, went to the Mariott pretended to be a guest and took the airport shuttle.
November AEE conference on Lake Tahoe, flew into Reno, NV from Sea-Tac spent a day there and took Shuttle to Lake Tahoe. Return trip, shuttle and then the same.
December. Returned home from Washington state. Sea Tac to connected in Newark, NJ to Syracuse, NY. Spent the year at SPU in graduate school Drove out, totaled Mustang so flew home for Christmas.... Returned flight to Sea Tac from Syracuse via Newark in March 1999.
In the mean time did auto drive away delivered a car from Syracuse to Winter Park, Florida, caught a train to Miami, bus to Islamorada to work Christmas break at the Sea Base. Caught ride with class mates Richard and Terri Jones from Miami to Lexington, KY to finish up Seminary (so I thought) at Asbury, then a Greyhound to Harrisburg, PA to work for Tressler Care Wilderness Services a 32 day expedition then parents picked me up, drove me home and I flew back to Seattle shortly after. Flew standby a day early only as far as Newark. Got a room in Newark, went into New York City visited NYC Outward Bound and South Street Seaport, and walked around the city then on to Seattle the next day. Back in Seattle I took a train to Fresno, CA and took a wilderness EMT class with WMI near Yosemite.
2000- August- Flew Sea Tac to Albany connected in Newark, NJ I think. To be best man at Greg Bubniak's wedding in Pittsfield, MA.
September- Nova Scotia Sea School Professional enrichment course. Flew from Vancouver, BC to Halifax, NS. Got a ride to and from Halifax to Lunneburg with other students on the course. Jason Boyes drove me to the airport and picked me up, which he did the next time I flew to Halifax in 2004, though it was to Chicago that time!
November- AEE conference in Tucson, AZ. Sea Tac to Tucson with connection in Salt Lake City. Ran into co-worker from CSUMB Otter Days program on connection. Met someone at the airport in Tucson also going to the conference, bummed a ride and crashed on the floor of her motel room, met my roommate the next day. Sat with colleagues met at the conference on return flight and the connection.
2001- No flying that year, unrelated to the events of September 11, 2001.
2002- No flying that year either unrelated to events of September 11. 2001.
2003- June AEE conference host committee meeting. Flew to Sea Tac stayed with Jerry Neyland and caught train up to Vancouver for meeting the next morning. Spent a day in Anacortes on the way back to get things out of storage unit. Took airporter from Burlington, WA to Sea Tac after meeting with counselor.
July- ASTA Tall Ships Challenge, Cleveland, Ohio. From Boston Logan Airport connected in Pittsburgh, PA. Returned via connection in Philadelphia, PA. Flight delayed in Cleveland. Stewardess gave lots of free alcohol (wine) to make up for it.
August- ASTA Tall Ships Challenge, Muskegon, Michigan. From Boston Logan Airport connected in Detroit, MI.
November- AEE conference in Vancouver, BC Canada. Arrived early as part of host committee. Flew to Seattle, WA from Boston, Logan airport. Changed flights in Detroit, MI Got ride with John Vonk up and caught Bus back from Anacortes after spending a day or two there after the conference. Discovered a place to rent portable DVD players and rented one on the return flight.
2004- February National Challenge Course Practitioners Symposium, Boulder, CO. Flew from Boston Logan Airport to Denver, CO. I forget if their was a connection or where there was. Rented a portable DVD player both ways. Took shuttle to Boulder, CO, got a ride with Sarah Ristow to the airport on the way back.
March- Robert Bussey Survival Class. Took a class with former Ninja master Robert Bussey in Lincoln, Nebraska. Flew MIdwest airlines (the best North American Based Airline) direct Boston Logan Airport to Omaha NB. Loved the airline because all the seats were first class and they gave out complimentary baked on board chocolate chip cookies. Yum! Stayed with a friend of Jason Boye's and rented a car to get to Lincoln.
July/August- Tall Ships Challenge Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Flew from Chicago O'Hare to Halifax. Got a ride with Jason Boyes from Port Washington, WI where I left the US Brig Niagara. Stayed with him a night and got a ride to airport. Flew back to Chicago and rejoined the Brig Niagara there.
2005- November ASTA conference. Flew from Boston Logan Airport to Bay City/ Saginaw Michigan via Chicago, O'Hare. Helped out with conference arrived early and left day after conference. Missed connection on return flight. After waiting for three flights and getting bumped, was able to get a ticket for the next day and a free hotel room for the night.
2006- January- This Flight! From Boston Logan International Airport LAX with a connection in Pittsburgh, PA. To join the crew of the Brig Lady Washington as first mate.
1991- July- Isaiah 6 project to St. Kitts and Nevis. Flew from Syracuse, NY, changed flights in Raleigh/ Durham, NC, to San Juan, Puerto Rico met my group and then flew on to St. Kitts, West Indies. Returned at end of month reverse of same itinerary.
August- Philmont Scout Ranch, NM, Flew from Syracuse, NY changed flights in St. Louis, MO then on to Colorado Springs, CO took a bus to Philmont with an over night stay in some army barracks in Fort Carson. Return trip the same a week or so latter.
1992- June- Philmont Scout Ranch Staff, NM, Went back to be on Staff. Flew from Syracuse, NY, changed flights at Chicago O'Hare to Denver, CO, then changed again to Colorado Springs, CO. I think I took a Greyhound to Raton, NM from there and got picked up by Philmont. I am not sure though I will have to find my journal and look it up! Returned at the end of the summer in August got a ride to the airport from a fellow staff member whose name I also forget. Flew standby because I left a day early. Was able to get from Colorado Springs to Denver ok, then after a few hours on to Chicago O'Hare ok. I ended up having to sleep in the airport and caught the first flight to Syracuse in the morning.
1993- No flying
1994- Spring Break Honduras SCUBA trip with Houghton College. Flew from Rochester, NY to Chicago O'Hare changed to Miami, FL spent the night at a motel in Miami, then on to San Pedro Sula (sp) the next morning. Spent a day in San Pedro Sula and then took a bus to La Ceba (it was Good Friday so not many local airlines where flying) to catch a flight to the island of Utila in the Bay Islands of Honduras. The bus ride was an experience! The flight from La Ceba was too. The airstrip on Utila was just a dirt runway. There were no buildings at the airport, just one crashed plane. The run way was so short that the plane came in just above the water and slammed on the breaks as soon as it hit the runway, stopping just before it dropped into the Ocean at the other end. Likewise when we left the plane stated at one end of the runway revved the engines until the plane shook and then took off down the runway leaving just before the wheels touched the water at the other end.
On the return we were able to get a flight from La Ceba to San Pedro Sula, a night there, then a plane to Miami, Fl, a night there, then back to Chicago O'Hare. The Professor for this trip was big on volunteering the group to get bumped to get us travel vouchers. I don't think we did on the way down, but we did twice on the way back and I got $400 in travel vouchers at least, plus dinner. At the airport I met up with a friend Laura Selicaro, who I worked with at Chingachgook in the spring 1993 and met up with Micah and Rebekah Driscol from the Isaiah 6 Project. They were both students at Moody Bible Institute at the time. Sine we got bumped, then brought me into the city, showed me the school and showed me around. That was cool. I almost didn't make my flight getting back, good thing we got bumped from it!
When we finally did fly out we were put on a flight to Syracuse, that they had stop in Rochester just for us and some others that had been bumped. Believe me the others on their way to Syracuse weren't happy about that!
Summer- June- Reachout Expeditions. I put me travel vouchers to work right away and got a flight to Washington to work for Reachout Expeditions. Syracuse, NY to Chicago, O'Hare, then on to Sea Tac airport Washington. Return trip the same at the end of the summer.
1995- Spring Break- Israel- Bus from Houghton, NY to JFK in New York. JFK to Tel Aviv Israel. Return the same. Bus broke down and we had to wait for another one, school just sent vans to get us because we were close to Houghton.
1996- Summer- Florida Sea Base Staff- Syracuse, NY to JFK to Miami, FL. Was supposed to meet my former girl friend Marie in JFK and we were going to fly the rest of the way together, but her flight got changed in Albany and we met in Miami and caught a shuttle down to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Got a ride to the airport at the end of the summer and the return flights were the same.
Christmas- Christmas break Staff at Florida Sea Base- Flew on Christmas day from Syracuse, NY to Detroit, MI volunteered to get bumped as long as they could still get me in the same day. Rerouted to Tampa and then changed for a flight to Miami. Got picked up with some other staff in Miami. Did not fly back because my return ticket wasn't until January 6, and my grandfather died my last day of work there. So I drove up with two friends back to Syracuse. One got off at Appomatix, VA and the other drove through to Buffalo, NY. Gave the travel voucher to my brother and sister in law the folllowing summer as a wedding gift so they could go someplace away for their honeymoon.
1997- Summer August, Flew home to Syracuse, NY (don't remember my connections if any) from Miami for my brother and sister-in-laws wedding. I wasn't going to make it, but an adult leader on our trip that week ( I was second mate on my first Schooner the Heritage of Miami II) died of a heart attack and the trip ended. So I flew home last minute for the wedding. First time using 1-800-fly-4-les(s) rather than using a travel agent.
1998- Spring BOSS course flew from Sea-Tac to Salt Lake City. Spent a day in Salt Lake City visiting the Temple Square and seeing the Mormon sites. Took bus to Provo, UT and then BOSS picked us up in a van a drove us to the school's base. Return trip, had trouble making the bus to the airport, didn't have enough money for a taxi, went to the Mariott pretended to be a guest and took the airport shuttle.
November AEE conference on Lake Tahoe, flew into Reno, NV from Sea-Tac spent a day there and took Shuttle to Lake Tahoe. Return trip, shuttle and then the same.
December. Returned home from Washington state. Sea Tac to connected in Newark, NJ to Syracuse, NY. Spent the year at SPU in graduate school Drove out, totaled Mustang so flew home for Christmas.... Returned flight to Sea Tac from Syracuse via Newark in March 1999.
In the mean time did auto drive away delivered a car from Syracuse to Winter Park, Florida, caught a train to Miami, bus to Islamorada to work Christmas break at the Sea Base. Caught ride with class mates Richard and Terri Jones from Miami to Lexington, KY to finish up Seminary (so I thought) at Asbury, then a Greyhound to Harrisburg, PA to work for Tressler Care Wilderness Services a 32 day expedition then parents picked me up, drove me home and I flew back to Seattle shortly after. Flew standby a day early only as far as Newark. Got a room in Newark, went into New York City visited NYC Outward Bound and South Street Seaport, and walked around the city then on to Seattle the next day. Back in Seattle I took a train to Fresno, CA and took a wilderness EMT class with WMI near Yosemite.
2000- August- Flew Sea Tac to Albany connected in Newark, NJ I think. To be best man at Greg Bubniak's wedding in Pittsfield, MA.
September- Nova Scotia Sea School Professional enrichment course. Flew from Vancouver, BC to Halifax, NS. Got a ride to and from Halifax to Lunneburg with other students on the course. Jason Boyes drove me to the airport and picked me up, which he did the next time I flew to Halifax in 2004, though it was to Chicago that time!
November- AEE conference in Tucson, AZ. Sea Tac to Tucson with connection in Salt Lake City. Ran into co-worker from CSUMB Otter Days program on connection. Met someone at the airport in Tucson also going to the conference, bummed a ride and crashed on the floor of her motel room, met my roommate the next day. Sat with colleagues met at the conference on return flight and the connection.
2001- No flying that year, unrelated to the events of September 11, 2001.
2002- No flying that year either unrelated to events of September 11. 2001.
2003- June AEE conference host committee meeting. Flew to Sea Tac stayed with Jerry Neyland and caught train up to Vancouver for meeting the next morning. Spent a day in Anacortes on the way back to get things out of storage unit. Took airporter from Burlington, WA to Sea Tac after meeting with counselor.
July- ASTA Tall Ships Challenge, Cleveland, Ohio. From Boston Logan Airport connected in Pittsburgh, PA. Returned via connection in Philadelphia, PA. Flight delayed in Cleveland. Stewardess gave lots of free alcohol (wine) to make up for it.
August- ASTA Tall Ships Challenge, Muskegon, Michigan. From Boston Logan Airport connected in Detroit, MI.
November- AEE conference in Vancouver, BC Canada. Arrived early as part of host committee. Flew to Seattle, WA from Boston, Logan airport. Changed flights in Detroit, MI Got ride with John Vonk up and caught Bus back from Anacortes after spending a day or two there after the conference. Discovered a place to rent portable DVD players and rented one on the return flight.
2004- February National Challenge Course Practitioners Symposium, Boulder, CO. Flew from Boston Logan Airport to Denver, CO. I forget if their was a connection or where there was. Rented a portable DVD player both ways. Took shuttle to Boulder, CO, got a ride with Sarah Ristow to the airport on the way back.
March- Robert Bussey Survival Class. Took a class with former Ninja master Robert Bussey in Lincoln, Nebraska. Flew MIdwest airlines (the best North American Based Airline) direct Boston Logan Airport to Omaha NB. Loved the airline because all the seats were first class and they gave out complimentary baked on board chocolate chip cookies. Yum! Stayed with a friend of Jason Boye's and rented a car to get to Lincoln.
July/August- Tall Ships Challenge Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Flew from Chicago O'Hare to Halifax. Got a ride with Jason Boyes from Port Washington, WI where I left the US Brig Niagara. Stayed with him a night and got a ride to airport. Flew back to Chicago and rejoined the Brig Niagara there.
2005- November ASTA conference. Flew from Boston Logan Airport to Bay City/ Saginaw Michigan via Chicago, O'Hare. Helped out with conference arrived early and left day after conference. Missed connection on return flight. After waiting for three flights and getting bumped, was able to get a ticket for the next day and a free hotel room for the night.
2006- January- This Flight! From Boston Logan International Airport LAX with a connection in Pittsburgh, PA. To join the crew of the Brig Lady Washington as first mate.
Posted at 09:42 AM
Mon - January 9, 2006
First Mate
Haven't had a chance to get online yet, but these
entries will get posted as soon as I do. So, I got onboard yesterday shortly
afternoon. I was picked up at the airport by Laura, who is one of my friends
from myspace, lives in Long Beach and is also a volunteer on Lady Washington.
She gave me a ride to the Brig.
I was there in time for lunch and went out on my first sail. I mostly observed the current mate and how things went. At the dock when we came in, some Exy Johnson crew where there to catch our lines for us. Among them was Zander, who was a shipmate of mine on Niagara. He showed up today and is going to be the mate on Irving Johnson, which is exciting. We haven't had a chance to hang out yet, I hope we do. Today Mark Klophostein my good friend and client of Wild Rice Adventures dropped by after lunch between sails. He came by again in the evening after our ed sail before dinner, and came over with us to look at the Bill of Rights. It was good catching up with him.
Today we had two educational (ed) sails. The first one I observed the previous mate (now the second mate/engineer) and took notes as well as did a little line handling myself. The second one, the second mate got off of the boat, and I was on and up to the task. What followed can be considered a "trial by fire." We lost our main engine and had to get sails up immediately to maintain steerage. We were in a major shipping channel and a bulk carrier came by as we were trying to maneuver our way back to the dock. We sailed onto the dock. I got good feed back from the Captain and the crew that I did a good job as my first day as mate. It made me feel good and gave me confidence that I could do the job under ordinary conditions.
Tomorrow we have a couple options for what we will do if we don't have our engine back online. One of them involves borrowing the Schooner Bill of Rights from the LA Maritime Institute. We went over to look at it tonight to see what we would need to do, to get it ready. The plan is a the morning sail tomorrow will be just a dockside educational program. Part of the crew will prepare the Bill of Rights and we will sail in the afternoon. We have been doing ed sails with the Exy Johnson. So she has sailed with one group of students and us another. We provide the educators from our crew for the Exy.
If we use the Bill of Rights. She will come with her own Captain and maybe some LAMI volunteers. I will be mate on it. So in two days time I have been mate on a Brig (square rigger) and a schooner and it is my first time as mate. I find that to be pretty exciting. We need another vessel to work with us in our next port of San Diego. The Bill of Rights is an option we are looking at, to transit down with us. If it does we have a captain coming down to take her, and I will be mate on her. I am pretty excited about that. Jim McDunna, the former program director at Thompson Island Outward Bound was the first mate on here when she worked with Vision Quest. I should e-mail him since I have wanted to for a while.
So exciting things are happening here. I am glad to be here.
I was there in time for lunch and went out on my first sail. I mostly observed the current mate and how things went. At the dock when we came in, some Exy Johnson crew where there to catch our lines for us. Among them was Zander, who was a shipmate of mine on Niagara. He showed up today and is going to be the mate on Irving Johnson, which is exciting. We haven't had a chance to hang out yet, I hope we do. Today Mark Klophostein my good friend and client of Wild Rice Adventures dropped by after lunch between sails. He came by again in the evening after our ed sail before dinner, and came over with us to look at the Bill of Rights. It was good catching up with him.
Today we had two educational (ed) sails. The first one I observed the previous mate (now the second mate/engineer) and took notes as well as did a little line handling myself. The second one, the second mate got off of the boat, and I was on and up to the task. What followed can be considered a "trial by fire." We lost our main engine and had to get sails up immediately to maintain steerage. We were in a major shipping channel and a bulk carrier came by as we were trying to maneuver our way back to the dock. We sailed onto the dock. I got good feed back from the Captain and the crew that I did a good job as my first day as mate. It made me feel good and gave me confidence that I could do the job under ordinary conditions.
Tomorrow we have a couple options for what we will do if we don't have our engine back online. One of them involves borrowing the Schooner Bill of Rights from the LA Maritime Institute. We went over to look at it tonight to see what we would need to do, to get it ready. The plan is a the morning sail tomorrow will be just a dockside educational program. Part of the crew will prepare the Bill of Rights and we will sail in the afternoon. We have been doing ed sails with the Exy Johnson. So she has sailed with one group of students and us another. We provide the educators from our crew for the Exy.
If we use the Bill of Rights. She will come with her own Captain and maybe some LAMI volunteers. I will be mate on it. So in two days time I have been mate on a Brig (square rigger) and a schooner and it is my first time as mate. I find that to be pretty exciting. We need another vessel to work with us in our next port of San Diego. The Bill of Rights is an option we are looking at, to transit down with us. If it does we have a captain coming down to take her, and I will be mate on her. I am pretty excited about that. Jim McDunna, the former program director at Thompson Island Outward Bound was the first mate on here when she worked with Vision Quest. I should e-mail him since I have wanted to for a while.
So exciting things are happening here. I am glad to be here.
Posted at 10:40 PM
Thu - January 12, 2006
Port of San Diego
We are now in San Diego. We left LA (San Pedro)
yesterday afternoon. It was a nice sail. As the first mate I lead a watch of
course. It was the 8-12 watch which is the same watch that I had last time I
was in these waters on board the Quisette. The morning we saw a Aircraft
Carrier underway, which I thought was really cool. I snapped a couple pictures
of it. I haven't replaced my digital camera yet, but I have picked up a couple
disposable cameras for the time being.
LA was a cool port. We ended up not using the Bill of Rights there, but we are going to use it here in San Diego. We provided four crew for it yesterday and they got this morning and should be here late tonight. I believe my friend Zander will be mate on it, so we will get to spend some more time together, which I am looking forward to.
Tuesday was my birthday. It was uneventful. No one really did anything for, which I am content with. In the morning and early part of the afternoon I had a team of people working with me to get the Bill of Rights ready to sail. We ended up not using it as I said, but ended up still latter using it for down here. I called my brother Michael to see if he could give us advice on our engine difficulties. He couldn't help much over the phone and our engine is a little older than what he is used to. He said he would ask his boss and my dad's friend Lonnie at work about it and call back. Our engineer did get it working that night. Michael did call back twice and left messages, but I didn't know about it until today because our phone got dropped into the engine room bilge.
Tuesday evening my friend Zander and I went out for my birthday. We first hit a Mexican restaurant where I knew our Captain and second mate would be. Zander hadn't eaten yet, so he grabbed a couple taco's. I had some fried ice cream. After we checked out an English pub after. On the way back we had to wait for a group of oil cars on at a train crossing because they were unhooking some on another track. It was neat to watch. There was some drinking and chanty singing on the Exy Johnson that night. I declined going because I knew if I dropped in for a minute, I would have been there longer than I wanted to.
Wednesday morning after chores, we went to the LA Maritime Museum where we were invited to go for free. I had been there before, but really enjoyed seeing their collection again. They have many models. The crew members that were there with me asked me lots of questions which I really enjoyed. I picked up a couple post cards from Tall Ships 2002, as I was there for it. I also got a patch and they had my "pirate action figure" there like the one I got in the Caribbean for Jill. So I picked up another one for myself. I had recently seen a place online that I could get them too. After lunch before we got underway Nancy Richardson from LAMI and ASTA came down to the boat to see me. I am glad she did, because I wanted to make sure that I saw her while I was in LA.
We disembarked our crew for the Bill of Rights, then went to a fuel dock to get fuel and got underway for San Diego. We broke into watches around 1600 after doing a man overboard drill and setting some sail. On watch Annie our Purser was really interested in becoming a watch leader, so had lots of questions and wanted to learn the rules of the road, lights and other things.
A big part of my job is scheduling chores in the morning and days off, keeping the watch bill up to date and scheduling watches. So I did some of that this afternoon.
LA was a cool port. We ended up not using the Bill of Rights there, but we are going to use it here in San Diego. We provided four crew for it yesterday and they got this morning and should be here late tonight. I believe my friend Zander will be mate on it, so we will get to spend some more time together, which I am looking forward to.
Tuesday was my birthday. It was uneventful. No one really did anything for, which I am content with. In the morning and early part of the afternoon I had a team of people working with me to get the Bill of Rights ready to sail. We ended up not using it as I said, but ended up still latter using it for down here. I called my brother Michael to see if he could give us advice on our engine difficulties. He couldn't help much over the phone and our engine is a little older than what he is used to. He said he would ask his boss and my dad's friend Lonnie at work about it and call back. Our engineer did get it working that night. Michael did call back twice and left messages, but I didn't know about it until today because our phone got dropped into the engine room bilge.
Tuesday evening my friend Zander and I went out for my birthday. We first hit a Mexican restaurant where I knew our Captain and second mate would be. Zander hadn't eaten yet, so he grabbed a couple taco's. I had some fried ice cream. After we checked out an English pub after. On the way back we had to wait for a group of oil cars on at a train crossing because they were unhooking some on another track. It was neat to watch. There was some drinking and chanty singing on the Exy Johnson that night. I declined going because I knew if I dropped in for a minute, I would have been there longer than I wanted to.
Wednesday morning after chores, we went to the LA Maritime Museum where we were invited to go for free. I had been there before, but really enjoyed seeing their collection again. They have many models. The crew members that were there with me asked me lots of questions which I really enjoyed. I picked up a couple post cards from Tall Ships 2002, as I was there for it. I also got a patch and they had my "pirate action figure" there like the one I got in the Caribbean for Jill. So I picked up another one for myself. I had recently seen a place online that I could get them too. After lunch before we got underway Nancy Richardson from LAMI and ASTA came down to the boat to see me. I am glad she did, because I wanted to make sure that I saw her while I was in LA.
We disembarked our crew for the Bill of Rights, then went to a fuel dock to get fuel and got underway for San Diego. We broke into watches around 1600 after doing a man overboard drill and setting some sail. On watch Annie our Purser was really interested in becoming a watch leader, so had lots of questions and wanted to learn the rules of the road, lights and other things.
A big part of my job is scheduling chores in the morning and days off, keeping the watch bill up to date and scheduling watches. So I did some of that this afternoon.
Posted at 08:01 PM
Sat - January 14, 2006
To Be A Captain
This was on the Captain's Cabin door, so I
thought I would copy it to share with you.
Why I Want to be a
Captain!
The following was written by a 10-year old boy who has a somewhat, er, romantic view of what it's like to be a captain. Maybe the boy knows something the rest of us don't!
"I want to be a Captain when I grow up because it's a fun job and easy to do. Captains don't need much school education; they just have to learn numbers so they can read instruments. I guess they should be able to read maps so they won't get lost.
Captains should be brave so they won't be scared if it's foggy they can't see or if the propeller falls off they should stay calm so they will know what to do. Captains have to have eyes to see through the clouds and they can't be afraid of thunder or lightening because they are closer to them than we are.
The salary that Captains make is another thing I like. They make more money than they can spend. This is because most people think captaining a ship is dangerous, except Captains, because they know how easy it is. There isn't much I don't like, except girls like Captains and all the girls want to marry a Captain so they always have to chase them away so they won't bother them.
I hope I don't get seasick because I get car sick and if I get seasick I could not be a Captain and then I would have to go out and work"
(Reprinted from Bow Wave, newsletter of B.C. Branch of Nautical Institute.)
The following was written by a 10-year old boy who has a somewhat, er, romantic view of what it's like to be a captain. Maybe the boy knows something the rest of us don't!
"I want to be a Captain when I grow up because it's a fun job and easy to do. Captains don't need much school education; they just have to learn numbers so they can read instruments. I guess they should be able to read maps so they won't get lost.
Captains should be brave so they won't be scared if it's foggy they can't see or if the propeller falls off they should stay calm so they will know what to do. Captains have to have eyes to see through the clouds and they can't be afraid of thunder or lightening because they are closer to them than we are.
The salary that Captains make is another thing I like. They make more money than they can spend. This is because most people think captaining a ship is dangerous, except Captains, because they know how easy it is. There isn't much I don't like, except girls like Captains and all the girls want to marry a Captain so they always have to chase them away so they won't bother them.
I hope I don't get seasick because I get car sick and if I get seasick I could not be a Captain and then I would have to go out and work"
(Reprinted from Bow Wave, newsletter of B.C. Branch of Nautical Institute.)
Posted at 05:18 PM
Battle Sail!
Today we did our first Battle Sail of the
Season.
We are now rafted up to the Californian at the
San Diego Maritime Museum. Home of the Star of India, HMS Surprise (HMS Rose),
the steam ferry Berkley (home of most of the museums artifacts), a pilot boat, a
1904 steam yacht, a 1914 harbor pilot boat, a Soviet Attack Submarine (B-39),
and of course the 19th century Revenue Cutter Californian (replica).
Yesterday we did our first educational sail in San Diego. We did it with the Bill or Rights which joined us late the night before and rafted up beside of us. We had a dock watch that night and last night since we where tied up to a pier. The Bill of Rights came in before us and we rafted to here that time, since we would be leaving again today to go over to the maritime museum. Due to our docking situation we did not open for dockside tours. I spent the afternoon working out days off, the chore schedule and the dock watch. Bill of Rights invited us over to have dinner in their main salon. They had been eating with us. We don't have a table so it was nice of them to have us over.
That evening I swung over to the San Diego Maritime Museum hoping to use the wireless there, but apparently I need to talk to their IT guy first and get passwords and proxies and all that jazz. I went through their gift shop and picked up a couple of small items. I was hoping to get a patch to replace the one that was on my backpack that was stolen when my Jeep was stolen way back when. Zander met me there with his deck hand. Kate I think her name was. We walked into the Gas Lamp Quarter an old area of the city that is now really a trendy area with lots of clubs and restaurants including a Geridelli chocolate cafe. We went to an Irish pub called the field that had been brought over piece by piece from Ireland. I had been there before when I was here with the tall ships in 2002.
Today we were allowed to sleep in until 8 am, did chores after breakfast and some maintenance. This afternoon was our first battle sail. I got us off the dock as mate and Rob took over as sail master for the battle sail so I could learn from him. We battled the Californian for a couple of hours in a fierce cannon battle. I got some pictures on a disposable camera that I will post on my web page latter. I called the dousing of sail and mooring lines when we got back to the dock and rafted back up to the Californian.
We had our evening muster before dinner and then I stood down the crew. A volunteer got a hotel room and invited us over to hang out, shower and use the internet. A bunch of us went over. I finally got online, got and answered some e-mail, got my voice mail and made some calls. I was very happy to get a voice message from Capt. Michael Burpee, Emily Rolling, and Emily Grouber for my birthday which included a song for my birthday relating to various parts of a horse. I was surprised I didn't get it from the crew here! After updating my blog and dealing with voice mail and e-mail I grabbed a quick shower and all was good.
Yesterday we did our first educational sail in San Diego. We did it with the Bill or Rights which joined us late the night before and rafted up beside of us. We had a dock watch that night and last night since we where tied up to a pier. The Bill of Rights came in before us and we rafted to here that time, since we would be leaving again today to go over to the maritime museum. Due to our docking situation we did not open for dockside tours. I spent the afternoon working out days off, the chore schedule and the dock watch. Bill of Rights invited us over to have dinner in their main salon. They had been eating with us. We don't have a table so it was nice of them to have us over.
That evening I swung over to the San Diego Maritime Museum hoping to use the wireless there, but apparently I need to talk to their IT guy first and get passwords and proxies and all that jazz. I went through their gift shop and picked up a couple of small items. I was hoping to get a patch to replace the one that was on my backpack that was stolen when my Jeep was stolen way back when. Zander met me there with his deck hand. Kate I think her name was. We walked into the Gas Lamp Quarter an old area of the city that is now really a trendy area with lots of clubs and restaurants including a Geridelli chocolate cafe. We went to an Irish pub called the field that had been brought over piece by piece from Ireland. I had been there before when I was here with the tall ships in 2002.
Today we were allowed to sleep in until 8 am, did chores after breakfast and some maintenance. This afternoon was our first battle sail. I got us off the dock as mate and Rob took over as sail master for the battle sail so I could learn from him. We battled the Californian for a couple of hours in a fierce cannon battle. I got some pictures on a disposable camera that I will post on my web page latter. I called the dousing of sail and mooring lines when we got back to the dock and rafted back up to the Californian.
We had our evening muster before dinner and then I stood down the crew. A volunteer got a hotel room and invited us over to hang out, shower and use the internet. A bunch of us went over. I finally got online, got and answered some e-mail, got my voice mail and made some calls. I was very happy to get a voice message from Capt. Michael Burpee, Emily Rolling, and Emily Grouber for my birthday which included a song for my birthday relating to various parts of a horse. I was surprised I didn't get it from the crew here! After updating my blog and dealing with voice mail and e-mail I grabbed a quick shower and all was good.
Posted at 05:25 PM
Sun - January 15, 2006
Battle Sail Take 2, Rusty has the deck!
Today was similar to yesterday. We had a latter
wake up did some maintenance, a little bit of training and gained two more
volunteers. I gave the second mate a day off since he is also the engineer and
had been working a lot in the engine room. One volunteer showed up just before
we left the dock on the battle sail. I did not know he was coming, and no one
else here really did either. But we worked with it. I got both volunteers to
sign in ships articles, got them both a harness and a crew manual as well as an
information form to fill out (what they want to learn, what they have to
offer...). This morning I worked out the stations everyone would have for the
battle sail this afternoon. I also studied the crew manual and the notes that I
took on yesterday's battle as today it would be all on me.
The battle sail went well. We won, based on landing the most shots to the transom on the Californian. As a schooner they are faster, but we are more maneuverable. It was a bit stressful. A couple of the sails (Jib and Main staysail) I am a little less familiar with setting so I have to refer to my notes. We weren't as fast as we could be, and my communication of commands improved throughout the sail. I certainly learned a lot. It might have been a better idea to not have given the second mate the day off so I could refer to him more, but I did it and got some good feed back. I need to study up on my tacks and wares some for next week, but I will be ready. This continues to be a good experience for me. I am learning lots and doing well. Tomorrow I hope to begin doing more teaching too, now that I am up to speed on more things and mostly caught up on all of my paperwork.
After our battle sail we moved back over to the pier where we were our first two nights and again rafted up to the Bill of Rights. So with two new volunteers on board, I had a bit of paper work to do before and after dinner. There wasn't much time to do work after the sail, so I got the new volunteers oriented aloft, on deck and throughout the ship, and got a start on my paper work that carried into after dinner. I had to update the station bill, do a watch schedule for tonight, since we are on a pier and not a float and our lines will need to be adjusted throughout the night. I had to update the chores schedule to include our two new crew members. A mates work is never done! I still enjoy it though.
Tomorrow we only have one educational sail that we will do with the Bill of Rights. We have a bit of maintenance to do tomorrow afternoon, but I made arrangements to do a little bit of training on the Star of India that we will do after lunch tomorrow. I am pretty excited about conducting some training while I am here because I haven't done much my first week.
Our Captain, Kevin has left today and is taking about five days off. "JB" or "John Boy", John Morrison is our captain during that time. I have heard of him. He is younger than me (as is Kevin), and is a little less experienced than Kevin, but knows it and I think that makes him a good captain. He and I had a long talk this evening about our strengths and weaknesses and where we want to go with our time on board. We plan to check in often on this. It was much like a meeting between an Outward Bound instructor pair. So I think we will work really well together and I am looking forward to that.
Not that it really means anything because I am not ready to do it yet, I found out that my license is bigger than either of our Captains. They are 100 ton near coastal master, and I am 200 ton near coastal master. I am glad to be here and wish you all could be here to, to see me in my element, on a tall ship, still learning, but taking leadership and calling sail and leading a crew of diverse people. I can't wait to get back and tell you all more individual stories. I hope I don't write too much here and take away from that!
The battle sail went well. We won, based on landing the most shots to the transom on the Californian. As a schooner they are faster, but we are more maneuverable. It was a bit stressful. A couple of the sails (Jib and Main staysail) I am a little less familiar with setting so I have to refer to my notes. We weren't as fast as we could be, and my communication of commands improved throughout the sail. I certainly learned a lot. It might have been a better idea to not have given the second mate the day off so I could refer to him more, but I did it and got some good feed back. I need to study up on my tacks and wares some for next week, but I will be ready. This continues to be a good experience for me. I am learning lots and doing well. Tomorrow I hope to begin doing more teaching too, now that I am up to speed on more things and mostly caught up on all of my paperwork.
After our battle sail we moved back over to the pier where we were our first two nights and again rafted up to the Bill of Rights. So with two new volunteers on board, I had a bit of paper work to do before and after dinner. There wasn't much time to do work after the sail, so I got the new volunteers oriented aloft, on deck and throughout the ship, and got a start on my paper work that carried into after dinner. I had to update the station bill, do a watch schedule for tonight, since we are on a pier and not a float and our lines will need to be adjusted throughout the night. I had to update the chores schedule to include our two new crew members. A mates work is never done! I still enjoy it though.
Tomorrow we only have one educational sail that we will do with the Bill of Rights. We have a bit of maintenance to do tomorrow afternoon, but I made arrangements to do a little bit of training on the Star of India that we will do after lunch tomorrow. I am pretty excited about conducting some training while I am here because I haven't done much my first week.
Our Captain, Kevin has left today and is taking about five days off. "JB" or "John Boy", John Morrison is our captain during that time. I have heard of him. He is younger than me (as is Kevin), and is a little less experienced than Kevin, but knows it and I think that makes him a good captain. He and I had a long talk this evening about our strengths and weaknesses and where we want to go with our time on board. We plan to check in often on this. It was much like a meeting between an Outward Bound instructor pair. So I think we will work really well together and I am looking forward to that.
Not that it really means anything because I am not ready to do it yet, I found out that my license is bigger than either of our Captains. They are 100 ton near coastal master, and I am 200 ton near coastal master. I am glad to be here and wish you all could be here to, to see me in my element, on a tall ship, still learning, but taking leadership and calling sail and leading a crew of diverse people. I can't wait to get back and tell you all more individual stories. I hope I don't write too much here and take away from that!
Posted at 09:38 PM
Wed - January 18, 2006
Sloop Providence Article
Here is an article that I wrote for the Sloop
Providence Newsletter. There is also a link on the articles section of my web
site. Enjoy.
http://www.sloopprovidenceri.org/newsenewsjan06rusty.htm
http://www.sloopprovidenceri.org/newsenewsjan06rusty.htm
Posted at 11:41 AM
Thu - January 19, 2006
Star of India!
I wish I could write every day. Not that you all
would be interested in day to day reports, but so many cool things happy and I
learn so much I would just like to document them. I am usually too tired or too
busy in the evening to write much. When we don't sail in the morning I do get
some time to do some paper work and study up on things for training the crew and
improving my sail handling skills.
Monday we had an ed sail in the morning. This captain likes to set more sail for ed sails so I got too learn some more sails that I hadn't set before. We set the jib, the main stay sail and the fore course. We put a reef in the fore course sail. So that really helped with tacking to have more sails to call and things to think about. It was good for me. I am working really well with the captain and I think that we are a good match. We get students to help out with the set too.
After lunch we went over to the maritime museum and were allowed to climb in the rigging of the Star of India, which was a real treat for everyone. I climbed all the way up to the main royal's with some other crew members, others climbed the fore mast. It was pretty high up, I would have to look up the statistics, but surely well over 100 feet. Of course we weren't clipped into anything until we got to the top. We just held on to something as we climbed. It would be stupid to let go now wouldn't it?
After we climbed we were allowed free reign of the ship to explore. The museum has several exhibits on it and other things. We went down to the lowest part of the ship which isn't open to the public. A "bilge trolley" had been created there, that was a cart like a creeper that mechanic uses, but on tracks that went the length of the bilge in like a crawl space. There was a line attached and pulleys so you could pull in back and forth. So we played around on it a bit before we went and explored the rest of that part of the museum before returning to the ship to do some maintenance.
Monday we had an ed sail in the morning. This captain likes to set more sail for ed sails so I got too learn some more sails that I hadn't set before. We set the jib, the main stay sail and the fore course. We put a reef in the fore course sail. So that really helped with tacking to have more sails to call and things to think about. It was good for me. I am working really well with the captain and I think that we are a good match. We get students to help out with the set too.
After lunch we went over to the maritime museum and were allowed to climb in the rigging of the Star of India, which was a real treat for everyone. I climbed all the way up to the main royal's with some other crew members, others climbed the fore mast. It was pretty high up, I would have to look up the statistics, but surely well over 100 feet. Of course we weren't clipped into anything until we got to the top. We just held on to something as we climbed. It would be stupid to let go now wouldn't it?
After we climbed we were allowed free reign of the ship to explore. The museum has several exhibits on it and other things. We went down to the lowest part of the ship which isn't open to the public. A "bilge trolley" had been created there, that was a cart like a creeper that mechanic uses, but on tracks that went the length of the bilge in like a crawl space. There was a line attached and pulleys so you could pull in back and forth. So we played around on it a bit before we went and explored the rest of that part of the museum before returning to the ship to do some maintenance.
Posted at 10:50 AM
Sat - January 21, 2006
My Life is comeing back together
New Camera and Internet access
My life is coming back together now. I have been
on the Lady Washington for almost two weeks now. I have gone through 3
disposable camera's and one disposable digital camera. So I thought it was time
that I broke down and replaced the digital camera that was stolen from my
parents cah about a month ago. So yesterday I took the the trolly to a mall
with the closest Best Buy and got a new digital camera. I got the canon digital
elph SD450. It was a model up from what I had before and the price was about
the same. We will see what insurance gives me! I also got a belt case for it,
similar to the one I had, a spare battery, a 1gb memory card and a 256 mb spare
card.
The following night I bought a t-mobile phone that has bluetooth and internet capable. So I just bought an internet plan that allows me to access T-mobiles Edge network with my lap top via bluetooth with the phone. Since it isn't my computer I had to buy a usb bluetooth module for it. My plan also allows me unlimited usage of t-mobile wifi hot spots. So I have regular internet access now too. We will see how it works underway.
The following night I bought a t-mobile phone that has bluetooth and internet capable. So I just bought an internet plan that allows me to access T-mobiles Edge network with my lap top via bluetooth with the phone. Since it isn't my computer I had to buy a usb bluetooth module for it. My plan also allows me unlimited usage of t-mobile wifi hot spots. So I have regular internet access now too. We will see how it works underway.
Posted at 01:07 AM
Sun - January 22, 2006
Tijuana, Mexico
Today was my day off, my first since I have been
aboard. Two weeks not bad. I think I was about ready for it. I have been have
difficulty with one specific crew member and those things always wear on me.
The debate to write her off and ignore her, or go into Outward Bound instructor
mode and see what the root of her issue is and try to help her. She is leaving
the ship soon, so it won't be an issue for much longer. Yesterday is was a
battle sail and they are always stressful since I am still learning and trying
to find out what the captain wants and needs and then communicate that to the
crew in a timely manor. So it was good to get a day to myself and I really
enjoyed it. Getting some time alone and being able to explore. I can give
myself my own days off, which is one nice thing about being first mate and
making the time off schedule. I think I will keep it to about every two weeks
though or less if we aren't in an interesting port. I don't need lots to
recharge.
So today I did sleep in a little bit because I could. Wake up was at 7 AM. The cook knowing that it was my day off didn't give me one. I slept in until about chore time, then got my things together and left for the day. I caught the blue line trolley to the US border with Mexico, and then took a shuttle bus to Tijuana. It was only $6 round trip. Crossing the border into Mexico was nothing we just drove across.
I got into Tijuana and walked up the main drag, Revolution ave. At the bus terminal I saw that there was a shuttle to Rosita Beach and Foxplorations (Fox Studios Bahja), so I got a ticket to that. It is where they filmed Titantic, Master and Commander and some other movies. They have a big tank there and some indoor water studios. They actually build the whole thing for Titantic. It was interesting, but not very exciting. They still have the Surprise there (the Tank Ship) from Master and Commander. I spent a couple hours there, then caught the shuttle bus back to Rosita Beach and spent a couple hours there, then caught the bus back to Tijuana and spent the rest of the evening there.
I met a guy on the bus from Iowa. He is a postal worker on vacation in Tijuana. He showed me around a little bit, and into a part of town I did not want to be in. To say there were prostitutes on every corner would be an under statement. They lined the whole street! I quickly parted company with him and went back to the main drag. I bought some gifts from friends and family, got to dicker for the price a little bit. One person wanted to trade for my hat! When I had enough of Tijuana, I caught the bus back to the border. I sat next to an interesting man from Sweden who is a strawberry farmer exploring California with his wife for a few weeks. Customs was easy, they checked my ID (merchant marine document), x-rayed my bag and that was it. I talked to a couple interesting people on the trolley back and got back to the Brig at around 8:30 PM.
I dropped my things off. Someone did my laundry for me (I paid them $20) and it was left in the aft cabin for me. I heard most of the crew was over at the pub in the Holiday Inn, the Elephant and the Castle. I went over, joined them and grabbed a bite to eat. So that was my exciting day off in Mexico.
So today I did sleep in a little bit because I could. Wake up was at 7 AM. The cook knowing that it was my day off didn't give me one. I slept in until about chore time, then got my things together and left for the day. I caught the blue line trolley to the US border with Mexico, and then took a shuttle bus to Tijuana. It was only $6 round trip. Crossing the border into Mexico was nothing we just drove across.
I got into Tijuana and walked up the main drag, Revolution ave. At the bus terminal I saw that there was a shuttle to Rosita Beach and Foxplorations (Fox Studios Bahja), so I got a ticket to that. It is where they filmed Titantic, Master and Commander and some other movies. They have a big tank there and some indoor water studios. They actually build the whole thing for Titantic. It was interesting, but not very exciting. They still have the Surprise there (the Tank Ship) from Master and Commander. I spent a couple hours there, then caught the shuttle bus back to Rosita Beach and spent a couple hours there, then caught the bus back to Tijuana and spent the rest of the evening there.
I met a guy on the bus from Iowa. He is a postal worker on vacation in Tijuana. He showed me around a little bit, and into a part of town I did not want to be in. To say there were prostitutes on every corner would be an under statement. They lined the whole street! I quickly parted company with him and went back to the main drag. I bought some gifts from friends and family, got to dicker for the price a little bit. One person wanted to trade for my hat! When I had enough of Tijuana, I caught the bus back to the border. I sat next to an interesting man from Sweden who is a strawberry farmer exploring California with his wife for a few weeks. Customs was easy, they checked my ID (merchant marine document), x-rayed my bag and that was it. I talked to a couple interesting people on the trolley back and got back to the Brig at around 8:30 PM.
I dropped my things off. Someone did my laundry for me (I paid them $20) and it was left in the aft cabin for me. I heard most of the crew was over at the pub in the Holiday Inn, the Elephant and the Castle. I went over, joined them and grabbed a bite to eat. So that was my exciting day off in Mexico.
Posted at 11:24 PM
Mon - January 23, 2006
The Power of the Internet
I just got a very surprising e-mail from one of
my closest friends during my first year of college at North Country Community
College. Dirk Gantvoort. I haven't heard from him in years! He went on to be
a truck driver and my life style has always been transient, so we just lost
touch. I know I did write him when I still his parents address before they
moved I think. He wasn't as good at writing as most people aren't good at
writing and keeping in touch. He thought of me and google searched my name and
e-mailed me. We have some catching up to do!
Posted at 12:17 AM
Look Back
Take a look back through the previous entries
occasionally. I have added some pictures to some posts during the time that I
have been on the Lady Washington crew and have added some more information to
days that I was too tired to write lots on. I will do this periodically so be
sure to reread some sections if you are interested.
Today was an educational sail in the morning and we did maintenance in the afternoon. I jumped right back into it after my fun but tiring day off. It was also the first ed sail back with Captain Kevin, so I am getting used to his way of doing things again. Some differences to the way JB does it, but not big ones and none better than the other either. There wasn't much with today. This afternoon I did some marlin spike seamanship with out trainee's. We reviewed some knots, and I taught them whipping, splicing and seizings. I had to check in with the Captain and the Bosun on the seizing since they do them a little differently here than other ships that I have worked on. It seems every ship has their own way. We fixed a line for the a fender that needed a new one as part of our training. It was good, but I feel I need to brush up some. There was one crew member who seems to be constantly looking over my shoulder waiting for me to make a mistake so she can go tell the Captain, like she already has more than once. I am not sure that she realizes that when I don't know something I check in with him anyway or ask someone who does. She will be leaving soon, so I won't have to worry about that. I shouldn't have to anyway since I am in the mate. Just an awkward situation.
Today we lost our cook Dina. She was a good cook and a great person. I only knew her a couple of weeks and did not realize that she had been here since July, as a volunteer even! She heads home to Arizona tomorrow. The rest of us transit to Oceanside. CA which will be a short sail up the coast. I am not going out tonight, just hanging back to get caught up on some personal paper work and things.
Today was an educational sail in the morning and we did maintenance in the afternoon. I jumped right back into it after my fun but tiring day off. It was also the first ed sail back with Captain Kevin, so I am getting used to his way of doing things again. Some differences to the way JB does it, but not big ones and none better than the other either. There wasn't much with today. This afternoon I did some marlin spike seamanship with out trainee's. We reviewed some knots, and I taught them whipping, splicing and seizings. I had to check in with the Captain and the Bosun on the seizing since they do them a little differently here than other ships that I have worked on. It seems every ship has their own way. We fixed a line for the a fender that needed a new one as part of our training. It was good, but I feel I need to brush up some. There was one crew member who seems to be constantly looking over my shoulder waiting for me to make a mistake so she can go tell the Captain, like she already has more than once. I am not sure that she realizes that when I don't know something I check in with him anyway or ask someone who does. She will be leaving soon, so I won't have to worry about that. I shouldn't have to anyway since I am in the mate. Just an awkward situation.
Today we lost our cook Dina. She was a good cook and a great person. I only knew her a couple of weeks and did not realize that she had been here since July, as a volunteer even! She heads home to Arizona tomorrow. The rest of us transit to Oceanside. CA which will be a short sail up the coast. I am not going out tonight, just hanging back to get caught up on some personal paper work and things.
Posted at 08:46 PM
New Web Page Photos
I am adding some new pictures on my web site.
There are some of battle sails, tall ships, Lady Washington Crew, and maybe some
of Mexico. Enjoy.
Posted at 09:39 PM
Fri - January 27, 2006
Oceanside, CA
We are now in Oceanside, California. We have
been here a few days now and have done a few days of educational sails and some
dockside tours. We had a nice transit up. We set some sail, but the wind
wasn't from a favorable direction most of the way. I taught our volunteers a
navigation class, with a few brakes to help avoid sea sickness. The
aforementioned crew member that I had difficulties with is no longer with us.
She went to work on another vessel for a period. I am glad, I would have sought
to have their employment terminated if they stayed longer. When we got to
Oceanside she told me she had no respect for me and when I asked why she called
me some choice words and didn't give me any feedback to help me to be different.
She told me that the rest of the crew felt the same way, so I brought it up in
muster that night and said if anyone had a problem with me, that I have an open
door policy and they could come talk to me and we would work it out. No one
came to see me, in fact I only got more positive feedback consistent with
everything else that I had heard.
We have two two week volunteers on right now. Doug and Preston. They are very bright and enjoyable to work with and a great addition to our crew. They are the first two weekers that I have been able to work with from beginning to end. Preston may stay on with us a little longer, which will be nice since a few of the crew members are down with the "boat plague" and it seems to be going through the ship.
Apparently this is the first time that Lady Washington has been in Oceanside. The other day we found out that we are aground at the dock at a low low tide. We found this out just as we were about to leave on a sail. Fortunately the tide was rising and we were able to get off the dock just a little bit late. The next day we got the school to board a little bit early and were able to get off no problem. This afternoon we would have had to leave earlier and do a longer sail or just do a dockside program to make it work. The school decided to do a dockside which worked well since this morning there wasn't much wind, and the boat rolled a bit with the swell making students, teachers and even a couple crew members a little bit sea sick. I kicked the Captain off for the afternoon since we don't need him on board when we are just at the dock as long as at least I am here. I am supposed to make sure he gets off whenever possible since he isn't able to often.
The Privateer Lynx came in tonight. They were with us earlier this week for an educational sail. We are doing a battle sail with them tomorrow. They are fast and have more and bigger cannons, so I am a bit nervous, since I will be calling sail. These are the most stressful days of my week since I have to effectively communicate and interpret what the captains wants to the crew and make it happen quickly. The last couple of sails have been good ones for me as far as getting everything together and not missing anything, so hopefully I can carry that through.
I have seen a lot of Navy activity since I have been on board. An aircraft carrier on the way to San Diego, a few carriers in San Diego including and experimental "stealth boat". Lots of Amphibious warfare ships including one with a flight deck launching helicopters that we saw while doing an ed sail here. A hospital ship and various other things. Yesterday a group of Navy SEAL's came on board for a courtesy tour. They had a lot of high tech gear on and I recognized their insignia to be SEALS. When I asked what kind of unit they were in, they said Navy special warfare so that answered that question. They showed me their boats after. They were rigid hull inflatables with twin caterpillar engines with a 200 mile range. They had loads of navigation equipment and machine guns fore and aft. They let me take pictures. One of them gave me his challenge coin. Which I really appreciated since I knew what it was. They were all amazed of how we sailed with our "primitive" equipment and lots of rigging. I was amazed by all their high tech equipment and gear. A challenge coin is a coin carried by special operations groups and more and more all units in the military with their unit insignia on it. I have one from the EAGLE and the CIA as well. If one them wants to have a "challenge" they tap their coin on the bar twice. Everyone else has to produce and tap their coin as well. Whoever doesn't have their coin buys a round of drinks. If everyone has their coin, then the one giving the challenge buys the round.
We have two two week volunteers on right now. Doug and Preston. They are very bright and enjoyable to work with and a great addition to our crew. They are the first two weekers that I have been able to work with from beginning to end. Preston may stay on with us a little longer, which will be nice since a few of the crew members are down with the "boat plague" and it seems to be going through the ship.
Apparently this is the first time that Lady Washington has been in Oceanside. The other day we found out that we are aground at the dock at a low low tide. We found this out just as we were about to leave on a sail. Fortunately the tide was rising and we were able to get off the dock just a little bit late. The next day we got the school to board a little bit early and were able to get off no problem. This afternoon we would have had to leave earlier and do a longer sail or just do a dockside program to make it work. The school decided to do a dockside which worked well since this morning there wasn't much wind, and the boat rolled a bit with the swell making students, teachers and even a couple crew members a little bit sea sick. I kicked the Captain off for the afternoon since we don't need him on board when we are just at the dock as long as at least I am here. I am supposed to make sure he gets off whenever possible since he isn't able to often.
The Privateer Lynx came in tonight. They were with us earlier this week for an educational sail. We are doing a battle sail with them tomorrow. They are fast and have more and bigger cannons, so I am a bit nervous, since I will be calling sail. These are the most stressful days of my week since I have to effectively communicate and interpret what the captains wants to the crew and make it happen quickly. The last couple of sails have been good ones for me as far as getting everything together and not missing anything, so hopefully I can carry that through.
I have seen a lot of Navy activity since I have been on board. An aircraft carrier on the way to San Diego, a few carriers in San Diego including and experimental "stealth boat". Lots of Amphibious warfare ships including one with a flight deck launching helicopters that we saw while doing an ed sail here. A hospital ship and various other things. Yesterday a group of Navy SEAL's came on board for a courtesy tour. They had a lot of high tech gear on and I recognized their insignia to be SEALS. When I asked what kind of unit they were in, they said Navy special warfare so that answered that question. They showed me their boats after. They were rigid hull inflatables with twin caterpillar engines with a 200 mile range. They had loads of navigation equipment and machine guns fore and aft. They let me take pictures. One of them gave me his challenge coin. Which I really appreciated since I knew what it was. They were all amazed of how we sailed with our "primitive" equipment and lots of rigging. I was amazed by all their high tech equipment and gear. A challenge coin is a coin carried by special operations groups and more and more all units in the military with their unit insignia on it. I have one from the EAGLE and the CIA as well. If one them wants to have a "challenge" they tap their coin on the bar twice. Everyone else has to produce and tap their coin as well. Whoever doesn't have their coin buys a round of drinks. If everyone has their coin, then the one giving the challenge buys the round.
Posted at 09:41 PM
Sat - January 28, 2006
Battle Sail with the Privateer Lynx
This morning after chores were done, since I was
up to speed on all my paper work, now which has to be all changed again with the
addition of a new cook, and the loss of our former steward, and then again
tomorrow after we loose one of our two week volunteers Doug, I took the morning
off since I didn't give myself a day off in this port. I walked into the city
of Oceanside for the first time. It was a nice little surfing town with a pier.
A place I think that my parents would enjoy. Being so close to Camp Pendellton
Marine Corps base, there were lots of army/ navy stores. I stuck my head into a
couple, but did not spend any money there. I wanted to stick my head into a
surf shop and see if I could get some more Rusty surfwear but didn't feel that I
had the time to.
It was good to get out and clear my head as this afternoon was another battle sail. This time against the Lynx. This is the first time that we had battled her and the first time that our captain has faced her. Her captain and mate were very experienced, her mate having been a mate on the Lady Washington and relief captain. She was a worth advisory and it was a close battle. I can say that I felt very good about the battle. We were a little short handed. I am familiar with Capt. Kevin's style and could anticipate what he wanted in our maneuvering very well. My crew performed well and things ran smoothly. I was happy and felt good about it and things are coming together for me now.
I have been mistaken for the Captain a couple times now. Which feels good, but is a little awkward. I think part of it is the way that I dress and I am seen in the forefront. The passengers hear my yelling and see me giving all the commands. Even though the captain is back by the helm telling the person at the tiller what to do and me what he wants to happen it isn't noticed as much. Captain will tell me something like let's take the ship, and then once the helm is put to the lee, I will give all the orders to make the tack happen such as "let fly your head sails", and "mainsail haul" and "let go and haul" all at the appropriate times. Sometimes we will change from a tack to a ware or some other maneuver in a moments notice and I need to make it happen. I like it when it works out. My time is so short here an I only have like five weeks left.
Today our engineer and bosun had the day off. They went shopping for dvd's and Rob our engineer brought back the complete set of Hornblower dvd's. I have seen one of the video's once when I checked it out of the library in Boston. I joined them in part of an episode before dinner and then in a couple this evening. I have to say that I am hooked now and will need to get the series myself. I think it is something that I will need to share with my friend Capt. Michael Burpee when I return to Boston. As I believe we will both enjoy them as we enjoy Patrick O'Brian's Aubury Maturian series.
The Lynx crew joined us for dinner tonight and we had a joint meal of sushi and other things. I allowed Marzipan and Preston to go out for milk shakes before main course (dinner) in exchange they brought back a chocolate malt for me. We are currently rafted up to the Lynx. After dinner we set our main stay sail, set up our projector and dvd player on their deck and watched Around Cape Horn on our main stay sail. As many times as I have seen it, I think that this was one of the most enjoyable times. To be watching it with other sailors, not only on the deck of a tall ship, but on a sail of one. Many of us had seen it many times before, but there were a couple among us who had never seen it before.
Tommorrow is another battle sail with the Lynx.
Our Captain
and our Nemesis.
It was good to get out and clear my head as this afternoon was another battle sail. This time against the Lynx. This is the first time that we had battled her and the first time that our captain has faced her. Her captain and mate were very experienced, her mate having been a mate on the Lady Washington and relief captain. She was a worth advisory and it was a close battle. I can say that I felt very good about the battle. We were a little short handed. I am familiar with Capt. Kevin's style and could anticipate what he wanted in our maneuvering very well. My crew performed well and things ran smoothly. I was happy and felt good about it and things are coming together for me now.
I have been mistaken for the Captain a couple times now. Which feels good, but is a little awkward. I think part of it is the way that I dress and I am seen in the forefront. The passengers hear my yelling and see me giving all the commands. Even though the captain is back by the helm telling the person at the tiller what to do and me what he wants to happen it isn't noticed as much. Captain will tell me something like let's take the ship, and then once the helm is put to the lee, I will give all the orders to make the tack happen such as "let fly your head sails", and "mainsail haul" and "let go and haul" all at the appropriate times. Sometimes we will change from a tack to a ware or some other maneuver in a moments notice and I need to make it happen. I like it when it works out. My time is so short here an I only have like five weeks left.
Today our engineer and bosun had the day off. They went shopping for dvd's and Rob our engineer brought back the complete set of Hornblower dvd's. I have seen one of the video's once when I checked it out of the library in Boston. I joined them in part of an episode before dinner and then in a couple this evening. I have to say that I am hooked now and will need to get the series myself. I think it is something that I will need to share with my friend Capt. Michael Burpee when I return to Boston. As I believe we will both enjoy them as we enjoy Patrick O'Brian's Aubury Maturian series.
The Lynx crew joined us for dinner tonight and we had a joint meal of sushi and other things. I allowed Marzipan and Preston to go out for milk shakes before main course (dinner) in exchange they brought back a chocolate malt for me. We are currently rafted up to the Lynx. After dinner we set our main stay sail, set up our projector and dvd player on their deck and watched Around Cape Horn on our main stay sail. As many times as I have seen it, I think that this was one of the most enjoyable times. To be watching it with other sailors, not only on the deck of a tall ship, but on a sail of one. Many of us had seen it many times before, but there were a couple among us who had never seen it before.
Tommorrow is another battle sail with the Lynx.
Our Captain
and our Nemesis.Posted at 11:40 PM
Sun - January 29, 2006
There is more than one way to skin a Lynx!
Today wasn't too different from yesterday. We
had tours in the morning. I did my paper work, updated the station bill and put
together a watch schedule for our transit up to Newport Beach on Tuesday
morning. We had an onslaught of dockside tours today. We were still rafted to
the Lynx due to the tide. We would be aground at the dock at low tide if we
were tied directly to it. Our steward needed a break so he could eat lunch
before we started checking in passengers for our afternoon battle sail, so I
spelled him at the dock selling tickets for our dockside tours and closing the
ships to tours at the appropriate time. I had to close down fifteen minutes
before noon so that we could off load all the people onboard before noon and
allow them time to see the ships. Several people just could not understand that
we were closing because of this and were all upset. I would have liked to have
let them aboard, but I couldn't make exceptions for them after I had just turned
others away. I felt bad about that.
We had another battle sail today against the Lynx. It didn't go bad. We landed more transom shots and she never saw ours. I just didn't feel that it went as well as yesterday on my part. The Lynx left this evening to head back to her homeport of Newport Beach. She we were rafted outside of her, we had to get underway move and then return to the dock after she left. The Captain gave the throttle to me and I took her off the dock, spun her around near the entrance to the channel, went back spun her again and put her on the dock. This was only the second time I have been in control of her. The other time was with JB as Captain. I only took her off the dock that time and made the approach to dock. I got some coaching from Captain Kevin and did well.
She handles a little differently than the MV Outward Bound or the Marshall Dodge! She can spin in her own wake and has a bit of prop walk to port. I am not use to that. The concept that I can spin her clockwise just by throttling forward and reverse without shifting the helm is a bit hard for me to wrap my mind around, even though I have now done it. I am used to shifting the helm every time that I change from forward to reverse on the throttle. So it will take some getting used to. I look forward to doing it again.
I tried to use my voip with my cell phone internet link tonight. It seemed a little slow to actually work well. I wanted to call a couple friends. Maybe I can get them another time. I allowed myself to get distracted by an episode of Hornblower tonight which was shown in the engine room since other spaces were being used. I actually ordered my own copy of it for when I get home from Amazon this morning. Tomorrow we get to sleep in until 9 am. We have no tours or ed programs, so at my suggestion we are going to have a field day, which is when we do a deep cleaning of the boat and clean everything and every part of the ship. I thought this would be a good idea since we have had some sickness going around.
We had another battle sail today against the Lynx. It didn't go bad. We landed more transom shots and she never saw ours. I just didn't feel that it went as well as yesterday on my part. The Lynx left this evening to head back to her homeport of Newport Beach. She we were rafted outside of her, we had to get underway move and then return to the dock after she left. The Captain gave the throttle to me and I took her off the dock, spun her around near the entrance to the channel, went back spun her again and put her on the dock. This was only the second time I have been in control of her. The other time was with JB as Captain. I only took her off the dock that time and made the approach to dock. I got some coaching from Captain Kevin and did well.
She handles a little differently than the MV Outward Bound or the Marshall Dodge! She can spin in her own wake and has a bit of prop walk to port. I am not use to that. The concept that I can spin her clockwise just by throttling forward and reverse without shifting the helm is a bit hard for me to wrap my mind around, even though I have now done it. I am used to shifting the helm every time that I change from forward to reverse on the throttle. So it will take some getting used to. I look forward to doing it again.
I tried to use my voip with my cell phone internet link tonight. It seemed a little slow to actually work well. I wanted to call a couple friends. Maybe I can get them another time. I allowed myself to get distracted by an episode of Hornblower tonight which was shown in the engine room since other spaces were being used. I actually ordered my own copy of it for when I get home from Amazon this morning. Tomorrow we get to sleep in until 9 am. We have no tours or ed programs, so at my suggestion we are going to have a field day, which is when we do a deep cleaning of the boat and clean everything and every part of the ship. I thought this would be a good idea since we have had some sickness going around.
Posted at 09:04 PM
Thu - February 2, 2006
LYNX!
We are now in Newport Beach, CA. We got in a
couple days ago after leaving Oceanside at 3 AM in the morning. I wasn't on
that watch, though I expected to get woken up to help get the boat off the dock.
So I wasn't up on deck until after 7 AM when all hands was called. We made good
time getting in a little before our 11 AM arrival time. The Lynx came out to
greet us as this is her homeport. We followed her into her dock where we rafted
to her. This docking situation is a bit challenging with low water at low tide
and the changing currents from tide to tide as was evidenced from our first
docking and our last one today.
We did two ed sails here yesterday and two today. Pretty standard. We don't leave the harbor for them. We motored up to the harbor entrance and then down the harbor which is part residential and part touristy and tour boat oriented. The first night I went out with a couple Lynx crew and Rob our second mate and engineer. Last night I walked to Balboa Island with a couple of our crew and a crew member for the Lynx. We took the ferry over to Balboa and fun zone which happened to be closed by the time we got there. It didn't seem like much anyway.
Today I was able to get off the Lady Washington for the two sails and sail on the Lynx. That was a special treat, but I did miss being the mate. The mate on the Lynx was off for the day, so I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to pick his brain about what it is like to be mate on a schooner. I did have a good time though learning about how she does thing. I actually got to help teach some too which was a treat. Lynx is a nice schooner. She is on the list of schooners to work on someday.
We did two ed sails here yesterday and two today. Pretty standard. We don't leave the harbor for them. We motored up to the harbor entrance and then down the harbor which is part residential and part touristy and tour boat oriented. The first night I went out with a couple Lynx crew and Rob our second mate and engineer. Last night I walked to Balboa Island with a couple of our crew and a crew member for the Lynx. We took the ferry over to Balboa and fun zone which happened to be closed by the time we got there. It didn't seem like much anyway.
Today I was able to get off the Lady Washington for the two sails and sail on the Lynx. That was a special treat, but I did miss being the mate. The mate on the Lynx was off for the day, so I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to pick his brain about what it is like to be mate on a schooner. I did have a good time though learning about how she does thing. I actually got to help teach some too which was a treat. Lynx is a nice schooner. She is on the list of schooners to work on someday.
Posted at 10:47 PM
T-Mobile whoas
Once again I am facing difficulties with a major
corporation because of my life style. This time it is with my new cell phone
account that I use for internet access, T- Mobile. I have not been able to log
on to the internet with my cell phone since I arrived in Newport Beach a couple
days ago. My cell phone kept on giving me the message that my SIM card is not
registered. So today after we were stood down, I trekked out to the closest
mall to see if there is a T-Mobile store and to see if I can figure this out. I
went to the first T-Mobile Kiosk that I found. They looked up my account and it
said that it had been canceled. They called customer service for me and
eventually I talked with them. The word "fraud" was mentioned and I have to now
send them a copy of my social security card, an id and a utility bill.
Of course I had little of this on me and they didn't have a fax machine at the Kiosk. I went to another wireless store in the mall and faxed a copy of my drivers license and merchant marine document (which has my social security card number on it, it should also work as a passport, soc. sec. card and birth certificate. I already anticipated problems with them since they both have different addresses on them, different from my account. So I wrote a note with them explaining my situation. My address at home at outward bound and my address for forwarding mail to me. I can't call them because it is handled by the east coast office which closes at 9 EST which is before I get off work at 7 pacific time.
So I faxed what I had, called and left a message with the east coast office. I got a number for the west coast office, called them. They were closing in 10 minutes so couldn't help me and can only help me when the east coast office is closed. I faxed my info to their office too. I won't be able to do anything more about it until tomorrow now when I get off of work.
Of course I had little of this on me and they didn't have a fax machine at the Kiosk. I went to another wireless store in the mall and faxed a copy of my drivers license and merchant marine document (which has my social security card number on it, it should also work as a passport, soc. sec. card and birth certificate. I already anticipated problems with them since they both have different addresses on them, different from my account. So I wrote a note with them explaining my situation. My address at home at outward bound and my address for forwarding mail to me. I can't call them because it is handled by the east coast office which closes at 9 EST which is before I get off work at 7 pacific time.
So I faxed what I had, called and left a message with the east coast office. I got a number for the west coast office, called them. They were closing in 10 minutes so couldn't help me and can only help me when the east coast office is closed. I faxed my info to their office too. I won't be able to do anything more about it until tomorrow now when I get off of work.
Posted at 10:56 PM
Fri - February 3, 2006
Top Gallant Masts and the Hawaiian Chieftain
Today our long awaited Top Gallant Masts came
were delivered along with some new items for the ships store. The Hawaiian
Chieftain also made it back to California arriving in San Pedro yesterday. Some
of her crew came down to see us tonight.
We had two dock side programs this morning and a
sail in the fog this afternoon. After a large number of people came by for
dockside tours this afternoon we got to work at getting one of our new top
gallant masts up on the main mast. This lasted until after dinner. After some
difficulty we lowered it back to the deck to continue to be worked on tomorrow
morning. As we were finishing up, a group of crew from the Hawaiian Chieftain
came down to visit us. Since I don't like large groups of unfamiliar people and
there was a gathering of them in the aft cabin, I disappeared to Starbucks to
get online to check some e-mail and update my blog.
I still don't have things resolved with T-Mobile. I didn't have anytime to deal with that today, though I had a little time to visit the small nautical museum we are docked to this morning.
The Lady without top gallant masts.
The Hawaiian Chieftian
I still don't have things resolved with T-Mobile. I didn't have anytime to deal with that today, though I had a little time to visit the small nautical museum we are docked to this morning.
The Lady without top gallant masts.
The Hawaiian Chieftian
Posted at 10:28 PM
Sat - February 4, 2006
Capt Jack Sparrow!
This morning immediately after breakfast we got
back to work on swaying up our new top gallant mast as chores where getting
started. We had a line of people up the dock for dockside tours this morning,
as has been the case in this port. We have had really good publicity here and
have been in the paper a couple of times. We are billed as the Pirate Ship from
Pirates of the Caribbean so that attracts lots of people. Every day since we
have been here when we get back from our educational sails the dock is lined
with people wanting to get a dockside tour for the one hour that we are open at
the end of the day. The young children come all dressed up as pirates and when
I am on deck in my "funny clothes" (our word for our period clothing) all the
parents want to get pictures of the pirate with their children no matter how
many times I tell them that I am a friendly merchant sailor. Even today when I
was on deck in my work cloths because I was helping with the mast I was still
mistaken for a Pirate! I do really enjoy talking with the public though some
times it can be a bit overwhelming when our decks are full, I am watching kids
running around and making sure they aren't climbing on things, ringing the bell
and stick with their parents or just listening in to see what things the crew
members are telling the public.
We had two sails this afternoon. One that we had donated to the museum here and they in turn donated it to a group of "under privileged children" That was from 2 pm until 4 pm. We did it like a cross between one of our adventure sails and an educational sail. We set almost everything we had minus the sprit sail, the fore course and the main stay sail. We had the students help us set everything except for the spanker. Then filled in some time with a little talk similar to the stations we would do on an educational sail and then we took all the sails in again.
Our cooks were waiting for us when we hit the dock and we took on provisions and pizza for dinner which was a nice touch. Then we did it all again for an evening sail with the public from five until eight. It was a nice group of people that included a three year old who was convinced that I was Captain Jack Sparrow. His mom introduced him to Captain Kevin, his response was "you are not Capt. Jack!" Then he saw me working on a line, his eyes got big and he said "Captain Jack!" I just couldn't bare to break his heart and tell him the truth, so I put my fingers to my lips and said "shhh don't tell anyone" I said "I am going to steal the ship want to help me?" He got really quiet and said "yes". The rest of the group on board was really friendly as well. We sailed and it got dark, we fired the cannons a couple of times, once at the request of a group asking us to from shore.
My new friend who was celebrating his third birthday came to me and asked for a "plank" so I sent the Bosun to find one and he brought him a scrap piece of wood, which he just adored and asked if he could keep. I signed it for him latter as Capt. Jack. It was fun and a nice way to round out the day. Tomorrow we have two more sails morning and afternoon and then on Monday I get a day off. Hopefully I will be able to work out the issues with my cell phone, get a little relaxing time, and see some of town.
We had two sails this afternoon. One that we had donated to the museum here and they in turn donated it to a group of "under privileged children" That was from 2 pm until 4 pm. We did it like a cross between one of our adventure sails and an educational sail. We set almost everything we had minus the sprit sail, the fore course and the main stay sail. We had the students help us set everything except for the spanker. Then filled in some time with a little talk similar to the stations we would do on an educational sail and then we took all the sails in again.
Our cooks were waiting for us when we hit the dock and we took on provisions and pizza for dinner which was a nice touch. Then we did it all again for an evening sail with the public from five until eight. It was a nice group of people that included a three year old who was convinced that I was Captain Jack Sparrow. His mom introduced him to Captain Kevin, his response was "you are not Capt. Jack!" Then he saw me working on a line, his eyes got big and he said "Captain Jack!" I just couldn't bare to break his heart and tell him the truth, so I put my fingers to my lips and said "shhh don't tell anyone" I said "I am going to steal the ship want to help me?" He got really quiet and said "yes". The rest of the group on board was really friendly as well. We sailed and it got dark, we fired the cannons a couple of times, once at the request of a group asking us to from shore.
My new friend who was celebrating his third birthday came to me and asked for a "plank" so I sent the Bosun to find one and he brought him a scrap piece of wood, which he just adored and asked if he could keep. I signed it for him latter as Capt. Jack. It was fun and a nice way to round out the day. Tomorrow we have two more sails morning and afternoon and then on Monday I get a day off. Hopefully I will be able to work out the issues with my cell phone, get a little relaxing time, and see some of town.
Posted at 11:02 PM
Sun - February 5, 2006
Top Gallant Rigged
Today we had two sails. One in the morning, and
one in the afternoon. This morning after chores we crossed our top gallant
yard. There were people on the dock wanting a tour because the paper said we
would be open for tours and apparently the museum thought the same. We couldn't
let them on because we were getting the top gallant yard up, and we would soon
be boarding people for our sail. During our sail Topher our bosun Rob our
engineer along with Shinney the bosun's mate got the sail all rigged and we were
able to set it. So I called all the commands and we set the main top gallant
sail for the first time since I have been aboard.
When we got back to the dock the dock was full of people who wanted to come on board and get a tour. So we off loaded our passengers, ate in shifts and gave dock side tours for about an hour before we loaded for our afternoon sail. Both the paper and the museum had us listed as being open for tours rather than our actual schedule from the office having an adventure sail in the morning and again in the afternoon. We had a group dressed as "Pirates" in the morning come on. One had an extensive collection of antique weapons, some of which he brought back to show me that evening.
We set our main top gallant sail again in the afternoon. We we doused sail there was a race to get to the top as everyone wanted to furl it since it had been a while since we have had it. Some crew members have never sailed with Top Gallants before. We gained a new two week volunteer named Crystal. She came in time for our second sail and we threw her right into it. That evening we did introductions and had everyone share where they were from and their favorite piece of rigging. Captain Kevin took off after the sail to catch the end of the super bowl with Purser Annie, so I lead evening muster and stood down the crew.
Main Top
Gallant Sail
After dinner I went out with a volunteer who has dropped in on us from time to time named Jenny. She went to Azsu Pacific University. I know some other people who went there. It is a Christian school, so we had a common experience having both gone to a Christian university. We went out driving in her t-bird with the tops off. We ended up over at Balboa and walked around a bit. She told me of her experience with the Masons girls youth group called the daughters of Job. We went to a micro brewery pizza place called JB's which I had been to in Boulder, CO. We shared a pizookie, which is a fresh chocolate chip cookie still hot with vanilla ice on it that just melts right into it. She is an educator so we talked about experiential education and I told her about the AEE. I really enjoyed hanging out with her. I am disappointed that I won't be around when she comes on as a volunteer in April.
Jenny
When we got back to the dock the dock was full of people who wanted to come on board and get a tour. So we off loaded our passengers, ate in shifts and gave dock side tours for about an hour before we loaded for our afternoon sail. Both the paper and the museum had us listed as being open for tours rather than our actual schedule from the office having an adventure sail in the morning and again in the afternoon. We had a group dressed as "Pirates" in the morning come on. One had an extensive collection of antique weapons, some of which he brought back to show me that evening.
We set our main top gallant sail again in the afternoon. We we doused sail there was a race to get to the top as everyone wanted to furl it since it had been a while since we have had it. Some crew members have never sailed with Top Gallants before. We gained a new two week volunteer named Crystal. She came in time for our second sail and we threw her right into it. That evening we did introductions and had everyone share where they were from and their favorite piece of rigging. Captain Kevin took off after the sail to catch the end of the super bowl with Purser Annie, so I lead evening muster and stood down the crew.
Main Top
Gallant SailAfter dinner I went out with a volunteer who has dropped in on us from time to time named Jenny. She went to Azsu Pacific University. I know some other people who went there. It is a Christian school, so we had a common experience having both gone to a Christian university. We went out driving in her t-bird with the tops off. We ended up over at Balboa and walked around a bit. She told me of her experience with the Masons girls youth group called the daughters of Job. We went to a micro brewery pizza place called JB's which I had been to in Boulder, CO. We shared a pizookie, which is a fresh chocolate chip cookie still hot with vanilla ice on it that just melts right into it. She is an educator so we talked about experiential education and I told her about the AEE. I really enjoyed hanging out with her. I am disappointed that I won't be around when she comes on as a volunteer in April.
JennyPosted at 11:09 PM
Mon - February 6, 2006
Day Off in Neport Beach, CA
I took another day off today, my second since I
have been on the Lady Washington other than a morning that I took off in
Oceanside, CA. I slept in even though the cook forgot that it was my day off
and woke me anyway. I got up and out of my cabin before the school students
came onboard and headed over to the Starbucks. I ran into Dave from the Lynx as
he was coming back from the shower and he met me at Starbucks latter as he had
the day off too. I got myself a tall raspberry mocha and then got online to do
some editing of my website and to check my e-mail. I have been using the
t-mobile hotspot at the closest starbucks for the last few days, since my own
account on my cell phone has been down.
After getting my fill of internet time (take a look at the added pictures on my website by the way), and letting Dave check his e-mail too, he drove me to the mall dropped me off and went to do his own erons. I went to the wireless store that I went to the other night and called the security division of T-Mobile to work things out. It went much smoother than I had expected. I had to fax some things in to them because the fax I sent last week was too dark. I had to then wait 20 minutes, so I went up to the apple store to check out the new laptops that will be in latter this month. Hopefully I will have my insurance claim by then. I went back and called again and they worked it all out and turned my cell service (for internet only) back on. I was also able to get a credit for some of the time that I had to pay the daily rate to use the t-mobile hot spot at Starbucks. The owner of the store came by and recognized me and wanted to know if things were being worked out. That was nice. She had left a message for her staff to help me when I came back.
David showed up just as I was wrapping things up. We went to the Lynx office because he needed to pick some things up there. I recognized it, it was right near where I picked up Steve Baker and some others after the September 11 tall ship wreath laying in 2002, as the Tall Ships Challenge was coming to a close. Then David and I went on a quest for a good burger. We ended up at Ruby's at the end of the pier where we both had a great burger and a shake. We walked around for a little bit and then worked our way back to the ships.
We made a stop at the Newport Boy Scout Sea Base, and got a tour of their operation. They own the Argus and we got the inside scoop on what is happening with her. They may build a new hull for her or purchase a new ship. Once back at the ship, I took a nap and skipped dinner since I was still full from my burger. I went for a walk this evening and got an e-mail from my new tall ships groupie. :-)
It was a productive day off I got what I wanted to get done completed and filled out a course request form for the Atlantic Region of Outward Bound (Hurricane Island) to work in the Keys or Puerto Rico next winter. Tomorrow is two ed sails, dockside tours and then we begin our transit to Oxnard. I need to make up the watch schedule for that yet. Tomorrow during chores I will.
After getting my fill of internet time (take a look at the added pictures on my website by the way), and letting Dave check his e-mail too, he drove me to the mall dropped me off and went to do his own erons. I went to the wireless store that I went to the other night and called the security division of T-Mobile to work things out. It went much smoother than I had expected. I had to fax some things in to them because the fax I sent last week was too dark. I had to then wait 20 minutes, so I went up to the apple store to check out the new laptops that will be in latter this month. Hopefully I will have my insurance claim by then. I went back and called again and they worked it all out and turned my cell service (for internet only) back on. I was also able to get a credit for some of the time that I had to pay the daily rate to use the t-mobile hot spot at Starbucks. The owner of the store came by and recognized me and wanted to know if things were being worked out. That was nice. She had left a message for her staff to help me when I came back.
David showed up just as I was wrapping things up. We went to the Lynx office because he needed to pick some things up there. I recognized it, it was right near where I picked up Steve Baker and some others after the September 11 tall ship wreath laying in 2002, as the Tall Ships Challenge was coming to a close. Then David and I went on a quest for a good burger. We ended up at Ruby's at the end of the pier where we both had a great burger and a shake. We walked around for a little bit and then worked our way back to the ships.
We made a stop at the Newport Boy Scout Sea Base, and got a tour of their operation. They own the Argus and we got the inside scoop on what is happening with her. They may build a new hull for her or purchase a new ship. Once back at the ship, I took a nap and skipped dinner since I was still full from my burger. I went for a walk this evening and got an e-mail from my new tall ships groupie. :-)
It was a productive day off I got what I wanted to get done completed and filled out a course request form for the Atlantic Region of Outward Bound (Hurricane Island) to work in the Keys or Puerto Rico next winter. Tomorrow is two ed sails, dockside tours and then we begin our transit to Oxnard. I need to make up the watch schedule for that yet. Tomorrow during chores I will.
Posted at 12:27 AM
Wed - February 8, 2006
Transit to Oxnard, CA
We are now in Oxnard, California. Yesterday was
a pretty full and interesting day. Our first school of the day was late due to
a wild fire they rerouted traffic and put them into a traffic jam. There was
talk of doing just a dockside education program with them if they didn't make it
in a reasonable time. They did make it, and it was just a short sail that we
did with them. That afternoon we had no lack of excitement either. Our school
did show up on time however, just after getting off the dock, we ran aground,
and were not able to get off easily. Though we were close to the dock and had
been rafted to the Lynx, they were still able to get off the dock around us and
get underway for their sail. We tried to work our way off the shoal we were on
using various methods. The Lynx lent us their tender and a crew member. They
tried to help push us out and that didn't help much. Then we lead a line back
to the dock and to the windless and tried to warp ourselves around off, we then
added a spring line that helped some. Eventually we got around enough to set
the four topsail, back it and then rotate ourselves off. We did a quick line
handling class and had the students help with the set. Shortly after we got
off, we had to "clew up all standing" to be able to steer effectively. That was
a command that had not been heard by all the crew yet, but it went well. We
then continued on with our sail and all was fine.
When we returned to the dock, we had our normal crowd of public for our afternoon dockside tours. I was helping out a little bit on the quarter deck and as I worked my way forward to check on things and do something else, I saw that a shipmate of mine from Sloop Providence and a former Lady Washington Crew member Kim Carver was on board. It was good to run into her and share a couple quick stories before we had to do other things.
Kim
Carver
At 8:00 pm we got underway for our transit to Oxnard, CA where we are now. I was on the first watch from 2000 to 0000. Topher our bosun was on my watch and I started to train him to be a watch leader and I had our new volunteer Crystal on my watch too, who I started to teach things to about transits. It was a pretty uneventful evening with just a couple fishing boats, and some calm water. We saw some container ships as we crossed the precautionary area for LA harbor. Other than that it was a pretty quiet night.
When I was woken in the morning for breakfast and for my watch again, the wind had picked up and the prior watch was setting sail. We had our main top gallant sail set, but it was quickly taken in as the wind increased. When I took the deck, I woke the captain and asked if we could throttle back or shut down the engine. We throttled back and then shortly shut down the engine and sailed. We were making up to seven knots and above. It was nice to sail with a bit of wind. When it died down, we tried to set the top gallant again and it picked right back up.
Topher at the
helm under sail.
We got off watch had lunch and was able to take a quick nap before all hands was called to take in sail and get ready for grand arrival. We came into Oxnard with the harbor master as an escort. This is the same harbor where the Irving Johnson hit the sandbar and was washed up on the beach about a year ago. We got onto the dock with press taking lots of pictures, I think there is a good chance I can be in the paper since there were lots of me, since I stand on the rail to relay information as we are coming in.
Two beauties
Privateer Lynx and Crystal
We had a decent group of public here and gave dockside tours soon after we tied up. We gained a new volunteer who is from the local museum and will be helping us out while we are here. As things slowed down, I worked with Crystal on her lines and working on what to do to set the topsail and the fore topmast stay sail and related things. I had Doc (our new volunteer) join in as well.
It was a laid back evening, a group of us gathered into the aft cabin to watch Cowboy Bebop which is a popular cartoon with the officers and just relax. I got my mail for this port, so I was pretty excited to have a mail bundle from my mail forwarding service which included my first post card from Jill on her sea semester voyage. I shared it with Shinney since he knows Jill as well.
When we returned to the dock, we had our normal crowd of public for our afternoon dockside tours. I was helping out a little bit on the quarter deck and as I worked my way forward to check on things and do something else, I saw that a shipmate of mine from Sloop Providence and a former Lady Washington Crew member Kim Carver was on board. It was good to run into her and share a couple quick stories before we had to do other things.
Kim
CarverAt 8:00 pm we got underway for our transit to Oxnard, CA where we are now. I was on the first watch from 2000 to 0000. Topher our bosun was on my watch and I started to train him to be a watch leader and I had our new volunteer Crystal on my watch too, who I started to teach things to about transits. It was a pretty uneventful evening with just a couple fishing boats, and some calm water. We saw some container ships as we crossed the precautionary area for LA harbor. Other than that it was a pretty quiet night.
When I was woken in the morning for breakfast and for my watch again, the wind had picked up and the prior watch was setting sail. We had our main top gallant sail set, but it was quickly taken in as the wind increased. When I took the deck, I woke the captain and asked if we could throttle back or shut down the engine. We throttled back and then shortly shut down the engine and sailed. We were making up to seven knots and above. It was nice to sail with a bit of wind. When it died down, we tried to set the top gallant again and it picked right back up.
Topher at the
helm under sail.We got off watch had lunch and was able to take a quick nap before all hands was called to take in sail and get ready for grand arrival. We came into Oxnard with the harbor master as an escort. This is the same harbor where the Irving Johnson hit the sandbar and was washed up on the beach about a year ago. We got onto the dock with press taking lots of pictures, I think there is a good chance I can be in the paper since there were lots of me, since I stand on the rail to relay information as we are coming in.
Two beauties
Privateer Lynx and CrystalWe had a decent group of public here and gave dockside tours soon after we tied up. We gained a new volunteer who is from the local museum and will be helping us out while we are here. As things slowed down, I worked with Crystal on her lines and working on what to do to set the topsail and the fore topmast stay sail and related things. I had Doc (our new volunteer) join in as well.
It was a laid back evening, a group of us gathered into the aft cabin to watch Cowboy Bebop which is a popular cartoon with the officers and just relax. I got my mail for this port, so I was pretty excited to have a mail bundle from my mail forwarding service which included my first post card from Jill on her sea semester voyage. I shared it with Shinney since he knows Jill as well.
Posted at 10:04 PM
Sun - February 12, 2006
Oxnard, CA
Wow, I am finding out that people actually do
read this blog and I am getting a little bit of a following with it. So if you
are reading this, drop me a line and let me know what you think. If you find
this on some sort of a web search for the Lady Washington let me know. If you
don't know me in person let me know, how you found my blog. I am curious to
hear from people and how they found and like my blog.
If you are new to my blog and web site, be sure to check out my photo albums too, I have recently added pictures there and will continue to do so. All the feedback that I have received on it has been fantastic, thanks!
We have been in Oxnard a few days now. Things are fairly routine. We now have both of our top gallant masts, yards and sails up, and have been sailing with them. It is nice to have and adds a little more challenge and learning to things. Thursday and Friday we did ed programs. Both days we had dockside programs in the morning and a sail in the afternoon. This let the captain sneak away one day for a shower and me to sneak away on another day for one. I have gotten the scheduling down for the crew. Each week I make up a chore and day off schedule. Not that it doesn't need to be changed with changing times on board, it just is a lot easier and better now.
Our afternoon dockside tours for an hour after our sail and on Saturday morning has been fairly popular here too. We are docked by a harbor patrol base so we are trying to be low impact to the area around their facility.
We have had great wind here. It seems to be just right. We are actually able to make our tacks easily, but it isn't so strong that things happen too fast with the potential of getting out of hand. I have really enjoyed it. We have a volunteer that has been joining us for the days from breakfast until dinner. He goes by doc and is a volunteer with the museum and is trying to learn as much as possible about our ed prgram so they can do something similar with the museum. I have spent the tour and after tour times with him and Crystal going over settings and dousings to help them learn the lines and the process of getting things done. I rigged up a training sail with my do rag and belay pins with some saine twine as lines to help illustrate things for them.
One evening Chrystal, Rob and I went out to the local In and Out Burger. We had eaten on the ship so I just got a shake and fries. I would like to go back for a burger on my day off, so that I can get my traditional In and Out burger while visiting California. We swung into circuit city too so I could get a new USB bluetooth since I broke the one I got in San Diego. So I had been down and not able to get online for a day or two.
Most evenings this week we set up an old sail as a screen in the aft cabin and watch dvd's on it with our projector. Cowboy Bee Bob and japanese animation is a popular selection. I have to saw that I am getting hooked on it as a number of crew members already are. On another night we watched a movie that Rob picked up called Serenity. It was a science fiction movie, but it had a lot of funny lines and had parts that really related to shipboard life.
Wrestling seems to be a popular activity among the crew. I joined in one night. Sarah, Crystal and I went to the beach where there was nothing to get hit or hurt on and wrestled in the sand. We did two rounds and I won both. I was nervous since Sarah had a pretty good reputation and I had never seen her wrestle before.
Annie mentioned that she was disappointed not to have gotten any mail in this port, so I sent her a post card (which she unknowingly actually mailed for me) so she would have mail here. Last night we went to a bar b que that was put on by a family that just fell in love with the tall ships last year. They took up up to their "ranch" it is a piece of property where they will be building a home. They just have a trailer there right now. They were very generous to us. It was a nice relaxing evening.
This morning we had a nice full adventure sail. Yesterday afternoon and this afternoon we had battle sails. There was more wind than what we had grown accustomed too and it was nice. My sail calling is getting better and I have to ask Kevin less and less about when to brace around the sails. I am feeling better and better about it. I couple times I started to call something just as he was asking me to do it, which means I am starting to think more like him and understand things better. I only have like five battle sails left, so I want to make the best of them.
We picked up another volunteer today. Peter from Canada. We dropped him right into a battle sail and he seemed to do ok with it. This evening I went to a donut shop that I heard had free wireless. I couldn't get a signal there, so I just signed on with my phone as I had a stronger signal with it there than I do on the ship.
Tomorrow is my day off. I am thinking of going to Hollywood. Regardless I am going to relax. I only have three more weeks left on the ship. That is hard to believe.
If you are new to my blog and web site, be sure to check out my photo albums too, I have recently added pictures there and will continue to do so. All the feedback that I have received on it has been fantastic, thanks!
We have been in Oxnard a few days now. Things are fairly routine. We now have both of our top gallant masts, yards and sails up, and have been sailing with them. It is nice to have and adds a little more challenge and learning to things. Thursday and Friday we did ed programs. Both days we had dockside programs in the morning and a sail in the afternoon. This let the captain sneak away one day for a shower and me to sneak away on another day for one. I have gotten the scheduling down for the crew. Each week I make up a chore and day off schedule. Not that it doesn't need to be changed with changing times on board, it just is a lot easier and better now.
Our afternoon dockside tours for an hour after our sail and on Saturday morning has been fairly popular here too. We are docked by a harbor patrol base so we are trying to be low impact to the area around their facility.
We have had great wind here. It seems to be just right. We are actually able to make our tacks easily, but it isn't so strong that things happen too fast with the potential of getting out of hand. I have really enjoyed it. We have a volunteer that has been joining us for the days from breakfast until dinner. He goes by doc and is a volunteer with the museum and is trying to learn as much as possible about our ed prgram so they can do something similar with the museum. I have spent the tour and after tour times with him and Crystal going over settings and dousings to help them learn the lines and the process of getting things done. I rigged up a training sail with my do rag and belay pins with some saine twine as lines to help illustrate things for them.
One evening Chrystal, Rob and I went out to the local In and Out Burger. We had eaten on the ship so I just got a shake and fries. I would like to go back for a burger on my day off, so that I can get my traditional In and Out burger while visiting California. We swung into circuit city too so I could get a new USB bluetooth since I broke the one I got in San Diego. So I had been down and not able to get online for a day or two.
Most evenings this week we set up an old sail as a screen in the aft cabin and watch dvd's on it with our projector. Cowboy Bee Bob and japanese animation is a popular selection. I have to saw that I am getting hooked on it as a number of crew members already are. On another night we watched a movie that Rob picked up called Serenity. It was a science fiction movie, but it had a lot of funny lines and had parts that really related to shipboard life.
Wrestling seems to be a popular activity among the crew. I joined in one night. Sarah, Crystal and I went to the beach where there was nothing to get hit or hurt on and wrestled in the sand. We did two rounds and I won both. I was nervous since Sarah had a pretty good reputation and I had never seen her wrestle before.
Annie mentioned that she was disappointed not to have gotten any mail in this port, so I sent her a post card (which she unknowingly actually mailed for me) so she would have mail here. Last night we went to a bar b que that was put on by a family that just fell in love with the tall ships last year. They took up up to their "ranch" it is a piece of property where they will be building a home. They just have a trailer there right now. They were very generous to us. It was a nice relaxing evening.
This morning we had a nice full adventure sail. Yesterday afternoon and this afternoon we had battle sails. There was more wind than what we had grown accustomed too and it was nice. My sail calling is getting better and I have to ask Kevin less and less about when to brace around the sails. I am feeling better and better about it. I couple times I started to call something just as he was asking me to do it, which means I am starting to think more like him and understand things better. I only have like five battle sails left, so I want to make the best of them.
We picked up another volunteer today. Peter from Canada. We dropped him right into a battle sail and he seemed to do ok with it. This evening I went to a donut shop that I heard had free wireless. I couldn't get a signal there, so I just signed on with my phone as I had a stronger signal with it there than I do on the ship.
Tomorrow is my day off. I am thinking of going to Hollywood. Regardless I am going to relax. I only have three more weeks left on the ship. That is hard to believe.
Posted at 11:48 PM
Mon - February 13, 2006
Day Off LA- Hollywood, CA
Today is my date off. It started kind of slow.
The cook knowing it was my day off woke me up this morning anyway for some
reason. I just rolled over and slept in as is my day off habit. I got up
prepared for the day and off just before the students started to board for this
mornings ed sail. Annie was off this morning to do her weekly mailer for the
office. We helped the Lady get off the dock by getting the mooring lines at the
dock. I bummed a ride with her to get into town and see if anything caught my
eye. Nothing did. I wanted to waste time until about 11 am when the local
maritime museum opens. I went into a radio shack while she was doing the mailer
and got an antenna for my cell phone to get better reception while I am on the
boat so maybe I can have a little better and faster internet connection. I also
grabbed a donut while I was waiting since I had skipped breakfast.
I made it to the maritime museum by 11 and took a look around. They had a nice collection of models and art work. Their feature exhibit was "When China Ruled the Seas" which is about large Chinese treasure ships in the 14th century. Very interesting. I used their wireless internet for a little bit outside, then got back to the Brig in time to help cast off lines for the afternoon sail and meet with Preston who was giving me a ride to a train station closer to LA. I thought he lived closer to LA than he does.
I am on my way to LA and Hollywood just to tour around a little bit and see what there is to see since I have never been there. It is afternoon now, and I am thinking that maybe I should have skipped the museum and caught the train out of Oxnard this morning. It looks like I will have to start heading back at around 9 tonight.
I got into LA Union station at around fourish. I bought my return train (Amtrak thruway bus actually) ticket before I left the station. I scoped out what was around the station. Didn't see much, so I dropped down to the subway and caught it to Hollywood. Like San Diego, you just buy a ticket from a machine and then get on the subway, there is no one really checking. I got a day pass and only in one station was it checked and it was by the police and you just held it up as you went by. I took the train to the Universal City stop which was recommended by Preston.
At that stop I was able to catch a shuttle up to Universal Studios. It was already too late for the last tour and the rest of the place was like a mall. There didn't seem to be much around the metro stop, so I hopped back on and went up to North Hollywood. I couldn't remember if there were things to see there or if it was a place that I should avoid. There wasn't a lot there either. I walked a couple of blocks to see. I saw the academy as in the academy awards. I took some pictures of the outside of it. After I saw there was nothing there, I got back on the subway and went back a couple of stops to the Hollywood and Highland stop to see what was there.
That is where I wanted to be. The Hollywood that I had pictured lots of lights and a big tourist trap. I was on Hollywood blvd. Which is the street with all the stars with the names of celebrities on them in the side walk. I took a couple of pictures of stars that would interest my mother and a couple of friends. I saw the Chinese theatre where the celebrities put their foot and hand prints in the concrete. I walked further up the street saw the Egyptian theatre, El Capitan, and the head quarters for Scientology. It was all interesting. I toped off my visit with an In n Out Burger for dinner. Not my first trip to In and Out while in California this time, but the first In and Out burger I got this go round. I wish I had come earlier and made a day of it. Maybe if the next port isn't too far away or too interesting I will try again.
I left shortly after eight, and made it back to Union Station at a reasonable time to make my 9:05 pm bus back to Oxnard. I quickly feel asleep. I caught a cab from the train station back to the Brig. It wasn't long before I was in my cabin fast asleep. I was beat!
I made it to the maritime museum by 11 and took a look around. They had a nice collection of models and art work. Their feature exhibit was "When China Ruled the Seas" which is about large Chinese treasure ships in the 14th century. Very interesting. I used their wireless internet for a little bit outside, then got back to the Brig in time to help cast off lines for the afternoon sail and meet with Preston who was giving me a ride to a train station closer to LA. I thought he lived closer to LA than he does.
I am on my way to LA and Hollywood just to tour around a little bit and see what there is to see since I have never been there. It is afternoon now, and I am thinking that maybe I should have skipped the museum and caught the train out of Oxnard this morning. It looks like I will have to start heading back at around 9 tonight.
I got into LA Union station at around fourish. I bought my return train (Amtrak thruway bus actually) ticket before I left the station. I scoped out what was around the station. Didn't see much, so I dropped down to the subway and caught it to Hollywood. Like San Diego, you just buy a ticket from a machine and then get on the subway, there is no one really checking. I got a day pass and only in one station was it checked and it was by the police and you just held it up as you went by. I took the train to the Universal City stop which was recommended by Preston.
At that stop I was able to catch a shuttle up to Universal Studios. It was already too late for the last tour and the rest of the place was like a mall. There didn't seem to be much around the metro stop, so I hopped back on and went up to North Hollywood. I couldn't remember if there were things to see there or if it was a place that I should avoid. There wasn't a lot there either. I walked a couple of blocks to see. I saw the academy as in the academy awards. I took some pictures of the outside of it. After I saw there was nothing there, I got back on the subway and went back a couple of stops to the Hollywood and Highland stop to see what was there.
That is where I wanted to be. The Hollywood that I had pictured lots of lights and a big tourist trap. I was on Hollywood blvd. Which is the street with all the stars with the names of celebrities on them in the side walk. I took a couple of pictures of stars that would interest my mother and a couple of friends. I saw the Chinese theatre where the celebrities put their foot and hand prints in the concrete. I walked further up the street saw the Egyptian theatre, El Capitan, and the head quarters for Scientology. It was all interesting. I toped off my visit with an In n Out Burger for dinner. Not my first trip to In and Out while in California this time, but the first In and Out burger I got this go round. I wish I had come earlier and made a day of it. Maybe if the next port isn't too far away or too interesting I will try again.
I left shortly after eight, and made it back to Union Station at a reasonable time to make my 9:05 pm bus back to Oxnard. I quickly feel asleep. I caught a cab from the train station back to the Brig. It wasn't long before I was in my cabin fast asleep. I was beat!
Posted at 03:14 PM
Tue - February 14, 2006
Cell Phone
I have found it useful to have a cell phone in
some ports, plus it is always nice to reach people and be reachable. My VOIP
seems to only work well when I have a high speed connection. So I added voice
service to my cell phone. It costs me only $10 more than what I was paying for
just data. I still won't be that reachable underway, but my new cell phone
number is 857-928- 9191. Give me a call sometime.
I wanted to call some special friends on Valentines day, so I thought it was as good of day as any to make this change to my cell service.
I wanted to call some special friends on Valentines day, so I thought it was as good of day as any to make this change to my cell service.
Posted at 12:16 AM
Wed - February 15, 2006
50's Night
Yesterday it was back at it after a day off to
two ed sails. It was a little light on the wind in the morning, but much better
in the afternoon. Last night was "50's dinner night" for dinner. We were
supposed to dress up in 50's attire. I really didn't have any, so I went with
1750's. We had burgers and fries to 50's music. The cook Sarah also made us
shakes, which as a nice treat. We had a choice between vanilla, chocolate or
strawberry.
Bosun's mate
Shinney and Cook Sarah at "50's dinner
night"
After dinner where some traditional movies in the aft cabin. We are now starting to work through the one and only season of "Firefly" which the movie "Serenity" is based on. We watched that movie twice last week since it was so good and actually seems to relate to life on a tall ship, at least this one. We really enjoy it. I have gotten hooked on a couple of series since I have been here, and have ordered the DVD's so that I may enjoy them between courses this summer. Tonight I ordered, Cowboy Bebop, Serenity, and Firefly. I have already ordered Hornblower.
Last night I went out for a walk and had an interesting encounter. I met a Korean woman and talked with her a little bit. Her english was not that good. I could understand her, but she could not always understand me and labored for the right words to tell me what she wanted to tell me. She did not strike me as a Christian, I actually thought that she might be a prostitute in the awkward way that she approached me. She told me during our conversation that that I need to not work on Sunday and attend church, and when I do so, to listen. Given my spiritual background, my walk away from it, this unexpected and awkward encounter, I may just listen to it and see about attending church in the next port. The schedule is already made, so it would have to be an evening service for me, or I may have to schedule a Sunday off in the near future to see if there is something God has to say to me. Though I am always just a little bit of a skeptic.
I finally got my insurance payment for my computer and digital camera. It is about time. I had already borrowed money against it from my parents to buy a new camera which I did. I think I will use some of the rest of it to pay off some bills and then wait for the new macs to come out, supplement it with some pay from Outward Bound and get a nice new computer. I have the one I am borrowing for the time being to get me through the rest of the winter and spring. If I had to, I could probably survive the summer without one if I had to since I will be on course so much anyway.
Bosun's mate
Shinney and Cook Sarah at "50's dinner
night"After dinner where some traditional movies in the aft cabin. We are now starting to work through the one and only season of "Firefly" which the movie "Serenity" is based on. We watched that movie twice last week since it was so good and actually seems to relate to life on a tall ship, at least this one. We really enjoy it. I have gotten hooked on a couple of series since I have been here, and have ordered the DVD's so that I may enjoy them between courses this summer. Tonight I ordered, Cowboy Bebop, Serenity, and Firefly. I have already ordered Hornblower.
Last night I went out for a walk and had an interesting encounter. I met a Korean woman and talked with her a little bit. Her english was not that good. I could understand her, but she could not always understand me and labored for the right words to tell me what she wanted to tell me. She did not strike me as a Christian, I actually thought that she might be a prostitute in the awkward way that she approached me. She told me during our conversation that that I need to not work on Sunday and attend church, and when I do so, to listen. Given my spiritual background, my walk away from it, this unexpected and awkward encounter, I may just listen to it and see about attending church in the next port. The schedule is already made, so it would have to be an evening service for me, or I may have to schedule a Sunday off in the near future to see if there is something God has to say to me. Though I am always just a little bit of a skeptic.
I finally got my insurance payment for my computer and digital camera. It is about time. I had already borrowed money against it from my parents to buy a new camera which I did. I think I will use some of the rest of it to pay off some bills and then wait for the new macs to come out, supplement it with some pay from Outward Bound and get a nice new computer. I have the one I am borrowing for the time being to get me through the rest of the winter and spring. If I had to, I could probably survive the summer without one if I had to since I will be on course so much anyway.
Posted at 02:16 AM
Thu - February 16, 2006
High Seas Adventure!
Today was an interesting an exciting day. We were scheduled for something a little different, an ed transit. So today we were supposed to transit to our next port of Ventura. Since it is so close, only a few hours away, we were also to bring students with us and do an educational program with them. Before all that though, we said goodbye to our friends on the crew of the Lynx as we would now be going our separate ways. They off to Santa Barbara and us to Ventura. Before they left, they did find the stuffed "hug me" elephant that we tied to their rudder as a prank and in retaliation for the jack in the box ball that we found on our fore truck at the top of our mast and the can of open tuna we found in our winless.
At muster this morning I gave the recommendation that we stow for sea, which some headed, but others did not. We would need to lash our ramp to the main shrouds, so we got the lines we needed for that all ready, and the chafe gear out so it would be easy to do, once we got our students all on board. Things went smoothly, getting the students on board, untying the Lynx from us and getting her underway, striking and securing the ramp and then getting underway.
We were escorted out of the harbor by the harbor patrol as has been the protocol here due to the shoal in the channel here. We had a wind from the north west coming down on us, right from the direction we wanted to go, so we couldn't set any sail other than the main topmast staysail to help stabilize us. We had some rough seas about ten feet or so at times, high winds too. We were taking spray over the deck. Once we cleared the breakwater, we set our sail, ran jack lines to help people move about the deck and move all or our passengers to the half deck and crowded them in there.
We were all getting wet, even up on the quarter deck we were getting spray. The crew was amazing. Our ed coordinator for the day Nathalie did an excellent job in keeping programing, sea chanties and blankets coming. Some of the students did get sick, and there were screams, more like the ones on roller coasters though than of terror. Most seemed to have a good time, especially the crew which all had a ball. No one on the crew got sick however, save one, the mate who lost his breakfast over the side a few times, and then got a sore throat from it. Even after that he still was able to give commands loud enough to get everything done that needed to be done. (the mate being me of course) :-)
What happens
when you don't sea stow. At first we were going to keep plugging away and try to make it to Ventura. We were running full throttle against the wind and seas and really putting a strain on our engine. Due to the difficulty of the Oxnard channel and shoaling, going back was not our first choice in these conditions. The Captain made some calls, found out that the Ventura channel may not be much better with these seas and got permission from the Oxnard harbor patrol to come back. So we turned around and went back, our speed almost doubling now that we were with the wind and seas.
Once we got into the shelter of the harbor, we got mooring lines rigged and with the wind putting us on the dock, docking was a quick and easy affair. The winds however kept us there and we would not be leaving it soon. We continued on with out ed program for the students, parents and teachers that wanted to stay and then went on with a new afternoon plan.
We did a thorough deck wash to get any puke left onboard off. I took advantage of the time and the fact that we had a lot of our PFD's (personal floatation devices or life jackets) out to do my monthly safety inspection. The bosun did some light maintenance and training and when all was done, I took our two two week volunteers Crystal and Pete and did some training with them. We went over setting, dousing and reviewed the lines for the head rig and how they worked. Since it is Crystals second week, I had her show Pete as much as she could to help her solidify things.
We mustered early before dinner and stood down early. After dinner I took a nice long nap and then got up for a couple episodes of Firefly being viewed in the aft cabin.
Posted at 03:11 AM
Transit to Ventura
Today was our last day in Oxnard. We were
supposed to be in Ventura, but due to yesterdays conditions we did not make it.
Today was completely different from yesterday. Since were close to our next
port, we just had the schools come down to Oxnard. We had two small groups
today. The weather was calm this morning and picked up just a little bit this
afternoon enough that we didn't set top gallants. After we unloaded the second
group, we quickly got underway again and did our transit to Ventura which was
only seven miles dock to dock.
Victoria on
transit.
A bunch of the crew went to Anna's parents house to help here parents move a piano in exchange for food and drink. Rob, Crystal, Peter and I just went out to eat close by. There are a lot of restaurants and shops right close to the ship in the marina. We just went to a mexican place, After we came back and watched two episodes of Firefly. I am chatting with one of our tall ship groupies right now and we are talking about camping out on the islands here on my day off. Tomorrow we are just doing dock sides, so the captain will have the day off for a change, he doesn't get much time off.
Victoria on
transit. A bunch of the crew went to Anna's parents house to help here parents move a piano in exchange for food and drink. Rob, Crystal, Peter and I just went out to eat close by. There are a lot of restaurants and shops right close to the ship in the marina. We just went to a mexican place, After we came back and watched two episodes of Firefly. I am chatting with one of our tall ship groupies right now and we are talking about camping out on the islands here on my day off. Tomorrow we are just doing dock sides, so the captain will have the day off for a change, he doesn't get much time off.
Posted at 11:39 PM
Fri - February 17, 2006
Captain's Day Off
Today was the Captain's day off since we only had
dockside programs today. That meant that I had the deck. No big deal really,
since we weren't underway. I just made sure that no ship's business went to the
Captain so that he could enjoy his day off. The phone didn't ring too much and
it was all stuff easily dealt with and I passed the information off to the
appropriate crew member.
The port here is very friendly and we are in a tourist restaurant and marketplace type area. They dropped off a load or loot which we horse and goggled off to the crew members (a fair way of dividing loot between the people who want it). I ended up with a new tote bag and a "fanny foil" kite, (a parafoil kite that stows into a fanny pack). Last night a group of us went out to the local ice cream shop for shakes and the like, I got a nice banana split with three types of chocolate ice cream and hot fudge.
The night rounded out with a showing of two episodes of fire fly in the aft cabin and then off to bed.
The port here is very friendly and we are in a tourist restaurant and marketplace type area. They dropped off a load or loot which we horse and goggled off to the crew members (a fair way of dividing loot between the people who want it). I ended up with a new tote bag and a "fanny foil" kite, (a parafoil kite that stows into a fanny pack). Last night a group of us went out to the local ice cream shop for shakes and the like, I got a nice banana split with three types of chocolate ice cream and hot fudge.
The night rounded out with a showing of two episodes of fire fly in the aft cabin and then off to bed.
Posted at 08:55 PM
Mon - February 20, 2006
Mate's day off in Ventura
Ventura was a very nice, but quick port.
We had a full weekend of sails with one on saturday afternoon, two on Sunday and
one on Monday morning for presidents day. All were full and I had to bump some
crew off. Just about everyone got bumped at one point or another. Sunday
afternoon I bumped myself off. It worked well as two new two week volunteers
arrived, so I could talk to them a little bit on shore and find out about them
and their expectations. They are booth cool people who met and have previously
volunteered on the Picton Castle. I am looking forward to working with them
more.
Jenny joined up with us at the coffee show we were meeting at a little latter. She was volunteering for thew weekend and got bumped from that sail as well. Unfortunately I had to bump her from most of the sails since she isn't a regular crew member or volunteer yet. We all went to the beach to see the Lady out Sailing and then Jenny and I went and explored the shops in the little marina area we are docked at.
Monday was
my day off. We didn't have a sail until ten, so I took advantage of that and
slept in a little bit. I left a note on the door for the cook not to wake me,
which she read as she knocked on my cabin door and then apologized.
I went to a coffee shop and hooked up to their internet and then caught the bus into town. It was my first visit into Ventura. They had a nice little main street with lots of shops, thrift stores and antiques. After an afternoon of walking around, I caught the bus back to be onboard by five pm and ready to get underway. We had dinner and then waited for a crew member Correy to return from her time helping out as crew on the Hawaiian Chiefton and rejoin us to continue her training to be the next bosun. We got underway on our transit to Morro Bay shortly after her return. My watch having the first watch as we left the harbor.
Jenny joined up with us at the coffee show we were meeting at a little latter. She was volunteering for thew weekend and got bumped from that sail as well. Unfortunately I had to bump her from most of the sails since she isn't a regular crew member or volunteer yet. We all went to the beach to see the Lady out Sailing and then Jenny and I went and explored the shops in the little marina area we are docked at.
Monday was
my day off. We didn't have a sail until ten, so I took advantage of that and
slept in a little bit. I left a note on the door for the cook not to wake me,
which she read as she knocked on my cabin door and then apologized.
I went to a coffee shop and hooked up to their internet and then caught the bus into town. It was my first visit into Ventura. They had a nice little main street with lots of shops, thrift stores and antiques. After an afternoon of walking around, I caught the bus back to be onboard by five pm and ready to get underway. We had dinner and then waited for a crew member Correy to return from her time helping out as crew on the Hawaiian Chiefton and rejoin us to continue her training to be the next bosun. We got underway on our transit to Morro Bay shortly after her return. My watch having the first watch as we left the harbor.
Posted at 12:04 PM
Wed - February 22, 2006
Transit to Morro Bay
We are now in Morro Bay after one of our longer
transit since I have been Mate on board. We left Monday evening after dinner
and the arrival of a crew member that was on loan to the Hawaiian Chieftain. My
watch (A watch) was on first starting at 2000. We got the brig off of the dock,
down the channel and then out to sea. It was a nice calm night with the wind
slowing picking up. We did not set any sail because we were heading right into
the wind. We are on a Sweedish watch system. Which means we have three
watches, four hours on eight hours off with no "dog watch". My watch is the
eight to twelve watch both morning and evening.
It was quiet our first night, but the wind began to slowly build. It had picked up a bit by tuesday morning when my watch was up again and we were heading right into it making slow progress and getting set to leeward a bit. We had our main top mast stay sail set as a righting sail. We struck that and braced around onto a starboard tack to reduce our windage and continued on our way. I slept between watches, and got sick once my second night. I will spare you the pictures of what I left on the side of the hull of my dinner.
We were moving slowly during my watch tuesday night, but by wednesday morning when came on deck again, the wind had died down and looking at the chart we were getting close to Morro Bay and were actually tied to the dock by the end of my watch, having called all hands to get onto the dock. We won't be sailing at all while we are in Morro Bay. In part due to the currents, and in part down to a local ordinance that does not allow vessels to take school groups out on trips due to an incident that happened some time ago.
Lady
Washington Crew in Morro Bay.
My Home Page
It was quiet our first night, but the wind began to slowly build. It had picked up a bit by tuesday morning when my watch was up again and we were heading right into it making slow progress and getting set to leeward a bit. We had our main top mast stay sail set as a righting sail. We struck that and braced around onto a starboard tack to reduce our windage and continued on our way. I slept between watches, and got sick once my second night. I will spare you the pictures of what I left on the side of the hull of my dinner.
We were moving slowly during my watch tuesday night, but by wednesday morning when came on deck again, the wind had died down and looking at the chart we were getting close to Morro Bay and were actually tied to the dock by the end of my watch, having called all hands to get onto the dock. We won't be sailing at all while we are in Morro Bay. In part due to the currents, and in part down to a local ordinance that does not allow vessels to take school groups out on trips due to an incident that happened some time ago.
Lady
Washington Crew in Morro Bay.My Home Page
Posted at 04:15 PM
Fri - February 24, 2006
Training Volunteers
Since we aren't sailing at all while we are in
Morro Bay, things have been opened up for other opportunities. Today we got to
sleep in a bit which was nice. After chores we got our ramp set up and then the
bosun set to work to get our gaff and spanker back up. We had lowered it in
Ventura so that we could put a patch on the sail. As opposed to some other
rigs, our spanker sail brails in rather than having to raise and lower it every
time that we need it. Today was a grand arrival day. We didn't sail in,
because we were already here. Our dock isn't the easiest to get into due to
currents and not a lot of space to turn around. We did however fire the cannon
shortly after tours began to announce our presence here. Lunch was at noon, as
was our opening to the public, so I manned the ramp to welcome people on board
and had the volunteers I would be working with for today help out on tours while
the rest of the crew grabbed lunch. After they ate, and relieved us, we had our
lunch and jumped into our training.
Since we are in port now with no sails and lots of crew currently on board, we can get lots done. We have enough people to do tours, plenty of people to send to the bosun to do maintenance, and then still time and people to let me do some training with the two week volunteers, which is really nice. The last week with transit and a full schedule of educational and public sails, I haven't been able to focus on the volunteers as much as I would like to other than for a hour or so in the evenings either during tours if it is slow, or just after tours. So today I spent the whole afternoon working with our two week volunteers.
I focused mostly on getting our two newest two week volunteers Rick and Annette up to speed on the lines and a set and douse of the squares, but Pete was available for most of it too, to help out with what he had already learned and to do some more learning himself. Crystal was able to break away for a little bit from tours too, to learn and help out some as well. I got some feedback from some of our longer term volunteers too, that they didn't feel that they got the kind of training that I am giving during their two week stint. So that makes me feel good that I am providing good training, but bad in that it may disappear again when I leave. Training has been an important focus for me during my time here, so I am glad that people feel that I am giving them that. While here in Morro bay, I hope to work with some of our other crew members who are longer term volunteers and teach them some things that they would like to know as well.
We got lots of goodies from the Chamber of Commerce here as well, so we horse and goggled for them here too. I did pretty well, I got some chocolate "Morro Rock" candy, a deck of cards (which I gave to Crystal for her and Pete to play cards on their train ride home), a pin (which I gave to the Captain since he wanted it too, and hadn't won anything else), and a magnet which I will give to my parents for the refrigerator magnet collection.
Correy is back with us training to be Bosun we were able to reconnect tonight over some pictures of the Kalmar Nickol the previous Tall Ship and I think maybe the only other tall ship she was on and a little rum. It was good and we have put our past behind us and I suspect things will go well between us during my last little stint here.
We made it onto the Morro Bay web cam. Here we are. http://24.180.1.178/home/homeS.html
Morro Rock,
Morro Bay, CA
My Home Page
Since we are in port now with no sails and lots of crew currently on board, we can get lots done. We have enough people to do tours, plenty of people to send to the bosun to do maintenance, and then still time and people to let me do some training with the two week volunteers, which is really nice. The last week with transit and a full schedule of educational and public sails, I haven't been able to focus on the volunteers as much as I would like to other than for a hour or so in the evenings either during tours if it is slow, or just after tours. So today I spent the whole afternoon working with our two week volunteers.
I focused mostly on getting our two newest two week volunteers Rick and Annette up to speed on the lines and a set and douse of the squares, but Pete was available for most of it too, to help out with what he had already learned and to do some more learning himself. Crystal was able to break away for a little bit from tours too, to learn and help out some as well. I got some feedback from some of our longer term volunteers too, that they didn't feel that they got the kind of training that I am giving during their two week stint. So that makes me feel good that I am providing good training, but bad in that it may disappear again when I leave. Training has been an important focus for me during my time here, so I am glad that people feel that I am giving them that. While here in Morro bay, I hope to work with some of our other crew members who are longer term volunteers and teach them some things that they would like to know as well.
We got lots of goodies from the Chamber of Commerce here as well, so we horse and goggled for them here too. I did pretty well, I got some chocolate "Morro Rock" candy, a deck of cards (which I gave to Crystal for her and Pete to play cards on their train ride home), a pin (which I gave to the Captain since he wanted it too, and hadn't won anything else), and a magnet which I will give to my parents for the refrigerator magnet collection.
Correy is back with us training to be Bosun we were able to reconnect tonight over some pictures of the Kalmar Nickol the previous Tall Ship and I think maybe the only other tall ship she was on and a little rum. It was good and we have put our past behind us and I suspect things will go well between us during my last little stint here.
We made it onto the Morro Bay web cam. Here we are. http://24.180.1.178/home/homeS.html
Morro Rock,
Morro Bay, CAMy Home Page
Posted at 01:59 AM
Day of Dockside Ed Programs
Today was a full day of dock side educational programs. Something like six of them I think. This morning I was keeping the time and ringing the bell for the rotations for two of them and then two again in the afternoon. With the idlers this afternoon, I worked on knots splices and other marlin spike seamanship skills. Latter this afternoon during and after tours I did some navigation training with Pete and Marzipan,
Tomorrow we loose two of our two week volunteers. So I did two exit interviews tonight and we sang our traditional farewell song at muster. We will be loosing Pete and Crystal, but Crystal will be rejoining us in the not too distant future. Captain Kevin had to go to some sort of special dinner with the mayor, so I ran muster and stood the crew down tonight.
Tonight, Rob, Correy, Crystal, Annie and I went out for a little bit just to enjoy each other company.
My Home Page
Posted at 08:40 PM
Sat - February 25, 2006
Shave and a Hair Cut
This
morning we had a pleasant surprise. We awoke to the sound of the Hawaiian
Chieftain rafting up to us. After many months of waiting, she finally joins us.
It was great to reconnect with some crew members that had gone over to her to
help out and to see Capt. "Evil" (Ryan Meyers) and Capt. Jake (Michael
Jacobson). Ryan was a mere bosun's mate when I was on the Lady Washington Crew
the first time back during the summer of 1998 and Lake was our Captain during
part of that summer when Capt. Gary Stugard took some time off. Today was a
full day of dockside tours for the public.
After working out the last chore and day off schedule that I would have to do as mate, I put on my "funny clothes" (the period attire the we are required to wear when we are dealing with the public), and went up on deck to help out with the public. There were lots of people on board, but not as many as in some previous ports. Someone came and dropped off a change purse and a box of chocolates for the Captain and Mate. I thought that was nice and left my chocolate out on the aft cabin table to share.
Crystal and Pete left us this afternoon. You could tell that it was a little emotional for Crystal, but she will be back soon.
In the afternoon the Captain said I could take some time off while we were doing docksides and that he would cover things on the ship. So I took off to get a much needed hair cut and shave. It was getting to be a little latter in the afternoon, so I couldn't find a basic barber shop that was still open to taking in customers. I found more of a beauty parlor and they gave me a nice hair cut, washed my hair and let me use their trimmers to shave off my beard. I left her a nice tip and told her to come down for a free tour of the ship.
Coming back to the Brig some people had to take a double take, and use expletives at their shock at my change in appearance. I tried to pass myself off as a new volunteer. It was fun. I wanted to get a hair cut and shave by the time I got back to Boston, because I don't know if I will have the time once I get back into things with Outward Bound. Also, our second mate Rob had seen pictures of me with short hair and clean shaved and said he would like to see me like that before I left. Now that I am all clean cut I am not scaring small children or being mistaken for a pirate!
Tonight the local yacht club had a little reception for us which was an enjoyable experience.
My Home Page
Posted at 10:44 PM
Sun - February 26, 2006
Free Day
Today was mostly a free day for me since we are
in port and the Captain has been around all day between us and the Hawaiian
Chieftain. I still got up for breakfast, did morning muster, and made sure that
things got going in the morning. I checked my e-mail, worked on my blog and
registered for my FCC marine radio operators permit as well as got the study
materials for it. I let the Captain use my computer and internet connection to
check the weather and other things.
This afternoon I took a shower and then took a walk around town to shop for souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
My Home Page
The rigs of
the Lady and the Chieftain.
Hawaiian
Chieftain and Morro Rock,CA
The Lady
Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain together again.
This afternoon I took a shower and then took a walk around town to shop for souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
My Home Page
The rigs of
the Lady and the Chieftain.
Hawaiian
Chieftain and Morro Rock,CA The Lady
Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain together again.Posted at 01:49 PM
Appearence Survey
E-mail me and let
me know what look you prefer. Long hair....short hair...bearded...clean
shaven.....
My Home Page
My Home Page
Posted at 08:26 PM
Mon - February 27, 2006
Wed - March 1, 2006
Transit to San Francisco
The Hawaiian
Chieftain leaving Morro Bay, CA.Our transit to San Francisco was pretty uneventful, which is the way we like them. I switched things up a bit for the watch schedule. I took watch B rather than my normal watch A. I always just naturally put myself there because it just seemed right for the first mate to take the first watch. It really didn't have anything to do with it being the best watch of course everyone has their own opinion on it. Watch B isn't that nice because you have to get woken for meals which don't correspond with your watch times. So I skipped most of mine since I was loosing them anyway. The only one that fits is lunch which is just before your watch (1200- 1600 and 0000 to 0400). Watch A you have breakfast before watch, and lunch after watch and you only get woken up for dinner then.
I had a good group of people on my watch though. I try to mix things up so the same people aren't together all the time. I had Correy, Newt and Joan. Correy just rejoined us from the Hawaiian Chieftain back in Ventura and will soon be our new Bosun when Topher leaves. Newt is our storekeeper and will soon be our bosun's mate when he returns from a week long "vacation" between contracts. Joan is a two week volunteer that was a passenger on the transit to Morro Bay and then joined as a volunteer after we arrived.
Correy wants to be a watch leader and has the skills to do so, so once we got going I let her lead the watch and she did a good job at it. She does well in leadership positions. I started talking with Newt about what is necessary to become a watch leader. Joan is a bit older than most of our volunteers. She had a rough bout of sea sickness her first transit with us and many were surprised that she stayed. But she rose to the task of doing lookout and got up to speed on taking the helm and was eventually able to do the boat checks on her own as well.
I was a little sick this transit as I was the one before, which has not been typical during my time on the Lady Washington. This time is was the kind of sick where I mostly felt ok, and then would have the urge to go to the lee rail and loose whatever the previous meal I ate was. Fortunately the transit was short, only two days. We left Morro Bay Tuesday morning and were in San Francisco by Wednesday evening.
The Hawaiian Chieftain left about an hour before us and got in several hours before we did. We talked to them once on the single side band radio to test it out while we were underway. Our initial arrival was not very grand, though it was cool. I was awoken and told that we were approaching the Golden Gate. We sailed under the Golden Gate bridge at night under sail power alone. Then got in and tied to the dock in front of the Chieftain. Les Bolton our executive director is here as well. After we got in and were stood down, Sarah and I went out to grab a bite to eat since we didn't eat much on transit. Jack in the Box was the first open place we found and that was good enough for us.
Sailing under
the Golden Gate Bridge at night.My Home Page
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Posted at 01:05 AM
Thu - March 2, 2006
San Francisco Grand Arrival
Today was
our grand arrival day to San Francisco. We slept in a little bit until 0800
since we just finished a transit and were in early. Correy took on her first
day as bosun and got some maintenance going on. Topher and Newt were in and out
getting ready to leave, though they both did sail with us today. Joan needed a
break, so she went to get a hotel room for 24 hours and will be back tomorrow
morning. I got a voice message from Jeff, hopefully we will get to meet up
while I am here. I had e-mailed him ahead of time. Sam, a shipmate from the
Providence may be meeting me here as well. She said she would like to sail with
us and has offered to give me a ride to the airport. I heard that she dropped
by the dock earlier while we were underway this afternoon.
After lunch
we got the brig ready, got into our funny cloathes and motered back out to the
other side of the Golden Gate, set some sail and sailed back in with the
Hawaiian Chieftain for our Grand Arrival which was grand in deed. We had our
large American flag flying, or flag sail as we like to call it as well as a
large state of Washington flag. The two local scow schooners Gas Light and Alma
joined as as well. It was a little bit choppy outside the gate and fun to watch
them. I got some good picture and movie footage. I haven't got it just right
on my blog yet with the movies so maybe latter.
We got back in and tied up to the dock around 1800 had dinner and bid farewell to Topher and Newt. I pretty much just hung out in the aft cabin for a bit and fooled around on the computer. Rob is looking for future work in the Florida Keys. We looked at the Florida Sea Base site and saw that there are some new programs including a live aboard scuba program on a schooner. He may look that up.
Today we also
bid farewell to our Bosun Topher who has left us to be the second mate on
Schooner Adventuress. Fair Winds Topher! Newt left tonight as well to travel
part way with Topher on a little "vacation", and unfortunately Annie had to
leave to attend a funeral of a close relative. We my departure soon, we are
slowly having a decent turn over in the crew.
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Posted at 09:41 PM
Fri - March 3, 2006
Day Off in San Francisco
Today was my day off for this port. It was nice
to be in San Francisco again and to see some things that I hadn't seen before as
well as get one last break from the brig before I leave. I slept in as is my
habit even though the cook still woke me up as is her habit. Once I got up and
out of my rack, I grabbed what I would need for the day and walked to the first
Starbucks that I could find which was on Market, St. There a grabbed a
raspberry mocha decaf and sat down to use their t-mobile hotspot. I updated my
blog which was much quicker than the cell phone connection that I normally use
and checked my e-mail before venturing out into the city.
I walked out of the starbucks and got on a cable car on the California line and took it up the hill and eventually got the the Cable car museum. I had been by it a couple of times before and have always wanted to check it out. It was wicked cool. I spend over an hour in there and it was a small museum. It was at the actual power plant and terminal of the cable car system. All four cable lines feed into this hub where they are driven by large motors in complete loops throughout the city. There was a viewing area where you could see under the street and where the pulleys direct the cable. Upstairs you could see the motors and the cable tension system and exhibits that explained things. The cables have to be changed every two to six months. They are spliced into a loop with a 96 foot splice that has no diameter change. It was very interesting to learn about.
From the Cable Car Museum I wondered down and through China town which was near by. While wondering through China town I got a call from Project Adventure and had a phone interview with them. It ended with an invitation to attend their training this spring, which I intend to do, so that I can work with them on the side.
After I had my
fill of China Town, I began to walk towards the Maritime Museum which I have
visited many times before. I got a call from Jeff Lehner and we made a plan to
meet up in San Francisco. So I began to walk more towards Fisherman's Wharf
where I would meet him. I saw that I was near Telegraph Hill, I have never been
there, so I walked up the hill and then went up Coit Tower and check all that
out before heading to Fisherman's Wharf.
I arrived at
Fisherman's Wharf a little bit before jeff so I took the time to write in my
journal a little bit. Jeff pulled up and I jumped in his new Honda Hybrid.
Jeff wanted to
know if there was anything that I wanted to see. There wasn't much that I
really wanted to see, but I hadn't been over to Lombard street yet, so we drove
over there took a couple of pictures, then went to find a place to eat since I
hadn't eaten yet.
We found this
inexpensive bar-b-que place on Van Ness near the area called the Tenderloin. We
were in a dinner just before that, that was a little high priced for our budget.
We had some good conversations on religion and spirituality, and just got caught
up. He is now an anthropology student in Santa Cruz, having moved up there from
Monterey (Seaside) with his girlfriend Julie.
After dinner I brought him back to the brig and showed him around before he had to head on back to Santa Cruz, a couple hour drive. The rest of the evening I just hung out in the aft cabin and began packing for the eminent departure. Before going to be Rob and I watched the end of the movie Gattaca which we had started a month or more ago and then just starting watching other things rather than going back to it.
Tomorrow is my last day and my last battle sail.
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I walked out of the starbucks and got on a cable car on the California line and took it up the hill and eventually got the the Cable car museum. I had been by it a couple of times before and have always wanted to check it out. It was wicked cool. I spend over an hour in there and it was a small museum. It was at the actual power plant and terminal of the cable car system. All four cable lines feed into this hub where they are driven by large motors in complete loops throughout the city. There was a viewing area where you could see under the street and where the pulleys direct the cable. Upstairs you could see the motors and the cable tension system and exhibits that explained things. The cables have to be changed every two to six months. They are spliced into a loop with a 96 foot splice that has no diameter change. It was very interesting to learn about.
From the Cable Car Museum I wondered down and through China town which was near by. While wondering through China town I got a call from Project Adventure and had a phone interview with them. It ended with an invitation to attend their training this spring, which I intend to do, so that I can work with them on the side.
After I had my
fill of China Town, I began to walk towards the Maritime Museum which I have
visited many times before. I got a call from Jeff Lehner and we made a plan to
meet up in San Francisco. So I began to walk more towards Fisherman's Wharf
where I would meet him. I saw that I was near Telegraph Hill, I have never been
there, so I walked up the hill and then went up Coit Tower and check all that
out before heading to Fisherman's Wharf.
I arrived at
Fisherman's Wharf a little bit before jeff so I took the time to write in my
journal a little bit. Jeff pulled up and I jumped in his new Honda Hybrid.
Jeff wanted to
know if there was anything that I wanted to see. There wasn't much that I
really wanted to see, but I hadn't been over to Lombard street yet, so we drove
over there took a couple of pictures, then went to find a place to eat since I
hadn't eaten yet. We found this
inexpensive bar-b-que place on Van Ness near the area called the Tenderloin. We
were in a dinner just before that, that was a little high priced for our budget.
We had some good conversations on religion and spirituality, and just got caught
up. He is now an anthropology student in Santa Cruz, having moved up there from
Monterey (Seaside) with his girlfriend Julie.
After dinner I brought him back to the brig and showed him around before he had to head on back to Santa Cruz, a couple hour drive. The rest of the evening I just hung out in the aft cabin and began packing for the eminent departure. Before going to be Rob and I watched the end of the movie Gattaca which we had started a month or more ago and then just starting watching other things rather than going back to it.
Tomorrow is my last day and my last battle sail.
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Posted at 07:21 PM
Sat - March 4, 2006
The Last Battle with Rusty...The First Battle with the Hawaiian Chieftain....An End a Begining
Today was my last day as the first mate on the Brig Lady Washington. It was a mellow day and a good way to end things, or to just take a break I should say, because I hope to return. It was the normal Saturday morning routine sleeping in until 0800, breakfast and chores. I put myself down to have the meeting with the Captain to have an exit interview of sorts. Captain Kevin isn't the best at giving feedback, but he did say I did a good job. I feel the same, but I definitely believe there is room for improvement which is a big reason why I hope to return. Next time I would like to continue working on being mate and when I get that all down perfectly or as close to perfect as possible and then start training to be captain of a tall ship.
After chores and getting the vessel ready for tours, there were a couple people working with the bosun on maintenance and the rest giving tours. It was slow but steady are currently location is not the most visible for attracting random public. I used the time to check in with some of the two week volunteers and brief Joan a little bit on the battle sail to help her get ready. I made my last battle plan which was titled the same as this blog entry.
As tours wound down and we had lunch, Samantha Levins a shipmate from the providence her boy fiend Ted and her room mate Em came by. I gave them a quick tour. I signed Sam in as crew since we are a little low right now and she has some tall ship and square rig experience from the Bounty. Ted was able to get on as a shore support comp because they are giving me a ride to the airport and he is interested in being crew on a tall ship. He has done some work and research on container ships concerning labor laws and such and is interested in the Tall Ship side of things.
This was our first battle sail with the Hawaiian Chieftain since she became part of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority. It was slow and not as heated as our normal battles. We had to head over to the Oakland part of the bay since we don't have a permit to fire the guns in San Francisco. It was a good break in for the two vessels though. Either I did really well with all our tacks, wares and other maneuvers or Captain was being really good to me on my last day. We did pretty well too with a small crew that included a few people that hadn't had an opportunity to do a battle sail with us before since it had been a few weeks. I would have liked it to have been better, a little faster and more call backs.
After the sail we cleaned up the deck, Sam went off with her friends for dinner and some other perspective crew members hung around for a bit. It was the last full day with our two week volunteers Ric and Annette so I did their exit interviews and evaluations for dinner. This evenings muster included the usual debrief of the sail. I told everyone I enjoyed sailing on the Lady, that leaned a bunch and that I hope to sail on the Lady again. The muster ended with 2nd mate Rob leading a traditional tall ship song calling me a very specific part of a horse. I certainly saw that coming!
After muster I packed some things up, checked e-mail, got my ticket information for my flight, and updated by blog with pictures first. There was a chanty sing on board the Balcultha at the maritime museum. Most of the crew went to it, so I walked to there to make an appearance. It was about an hour walk, which was a good one. I stopped to watch a street performer lay on a bed of glass along the way. Just outside of In and Out Burger I ran into Marzipan and Anna, which was very convenient since Marzipan said she would buy me a milk shake earlier. So we got one and then went to the Chanty sing. As we got to the Balcultha I ran into Sam and Ted as they were leaving. Ted was tired, so I told them where the open bunks were in the main hold. They spent the night on the brig because we had to get up so early in the morning to get to the airport. We got to the chanty sing after 2300 which is when the bawdy ones and ones with choruses. I didn't sing any because I didn't know what had already been sung, plus there were personalities there that would interupt, correct or add their own two cents worth. I just was comfortable with that or the number of people there. Just give me my pulling boat full of students and I am good.
After the Chanty sing ended, I walked back to the Brig. I wanted to stay up as late as possible so that I would be tired enough to sleep on my flight and I wanted to smoke a cigar. I got back finished packing, was online for a little bit chatting with Jenny which is pretty common when I am on in the evening. Then I went to bed and slept for about an hour and a half...
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Posted at 07:23 PM
Sun - March 5, 2006
Flight Back to Boston
I got up early this morning at 0400 after only
an hour and a half of sleep which is what I wanted so I would be tired for my
flight. I dressed and then woke up Sam and Ted in the main hold before packing
up what I needed to sleep, signing out of ships articles and then leaving the
brig under the cover of darkness without saying good bye to anyone because they
were all asleep. Sam and Ted drove me to the Oakland airport and I got their
with plenty of time to spare, checked in and then waited for my flight. My plan
to fly tired worked out well. I sat in my seat and was so asleep on the trip
between Oakland and Los Angles (LAX) that I have no recollection of the take off
or landing. I had a quick layover at LAX and then was off again to Boston. I
slept a lot on that flight as well.
It was a nice flight. I was siting next to a Unitarian minister and her and I chatted for a little bit now and then. There were two in flight movies since it was a direct flight from LAX to Boston. The first was Aeo Flux, which is a movie I had wanted to see anyway. It was ok. The second one, I forget the name, but it was about two sisters reconnecting with their grandmother after they had a fight with each other. It was enjoy able as well. I worked on my blog some during the second movie.
As we got close to Boston we were able to clearly pick out Albany, NY out the window. I wish I had looked a little sooner, maybe I could have picked out Syracuse too. It was a nice day coming into Boston. We did a complete circle over the harbor before coming in to land, which allowed me to get some good shots of the harbor and Thomnpson Island. After collecting my checked baggage I caught the silver line down the the Marine Industrial Park, dropped my bags at the Thompson Island dock then went to the Seafarers mission to collect a bag that I had in my locker there, leave them a note letting them know that I am back in town and use their wireless internet as I waited for the Thompson Island Boat.
John was the first person I saw as he is coming back onto the island as well to be a core instructor. When I stepped onto the Motor Vessel Outward Bound (MVOB) I was greeted with a big hug from Emily the deck hand who also worked a course with me as instructor last summer, and then a hand shake from my good friend Capt. Michael Burpee. I road up in the wheel house so we could catch up and reconnect.
Once on the island I checked in with Bashire the Choices program director and was given a room in Baxter being told I may have a room mate at some point. I grabbed the larger of the two rooms I was offered in the basement. The place needs to be cleaned up a bit. I grabbed some furniture that I had left in my old room, my disk which had my name on it being mysteriously missing. I arranged things to a way that was pleasing, unpacked and got settled in.
It is odd going right from the Lady Washington to here. Something that had become so familiar to me, to something else familiar yet new with a new room and position. I grabbed my mail and on the way back was found by my favorite black lab Abby so I said hi to my good friend Logan briefly before she headed to bed having a big two day interview tomorrow at UNH. After getting all unpacked and settled in, I grabbed a shower (how many times have I said grabbed in this blog?) and will soon head to bed.
It is good to be home. I doubt I will be blogging as much since I will quickly be either too busy or in a routine. I suspect I will loose some readers that read just to keep up on things concerning the Lady Washington, that is alright by me. This will still be here for those that want to keep up with my adventures.
Boston and Boston Harbor. The Brewsters and Boston Light.
George's Island
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It was a nice flight. I was siting next to a Unitarian minister and her and I chatted for a little bit now and then. There were two in flight movies since it was a direct flight from LAX to Boston. The first was Aeo Flux, which is a movie I had wanted to see anyway. It was ok. The second one, I forget the name, but it was about two sisters reconnecting with their grandmother after they had a fight with each other. It was enjoy able as well. I worked on my blog some during the second movie.
As we got close to Boston we were able to clearly pick out Albany, NY out the window. I wish I had looked a little sooner, maybe I could have picked out Syracuse too. It was a nice day coming into Boston. We did a complete circle over the harbor before coming in to land, which allowed me to get some good shots of the harbor and Thomnpson Island. After collecting my checked baggage I caught the silver line down the the Marine Industrial Park, dropped my bags at the Thompson Island dock then went to the Seafarers mission to collect a bag that I had in my locker there, leave them a note letting them know that I am back in town and use their wireless internet as I waited for the Thompson Island Boat.
John was the first person I saw as he is coming back onto the island as well to be a core instructor. When I stepped onto the Motor Vessel Outward Bound (MVOB) I was greeted with a big hug from Emily the deck hand who also worked a course with me as instructor last summer, and then a hand shake from my good friend Capt. Michael Burpee. I road up in the wheel house so we could catch up and reconnect.
Once on the island I checked in with Bashire the Choices program director and was given a room in Baxter being told I may have a room mate at some point. I grabbed the larger of the two rooms I was offered in the basement. The place needs to be cleaned up a bit. I grabbed some furniture that I had left in my old room, my disk which had my name on it being mysteriously missing. I arranged things to a way that was pleasing, unpacked and got settled in.
It is odd going right from the Lady Washington to here. Something that had become so familiar to me, to something else familiar yet new with a new room and position. I grabbed my mail and on the way back was found by my favorite black lab Abby so I said hi to my good friend Logan briefly before she headed to bed having a big two day interview tomorrow at UNH. After getting all unpacked and settled in, I grabbed a shower (how many times have I said grabbed in this blog?) and will soon head to bed.
It is good to be home. I doubt I will be blogging as much since I will quickly be either too busy or in a routine. I suspect I will loose some readers that read just to keep up on things concerning the Lady Washington, that is alright by me. This will still be here for those that want to keep up with my adventures.
Boston and Boston Harbor. The Brewsters and Boston Light.
George's Island
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Posted at 10:58 AM
Tue - March 7, 2006
Capt. Irving
Johnson. One of my Heros.Fri - March 10, 2006
Thompson Island Outward Bound- First Week Back
This has been my first week back to Thompson
Island. It is good to be home. Many good things are happenings goals are being
met and the position is turning out to be just what I hoped it would be. To
fill you in, I recently accepted a newly created core staff position at Thompson
Island Outward Bound. This new position is for a group of staff about ten of us
filling various roles but all here on a nine month a year contract with salary
and benefits. In addition to doing our various jobs we are to be the "core" of
the program serving and mentors and examples to the other staff as we are
groomed for more leadership positions such as course directors and eventually
full time program positions as they open up.
I am the only watch officer (sailing captain) on the core staff in addition to our marine operations manager Fielding. So I do all the spring and fall sailing trips, in addition to the summer ones as well as support the watch officer training program which Fielding runs. We have a contract for a pulling boat program with the Harbor School this spring which I will have leadership in. I will also be doing an environmental program with Wellsley, working with the Choices program on and off the island (a program working with Boston Public Schools), and other contract programs as they come up.
The Week in Review:
Monday
Our first day back and on the job. The first portion of the day was our orientation as we met the other core instructors and found out more about what our position means. Since we are the core it is all returning staff some people I knew better than others, but I am sure I will know them all pretty well in due time. Over the next two days we would be having interviews alone with the staffing team, the directors for the various departments we are involved with. When we were not meeting we were given time to get settled into our rooms and fill out out paper work for our insurance and other things. I moved into a room in the basement of Baxter. It isn't as big as my last room, but it isn't a small room either. I will have a room mate at some point, but I get the impression it will be more a seasonal person. My parents will be happy that I know have benefits medical and dental insurance.
In the evening I took Abby for a walk, used the wireless in Logan's apartment and hung out with Luke for a little bit who was also helping to watch Abby. I hung out with Capt. Michael and Emily before their evening boat run and then went back latter to show Michael some pictures. Some from film before I got my new camera and some on my lap top. I gave Michael a pin of the Hawaiian Chieftain that I got him since he went down to Falmouth, MA to help move her with me once back in the fall.
We know have wireless on the island, which I can get one bar on in my room. That is nice. When I pick up my airport express when I go home, I think that will improve my signal.
Tuesday
Jet lag is effecting me a little bit. I am not tired late at night so it is easy to stay up and do things, so I do. Then I am tired and it is hard to get up in the morning. Tuesday morning I had my meeting with the staffing team and directors. It was a good meeting. I shared my goals and desires for the position and they shared their goals for me. Bashire shared his desire for me to be more involved with the Choices program and working more on diversity and the urban youth population. For the summer tentatively I will be doing OBEE (Outward Bound Environmental Expedition, the longer 14 day courses up the North Shore of MA) for the first two rounds and then will be the course director for the third round. Which is the best of both worlds. I get to sail and lead trips but then get to move up to being course director, which is the direction that I want to go. I will also be involved with training new facilitators and maintenance and inspection work in the challenge course. So I am in a very good place right now, and excited about it.
Wednesday
Wednesday the pace of things changed a little bit. There is a "new" building on the island, it actually has been here a couple of years now, but just recently logistics and food packout was moved into it. The core instructors (us) will have (or I guess I should say now have) an office in it that we will share with the course directors during the summer. So Wednesday morning we cleaned out the resource room in programs below the dinning hall and moved it all down to our new space and began to organize it how we want it. There isn't a desk for everyone, but there are plenty to share. There is also wireless there which is very nice.
At lunch I saw Logan who was back from a couple day interview at UNH for a teaching position up there. I grabbed the tea gift box that I bought for her on the Lady Washington. She loved it. After lunch Fielding took me down to show me the work that had been done on my boat the Marshall Dodge over the winter. She looks great, all her wood work has been sanded and stained. She has some new would work. New sole boards being worked on and is looking like new. They are going to bring her to the Gala dinner and have her set up there. I am looking forward to running her again this summer.
In the afternoon we spent some time cleaning our living space, namely the bathroom and kitchen both have been badly neglected. In the past that has been the case in the past. Hopefully we as core instructors can set the standard to change this. I got off the island for the first time since I got back on wednesday night. I killed some time by dropping in at the New England Seafarers Mission, but everyone one had gone home for the day. So I just hooked up to their internet and then left for my US Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting. I went to the meeting early for the start of the AUXCOM (auxiliary communications) class. Which is good since I am already studying for my marine radio operators permit and my general radio operators license with radar endorsement. I don't think this class will be as in depth as what I need, but there will be overlap I am sure, and that will be helpful. So I already getting back into the swing of things with my normal activities. I got an nice e-mail from Bob Kennedy of the Lady Washington apologizing for the difficulties I had before I got on board and complementing me on my good work as well as saying that I can come back as long as there is a position open for me, It is nice to have that option open for me next winter and I think I would be very nice if it worked out.
Thursday
Thursday was the start of our site managers training for the high challenge course. It started on a very hight note when I saw that my OBEE co-leader Erica is back. It was so good to see her, it made me very happy to give her a great big hug. Part of the training was outside, and it was a bit chilly out. I am looking forward to grabbing some warm clothes when I get home to my parents this weekend. The training went well, it was mostly review, but good. There are some new industry standards that I was not aware of since I have been a little bit out of the loop lately on that since I am sailing more these days. We went over some knots which I helped teach and then practiced some set ups on one of our sets of elements. I was told in my interview the other day that I would probably be made a site manager when we have our assessment day next month given my experience.
In the evening I went over to Logan's apartment to catch up with her, and use the wireless there. It was good to hand out with her again. We had some of the Lady Washington tea, and for someone that is not a tea fan it was quite good. l ended up staying for dinner as well as we got caught up on each others lives. I did see on the Lady Washington web page that they said some good things about me with my parting from the ship, which felt good to read.
Friday
Today was more site manager training. We spent just about all day down on the alpine tower working on procedures, rescue practice and going through difference scenarios in small groups. It was a good day. There was threat of bad weather, but the sun was out and it warmed up nice enough to shed a few layers. We finished up in time where I could grab my laundry and make it off the island on the 1600 boat. Erica walked with me to the Laundromat where I dropped it off to be done. Then we walked to the Barking Crab to have dinner with Colin, his wife and a couple other OBP (Outward Bound Professional) staff. After Erica and I walked up to South Station where we parted ways for the evening. She went to her sisters and I picked up my train ticket for tomorrow using my Merchant Marine Document to get the military discount. I took a survey for a Princeton Study on moral judgments and got $3.00. Then caught the 2000 boat back to the island. I found my missing desk Reed the deck hand "boworrowed" it from my old room. He says he will give it back on Monday.
It was a good week and it is good to be back.
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I am the only watch officer (sailing captain) on the core staff in addition to our marine operations manager Fielding. So I do all the spring and fall sailing trips, in addition to the summer ones as well as support the watch officer training program which Fielding runs. We have a contract for a pulling boat program with the Harbor School this spring which I will have leadership in. I will also be doing an environmental program with Wellsley, working with the Choices program on and off the island (a program working with Boston Public Schools), and other contract programs as they come up.
The Week in Review:
Monday
Our first day back and on the job. The first portion of the day was our orientation as we met the other core instructors and found out more about what our position means. Since we are the core it is all returning staff some people I knew better than others, but I am sure I will know them all pretty well in due time. Over the next two days we would be having interviews alone with the staffing team, the directors for the various departments we are involved with. When we were not meeting we were given time to get settled into our rooms and fill out out paper work for our insurance and other things. I moved into a room in the basement of Baxter. It isn't as big as my last room, but it isn't a small room either. I will have a room mate at some point, but I get the impression it will be more a seasonal person. My parents will be happy that I know have benefits medical and dental insurance.
In the evening I took Abby for a walk, used the wireless in Logan's apartment and hung out with Luke for a little bit who was also helping to watch Abby. I hung out with Capt. Michael and Emily before their evening boat run and then went back latter to show Michael some pictures. Some from film before I got my new camera and some on my lap top. I gave Michael a pin of the Hawaiian Chieftain that I got him since he went down to Falmouth, MA to help move her with me once back in the fall.
We know have wireless on the island, which I can get one bar on in my room. That is nice. When I pick up my airport express when I go home, I think that will improve my signal.
Tuesday
Jet lag is effecting me a little bit. I am not tired late at night so it is easy to stay up and do things, so I do. Then I am tired and it is hard to get up in the morning. Tuesday morning I had my meeting with the staffing team and directors. It was a good meeting. I shared my goals and desires for the position and they shared their goals for me. Bashire shared his desire for me to be more involved with the Choices program and working more on diversity and the urban youth population. For the summer tentatively I will be doing OBEE (Outward Bound Environmental Expedition, the longer 14 day courses up the North Shore of MA) for the first two rounds and then will be the course director for the third round. Which is the best of both worlds. I get to sail and lead trips but then get to move up to being course director, which is the direction that I want to go. I will also be involved with training new facilitators and maintenance and inspection work in the challenge course. So I am in a very good place right now, and excited about it.
Wednesday
Wednesday the pace of things changed a little bit. There is a "new" building on the island, it actually has been here a couple of years now, but just recently logistics and food packout was moved into it. The core instructors (us) will have (or I guess I should say now have) an office in it that we will share with the course directors during the summer. So Wednesday morning we cleaned out the resource room in programs below the dinning hall and moved it all down to our new space and began to organize it how we want it. There isn't a desk for everyone, but there are plenty to share. There is also wireless there which is very nice.
At lunch I saw Logan who was back from a couple day interview at UNH for a teaching position up there. I grabbed the tea gift box that I bought for her on the Lady Washington. She loved it. After lunch Fielding took me down to show me the work that had been done on my boat the Marshall Dodge over the winter. She looks great, all her wood work has been sanded and stained. She has some new would work. New sole boards being worked on and is looking like new. They are going to bring her to the Gala dinner and have her set up there. I am looking forward to running her again this summer.
In the afternoon we spent some time cleaning our living space, namely the bathroom and kitchen both have been badly neglected. In the past that has been the case in the past. Hopefully we as core instructors can set the standard to change this. I got off the island for the first time since I got back on wednesday night. I killed some time by dropping in at the New England Seafarers Mission, but everyone one had gone home for the day. So I just hooked up to their internet and then left for my US Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting. I went to the meeting early for the start of the AUXCOM (auxiliary communications) class. Which is good since I am already studying for my marine radio operators permit and my general radio operators license with radar endorsement. I don't think this class will be as in depth as what I need, but there will be overlap I am sure, and that will be helpful. So I already getting back into the swing of things with my normal activities. I got an nice e-mail from Bob Kennedy of the Lady Washington apologizing for the difficulties I had before I got on board and complementing me on my good work as well as saying that I can come back as long as there is a position open for me, It is nice to have that option open for me next winter and I think I would be very nice if it worked out.
Thursday
Thursday was the start of our site managers training for the high challenge course. It started on a very hight note when I saw that my OBEE co-leader Erica is back. It was so good to see her, it made me very happy to give her a great big hug. Part of the training was outside, and it was a bit chilly out. I am looking forward to grabbing some warm clothes when I get home to my parents this weekend. The training went well, it was mostly review, but good. There are some new industry standards that I was not aware of since I have been a little bit out of the loop lately on that since I am sailing more these days. We went over some knots which I helped teach and then practiced some set ups on one of our sets of elements. I was told in my interview the other day that I would probably be made a site manager when we have our assessment day next month given my experience.
In the evening I went over to Logan's apartment to catch up with her, and use the wireless there. It was good to hand out with her again. We had some of the Lady Washington tea, and for someone that is not a tea fan it was quite good. l ended up staying for dinner as well as we got caught up on each others lives. I did see on the Lady Washington web page that they said some good things about me with my parting from the ship, which felt good to read.
Friday
Today was more site manager training. We spent just about all day down on the alpine tower working on procedures, rescue practice and going through difference scenarios in small groups. It was a good day. There was threat of bad weather, but the sun was out and it warmed up nice enough to shed a few layers. We finished up in time where I could grab my laundry and make it off the island on the 1600 boat. Erica walked with me to the Laundromat where I dropped it off to be done. Then we walked to the Barking Crab to have dinner with Colin, his wife and a couple other OBP (Outward Bound Professional) staff. After Erica and I walked up to South Station where we parted ways for the evening. She went to her sisters and I picked up my train ticket for tomorrow using my Merchant Marine Document to get the military discount. I took a survey for a Princeton Study on moral judgments and got $3.00. Then caught the 2000 boat back to the island. I found my missing desk Reed the deck hand "boworrowed" it from my old room. He says he will give it back on Monday.
It was a good week and it is good to be back.
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Posted at 11:49 AM
Sat - March 11, 2006
Train to Syracuse
Right now I am on the train to Syracuse. No big deal to be writing in my blog while I am on the train since I have blogging software and a place to plug into power while on the train. The beauty of it though is that I will be not only able to write in my blog while on the train, but log online and post it as well since I am connecting through my cell phone. Connecting with my cell pone is no big deal I have done it for a couple of months now while I was on the Lady Washington, but I have never done while I was actually moving or traveling so this is new and a whole new way to keep busy will traveling by train. Which is nice since I don't have a dvd player on my current lap top.
This morning I got off the island at 0930. Which was nice to sleep in because of the new winter boat schedule. I left my shoulder bag at the New England Seafarers Mission so I wouldn't have to carry it around and went out to breakfast at my favorite breakfast place Terrie's Place in South Boston. Now that I have done that, I have truly returned to Boston. Since I was there a bit latter than usual, I actually had to wait to be seated because it was a bit full this morning. After my usual breakfast of two eggs over easy with wheat toast, bacon and potatoes, a grilled chocolate chip muffin, a nantucket nectar and a hot cocoa, I went up the street to pick up my laundry which includes someone else's shirt. I dropped my laundry off at the Sea Farers mission to be picked up when I come back into town on sunday and then caught the silver line to south station. While this isn't the first time that I have taken the subway or been to south station since I have returned to Boston it is the first time that I have gone from one to the other and there is a new system for tickets as well as entering and leaving the subway there instead of the older turn styles.
I was at South Station in reasonable time to not have to wait long for boarding of my train. I saw a magazine on the new intel macs so I picked one up as well as a black belt to read up on the new macs to help me decide what to get when I get my new one. I was one of the first on the train and I will be on until Albany where I switch to grab another train to Syracuse arriving this evening.
I got a lot of internet time in on the train. After switching trains in Albany I went to the dinning car for dinner which I enjoy doing when I have the money to do so. I like it in part because they usually sit you with other riders on the train and you meet new people. The car wasn't full so I had my own table, so it wasn't as much fun as usually. I had the special turkey steak, and key lime pie for desert.
Upon arriving in Syracuse, I found the car that my parents left for me, the key they hid and drove home. My parents where still up when I got home. I gave them the magnents for their refridgerator that I got in my travels and the Lady Washington gift box that I got for them. I left a gift box for my brother and sister-in-law Mike and Kim as well. We visited and watch a special feature on tall ships and sail training that was on one of the Hornblower DVD's that I had ordered.
I looked through my mail, and then wen to bed so that I would be rested to pack in the morning and drive back to Boston.
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Posted at 11:23 AM
Resume Update
While on the train I took the time to update my
resumes. Check it out if you are interested. There is a link below. You can
view them on my web site and/ or download them in pdf format from the download
section of my site.
My Resumes
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My Resumes
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Posted at 01:45 PM
Outward Bound Watch Officer Training and Instructor Oportunities
If I have talked to you about the Watch Officier
Training Program to get your captains license or have talked to you about being
an outward bound instructor send me your info and I will pass it on to the right
person for this season or next, or you can skip the middle man and contact them
directly. Even if you are not interested or not available this season, pass
your info on and you will be contacted when the hiring and selection process
starts for next year. Be sure to tell them that I sent you.
For Watch Officer training contact Fielding Arnold: fielding.arnold@gmail.com
To be an instructor contact Zach See: ZSee@Thompsonisland.org
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For Watch Officer training contact Fielding Arnold: fielding.arnold@gmail.com
To be an instructor contact Zach See: ZSee@Thompsonisland.org
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Posted at 04:44 PM
Sun - March 12, 2006
Drive Back to Boston
This morning I got up when my parents got up for church and I started packing the truck. I didn't fill it completely full, but I did fill it. It wasn't too hard since a lot of the stuff was still packed up from when I moved off the island in November. I wanted to get my home entertainment system, winter clothes, and any pulling boat gear if I had time so I would have it when I needed it. I got that and a few books as well, so I am in good shape for the season. My dad accidentally through the spare key to the truck in the furnace (don't ask me how), so they had to go and get a key made before I leaf. They went to get it after church. I had everything packed up fairly quickly so I took a shower while I waited for my parents to get back.
I took off as soon as my parents got in. It is good though, or maybe it really didn't matter. Somehow I missed the exit from I87 back onto I90 to go to Massachusetts. I was cutting it close as it was to make the 2000 boat back to the island as I believed it to be the last one for the night. By the time I realized that it was taking a while to get to my exit, the next exit was for I84, so I just took that back to 90 and then into Boston, even if there was a 2130 boat I would have stilled missed it by an hour. I drove past West Point on the other side of the Hudson from it which was neat. Also on the drive I picked up some Abbot and Costello on the radio which was enjoyable. I had forgotten what fine humor they had. Earlier in the drive I caught some Prairie Home Companion which is a stable of a road trip falling on a saturday night or sunday afternoon.
I got into Boston and talked with the Mass Port Police at the Black Falcon cruise terminal and was able to get a parking pass for the week since I work with the New England Seafarers Mission. I will just have to leave the keys with them. I let myself into the mission and I am crashing there tonight. Since training starts right away in the morning and I think it goes into the evening all week, I do not know when I will unload my stuff. Hopefully I will get a chance to or I guess I will just have to wait until saturday morning.
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Posted at 08:14 AM
Fri - March 17, 2006
Diversity Training
This week was diversity training. A very
important part of working for Thompson Island Outward Bound. Even though this
was important to Kurt Hahn and a core value of Outward Bound, Thompson Island
puts more emphasis on it than most, which is important as we are an urban center
working with predominately urban youth. Diversity training is not something
that I really look forward to, being, white, male, heterosexual and "Christian",
I am considered "privileged", and even though there is nothing I can do about it
because I was born with that privilege, I am made to feel very
uncomfortable.
I have to say that this training, though longer, was much better than the one I went to when I first joined the Thompson Island Outward Bound staff. It was less hostile, and the facilitators where more receptive to feedback and less argumentative when you challenged them. I didn't say much during the training as I normally don't talk much in large groups. A couple people had said some things about this, but the couple times that I did flag in to say something, I was not called on to, so even when I tried my voice wasn't heard.
I know that I will never be able to identify with the black man's, the woman's or the homosexuals struggle, so this will be the difficulty that I will have to face when working with urban youth. They will know obviously that I am white and male, but also that I am not from the city. I will have to work hard to gain their trust to help them grow and make a change in this world. I am looking forward to that challenge as next week will be training for the Choices program and pretty soon I will be working with Choices students.
The days were long and we had sessions in the evenings a couple of the nights as well. I was able even with the reading assignments and home work we had at night to bring the truck load of stuff I had out to the island and over the course of the week get it unpacked and put it away. I finally had it all put away thursday evening. I got my entertainment system set up and was able to get in an episode of Firefly one evening and an episode of Cowboy Bebop with John one evening as well. I have a pretty good set up, but I will need to work out a way to get a room mate in, in not too long as well.
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I have to say that this training, though longer, was much better than the one I went to when I first joined the Thompson Island Outward Bound staff. It was less hostile, and the facilitators where more receptive to feedback and less argumentative when you challenged them. I didn't say much during the training as I normally don't talk much in large groups. A couple people had said some things about this, but the couple times that I did flag in to say something, I was not called on to, so even when I tried my voice wasn't heard.
I know that I will never be able to identify with the black man's, the woman's or the homosexuals struggle, so this will be the difficulty that I will have to face when working with urban youth. They will know obviously that I am white and male, but also that I am not from the city. I will have to work hard to gain their trust to help them grow and make a change in this world. I am looking forward to that challenge as next week will be training for the Choices program and pretty soon I will be working with Choices students.
The days were long and we had sessions in the evenings a couple of the nights as well. I was able even with the reading assignments and home work we had at night to bring the truck load of stuff I had out to the island and over the course of the week get it unpacked and put it away. I finally had it all put away thursday evening. I got my entertainment system set up and was able to get in an episode of Firefly one evening and an episode of Cowboy Bebop with John one evening as well. I have a pretty good set up, but I will need to work out a way to get a room mate in, in not too long as well.
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Posted at 08:30 PM
Sat - March 18, 2006
Sadie and Catharina
Last night I took the 1600 boat off the island at
the conclusion of diversity training to head home to Baldwinsville (outside
Syracuse, NY). I had forgotten that it is St. Patrick's day (evacuation day if
you are from Boston) and Boston is one of the best places to be for that. If I
had remembered I would have planned better. The New England Seafarers Mission
was still opened after I grabbed my dad's keys from the port police, so I
dropped in to see Steve the Chaplain since I hadn't seen him since I have been
back, though I had dropped by the mission a couple of times. He showed me the
new set up with the seafarers lounge and the store now all the way up on deck 3.
After a little catching up, I jumped into the truck and started the drive home.
Another thing I forgot to plan around was rush hour traffic, so it was bit slow
getting out of Boston until I was close to Worchester. Other than that it was
an uneventful ride back and I was home before midnight.
Everyone was asleep when I got in. There was a little surprise for me when I unlocked the door to get in. My brother and sister-in-law's dog Sadie was there to greet me. Which meant that my niece Catharina was probably there as well. Mom was sleeping on the couch since Catharina was sleeping in the play pen downstairs. Mom woke up when I came in. I pretty much just went to my room went to bed.
This morning I got up and went into my parents room where my mother was with Catharina and Sadie. Dad had gone to a toy tractor show for the morning. I gave Catharina the toy guitar that I bought for her in Mexico and the stuffed giraffe that I found in the street in Boston and picked up for her. She really liked the guitar and played with it a lot. Sometimes she is still a little bit afraid of me, since she isn't used to me. She knows my name now though, and can also say "buccaneer" and "pirate". She likes a pirate coconut head that Logan gave me last year for watching Abby once. She can name all of his facial features and I got a video of it as well as many pictures too.
Catharina and Sadie where staying here last night and today because my brother and sister in law went to a youth event at Houghton College (my alma mata) called the spring fling for the night. We are all going out for Chinese tonight (which is a cross cultural experience for my parents).
Rusty and Sadie. Catharina and Grandma, Mom in background.
Catharina and her new guitar. Catharina and her "Buccaneer"
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Everyone was asleep when I got in. There was a little surprise for me when I unlocked the door to get in. My brother and sister-in-law's dog Sadie was there to greet me. Which meant that my niece Catharina was probably there as well. Mom was sleeping on the couch since Catharina was sleeping in the play pen downstairs. Mom woke up when I came in. I pretty much just went to my room went to bed.
This morning I got up and went into my parents room where my mother was with Catharina and Sadie. Dad had gone to a toy tractor show for the morning. I gave Catharina the toy guitar that I bought for her in Mexico and the stuffed giraffe that I found in the street in Boston and picked up for her. She really liked the guitar and played with it a lot. Sometimes she is still a little bit afraid of me, since she isn't used to me. She knows my name now though, and can also say "buccaneer" and "pirate". She likes a pirate coconut head that Logan gave me last year for watching Abby once. She can name all of his facial features and I got a video of it as well as many pictures too.
Catharina and Sadie where staying here last night and today because my brother and sister in law went to a youth event at Houghton College (my alma mata) called the spring fling for the night. We are all going out for Chinese tonight (which is a cross cultural experience for my parents).
Rusty and Sadie. Catharina and Grandma, Mom in background.
Catharina and her new guitar. Catharina and her "Buccaneer"
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Posted at 12:04 PM
Sun - March 19, 2006
On the Rails Again
Not much to say really. Mom and dad took me out
to breakfast at the B'ville dinner and then lent me a car to drive to the train
station that they would pick up latter. The train was several hours late which
is typical for the Lake Shore Limited coming out of Chicago especially since it
snowed last night. With some freight trains causing us to have to wait after I
changed trains in Albany we are not bound to be into Boston South Station until
around 2130. So even if there was a 2130 boat tonight I still wouldn't be able
to make it. So it looks like I will be crashing at the Seafarers Mission again
and then catching the first boat out to the island in the morning. Which should
be interesting since I don't know the plan for the choices training. That
meaning, I will run to my room, find out as much information as possible along
the way, change my clothes possibly to be outside, pack my gear in case we are
camping out and finding out where we are meeting. I think we will be camping
out, but I don't think it will be all week. Should be fun and
interesting!
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Posted at 05:11 PM
Thu - March 23, 2006
Choices Training
This week was
spent doing training for the Choices program, our program that works with Boston
Public Schools and urban youth. I went into the training a bit tired, because
my train did not get in in time for me to catch the last boat out to the island
on Sunday night, which I was not happy about. The training went well and it was
a good bonding experience for me to get to know the rest of the core instructors
and choices staff. It was my expectation, having done diversity training last
week, that Diversity training was the philosophical side of the training and
that this would be the more practical side. It was some of that to an extent,
but this training was mostly curriculum with some other things thrown in. We
were supposed to sleep out at least once and make our own dinner outside. We
ended up not sleeping out at all. We only cooked one dinner at the campsite,
but we did eat most of out lunches in the field or like we would with students.
Even though it had been a bit cold out, I was tired and we all have lots of
experience camping out, I would have liked to have that opportunity to get to
know the rest of the instructors better and bond some more. All in all, having
done Choices once before with out training, now that I have some, I feel
prepared to lead a Choices course. 
Ty, Maria, and Tryka
Since we try to live what we teach and part of our training was to mirror an actual Choices course we made a full value contract (FVC). The process worked really well and it seems so far that we are holding each other to it. There is a real good energy in the group which was evident when we did our "create a nation" program a night latter where we actually designed a dream school with our values. That whole process worked well too. I called some people on issues early on. I am not sure if it was best done in the group as I did it, but I think it set a good tone in the group. I really want to focus on getting to know everyone individually over the course of this nine months, sooner rather than latter. We are going to be a close group by the end of it all, at least I hope that we are. I am becoming more and more open with everyone and I am sharing more of myself.
We did an abbreviated urban expedition, that included going to a Caribbean restaurant one night and then going to a school for a summer programs open house type thing. At the end of the week we went to another school for an assembly about Choices to introduce the students to and tell them about the opportunity to come out to the island for the week. We wrapped up our training at our shore side office on dry dock ave., and then a few of us went out for drinks to celebrate.
An end of training celebration!
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Posted at 09:26 PM
Fri - March 24, 2006
ASTA Regional Meeting
Friday night after our celebration, I grabbed my pack from the seafarers mission where I had left it for a bit, then went to the South Station bus depot (incidentally it would have worked out better if I had just carried my pack with me when we all went out if I had know we were only going to a bar in South Station anyway), and caught the bus to New Bedford/ Fair Haven, MA. I sat with a nice woman who commutes to Boston from New Bedford everyday. I wish I had gotten her contact info to keep in touch on myspace or something, but we were so busy talking that we got to her stop without even realizing it.
I talked with the bus driver to find out the best place to get off and it turns out it was best to go all the way to the bus garage in Fair Haven because the bridge from New Bedford to Fair Haven is being worked on. I caught a cab from there to my hotel room and then again in the morning to the Northeast Maritime Institute where the ASTA regional meeting was. I got the a little early, first other than the people who own or work for the institute, so that I could help Lori set up and do the registration. Now that I have been awarded the volunteer of the year award I have to be sure to actually live up to it! They also covered my registration for me since I helped out.
It was a nice group of just over 20. There was lots of good networking too. I got connected with the Friendship up in Salem. Three of her crew and executive director where there. We connected on doing more service with them on our OBEE courses like what we did last summer and got some information on more places to go around Salem Sound and Harbor. I will be volunteering with them as able. It was very good to see Capt. Steve Brown of the Sloop Providence again. He really wanted me to be mate. Part of me wishes I had taken that position, but I have no regrets for coming back to Outward Bound. I will help him do some crew training, and possible do some relief mate and eventually Captain work on the Great Lakes this summer for him.
At the close of the meeting we got a walking tour of Fair Haven, which was very interesting and then a tour of the Northeast Maritime Institute facility. It is a very impressive place. We were able to check out their bridge resource management simulator and they did a couple of sims with us. That was very interesting. I got to be at the helm of a research vessel in San Francisco Bay. I got it off of the very same dock that the Lady Washington was docked at while we were there. They can add fog, seas, rain, other vessels and any number of things to it. You can turn the monitors to see what is behind or along side of you as well. If feels very realistic. Because in your entire field of vision you can see the monitors that simulate looking out the windows, when there are seas, you body feels like it is really moving. I plan to eventually go back there to take a couple of courses.
After all of that we a bunch of us went out for dinner. I didn't stay long enough to order, because I bummed a ride with Michael the chairman of the ASTA board since he lives north of Boston, and had to get home. This worked well since it also meant that I would be able to make the boat back to the island too.
All in all it was a very good meeting and I am glad that I was able to make it.
Capt. Stave Brown of the Sloop Providence
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Posted at 09:26 PM
Sat - March 25, 2006
Church With Sasha
Today was another good day. Since the fist boat off the island wasn't until 0930, I got to sleep in a bit, which was much needed. Unfortunately that did not put me in Boston until 1000. I caught the T at South Station to Harvard square. I bought one of the new Charlie tickets from the machine and latter learned that it only works at South Station since the other stations aren't automated yet, of course there is nothing there to tell you so. I found my way to the LDS church where Sasha attends near Harvard Square without a problem. I tried to call her, but as I found out latter her phone had just been stolen. I had been there enough times now that I would be able to find my way around ok and know other people there too. So that is exactly what I did. I got there close to the end of their sacrament time which is basically the church service time, and just entered the sanctuary and found a seat. Adam a friend of mine from there slipped in beside me shortly after noting that he had just been thinking of me because he came across my business card in his book of Mormon.
Church was good. I saw a few people I had met before. I went to a sunday school class that Adam was actually teaching and sat with Catharine who I had spent a little time catching up with. Adam put me on the spot a little bit when he mentioned that he was open to any other opinions on things during his class and then pointed me out as one who always has an interesting perspective. A little embarrassing since I didn't know many people there. Next was the priesthood where the men and women meet separately. In that class there was a discussion on praying for wisdom before teaching and Adam asked the question if that was common in other Christian traditions as well, and then looked at me as if that question was meant for me. Fortunately someone else jumped on it first.
After the priesthood I got to catch up with Sasha a little bit. I gave her the ear rings that I bought her in Mexico. She loved them and even said one pair was like a pair that she had broken or lost. I spent some time looking for just the right pair and thought the ones I got were her style, so I was happy that she liked them. She gave me a ride back to her place after church with her new room mate. She had a meeting to go to, so I walked with her a little bit towards the green line on the way to her meeting.
After we parted ways, I had a good bit of time to spare, so I went over to the mall since it was close by too look at the new Mac's. I grabbed some lunch there too. there was a movie store going out of business so I picked up a couple of dvd's for my parents at 50% and 60% off and a couple for myself too, then headed back to the boat and the island. When I got in, I went over to Logan's since I hadn't spent much time lately other than the night before when she had guests who are running the Boston Marathon with her. I showed her some movies of Catharina and the coconut pirate head she had got me for watching her dog abby (see last weekends entries). I was a little tired so I went back to my room early in the evening.
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Posted at 09:27 PM
Sun - March 26, 2006
New Roomate
I got a new room mate tonight. Mac Petty who is
an intern with us for the spring and will be an assistant instructor this
summer. I knew that I would be getting a room mate at some point, and got the
heads up last week when I got back onto the island from the weekend. Mac had
already found a room for the week then, so I had Ben who was training with us
from another program for the week. I helped Mac move in last night and we
rearranged the room to be more conducive to two people and found another bed
since the top bunk gets hot in this room as it is close to some pipes and the
ceiling. I think we will work out well as room mates. He has a brother going
to school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, my favorite
port!
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Posted at 09:09 PM
Thu - March 30, 2006
Willauer School Spring Expedition
Today the Willauer School on Thompson Island made
the announcement to its students for it's spring expedition. As you may know
Thompson Island Outward Bound will be closing the doors of the Willauer Middle
School in June. So the teachers really want to give the students the best
expedition ever. They will be going on it as a full school, sixth, seventh and
eighth grade. The school will be chartering the Harvey Gammage and the Westward
from Ocean Classroom Foundation for a three day tall ship sailing expedition
from Mystic Seaport, Ct, back to Boston. There is a chance that I may be able
to go too give my relationship with the students as a substitute teacher and
guest speaker and my tall ship experience. We will see. I will keep you
posted. I was asked by the leadership teachers (the class that I normally
substitute teach) to help with the unveiling of the expedition today. They set
the students up to start brainstorming a 21 mile backpacking expedition after
showing a video from previous years expeditions. Then the two leadership
teachers and myself stormed the room dressed as pirates and asking them
questions of their training and saying that they should go on a real expedition.
I lead them in a sea chanty and then their teachers gave them the details. They
had some cake, watched a 10 minute dvd on sail training from the International
Sail Training Association, then asked some questions. We were going to play a
round of the game Captain's coming, but we ran out of time.
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Posted at 02:28 PM
Fri - March 31, 2006
Wesllesley Environmental Program Training
This week was our training for the upcoming
Wesllesley environmental program that we will be doing. We did things like
forest ecology, salt marsh, night time activities like astronomy with some
initiatives and low ropes thrown in. There were some experts in different
fields that where brought in to help us out. We only had training on two of the
evenings which was a refreshing change from our previous trainings when we were
busy most evenings.
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Posted at 01:37 PM
Jeff Bowles
My good friend Jeff came back onto the island
this week. Unfortunately not to stay. They restructured his position and
turned it into two positions. The day contracts portion is only a six month
contract now. He was full time. So he decided not to keep it and is moving on
to something else. He had been on a leave of absence for part of the winter and
now is back to get his things because of the change. He will be missed. I am
wondering how long I want to stay now with so many of my friends leaving. Logan
leaves with the closing out the Willauer school (they are having a dance
tonight), Sasha already left and now Jeff. We will see what happens with this
first nine month contract I suppose.
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Posted at 03:22 PM
Sun - April 2, 2006
Contract Facilitator Training
This Weekend
was the contract facilitator training. It was for the facilitators who mostly
work just day courses and the occasional over night programs on the island for
our youth contracts department. I didn't have to go through the training since
I have had it all already, but I wanted to work on being a trainer, so I went to
help out with it and ended up leading most of the initial games, and initiative
activities. Phil conducted the training as well, but mostly left me on my own
for the portions that I was doing. The eight to nine people who came for the
training camped out so that they would be trained on island procedures if they
worked an overnight course. I did not sleep with them, opting to go to my room,
relax, check some e-mail and watch a little Firefly. Sunday we did mostly low
ropes course stuff. It was good to be finally working up to doing more
training. I am also glad I did it, because I found out that I would not be
working the Wellesley program as I would be leading two day sails on Thursday
and Friday for the Harbor school. Wednesday is my prep day for that. Monday
and Tuesday are supposed to be my day off because I worked the weekend. I
should have known all of this sooner, but wasn't given the information until
Saturday morning. One of the joys of working for Thompson Island Outward Bound.
Jeff left the island on Sunday afternoon. Sunday night a group of us studied
and practiced for our site manager check off.
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Posted at 08:30 AM
Mon - April 3, 2006
Site Manager Check Off
Today was our check off to follow up on our site
manager training a few weeks ago. Since I didn't have to go to the meeting this
morning for Wellsley, since I am not doing that course this week. So I jumped
right into my check off with Colin the director of Our Outward Bound
Professional program. We did all the knots and such in his office and then
joined the others out at the High course where John, an other OBP instructor and
I got checked off fairly quickly by Colin as Noelle and Bashire worked with the
other core instructors. I made arrangements to get checked off on the Alpine
tower this weekend.
Since today is actually my day off I took off when I got all I could get checked off done. This afternoon I have to go to a training on some sort of Psychology assessment tool. Then I am free.
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Since today is actually my day off I took off when I got all I could get checked off done. This afternoon I have to go to a training on some sort of Psychology assessment tool. Then I am free.
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Posted at 08:30 AM
Tue - April 4, 2006
Teacher Emily/ USCG Aux. Test/ Missed Boat
This evening was an interesting evening for sure!
Today was my day off. I slept in even though I was able to get to bed at a
reasonable hour last night. I think I have met all the new watch officer
training candidates that have been arriving over the course of the weekend. I
have had conversations with each. A couple have worked on the Lady Washington
and various other tall ships. Many know people that I know. I have helped some
and have answered questions about licensing for them. I am glad to help. They
all went down to the coast guard today to hand in their paper work and schedule
their tests.
I ended up only sleeping in until around 0930, because some workers in the hallway and neighboring rooms where playing loud music. I managed to get a shower in and get some work I needed to get done completed. I didn't even watch a dvd today, it is my habit to at least get an episode of Firefly or Cowboy Beebop in most days. I got off the island on the 1600 boat. It was my first time off in over a week, the last time being a week ago Sunday. This evening I had a new member training and test for the Coast Guard Auxilliary. I had some time to kill before that some teacher Emily and I went out for a cup of coco at a cafe in Charlestown near where she lives. It was a short walk from their to the Coast Guard Base. The training was pretty basic and the test was open book and fairly straight forward. I only missed one question.
It was close on timing to catch the boats. Even though I caught all my trains (orange line, red line, silver line) with little or no wait, I missed the boat by about six minutes. I tried to call when I had a signal, but was not able to reach the boat phone Capt. Michael or Emily. I was a little surprised that they did not wait a little bit for me. They were out of sight by the time that I got to the dock. I thought about staying at the Sea Farers mission, but I did not bring a blanket or sleeping bag and it would be a little less than comfortable, though heated. I made a few calls and left messages of people in town. The winner was Natasha, a friend for Sasha's church who said I could stay at her place if I ever needed to crash someplace. Fortunately I caught her and was able to get directions. So that is where I am now. I haven't seen her yet, she left the keys for me to get in. Other people have dropped by though. Adam came by to get his motor cycle and then a gentleman that I also know from church came by to drop a woman who goes to BYU and is staying here off. So I am in a good place, but it will be an early morning to catch the boat.
Tomorrow is my prep day for the two day sails that I will have with the harbor school, and I will be helping out with the Coast Guard inspection tomorrow. Hopefully I will have time to run up and change my clothes before all that.
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I ended up only sleeping in until around 0930, because some workers in the hallway and neighboring rooms where playing loud music. I managed to get a shower in and get some work I needed to get done completed. I didn't even watch a dvd today, it is my habit to at least get an episode of Firefly or Cowboy Beebop in most days. I got off the island on the 1600 boat. It was my first time off in over a week, the last time being a week ago Sunday. This evening I had a new member training and test for the Coast Guard Auxilliary. I had some time to kill before that some teacher Emily and I went out for a cup of coco at a cafe in Charlestown near where she lives. It was a short walk from their to the Coast Guard Base. The training was pretty basic and the test was open book and fairly straight forward. I only missed one question.
It was close on timing to catch the boats. Even though I caught all my trains (orange line, red line, silver line) with little or no wait, I missed the boat by about six minutes. I tried to call when I had a signal, but was not able to reach the boat phone Capt. Michael or Emily. I was a little surprised that they did not wait a little bit for me. They were out of sight by the time that I got to the dock. I thought about staying at the Sea Farers mission, but I did not bring a blanket or sleeping bag and it would be a little less than comfortable, though heated. I made a few calls and left messages of people in town. The winner was Natasha, a friend for Sasha's church who said I could stay at her place if I ever needed to crash someplace. Fortunately I caught her and was able to get directions. So that is where I am now. I haven't seen her yet, she left the keys for me to get in. Other people have dropped by though. Adam came by to get his motor cycle and then a gentleman that I also know from church came by to drop a woman who goes to BYU and is staying here off. So I am in a good place, but it will be an early morning to catch the boat.
Tomorrow is my prep day for the two day sails that I will have with the harbor school, and I will be helping out with the Coast Guard inspection tomorrow. Hopefully I will have time to run up and change my clothes before all that.
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Posted at 07:01 PM
Thu - April 6, 2006
Heavenly Harem
Well, my night at the "Happy Harem" was certainly
a fun and interesting one. That is their name for it. They also called it the
"Heavenly Harem", I think that it must be a Mormon thing. Tiffany and Natasha
where very nice hostess'. Natasha eventually showed up with another gentleman
from church. They had gone out dancing. I found out about a dance at MIT on
tuesday nights, that I may start attending with them as I am able. We ended up
looking at some Pirates of the Caribbean II and Lady Washington pictures on my
lap top and then just hung out for a bit. Tiffany (Natasha's roommate who I had
met at church as well) showed up just as we finished looking at pictures. I
think Tiffany might have been hitting on me, but it could have just been a
Mormon thing as well.
I found out why I missed the boat. It actually had broken down and there was a water taxi instead, which of course did not know to wait a couple of minutes for me and of course did not. I caught the T in, in the morning for a rumored 0830 boat. The Outward Bound was there being worked on and was ready to go by 0830. So I didn't miss out on any work. We had our COI inspection for three of the pulling boats in the morning for the Coast Guard and then I spent the afternoon preparing for my day sails with the Harbor School on Thursday and Friday.
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I found out why I missed the boat. It actually had broken down and there was a water taxi instead, which of course did not know to wait a couple of minutes for me and of course did not. I caught the T in, in the morning for a rumored 0830 boat. The Outward Bound was there being worked on and was ready to go by 0830. So I didn't miss out on any work. We had our COI inspection for three of the pulling boats in the morning for the Coast Guard and then I spent the afternoon preparing for my day sails with the Harbor School on Thursday and Friday.
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Posted at 01:46 PM
Harbor School
Today, was the first day of the program with the
Harbor school. I went to bed last night early all set to sail today. After
going to bed, there was a knock at my door from Bashire letting me know that
there was a change in plans and that we would not be sailing because the boats
needed to be hauled out for a hull inspection and our COI (certificate of
inspection) does not allow us to operate that early in the spring. So we needed
a new plan. They wanted some teaching on weather and navigation. So I through
some teaching materials together on this.
This morning I got up to meet the boat at 0800 and met with the rest of the staff for this course. Watch officiers Arista (from last summer), and Erin (who trained with me), and Assistant Watch Officier Sarai were the staff. We brain stormed some ideas for the land based program. We ended up doing the bulk of the training by breaking into for groups and having four stations that the students would rotate through. We each picked a station to teach that we felt most comfortable with. I taught weather and sail theory, Arista taught tides and currents, Sarai taught navigation, and Erin taught knots. It worked well. We did a round of Captain's coming after meeting the students at the dock, a quick game after we did rotations, a trip to the boats to learn their parts and answer questions, then lunch. After lunch we did a round of jeopardy to review what they learned at their stations, and then went for a walk on the beach to look at tide lines and discern the wind direction.
Their teachers really liked it, one of them was formerly a staff member here and a teacher for the Willauer school, so it was good to hear that we impressed him. It was a good group of staff to pull it together. We are doing the same thing all over again tomorrow with the same group of staff and little change. We debriefed at the end of it all and all was good.
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This morning I got up to meet the boat at 0800 and met with the rest of the staff for this course. Watch officiers Arista (from last summer), and Erin (who trained with me), and Assistant Watch Officier Sarai were the staff. We brain stormed some ideas for the land based program. We ended up doing the bulk of the training by breaking into for groups and having four stations that the students would rotate through. We each picked a station to teach that we felt most comfortable with. I taught weather and sail theory, Arista taught tides and currents, Sarai taught navigation, and Erin taught knots. It worked well. We did a round of Captain's coming after meeting the students at the dock, a quick game after we did rotations, a trip to the boats to learn their parts and answer questions, then lunch. After lunch we did a round of jeopardy to review what they learned at their stations, and then went for a walk on the beach to look at tide lines and discern the wind direction.
Their teachers really liked it, one of them was formerly a staff member here and a teacher for the Willauer school, so it was good to hear that we impressed him. It was a good group of staff to pull it together. We are doing the same thing all over again tomorrow with the same group of staff and little change. We debriefed at the end of it all and all was good.
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Posted at 01:46 PM
Sun - April 16, 2006
Blogging Catch Up
I have been a
little derelict in my duty to keep my blog caught up to date the last couple of
weeks. I am certain that I could have made the time to do it, though I have
been busy. Though I am not doing the same things every day or even every week,
things have become a bit routine so I haven't put much down. I will catch you
all up on what my past two weeks have been like briefly. Let me know if you
still reading this now that I have left the Lady Washington. It is good to know
who my fans are. And if you are a new reader, that is good to know too. It
will help me to know what to write about and what sort of things my readers
would like to get caught up on. Since my last entry we did four more days of programing with the Harbor school. It was a different group of students each day so we just ran them through the same program that we created for the first group refining it all the time. It wasn't always the same group of people. Erika, Tryka, and Tye came in to help out for at least a day as well. I filled in as deck hand on the Outward Bound for a weekend, and spent a day getting checked off on the alpine tower as site manager while the contract facilitators where going through their training.
One fun night was had with the watch officer trainees when after dinner one night we retired to my room to listen to and sing sea chanties and drink some rum. Some others came in as well and a good time was had by all. The second Wednesday of the month was a Coast Guard Auxillary meeting as always. I have been doing the AUXCOMM radio communication training as well to help me prepare for the test I need to take to get my marine radio operators permit and general radio operators license. I want to get as much training as I can get done with them so that I can get on the EAGLE or an ice breaker next winter as an auxillarist. Before dinner I killed some time by going out to dinner with Emily Rolling of the Willauer school. We have been spending a little bit of time together as our schedules have allowed.
I think that pretty much catches things up to this week. I will hit that in my next entry and then we will be all caught up to date yea!
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Posted at 04:43 PM
Mon - April 17, 2006
Logan's Boston Marathon
Monday was a pretty exciting day even though it didn't work out quite the way that I wanted it to. My good friend Logan ran the Boston Marathon! I had big plans to meet her at the base of heart break hill which is the roughest part of the course so I could pass her some water and a snack as she ran by. I slept in a little and took a special 0930 boat off of the island. I killed some time using the internet at the Seafarers mission, then caught the T and went up to Woodland Park to walk over to the base of heart break hill. There were some runner passing by as I walked over there. I found a good spot, hung an Outward Bound flag in a tree and then signed onto the internet with my cell phone and lap top to see Logan's times. I was there half an hour ahead of her projected time, but when I saw what time she was at the half way point, I knew that I had already missed her. I didn't have enough time to make it to Coolidge Corner where some other Outward Bound People where in time, so I tried to make it to the finish line. I checked her time shortly after I got there and missed her there too. :-(
I gave her a call and found out about a gathering of Outward Bound people and other people running for Thompson Island in a suite at the Marriot, so I went there to congratulate her. She was just full of energy and was just beaming. I was so proud of her. I was disappointed not to see her in the race, but I got to ride in a cab with her back to the dock and hang out with her alone for a bit as we waited for the boat. I gave her the water and snack I had for her as we waited. Even though I didn't run the race, it was such a cool experience to experience it through her. She is such an inspiration to me.
Logan Westmoreland the night before the big race.
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Posted at 05:26 PM
Tue - April 18, 2006
Haloscan Comments
I am trying something new with my blog. I have
just added the ability to leave comments. So go ahead and use it. Let me know
what you think of what I am
writing.
Rusty
(Riding in the
crow's nest of the MV/ Hurricane)
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Posted at 05:16 PM
Wed - April 19, 2006
Woofer (WFR) aka Wilderness First Responder
This week I have been working on my wilderness first responder recert. Since I haven't been able to find the time or the money to do my Wilderness EMT again, and my last WFR is about to expire and I am required to have it for work, I had to bite the bullet and recert as a wilderness first responder. It took a bit of fanageling to get what I needed. There is a recert course this weekend, but I have a Project Adventure training that I had already committed to and couldn't miss. There were no other recert courses available before my current one expired, so I had to take something. It would be a bit much to take the full course and even if I did I then would still miss the first day of my PA training and the Boston Marathon and that wasn't going to happen. So I worked it out to take the full course as a recert and only had to attend the sections that I needed. I went to more than what was necessary, but I was still able to go to the marathon to support Logan and will be able to make all of the PA training. Life is good.
Now if you don't know what wilderness first responder is, this would be a good time to use my new comment feature to post a comment and ask! :-)
Watch Officer Trainee Chelsea (my woofer buddy and new friend) in a hypo wrap.
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Posted at 05:43 PM
Thu - April 20, 2006
Project Adventure Weekend
This weekend I have training with Project
Adventure to be one of their youth and college contract facilitators. This is
pretty exciting since I will soon not only be working for one of the largest and
most recognized adventure education providers in the world (Outward Bound), I
will also be working for the organization that pretty much created the challenge
course and thus a whole industry. Hopefully this will also open up
opportunities to also be a trainer for Project Adventure.
Thursday morning I took my written exam for my Wilderness First Responder re-cert. and thus wrapped that all up. I whipped through a cpr test in the afternoon, so have that re-certification done as well. The rest of the class which is doing the full certification had a simulation this after noon which involved the alpine tower. I set up a system to hold a person a few feet off of the ground that would need to be rescued. I wish I could have seen the whole thing play through, but I had to catch the 1600 boat off of the island. Today our new work boat the Invictus arrived. It has a drop down front so it can be used as a landing craft. It seems nice with a chart plotter and all. I look forward to maybe getting the opportunity to run it some time.
I met Capt. Michael at the dock and he, Emily and I walked downtown. I cashed my paycheck which I received a day early per request and tried to deposit it (I cash and deposit at two different banks so that I have my funds right away), but I didn't get to Bank of America in time and had to deposit the cash from my pay check and a check from Verizon Wireless for a class action suite that I was involved in. That with my regular salary and some pay for a weekend working on the Outward Bound made for a very nice paycheck. Mike, Emily and I grabbed a small bite to eat, a snack really, down town and then I rushed off to North Station to catch the commuter rail up to Beverly.
Once in Beverly I got a cab to Project Adventure's Moraine Farm Conference center. The cab driver is a PA graduate from his youth and had lots of good things to say about his experience. It is a really nice facility. I took a little walk around after I was shown my room. I just relaxed in the evening. After doing some channel surfing on the TV in the lounge and finding nothing, I read some of my USCG- Auxiliary AUXCOMM book.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow's and this weekend's training.
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Thursday morning I took my written exam for my Wilderness First Responder re-cert. and thus wrapped that all up. I whipped through a cpr test in the afternoon, so have that re-certification done as well. The rest of the class which is doing the full certification had a simulation this after noon which involved the alpine tower. I set up a system to hold a person a few feet off of the ground that would need to be rescued. I wish I could have seen the whole thing play through, but I had to catch the 1600 boat off of the island. Today our new work boat the Invictus arrived. It has a drop down front so it can be used as a landing craft. It seems nice with a chart plotter and all. I look forward to maybe getting the opportunity to run it some time.
I met Capt. Michael at the dock and he, Emily and I walked downtown. I cashed my paycheck which I received a day early per request and tried to deposit it (I cash and deposit at two different banks so that I have my funds right away), but I didn't get to Bank of America in time and had to deposit the cash from my pay check and a check from Verizon Wireless for a class action suite that I was involved in. That with my regular salary and some pay for a weekend working on the Outward Bound made for a very nice paycheck. Mike, Emily and I grabbed a small bite to eat, a snack really, down town and then I rushed off to North Station to catch the commuter rail up to Beverly.
Once in Beverly I got a cab to Project Adventure's Moraine Farm Conference center. The cab driver is a PA graduate from his youth and had lots of good things to say about his experience. It is a really nice facility. I took a little walk around after I was shown my room. I just relaxed in the evening. After doing some channel surfing on the TV in the lounge and finding nothing, I read some of my USCG- Auxiliary AUXCOMM book.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow's and this weekend's training.
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Posted at 07:15 PM
Sun - April 23, 2006
PA
This weekends training went really well. I feel really good about it and look forward to working with Project Adventure more. I have already signed up for three dates. The training mostly went over standard operating procedures (sop's) for the course and a little bit about Project Adventure. The facility is excellent. Some of it is research and development for Project Adventure. The training was very well organized, it started and ended on time and was very respectful. The housing and food was excellent. We had some good fellowship and game playing there too. It was one of the best trainings that I have been to in recent time. I can't say that I really learned much new, but I feel well prepared to lead a course there. Today was our check off day where we were tested on all of our knots, the tying of a swiss seat and studabaker harness, setting up and facilitationg a high course element and a low course element. We will find out what our status is this week for instructing, but I know that I did really well from all of the feedback that I got. Like I said, I am really looking forward to working for Project Adventure in the future.
I bummed a ride back from the island from one of the other facilitators at the training in his newly transitioned "grease" powered car. I had to run to make it to the 1730 boat. My room mate is back this week, so no more private room. I ran the Hurricane on the run I came over on and put it on the dock on the Thompson Island for the first time. I unpacked and got settled back in, then went to see my WFR instructor to give him some money for my CPR card. Since he is in the same building as Logan, I dropped in on Logan and hung out with her for a little bit. She did a similar training as mine up at UNH's Brown Center where she will be working and teaching next, she had a similar experience and things went really well for her too.
I came back to my room mate watching my ALIAS dvd's and I think he may be hooked now. Another exciting week lies ahead. Meetings, Harbor School visitation, and a four day environmental program.
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Posted at 07:52 PM
Mon - April 24, 2006
DSL
I got my DSL modem from Verizon finally today, so
I can now connect to high speed internet in my room. I have it hooked to my
airport express so it is even wireless. I am going to allow it to be used by
others for free for the time being, then I am going to put a password on it and
charge a couple bucks a month. So I am high speed
now!
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Posted at 08:13 PM
Fri - April 28, 2006
The Wellesley Environmental Program Week one (for me)
This week was my first week working with the Wellesley School District. Though it was the second for most of the rest of the staff involved. I missed some of the prep because I had to go to the Harbor School on monday to meet with a couple of teachers to integrate the curriculum more with what they are learning in school. That hurt me a little bit, but I was able to get all I needed by the appropriate time. I had a good group of fifth graders. They did really well with the challenges, wouldn't give up and really impressed me. I need to study up some more on the environmental component since it has been some time since I have done an environmental education program. I had some support staff to help with some of it. The program consisted of some low course initiatives, predator/ prey study, forest ecology, wetlands (water and salt marsh) some research for the Nature Conservancy and Harvard, night hike and some astronomy. I let some students that where really interested in Astronomy teach that part and it went over really well.
In the evenings after all the program I was able to get exempted from sleeping in the dorms because I had to work on some curriculum for the Harbor school based on my meeting on monday. I was understandably tired in the evenings, so I wasn't able to get as much together as I would have liked to have. I have to do some of that through the weekend as well. I am not sure if I am going to get paid for my weekend work or not.
All in all it was a good week. Though I have a lot on my plate, I am kind of looking forward to doing it all again next week. We will how I feel about the week following which is my last week of the Wellesley program.
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Posted at 07:11 PM
Sat - April 29, 2006
OBP Training
Outward Bound Professional or OBP is the corporate team building/ training arm of Thompson Island Outward Bound. I have done a couple courses with them in the past, which are nice to work because the pay scale starts at $250 a day. Now that I am a core instructor, since OBP is not part of my job description I can work courses for them and still get paid, as long as I do them on a day off from my regular duties. Colin the OBP program director invited me to the training and fortunately I was free and able to attend, though this evening it will be back to working on the Harbor School Program. There where two other core staff (Ernest and Kibuku) who attended.
In the morning
there were some introductions and some examples of ice breakers and then we
learned a little bit about OBP and the sales side of it. Some of us that are
newer to the program went with Ellen the sales person for the program as well as
a facilitator and learned some of the models for OBP experientially. After
lunch Kibuku lead us in an activity that he does with his own company in Africa
then we reviewed the elements and local operating (LOP) procedures on the low
course. That part wasn't too different from what I did with Project Adventure
last weekend. During the latter part of the weekend we spent some time on our
newly redesigned diamond course. I am not sure that is was used at all last
year. We know have a non- transfer belay on two sides of it, so you can do
three elements in a row without transferring. It is relatively new design.
There is a car that clips onto the cable and the cable is attached to the
outside of the poles. The car is able to go over the connection point and the
pole and you can continue on. I have saw a similar system at the 2003 ACCT
(Association for Challenge Course Technology) conference, but this is the first
time that I have seen it on an actually course. We will be adding a zip line to
this course soon as well. I got up on the course myself and did some climbing around. The transfer points can be a little tight, the course itself is pretty hard, I don't think I would do it with young students at least not the no transfer section on the east side that I did. It was fun though. I look forward to getting trained up on it and being a site manager there too. The day ended with just a review of individual skills and comfort levels.
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Posted at 05:18 PM
Sun - April 30, 2006
Free Sunday, LDS, No Harbor School Tomorrow
(Picture from yesterday)
I over slept a little bit this morning even though I shooting for the 0800 boat! I needed to grab a shower, skipped shaving and ran down the hill to the boat without my tie tied or shirt tucked in. I grabbed my wallet, money, cell phone (though it is turned off for the time being I could use it as a phone book), Bible, and Book of Mormon on the way out the door. The boat was not in a hurry to leave and the deck hand, had run up to get something, so I made it in time, so I am glad that I tried for it. I needed to get off the island for a little bit and I wanted to see my friends at church since it had been a few weeks. I forgot my digital camera, so no pictures from today unfortunately. Mike and Emily had a gift for me. They got me a shirt with a skull and cross bones on it that said Pirate's union Local #109, "Not just a job its an adventure" Boston, Massachusetts.
Since the boat schedule is back to normal, I had some time to kill. I talked with Carol (I think that is her name), who does sales for short courses, she was at the dock to meet a group going out to the island today, for a little bit. She recommended a chocolate cafe near Sasha's church which I had never noticed since I always pass it on the other side of the road. I was in Harvard Square in good time so I dropped in and got an iced, dark hot chocolate for the walk. Sasha saw me just after I sat down, so I got up and sat with her during church. I did Sunday school and then there was a combined meeting after, usually they separate male and female. Adam and I got into a good conversation per usual. He is convinced that I should become Mormon and is polite about it. He even threw in that there are four women to every man at the church, and that I shouldn't convert for the women, but Mormon women are a sucker for a new convert. I talked with some other friend and Sasha for a bit too. Sasha dropped me off at Adams (he was on his bike). Adam had to call his girlfriend who is in Pakistan on business, so I watched the movie Hero, then had to jet to make the 1700 boat.
I checked my e-mail when I got in and the Harbor School canceled tomorrow and rescheduled. I think that is good since it gives us more prep time. I am glad that I was proactive about contacting them on friday about the weather, an upcoming nor'easter. As far as I know no one else contacted them. They did talk with us about canceling and rescheduling, but it was from them that I heard about the change and I passed it along to the other staff. No one on the island contacted me even though I have other things I need to do in its place. That is a bit frustrating for me. I think I should be promoted to course director because I have been filling that role for this course anyway.
While I was checking my e-mail I got an IM from Jill, she is back in the US now home from her semester at sea. I was very happy to hear from her and she got something for me. I can't wait to see what. Katie called me yesterday and left a message for me. I called back and left a message for her last night. She was on solo with her students down in Florida. She called again tonight and we talked briefly before she had to get back to her students. I was so happy to hear from her. She will be back next month. Today was a good day I had communication with many of my favorite people in the whole world (Sasha, Capt. Michael Burpee, Logan (both on or waiting for the boat), Jill and Katie. What could be better than that. It made me smile. It is so good to be loved. The evening was rounded out down at the duplex with Capt. Michael and Emily watching an episode of Firefly. I am able to make it down there to catch an occasional episode with them as they are now working their way through it with Fielding.
(From
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I over slept a little bit this morning even though I shooting for the 0800 boat! I needed to grab a shower, skipped shaving and ran down the hill to the boat without my tie tied or shirt tucked in. I grabbed my wallet, money, cell phone (though it is turned off for the time being I could use it as a phone book), Bible, and Book of Mormon on the way out the door. The boat was not in a hurry to leave and the deck hand, had run up to get something, so I made it in time, so I am glad that I tried for it. I needed to get off the island for a little bit and I wanted to see my friends at church since it had been a few weeks. I forgot my digital camera, so no pictures from today unfortunately. Mike and Emily had a gift for me. They got me a shirt with a skull and cross bones on it that said Pirate's union Local #109, "Not just a job its an adventure" Boston, Massachusetts.
Since the boat schedule is back to normal, I had some time to kill. I talked with Carol (I think that is her name), who does sales for short courses, she was at the dock to meet a group going out to the island today, for a little bit. She recommended a chocolate cafe near Sasha's church which I had never noticed since I always pass it on the other side of the road. I was in Harvard Square in good time so I dropped in and got an iced, dark hot chocolate for the walk. Sasha saw me just after I sat down, so I got up and sat with her during church. I did Sunday school and then there was a combined meeting after, usually they separate male and female. Adam and I got into a good conversation per usual. He is convinced that I should become Mormon and is polite about it. He even threw in that there are four women to every man at the church, and that I shouldn't convert for the women, but Mormon women are a sucker for a new convert. I talked with some other friend and Sasha for a bit too. Sasha dropped me off at Adams (he was on his bike). Adam had to call his girlfriend who is in Pakistan on business, so I watched the movie Hero, then had to jet to make the 1700 boat.
I checked my e-mail when I got in and the Harbor School canceled tomorrow and rescheduled. I think that is good since it gives us more prep time. I am glad that I was proactive about contacting them on friday about the weather, an upcoming nor'easter. As far as I know no one else contacted them. They did talk with us about canceling and rescheduling, but it was from them that I heard about the change and I passed it along to the other staff. No one on the island contacted me even though I have other things I need to do in its place. That is a bit frustrating for me. I think I should be promoted to course director because I have been filling that role for this course anyway.
While I was checking my e-mail I got an IM from Jill, she is back in the US now home from her semester at sea. I was very happy to hear from her and she got something for me. I can't wait to see what. Katie called me yesterday and left a message for me. I called back and left a message for her last night. She was on solo with her students down in Florida. She called again tonight and we talked briefly before she had to get back to her students. I was so happy to hear from her. She will be back next month. Today was a good day I had communication with many of my favorite people in the whole world (Sasha, Capt. Michael Burpee, Logan (both on or waiting for the boat), Jill and Katie. What could be better than that. It made me smile. It is so good to be loved. The evening was rounded out down at the duplex with Capt. Michael and Emily watching an episode of Firefly. I am able to make it down there to catch an occasional episode with them as they are now working their way through it with Fielding.
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Posted at 05:36 PM
Thu - May 4, 2006
Wellsley Week 2!
Another week was spent doing the environmental education program for the Wellsley school district. The week started with a nor'easter, but even though it was rainy and cold, the students had good spirits and things went well, especially when things warmed up at the end of the week. I had three home sick students that I was aware of, and was able to work with them to help them all stay. By the end of the trip and well before they where all smiling and happy that they stayed. Choices was running at the same time, so we were a little bit low on support, but we made it work. All the instructors where working solo. I often met up with another instructor named Ernie, but called Stone Monkey. He is a bit older than the rest of us and a well experienced environmental educator. He didn't go through our training, so I helped him with the overall curriculum and he helped with the finer details and facts, which worked out really well. The name of his groups was the Oompaloompa's and we were the Snorteios (because some of them snorted when that laughed). Sometimes the two groups worked really well together other times they did not.
I did have one student that was a constant distraction that I eventually had to remove from the group, but after he returned, though not perfect his behavior greatly improved. All in all it was a good week and a good group of students. I can't really say anything bad about them, because some of the smarter ones have started to "google me", that is do a search of "Rusty Rice" on google and find my web site and thus my blog and e-mail address. I have heard from two students so far. So I have to be careful. Good thing this is a family oriented blog and website!
After it was all over most of us got off the island on the 1400 boat on friday. I cashed and deposited my pay check then went out for a root beer with one of our support staff Lisa. We are both root beer fans and we split a sunday at the Barking Crab. After our quick drink and snack off she went to catch the T to see her finance's family and I to get the next boat to the island.
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Posted at 11:31 PM
Sat - May 6, 2006
MVOB relief weekend
The M/V Outward Bound, Capt. Jackie and deck hand Emily.
When I returned to the Outward Bound to head back to the island on Friday evening at 1630, the deck hand was still on his way back from a personal day in New Hampshire, while he was on the road and back in Boston, he wasn't close to the boat, so I offered to take the run for him and the rest of the day and even the first two runs the next morning, but I wanted the option to get off at 0800 so I could go down to Cape Cod and meet up with my friend Emily or maybe check out the hospital ship Comfort that had come into port and was docked at the reserved channel, or even go to a Mormon wedding with my new friend Natasha. Reed took me up on it and I worked the rest of the runs on Friday and the first two on Saturday morning.
That is when things started to go bad. Reed never showed up to the dock at 0830 and didn't even call, so I was stuck on the island. That really did in any plans to go to the cape at least on Saturday and to do much of anything really. The Captain, Jackie eventually got ahold of him and some course words where exchanged which led to him being asked not to come into work at all with the full support of the waterfront director. So I was stuck. The other deck hand, Emily had some errons to do and some grocery shopping, but was willing to take over for me early and come in on the 1530 special boat to relieve me, which she did.
I could say that it ruined my weekend, which in a sense it did. It certainly limited my options. My paycheck was a little low the previous pay period, because I didn't do any extra work on the boat like I had in the previous couple of pay periods. So this certainly will give me a nice pay check for the next pay period. I saved some money too by not going down to Cape Cod. I was really beat though since I was up late friday night going through my mail and e-mail since I had to catch up from a week being in the field. I expected that I would have gotten more rest on Saturday since working was not in my plans. Incidentally Reed got suspended from this so I will be able to pick up some more hours during the week.
The hospital
ship USNS Comfort. Operated by the civilian merchant mariners of the Military
Sea Lift Command (MSC). Staffed by US. Navy medical professionals.
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Posted at 01:39 PM
Sun - May 7, 2006
New Friend
Saturday afternoon when I was finally able to get
off the M/V Outward Bound at 1530 there really wasn't much of a day left to do
anything with. Capt. Michael and I went to see if we could get on the USNS
Comfort. They had caterers there and where preparing for some sort of event, so
we couldn't, but they said maybe on Sunday and gave us some hours to drop by. I
was able to pick up a pair of soft shell pants that the laundry place that I use
didn't return last time I dropped my laundry off a couple of weeks ago. Michael
dropped me of there, and then at Broadway so I could hop on the red line.
My cell phone is down for a couple of weeks, because of overuse, and to save some money so I have mainly been using my VOIP (internet phone). That doesn't really help when I am out and about town though. I have a phone card to use on pay phones when I can find one. A woman from church who Sasha introduced me to and who I have stayed with when I have been stuck on shore was comeing out to camp out on the island on Saturday night, so I was trying to touch base with her. She was at a wedding all afternoon. So as I rode the red line to central square in Cambridge I left some messages for her letting her know where I would meet her and escort her to the dock. I waited for a bit at a little park in Central Square and just as I was about to head back to the dock to meet her there, I got a hold of her. She was just around the corner at her place and one of her roomates was going to drive us to the dock. They picked me up and we got to the dock just before the MVOB got in.
Natasha and I rode up in the wheel house of course. Jackie let me run her on the way back dock to dock. I told Natasha all about the harbor. When we got in, I showed her the engine room, then we went on a little hike to the south end of the island. I showed her the alpine tower, the spit and the cemetery. I told her about the salt marsh and we walked the beach back as far as the salt pond and then headed up to the dorm. I showed her my room and we made dinner together with some left over course food.
After dinner I packed up some sleeping bags and all that we would need for the night for the both of us, grabbed a pad from logistics and we headed up to the north end of the island to sleep out for the night. We slept on a tent platform all the way at the north end of the island. We had some very good conversations and I feel like we really bonded. We enjoyed each others company and I see some similar times in the future together. When morning came we watched the sun rise, sang some hymns and songs from my Rise up Singing book, she read to me some from the book that she is reading. I forget the title, but it is by Steinbeck and has Eden in the title. I recited some Robert Service poetry as we hiked back up to the dorm where I changed to get ready for Church. We caught the 0800 boat off the island.
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My cell phone is down for a couple of weeks, because of overuse, and to save some money so I have mainly been using my VOIP (internet phone). That doesn't really help when I am out and about town though. I have a phone card to use on pay phones when I can find one. A woman from church who Sasha introduced me to and who I have stayed with when I have been stuck on shore was comeing out to camp out on the island on Saturday night, so I was trying to touch base with her. She was at a wedding all afternoon. So as I rode the red line to central square in Cambridge I left some messages for her letting her know where I would meet her and escort her to the dock. I waited for a bit at a little park in Central Square and just as I was about to head back to the dock to meet her there, I got a hold of her. She was just around the corner at her place and one of her roomates was going to drive us to the dock. They picked me up and we got to the dock just before the MVOB got in.
Natasha and I rode up in the wheel house of course. Jackie let me run her on the way back dock to dock. I told Natasha all about the harbor. When we got in, I showed her the engine room, then we went on a little hike to the south end of the island. I showed her the alpine tower, the spit and the cemetery. I told her about the salt marsh and we walked the beach back as far as the salt pond and then headed up to the dorm. I showed her my room and we made dinner together with some left over course food.
After dinner I packed up some sleeping bags and all that we would need for the night for the both of us, grabbed a pad from logistics and we headed up to the north end of the island to sleep out for the night. We slept on a tent platform all the way at the north end of the island. We had some very good conversations and I feel like we really bonded. We enjoyed each others company and I see some similar times in the future together. When morning came we watched the sun rise, sang some hymns and songs from my Rise up Singing book, she read to me some from the book that she is reading. I forget the title, but it is by Steinbeck and has Eden in the title. I recited some Robert Service poetry as we hiked back up to the dorm where I changed to get ready for Church. We caught the 0800 boat off the island.
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Posted at 01:40 PM
'Normal' Sunday
This Sunday was fairly 'normal' as far as Sunday's go when I am not working or traveling someplace. It did have a couple extra little twists though. The morning started with getting of the island as it does with all Sunday's, however this one I was not allow, but had a guest leaving with me. Not only was my guest Natasha leaving with me, we where both going the same place, so that made the walk and T ride nice since I had someone to share it with for a change. We had plenty of time, so we went to her place off of Central Square in Cambridge first so she could shower and change for church, then we took a nice walk partially along the Charles river with one of her room mates to church which is just off of Harvard Square. We wanted to make it in time for Sacrament, which we just able to do. I attend the sacrament service, but have not been taking it as I am not Mormon and want to be respectful of that. Then there is still my own issue as to wether I am even welcome at the Lord's table.
Church was normal, sacrament followed by Sunday School followed by elders quorum.... I am still meeting new people there and have a few friends there now too. Sunday School was from the book of Numbers and about Balam's Ass. A good story. Elders Quorum was about the priest hood, which was very interesting since I do not know the office's of the church and how they are organized in the Mormon church. So that was very educational and I took some notes.
After church Sasha (not Natasha, so you don't get confused), some others and I wondered into an arts festival that was going on in Harvard Square for a little bit. We weren't there too long before Sasha and I went back to her place for some lunch and to hang out. Her room mate Christina is back from Romania (her home), but has not moved back in yet. It was enjoyable to sit and catch up with Sasha for a bit, we had in little bits over the last few weeks, it was good to do all at once though. She eventually had other things to do and I worked my way back to catch the 1730 boat back to the island.
Capt. Mike and Emily had bought me some Pirates of the Caribbean cereal and gummy snacks and gave them to me on the boat. After the last boat run at 2030 we watched the last episode of Firefly together down at the duplex. They have been working their way through the series for a couple of weeks now. I was beat from a long weekend and little sleep, so I went to bed a bit early sunday night and was well rested monday morning. Sunday was a good day.
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Posted at 04:55 PM
Tue - May 9, 2006
LGBTQQITA
LGBTQQITA Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, two spirit, allies. All of which was the focus of our training for monday afternoon. Which is a lot to fit into an afternoon slot, I think our facilitators for this training would have liked to have done a lot more with us on this. The purpose of this training was for us to help to understand this people and be able to work with those that show up on our courses and may need some support. It was also to help us be an allie or help support those on our staff that may be one of these people. An interesting and thought provoking training.
Monday morning was our normal prep day for the upcoming week with the Wellsley Environmental education program. I am support this week, so I had to make sure to get all my support in blocks of time to be able to have time to work on Harbor School curriculum for their upcoming sail.
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Posted at 04:58 PM
Wed - May 10, 2006
Coast Guard Aux. Evening
The USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" and the US Navy Destroyer Cassin Young
This evening was my normal second wednesday of the month coast guard night. Fortunately I am on support for Wellsley so I was able to get off the island to make it. I found out after I got off the island that my AUX COMM class was canceled tonight (My USCG radio communication training), but the monthly Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting was still going on, onboard the US Navy Destroyer Cassin Young in Charlestown near the USS Constitution. I had some time to kill, so I just went over to the New England Seafarers Mission to see who is in, catch up with them and use the wireless. The office assistant was the only one in because she is working late tonight.
On my way to the Cassin Young in Charlestown Navy Yard, I stopped by a Bank of America and deposited my tax refund that I was very happy to get. It was funny that my federal return was just about the same as my RI and Mass. taxes combined! I also grabbed a quick bite to eat at the Burger King by North Station. I was at the Navy Yard a little early, so I could take my time walking by to enjoy the beauty of the USS Constitution. Our flotilla did colors on board the Cassin Young. That was nice. I wish I had a uniform so I could have been part of it. After the formal meeting I was finally was able to get fingerprinted, so I will have my number soon and will be a full member and be able to do more things. After all that was done, we were able to get a insiders tour of the ship. The National Park Service Ranger there is a member of our Flotilla, so he pulled out all of the stops to show us around. There was no way that I could have made the 2130 boat after getting finger printed and all. I had made a back up plan to stay at Natasha's, so I was glad of that. Part of me wanted to miss the boat anyway to talk with and spend a little time with her, so I called her from North Station to let her know I was on my way.
That is actually where I am now. She is on the phone with her sister Tiffany who is also a new friend of mine, her room mate and is currently in Pakistan for her work! I suspect that I will go to bed soon, and Natasha and I won't have much time to hang out because it is getting late and I should be on my way to the boat around 0600 or 0630 so I can make it to work tomorrow. I have lots of harbor school stuff to do as well as my support work and it is my turn to be in the dorm again tomorrow night.
I got my schedule for next week. Choices is going to be smaller than they thought so I get to work with Colin the director of OBP (Outward Bound Professional), on the challenge course, and I get to help out with the wilderness first responder class on their night sim, and even get a comp day on friday. The deck hand on the Outward Bound has been fired, so I will be picking up some extra work there too. Things are going good for me.
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Posted at 02:59 PM
Fri - May 12, 2006
Wellsley Support
This week I was put on support for the Wellsley environmental education. I don't often get put on support because I am a senior instructor. This week I was because there are lots of instructors available and I needed the time to work on developing the Harbor School sailing curriculum. Which worked out nice for me. I would spend about half of each day doing each, and took two turns in the dorm with the students at night because I was free enough to be doing my work for the Harbor School otherwise. One night in the dorm after the students went to bed Tye, John and I watched a couple episodes of Cowboy Bebop on my portable DVD player. My second night in the dorm we where all too tired to watch anything. We had so much support on this course that one day I was able to just wonder around with my basket and bag of tricks and help out by just facilitating a game or an initiative with some of the groups. That seemed to go over well. I got a little lax and started to lend out some of my props and portables too, but only to the people I trusted.
Thursday was water day the day that they do water activities like the salt pond restoration, the salt marsh exploration and data collection on fragmites for the nature conservancy. Ernest one of the lead instructors (the Blue Peter award from last year a.k.a. the instructor of the year.), hadn't gone through our training, so I helped him out with is salt pond and data collection. We joined up with the group Ernie was leading to share resources. Ernie and I had worked a bit together last week and it went well.
In spite of the rainy weather all week Wellsley seemed to go really well. There was lots of support. Two groups had students in wheel chairs, and activities where found to incorporate them as well. I had time to work on Harbor School stuff and to help out the boat crew in the mornings and evenings because they are now down one deck hand. I learned more about my new friend Ernie who I found out has studied under Tom Brown and has done a bit of survival training. Something I now want to pursue more with him. He is interested in getting on a tall ship so maybe we can work out a trade of some sort.
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Posted at 06:15 AM
Pictures of the Day...In The Fog
Container Ship in the Boston Harbor Main Ship Channel. Willauer Middle School Teachers Emily, Erin and Mara.
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Posted at 06:29 AM
Sat - May 13, 2006
PA- Camp Fetch, WGBH Boston
Last night I worked until 2100 on the boat and
got off on the Boston side at 2130 and headed over to North Station where I
caught the commuter rail up to Beverly, MA. I did not realize how tired I was
until I got on the train and was falling asleep as soon as I sat down! I was
worried that I would miss my stop! It was a pretty quick trip though. I got in
in Beverly and went into the bar right there by the depot to see if they could
call me a cab. I had a coke while I waited. The driver didn't know the way to
Project Adventure's Moraine Farm, so had to call for directions, but we go
there. I had a room in the conference center. I went in and went right to bed
because I was so beat. I had a great nights sleep and woke refreshed. It was
still raining and reports say it will rain through next friday.
Because of the weather the group, actually canceled, but Angel the director of Youth and College age programs talked them into still coming and we would stay inside. So they got there over an hour late. Which worked out fine. We planned a bunch of portables to do inside, including this new portable tp shuffle/ wild woozy... thing, that I may look into buying for myself. The group was the cast and crew of a children's public television called Camp Fetch. It used to be called Zoom kinds and it is produced by WGBH, Boston which does lots of public television shows. One of the crew members was an intern on Sesame Street as a muppet wrangler and had been inside the Snuffalophagus suite. It was a good group, since there goals where mainly for the new cast and crew to get to know each other doing portables inside worked really well.
After we where all done Angel dropped me off at the train station. I had about 40 minutes to the train, so I went to a nearby chinese restaurant for dinner. Once I got back to North Station, I hoped on the T and slowly worked my way back to the dock. The group left some donuts at Project Adventure, so I brought them to the boat crew and then left in the kitchen when I got back on the island. I heard rumors of flooding on the island and was very glad that my room was not among them that where flooded. Since today was my first day officially working for Project Adventure, I was given a guide for challenge course operations that they publish and my own PA t-shirt.
I plan for a relaxing evening tonight. Maybe I will watch a movie since I haven't in a while.
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Because of the weather the group, actually canceled, but Angel the director of Youth and College age programs talked them into still coming and we would stay inside. So they got there over an hour late. Which worked out fine. We planned a bunch of portables to do inside, including this new portable tp shuffle/ wild woozy... thing, that I may look into buying for myself. The group was the cast and crew of a children's public television called Camp Fetch. It used to be called Zoom kinds and it is produced by WGBH, Boston which does lots of public television shows. One of the crew members was an intern on Sesame Street as a muppet wrangler and had been inside the Snuffalophagus suite. It was a good group, since there goals where mainly for the new cast and crew to get to know each other doing portables inside worked really well.
After we where all done Angel dropped me off at the train station. I had about 40 minutes to the train, so I went to a nearby chinese restaurant for dinner. Once I got back to North Station, I hoped on the T and slowly worked my way back to the dock. The group left some donuts at Project Adventure, so I brought them to the boat crew and then left in the kitchen when I got back on the island. I heard rumors of flooding on the island and was very glad that my room was not among them that where flooded. Since today was my first day officially working for Project Adventure, I was given a guide for challenge course operations that they publish and my own PA t-shirt.
I plan for a relaxing evening tonight. Maybe I will watch a movie since I haven't in a while.
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Posted at 05:55 PM
Sun - May 14, 2006
Rainy Mothers Day
And yes, I did call my mother and wish her a happy Mother's day first thing this morning. I hadn't had a chance to mail her her gift yet. I wasn't in a rush like I normally am on a Sunday morning because I slept in and missed the first boat off the island to make church. It was not my intention to sleep in, but I was up a little bit late last night and since I don't use an alarm clock and usually wake with the sun coming in my window, it didn't work too well today because of all the rain. It has rained all week and it is expected to rain for another. I am disappointed that I didn't make church, even though Natasha is home in Utah, I still wanted to see Adam and Sasha if they where there today. I think it will be a couple weeks before I can get back there. So today I will shower and do some work on Harbor School curriculum, and hopefully put the finishing touches on it.
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Posted at 11:15 AM
Tue - May 16, 2006
Download Page
For those of you that are involved with the Harbor School sailing program we are doing, I have added some things for you to the download page of my web site. There is a document explaining the curriculum, a page for the log book, and directions for the Mark III sextant. This may be of general interest to others as well. There are other documents that may be of interest to you as well.
My Downloads Page
For Harbor School Look for the following documents:
Harbor School5-1.doc
logbookhourlies.xls
Mark III Sextant Instructions.pdf
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Posted at 02:01 PM
Wed - May 17, 2006
Woofer (WFR) Night Sim
Tonight I helped out with the wilderness first responder class as the safety officer on their night simulation. Vikki the instructor (the same one who taught me both times that I took it on the island), is teaching solo, so needed someone to help out with the night sim, just to keep an eye on things and help out if there was a real emergency. Zach asked me if I would do it and of course I said yes. It was great fun and the team really had it together. I need to look into working for one of the wilderness medicine instruction companies.
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Posted at 07:55 PM
Fri - May 19, 2006
Challenge Course Maintainence Week
This week was spent working with Colin, the
program director for the OBP (Outward Bound Professional) program maintaining
the challenge course. I have been unofficially made the assistant challenge
course manager, which I like. The rain prevented getting some things done, but
some equipment on the course was able to be replaced, some clearing of brush and
limbs in the vicinity of some of the courses was done, and some old cables and
platforms that where removed from some trees where able to be cleaned up and
trashed.
Tuesday was training for the senior site managers on the new no transfer belay system. I was invited to attend since I am assigned to do work on the course this week. The other attenders where Noelle, vice president of programs, Mara assitant program director, Bashire Choices program director, Raul choices course director and it was run by Colin program director for Outward Bound Professional, so I was in good company. In the afternoon the board of trustees came out to do the course including the president, so I was able to get checked off as site manager. I am the first of the core staff to be checked off as diamond course site manager.
So it was a good week on the course, and hopefully set the basis for much more work like it. Thursday morning I had to go in for my annual drug test. Dan Evans, one of our new Watch Officiers, but old to Outward Bound (PCOBS) went with me. We grabbed breakfast at Terries place before hand since it had been a while since I had been there and he hadn't been there before. It looked like a whole new staff there, but the grilled chocolate chip muffins where still good. Friday was a comp day, so I helped out as deck hand on the m/v Outward Bound for some extra money.
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Tuesday was training for the senior site managers on the new no transfer belay system. I was invited to attend since I am assigned to do work on the course this week. The other attenders where Noelle, vice president of programs, Mara assitant program director, Bashire Choices program director, Raul choices course director and it was run by Colin program director for Outward Bound Professional, so I was in good company. In the afternoon the board of trustees came out to do the course including the president, so I was able to get checked off as site manager. I am the first of the core staff to be checked off as diamond course site manager.
So it was a good week on the course, and hopefully set the basis for much more work like it. Thursday morning I had to go in for my annual drug test. Dan Evans, one of our new Watch Officiers, but old to Outward Bound (PCOBS) went with me. We grabbed breakfast at Terries place before hand since it had been a while since I had been there and he hadn't been there before. It looked like a whole new staff there, but the grilled chocolate chip muffins where still good. Friday was a comp day, so I helped out as deck hand on the m/v Outward Bound for some extra money.
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Posted at 12:55 PM
Sun - May 21, 2006
Course Director Training
This weekend I went through course director
training. This past week I was able to get checked off on everything that I
needed to have checked off to be a course director. I currently do not have
anything on my schedule as a course director, maybe as an assistant, but maybe
this will put me in a good place for next summer to have it all out of the way,
or if I am needed in a pinch, I am all checked off and trained up. It is a good
group of people that they have for course directors this year.
Sunday night some of us in Course Director training and others from the WFR training went to our office on shore for a training on the Harbor School curriculum that I conducted. I was able to get some sextants lent to us from Northeast Maritime Institute for the program. Fielding was able to pick them up for us on Sunday.
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Sunday night some of us in Course Director training and others from the WFR training went to our office on shore for a training on the Harbor School curriculum that I conducted. I was able to get some sextants lent to us from Northeast Maritime Institute for the program. Fielding was able to pick them up for us on Sunday.
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Posted at 07:56 PM
Mon - May 22, 2006
Capt. Michael's Friends
On monday I was thinking of getting off the
island to pick up a futon bunk bed that I purchased on craigslist.com, but I ran
into Michael and he told me that meagan a mutual friend of ours and one of the
first people that I met when I first came to Thompson Island, was coming out to
the island for a visit. She went to high school with Michael and was a deck
hand when I first got here. It was through her that I became friends with
Michael. So I stayed on the island and joined them for a cookout. Margaret
another friend of Michael's who I have heard of and who had heard of me and
refers to me as "Tall Ship Rusty" came out too. Meagan and I went for a walk
with her dog and got caught up. It was a nice cookout with good food and I
joined them on the ferry ride back running it on the trip over from the island.
Meagan Mahoney, Emily Grouber, Margaret.
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Meagan Mahoney, Emily Grouber, Margaret.
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Posted at 07:39 PM
Tue - May 23, 2006
Harbor School Woe's
The Harbor school has had no matter or luck at
all when it has come to the weather for their sailing program. They where
supposed to sail with us on Monday and Tuesday in preparation for their
expedition this Thursday and Friday. Monday the wind was blowing at 25 kts with
gusts to 30kts, so it was too much for them to sail since they had never sailed
before. Their was a 9:30 boat to get the Choices students, so the school just
turned around and hadn't back to class, and wasn't interested in the plan that
we came up with as an alternative for them. Tuesday the winds weren't quite as
strong, but there were white caps and it was rough at the dock, so it was deemed
not good conditions again. This time they did take us up and we did four
stations with them outside on topic such as navigation 201, soundings, celestial
navigation (sextants), and using the log book. We had some plans for them in
the afternoon too, before they leave on the 1400 boat, but they decided to do
their own thing, and go through the students gear to get them ready for the
expedition.
Captains
Comeing 
Corry Krammer Teaching on the sextant.
A student
using a sextant.
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Captains
Comeing
Corry Krammer Teaching on the sextant.
A student
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Posted at 07:20 PM
The Da Vinci Code
Tuesday night after helping out with the pulling
boats at the bosun's shed, I got cleaned up and slipped off of the island.
Three tall ships where in port and I was planning on catching a movie with some
friends from church a nice evening plan. I was able to check my e-mail quickly
before catching the boat to confirm my plans, and turn my cell service back on,
so I could reach people while off island. I had some time to kill when I got to
the Boston side of the harbor at 1630. So I walked to the Barking Crab with
three of the Willauer School Teachers, Emily, Erin and Mara for a drink. I had
a root beer since they server Harpoon (a small brewery in Boston) root beer,
which I have yet to find anywhere else. We had a good conversation and Natasha
called to fill me in on the evening plans. Emily and I split some shrimp.
After some good conversation we decided that we should be on our ways. Erin and Emily where on foot, so we walked over to fan pier at the court house to look at the two schooners there, the Spirt of Massachusetts and the Harvey Gammage. The Willauer school will be going on their spring expedition on the Harvey Gammage and the Westward, so it was good for the teachers to see them. I found out today when Chris Mancini one of my ship mates from the Providence called that another ship mate Matt is on board the Spirt of Massachusetts. I wish that I knew that when I was down there! The Roseway is also in over at Rowes Wharf (Boston Harbor Hotel), so I walked with them as far as there to see her too. Simon Colley a mentor of mine was the captain of it last summer and a good portion of our new watch officer trainees where at the crew at the time as well.
TIffany, Natasha's sister works not too far from the court house, so Natasha was going to pick her up there, so I stuck around in the area after looking at the schooners. Natasha called when she was close by so I walked over to where her sister works and she picked us both up. We headed over to Allston I think and caught the Da Vinci Code there. Adam, and a friend of his in a wheel chair joined us at the Theater. Tiffany's and Natasha's room mate was already with us in the car. We missed the previews, but where right on time for the movie. I enjoyed it, but don't get what all the contriversy over it is. It is clearly fiction and the "conspiricy theories" are hundreds of years old. Of course I am used to hearing them from my seminary and religious studies I am sure. However is someone looses their faith over a movie like this, I would say that they have a very week faith. The knowledge of symbols that the lead character had was inspiring and made me wonder what it would have been like if I went that route and engaged in those types of studies in my PhD work. I suppose I could always try to do that again someday. I enjoyed the movie, but need to see it again to take it all in. I did not read the book as many other people have and I really have little interest in doing so.
After the movie, I went home with Natasha and all of her room mates. We talked for a bit in the car and Natasha and I continued to engate in converstaion in between her calls to mom and to family members with birthdays that day. She got me a rock from Utah when she was home last week, because it reminded her of me as it was shaped kind of like a sail to her. that was nice, I have it displayed in a prominate location in my room. Since I had long missed the last boat to the island as I had planned, I crashed on the futon in their living room. In the morning I was the first up, so I let myself out. I grabbed a rasberry Mocha from starbucks on my way to the t-stop Dan and Chealse where waiting at the same t stop as I since they went out for bluegrass music the night before.
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After some good conversation we decided that we should be on our ways. Erin and Emily where on foot, so we walked over to fan pier at the court house to look at the two schooners there, the Spirt of Massachusetts and the Harvey Gammage. The Willauer school will be going on their spring expedition on the Harvey Gammage and the Westward, so it was good for the teachers to see them. I found out today when Chris Mancini one of my ship mates from the Providence called that another ship mate Matt is on board the Spirt of Massachusetts. I wish that I knew that when I was down there! The Roseway is also in over at Rowes Wharf (Boston Harbor Hotel), so I walked with them as far as there to see her too. Simon Colley a mentor of mine was the captain of it last summer and a good portion of our new watch officer trainees where at the crew at the time as well.
TIffany, Natasha's sister works not too far from the court house, so Natasha was going to pick her up there, so I stuck around in the area after looking at the schooners. Natasha called when she was close by so I walked over to where her sister works and she picked us both up. We headed over to Allston I think and caught the Da Vinci Code there. Adam, and a friend of his in a wheel chair joined us at the Theater. Tiffany's and Natasha's room mate was already with us in the car. We missed the previews, but where right on time for the movie. I enjoyed it, but don't get what all the contriversy over it is. It is clearly fiction and the "conspiricy theories" are hundreds of years old. Of course I am used to hearing them from my seminary and religious studies I am sure. However is someone looses their faith over a movie like this, I would say that they have a very week faith. The knowledge of symbols that the lead character had was inspiring and made me wonder what it would have been like if I went that route and engaged in those types of studies in my PhD work. I suppose I could always try to do that again someday. I enjoyed the movie, but need to see it again to take it all in. I did not read the book as many other people have and I really have little interest in doing so.
After the movie, I went home with Natasha and all of her room mates. We talked for a bit in the car and Natasha and I continued to engate in converstaion in between her calls to mom and to family members with birthdays that day. She got me a rock from Utah when she was home last week, because it reminded her of me as it was shaped kind of like a sail to her. that was nice, I have it displayed in a prominate location in my room. Since I had long missed the last boat to the island as I had planned, I crashed on the futon in their living room. In the morning I was the first up, so I let myself out. I grabbed a rasberry Mocha from starbucks on my way to the t-stop Dan and Chealse where waiting at the same t stop as I since they went out for bluegrass music the night before.
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Posted at 08:12 PM
Wed - May 24, 2006
Harbor School Prep
I got back onto the island and helped with COI's
(the Coast Guard Inspection to renew the certificates of inspection on our
pulling boats). We just had to make sure all the boats where rigged and had all
of their safety equipment on them. After that we demonstrated a man overboard
drill for them. They told us that we had one of the quickest recover times that
they have ever seen. Things went well and quickly, and we had some time, so
just went out for a short sail with some of the staff on the upcoming Harbor
school sail.
Watch Officers Dan Evans, and Bill
Assistant Watch Officers Corry Crammer and Kibuku
After our little sail, we spent the rest of the day prepping for the Harbor School sail. Getting all of our equipment together, making sure the boats where ready and deciding who would be working with who on the boats. We have a good group of staff for this course.
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Watch Officers Dan Evans, and Bill
Assistant Watch Officers Corry Crammer and Kibuku
After our little sail, we spent the rest of the day prepping for the Harbor School sail. Getting all of our equipment together, making sure the boats where ready and deciding who would be working with who on the boats. We have a good group of staff for this course.
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Posted at 08:33 PM
Fri - May 26, 2006
Harbor School Overnight
Thursday and
Friday this week was the Harbor School's over night sail to Lovells Island in
Boston Harbor. The weather was nearly perfect for it. It took us some time to
get all the boats loaded and issues like med forms worked through. We had four
boats and we all got off of the dock fairly close to each other. It was a nice
sail, we sailed most of the way and rowed a little bit too, making it to Lovell
island in good time. There was a NPS ranger there to meet us that would be
working with the group some. Fielding our marine operations manager asked that
if we could that we should take her out for a sail. So a few stayed behind to
watch the boats and the rest of the staff sailed with her over to George's
Island to see if the snack bar is open. It wasn't be she gave us a private tour
of the Fort Warren which was very nice.
When we got back before dinner I made a couple of phone calls, calling Natasha, and then giving Erin Gutbrod a call since I hadn't talked to her in a while. She is going to be doing an internship at a telescope in Arizona which sounds cool. We (the Outward Bound Staff) made our own menu for ourselves since we weren't eating with the students or doing anything with them once we got to the island. The Ranger Kelly joined us and Mitsu one of their teachers who used to work for Thompson Island hung out with us some as well. It was a very good chicken curry meal, and I experimented making a peach cobbler which did not cook all the way through since people where too impatient to wait. It took a while to bake because I was using an improvised bake packer set up to cook it. The part that was completely cooked turned out well.
I had a really good AWO on this trip which is always nice. Sean Patch one of our new watch officers in training. It was nice because I could trust things to him and didn't have to worry if it was being done properly. I even turned the con over to him a couple of times. We all slept on our boats so that we could watch them through the night, and then it was an early morning to get underway to make it back to Thompson Island in time for the school to catch the boat off of the island in time. Which we all did with only a short row, mostly sailing. We got in off loaded the students and spent the rest of the afternoon getting all of the boats cleaned and out on the moorings. Then we signed in our boats and gear while the AWO's did the rest of the camping type gear.
When all was done we debriefed. After then taking care of my own things I didn't have time to clean up to make the boat, so I didn't it rained anyway, and I didn't need to get off of the island. I showered up and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
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Posted at 11:25 AM
One of My Favorite People
Tonight I got to see one of my favoritest people.
Katie Cartier got back on the island for new staff and diversity training on
thursday night. I went over to the dining hall for dinner and to find her,
which I did. She greeted me with a great big hug, a couple actually. It was
good to see her. She came to use my computer to check her e-mail as Dan,
Chelsea and I watched an episode of Firefly. I went up to her room to hang out
with her latter.
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Posted at 12:27 PM
Sat - May 27, 2006
Duty Officer
Today I was stuck on the island all day as duty
officer. I shouldn't really say "stuck" since I chose it and it was a good day
of rest. There was a Boy Scout group coming out to the island, and they needed
someone on the island to be a contact person for them. I said I would do it
since it meant an extra day of pay. Since I would be here all day anyway, I
told Fielding that I would cover her duty officer day for her. I also told
Colin that since I was here, I could do some challenge course stuff for him too.
He gave me a list of stuff that I could do if I wanted to, but I never did get
to it. The Boy Scout group wasn't supposed to come until 1730, but then ended
up getting to the island on the noon boat at 1230. So I am glad that I was on
the island to assist them. They were low maintenance for me, but the leaders
didn't have the group organized well and had students wondering around without
adult supervision. I checked on them again in the evening and everything was
still fine even though Jackie's dog ran through the group unattended while they
where playing base ball.
Also today a couple former watch officers and staff came out for a sail. Among them one of my avid blog readers and fans Capt. John Vonk. I wish I had grabbed a picture to throw on here since he is such a fan. In was in the area for some Coast Guard Training. I wish I could have interacted with him more, but they came to sail and where off and I was "stuck" on the island. They had some non staff people with them as well. I had to be the barer of bad news and let them know that they needed screened medical forms to be able to go out. They where able to work it all out though so I am glad for that.
I decided to try to get on the USS constitution for their next turnaround, so I am trying to get a hold of the right person to do so.
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Also today a couple former watch officers and staff came out for a sail. Among them one of my avid blog readers and fans Capt. John Vonk. I wish I had grabbed a picture to throw on here since he is such a fan. In was in the area for some Coast Guard Training. I wish I could have interacted with him more, but they came to sail and where off and I was "stuck" on the island. They had some non staff people with them as well. I had to be the barer of bad news and let them know that they needed screened medical forms to be able to go out. They where able to work it all out though so I am glad for that.
I decided to try to get on the USS constitution for their next turnaround, so I am trying to get a hold of the right person to do so.
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Posted at 06:30 PM
Sun - May 28, 2006
Three Women / Hull Life Saving Musuem
Natasha, Sasha, and Emily.
Today was close to a typical free Sunday in Boston. I got up, made sure that things were well with the Boy Scout group as they where leaving, and caught the boat ashore myself. I had a nice leisurely walk to South Station, and caught the red line to Central Square. I dropped by Natasha's. She had some people visiting from New York. I rode with them to church. I only went to sacrament this morning. I caught Sasha who was leaving early as well. She gave me a ride to North Station and I hung out with her for a little bit at her place before she dropped me off. At North Station I was picked up by Emily and we headed down to Hull and Nantasket for the afternoon. So I got to spend the day with three wonderful women each individually or mostly so. It is no secrete either since they all read my blog! :-)
For Emily and I, it was our plan to go to the Hull Lifesaving Museum today. During the week you can take a commuter boat from Boston in about 25 minutes, but it doesn't run on the weekend and it took us over an hour to get there. It was a very pleasant drive down with lots of green scenery and big New England Houses. When we got to Hull, which I had never been to by land before, only by boat, we found that the Life Saving Museum was closed because they did not have a volunteer to run it today. Fortunately we found that Nantasket was a very little nice beach town that I did not know about. I will have to take my parents there next time they are in town, they would like it. We grabbed a bit to eat at a nice beach restaurant, they went for a walk and grabbed some ice cream at an ice cream stand it was this great chocolate raspberry flavor. Then we walked on the beach and put our feet in the water.
We drove back on a different route roughly following the shore line. I saw some places up close that I had always wanted to see which was cool. We got back to her place and walked down to the Constitution and it had just closed. This was the second time that we had missed it. We went for a walk, grabbed a drink and then I headed back to catch the 2000 boat. I need to get ready to head down to the Providence tomorrow to help out and to see Jill.
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Posted at 06:32 PM
Mon - May 29, 2006
Jill on Sloop Providence
Continental Sloop Providence
Today I went down to Providence to help out the crew with whatever work they where doing on this memorial day. So it was the first boat off of the island for me, which wasn't until 0800 because of the holiday schedule and then the next train down to Providence. Adria the educational coordinator for the Providence picked me up and gave me a ride down to the Sloop. Jill my good friend and Ship mate from the Niagara is now on board. It was great to see her again and catch up with her on her sea semester/ trip around the world. It was good to see Capt. Steve as well who I had lunch with at the new crew apartment that they are renting from former Captain, Austin Becker. I spent most of the day helping Jill and a friend of one of the new Watch Officers up here (Alice) work on the new boom to replace the one that was made to replace the one we broke in the Gulf of Mexico last year. It was a hot day and I think I got a little sun burn. They quiet work early at 1530. Jill and I went to get a quick bite to eat and I showed her some pictures and then I caught the last train out that would still allow me to make the 2000 boat back to the island.
Capt. Michael showed me a movie that a friend of his made about him and the M/V Outward Bound. Then I retired to my room for the evening to prepare for tomorrow. It looks like we will have some interesting weather, which should not be a surprise because it is another sail for the Harbor school.
Jill Hughes
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Posted at 07:16 PM
Tue - May 30, 2006
Way Behind!
I am way behind on my blog, so I am going to do
my best to get caught up. Stay tuned for at least pictures. I am going to do
my best to try to get this caught up before I go out on my first expedition. So
there will be at least a brief synopsis on things.
Rusty
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Posted at 06:14 PM
New Futon
Today after our sail with The Harbor School, I
rented a truck from zip car. Zip Car is a company in Boston and other cities
that you can join that allows you to use cars hourly which are parked throughout
the city. The rental included gas and insurance which is a pretty good deal. I
used my Zip car to go up to Billerica, MA and pick up a futon and frame that I
bought off of Craigs list for only $70. I have had it a couple weeks now and I
am loving it.
After I got it all put together, Will, Shawn, and Dan all came by to sit on it and break it in. Some rum got broken out which lead to a late night of sea stories. It is a bunk bed futon frame, so I have the top bunk for storage.
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After I got it all put together, Will, Shawn, and Dan all came by to sit on it and break it in. Some rum got broken out which lead to a late night of sea stories. It is a bunk bed futon frame, so I have the top bunk for storage.
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Posted at 08:38 PM
Wed - May 31, 2006
An Evening with Friends
Sisters
Tiffany and Natasha.After our prep day for the Harbor School, I headed into Boston on the 1600 ferry. First I joined Mike and Emily at a bar called the Independent. Mike meets his friends mostly going back to High School after work each week. So I went along and grabbed a bite to eat as well. A woman that I met on New Years Eve was there. She was interested in dating me before I headed out to work on the Lady Washington. I wasn't interested and haven't talked to her since I left for the Lady, so that was a bit awkward. I was saved by leaving to go meet up with Natasha, Tiffany and Adam, which was a new adventure.
Mike dropped me off in Porter square, where I bumped into Amann, who will be my course director for a course this summer, and who was a watch officer with me last summer. Then it was phone tag, well just me leaving messages trying to get to Natasha. Adam called and gave me directions to within a couple houses of where everyone was. After I started to leave, then Natasha reached me and it was getting to time to head back to the last boat, so we picked up Adam, then Tiffany Natasha and I just had ice cream in the car on the way to the dock. Tiffany almost came to the island for the night but, an early morning meeting (even though she works close to the dock) made her decide not to come out.
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Posted at 08:35 PM
Fri - June 2, 2006
Harbor School Course Director
Tuesday was the last of the Harbor School Day Sails. The weather was looking like maybe it could be too windy, but it actually turned out ok. Wednesday was our prep for the over night. We where able to get all of the prep work done in the morning and have the afternoon to ourselves. On Wednesday I found out that we would be running only four boats rather than five, so one Watch Officer and one assistant would have to stay behind. I was asked to stay behind and to take over the role of course director since we officially didn't have one and I had been basicly doing it anyway. So I finally got my promotion to course director. I had gone through the training for course director shortly before and got my check off form completed to be able to do so. So I was waiting for this opportunity to present itself.
Some of us got up early to prep the boats on Thursday. We where ready when the students arrived and where is much better shape than we where the week before. One assistant that showed up had other things to do, so didn't mind going back and not sailing, so that worked out well with the one that we needed to leave behind. It was a little different to be all involved in the prep and getting the boats ready, and then not to go out myself. Then in the midst of doing other things, I had to wait by the phone for them to call in and to be sure they are safe. There was some weather that came through while they where out, but they where tied up at the island at the time, so all was ok. They where able to get back to Thompson Island on friday before the storms as well. I was great to see the boats all sailing in together.
After all was cleaned up and packed away and we had a quick debrief, we all got on the 1600 boat and headed ashore. It was pay day so I rushed off to cash and deposit check, and then joined some of the others for drinks at a little cafe we like. The drinks where on me, since I was the course director and they did a good job with the course.
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Posted at 08:21 PM
The Raccoon
Today a raccoon was caught in a trash can, and didn't decide to come out until it was being loaded on the boat to go off of the island. It was spoked so climbed a piling until the boat left.
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Posted at 08:41 PM
Mon - June 5, 2006
Outrage run to Boston Light
This evening I got a call from Fielding. She was
trying to get ahold of Capt. Michael because there was someone who needed to get
off of the pulling boat for a family emergency. I went and found Michael. His
deck hand joined us, and I grabbed Will, when I grabed my chart sounding lead
and some other gear that we needed. We took the Outrage out to Boston light,
where the sea staff was on a mooring for their training. It was Chelsea, her
grandmother was ill and could die, so she needed to get to her and be with
family. There wasn't time for her to get her things for the 1930 boat, so
Michael had me run her accross to EDIC (the Boston side dock) in the Outrage.
Colin was leaving on the 1930, so stuck around to join us. On the way back
Jamie, the logistics person, and Logan joined us. I beat the Outward Bound
there, even though she left before us and the same on the way back. It was a
nice evening.
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Posted at 08:59 AM
ACA Sea Kayak Training
Colin OBP program director. Carl, out ACA sea kayaking instructor.
This weekend, I had the professional development opportunity to go through an ACA Sea Kayaking instructor training. There is need for some male sea kayaking staff at the end of the summer and I am in the pool of possible people to go out on that course so then put me through the ACA training to help prepare me for that possibility and for me to see if I would be comfortable with it. Because I was needed elsewhere I wasn't able to go through the Thompson Island based training. They will catch me up latter on that if they need to. It was a good training and fun. I taught the navigation section of it and the instructor said I did a better job than he does and he said he would send some work my way to teach some nav classes for him.
Emily, Kayaking Course director.
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Posted at 02:54 PM
Tue - June 6, 2006
Site Manager- Youth Contracts- Beaver Country Day School
Today I was working a day course with the Beaver
Country Day School. Paul our new contracts person was our course director. The
group was using the Alpine Tower and wall. We where a bit understaffed for it,
but it was our new staffing associates first time staffing such a course. I was
the site manager and it was my first time site managing for a course here on
Thompson Island. I set up everything by myself and then took it all down at the
end of the day by myself too. I had just enough time to make it to the 1700
boat when I was done. Will passed his captains test, so I took him out for a
root beer at a favorite cafe. Then I picked up some photo paper so I could
print out some pictures for my room, and back to the island.
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Posted at 07:41 AM
Wed - June 7, 2006
Rainy Day with Students- Fun with Captain Rusty
It was another day course today. It was rainy
and windy. This group was also staying the night. I didn't think it was a good
day to do the Alpine tower or climbing wall. Choices was still climbing it, so
we did too. Only one or two people in my group climbed the alpine wall, and
then we stopped because the students where getting too wet and cold an no one
wanted to climb. We got them changed into some warmer clothes and then did
lunch. After lunch we did some activities in indoor spaces and set up some of
the high elements in the gym for them to do. After dinner all the groups could
either go to the gym and climb or come to me and have "Fun with Capt. Rusty".
With played a bunch of fun games up in the Gardner Auditorium some of the ones I
played dated back to my youth group days. Winkum was a popular one with them.
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Posted at 07:58 PM
Thu - June 8, 2006
OBP
Thursday was going to be a day off for me. I had
a comp day coming. Wednesday night I found out of a need for a staff member for
an OBP course which is normally big money. So I said I would do it. The
message didn't get to Colin soon enough, he found someone, but could still use
me on support. The group a MIT international business leadership course did the
rafting inititive first. so I was out in a Kayak to do a rescue just in case
they needed one. I spent a lot of the rest of the day getting the Corn Crib in
order which is where we store pfd's, foulies and some gear for sailing and sea
kayaking. I had some things I needed to tidy up from the Harbor School and
hadn't the chance to yet. Since I was only on support and I did some thing more
related to my regular job, the day was counted as a regular work day and my comp
day was shifted to Friday.
I spent the evening packing since when I got off the island on Friday I would not be returning to Monday evening.
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I spent the evening packing since when I got off the island on Friday I would not be returning to Monday evening.
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Posted at 05:14 PM
Fri - June 9, 2006
Way Behind 2!
I am way behind on my blog, so I am going to do
my best to get caught up. Stay tuned for at least pictures. I did some
catching up, now I am only about a week behind. Maybe I can get all caught up
now before I head out on expedition and get behind
again!
Rusty
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Posted at 09:25 AM
New Bedford
My comp day, finally. After sleeping in a little bit, I headed off the island on a mid day boat and grabbed an Outward Bound truck from a group that was getting back from Canoe training and headed down to Fairhaven, MA to return some sextants that we had borrowed from Northeast Maritime Institute to use with out Harbor School program. After I returned the sextants since I was in the area anyway, I headed over to the New Bedford Whaling museum and checked it out again. I have visited a couple years ago after the ASTA conference when it was in Providence. I needed a hair cut to, so I found a local barber shop before heading back up to Boston.
When I got back into town, I dropped my things off at the mission after dropping my things off and then headed into town. I swung by the friendship to see if they had any berths for the night since I had to be on early enough in the morning that I couldn't stay on the island. So I dropped the keys off at the 2000 boat and brought my sea bag down to the Friendship and started meeting the crew and learning the lines. Emily Rolling came by to see me, so I showed her around the deck and Adam came by a little bit latter to see the same. Emily and I went out for a bite at a pub called Mr. Doolies, which had some nice Irish music playing from a live band. I hope to revisit it.
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Posted at 02:18 PM
Friendship of Salem
Waking up with the rest of the crew in the focsil, I joined a ship mate on a dunkin donuts run. I was given a safety orientation by one of the crew members. It is mostly a volunteer crew with some professional national parks people. I was put into a watch of new people to stand by and watch and then help out when needed. I wasn't able to go aloft, because I hadn't been through their training yet. Once we got going, given my back ground, I was allowed to help out quite a bit. I got to know a couple other visitors and interpreted the harbor for them. The USS Constitution got under way at about the same time as us. SHe did not set any sail, they don't even have them pent on yet! It was a nice adventure and I took some pictures of the Constitution underway. I needed to take off soon after we got back to catch my train to Syracuse.
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Posted at 09:19 PM
Sat - June 10, 2006
Dad's Retirement Party
I made it home this weekend to surprise my dad at his surprise retirement party. After 31 years, he is retiring from Centro bus in Syracuse, NY.
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Posted at 09:21 PM
Mon - June 12, 2006
OBEE Training
I missed the first two days of OBEE training.
The third found us at the New England Aquarium.
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Posted at 09:21 PM
Tue - June 13, 2006
All Staff Training-- USCG A
The main focus of this week was all staff
training, starting first with the already mentioned curriculum training, then
followed by three days of training concerning policies and things that we need
to know to run trips this summer.
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Posted at 09:22 PM
Wed - June 14, 2006
Sick Day-- PA
I debated it for a while and was hoping that it
would come down to this, but for me to do the greatest good for the greatest
amount of people, I called in sick and went to work for Project Adventure today.
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Posted at 09:23 PM
Thu - June 15, 2006
Shipmates Everywhere!
On my way back to the dock from North Station
heading back to the island after a day at Project Adventure, I ran into three
former ship mates in three minutes time. All happened to be from the Niagara.
They are all on different ships now too. Earlier in the week I ran into Matt a
ship mate from the Sloop Providence who is now on the Spirit of Massachusetts.
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Posted at 06:18 PM
Zip Line Swing of Choice Site Manager
Today not only did I get to check out our new zip
line, I also got trained and checked off on it.
Allie, The OBP intern.
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Allie, The OBP intern.
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Posted at 09:25 PM
Fri - June 16, 2006
Willauer School Graduation
It was bitter sweet. It was a celebration for the eighth graders for their Graduation, but for us all it was said as it would be the last graduation of the Willauer Middle School on Thompson Island as it is closing its doors for the last time with the end of this term. I attended the graduation for many reasons. I have substitute taught and have been a guest speaker in their classes over my years here. I have grown to know some of the students. Logan, the principle is a very good friend of mine and I wanted to support her. The students just got off of a tall ship expedition, so I of course was very supportive of that. I wish that I could have gone myself!
It was a saturday so I got to sleep in a little bit before the ceremonies. I dressed up in my merchant marine officers uniform for the event. I am of course always looking for an excuse to wear it. Things wrapped up around two after a lunch shared by everyone. I tool the rest of the afternoon to rest and do some odds and ends to get ready for summer expeditions. I had purchased a traditional 18th century straw hat and painted the name of my boat the Marshall Dodge on the front of it and then painted Outward Bound on the ribbon on the back. I borrowed some small screw drivers from Capt. Michael and after talking with him and Emily for a little bit, I fixed my prescription sunglasses with some parts that I had ordered for them.
Late at night before going to bed, I was board so google searched a couple old girlfriends to see what they are up to now. Marie, my first and the one who taught me how to sail lives in Rhode Island now and has her own marine environmental consulting business. She is younger than I and has her own business. I feel like I would be judged by her if she knew that I was mostly still doing the same thing that I was when we dated in the mid nineties. I feel like I should be doing more. She has a 50 ton inland masters license so I got some consolation in knowing that I have a 200 ton near coastal master. She also appears to be married now since she has a hyphenated last name. Carol came up on a couple recent jobs, but I couldn't see what she is doing now.
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Posted at 09:26 PM
Sun - June 18, 2006
MIT MITES Contract
This Sunday was a contract with the MIT MITES
program. The group was a group of treachers assistants (TA) for a program
through MIT that reaches out to bright but under privileged high school students
to prepare them to get into a high tech school like MIT. There where 17 of
them, most of which had gone through the program themselves. Rather than split
them up, we worked with them as one large group. Their where four staff on the
course, all leads. Matt, Christian, Mickey and myself. Paul the new contracts
apd was the course director for the program. It was a hot day, so we tried to
stay in the shade and drink lots of water. In the afternoon we all did the
dangle quad, and then pretty much called it a day.
I came off of the island on the 1930 boat, since I have to work for Project Adventure tomorrow and need to catch an early train.
The Pride of
Baltimore Sailing into port.
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I came off of the island on the 1930 boat, since I have to work for Project Adventure tomorrow and need to catch an early train.
The Pride of
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Posted at 05:48 PM
Wed - June 21, 2006
ASTA Interns
Today for the second year in a row I got to train
the ASTA interns in a day of team
building.
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Posted at 08:57 PM
Thu - June 22, 2006
Will and I on the Town
Will and I spent a good part of the day looking at tall ships in port and wandering around Boston.
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Posted at 08:55 PM
Sat - June 24, 2006
OBEE 35 C Prep
The past two days of been my preparation for my
Outward Bound Environmental Expedition. This is my first long sailing
expedition of the summer. Tomorrow I meet my students and we are gone for two
weeks. So there will be a two week dry spell on my blog, but I am sure that I
will have lots of stories and pictures to share when I get back. I am a little
behind on blogging, but with expeditions starting up, I don't think that What I
have missed or not written detailed information on will be caught up. Stay
tuned for blogs about expeditions though.
Me and my boat the Marshall Dodge.
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Me and my boat the Marshall Dodge.
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Posted at 08:41 PM
Sun - July 9, 2006
OBEE 35 C
I just got off my first open enrollment expedition of the summer and it was excellent!
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Posted at 08:19 PM
Pirates of the Caribbean- first viewing.
Today I saw Pirates of the Caribbean- Dead Man's Chest for the first time. It was bit overwhelming. I had just gotten off of course and had the final debriefing with my co-captain and course director. I wasn't planning on getting off island until the afternoon because I had to pack for a few days since I had two maybe three days of work with Project Adventure, which means I can't stay on the island and get to Project Adventure in time. I was walking down the dock talking with Bashire our program director about some things, when I was grabbed by Dan Evans another watch officer, and some others who where on course with me and was told we are going to go see the movie. I didn't even have my wallet on me, but was assured that I would be covered. So I gave in and went with them. Capt. Michael and I had planned to sneak off the island earlier, but even though it was approved by Bashire, a stop was put to it. So Michael already had tickets from then that he got a rain check for and passed on to me.
Dan and I went to find out about the showing and to get tickets. While we waited we grabbed a bite to eat then all went in. It was overwhelming because I didn't even have a chance to sit down, relax and get into the movie. The opening scene was one that we had spent days working on, and somehow the days were reduced to seconds and flashes on the screen. I was able to pick myself out of that one, as where some others who had scene the movie separate from me. It was easy to pick me out rowing because I knew what boat I was in, but you have to believe me when I tell you it was me. The other big scene that I knew I was in, I didn't catch my face the first time, but I did see my shoulder and knew it was me. After the movie I walked with the crew to the pub (Caitlin was the first to ask for my autograph), and then headed back to the boat to get back to the island, pack my things for a few days and leave again. I spent the night at the Seafarers mission and then was off to work for Project Adventure the next two mornings.
Capt. Will Davies and Myself at the Movies.
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Posted at 08:23 PM
Wed - July 12, 2006
Look for me in: Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man's Chest
I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean- Dead
Man's Chest again last night. This time with my shipmate from the Providence
Chris Mancinni, Sasha, Adam and a friend of Chris's. Here are a couple pictures
to assist you in picking me out of the background.
In the opening scene where the boats are storming the beach, you can see me jumping out of one of the boats and holding the bow. There where only six boats in the filming so where you see more than that, they CGI'ed more boats in. So I may be in the same frame up to three times, but you have to look really closely. In the scene on board the merchant ship where the sailors are fighting over a dress, look over the shoulder of the bald guy and you will see me (Minus the glasses) for a second taking up the upper left corner of the screen. You can see my shoulder at the end of that last scene too. Look for the green shirt that you see me wearing in this picture. There are a few shots of me rowing in the background, but I am really small and blurry and you would have to know it was me. Any time you see a row boat with sacks of cotton in the bow, that is me rowing or steering.
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In the opening scene where the boats are storming the beach, you can see me jumping out of one of the boats and holding the bow. There where only six boats in the filming so where you see more than that, they CGI'ed more boats in. So I may be in the same frame up to three times, but you have to look really closely. In the scene on board the merchant ship where the sailors are fighting over a dress, look over the shoulder of the bald guy and you will see me (Minus the glasses) for a second taking up the upper left corner of the screen. You can see my shoulder at the end of that last scene too. Look for the green shirt that you see me wearing in this picture. There are a few shots of me rowing in the background, but I am really small and blurry and you would have to know it was me. Any time you see a row boat with sacks of cotton in the bow, that is me rowing or steering.
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Posted at 09:40 AM
New Movie on my Web Site
I have added a new movie on my web site from my
last trip. Ever seen a rowing machine? Check this out. Rowing Machine
My Movies
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Posted at 03:19 PM
Thu - July 13, 2006
New Photo Albums on my Web site
Check out the new photo albums on my web site from my recent Outward Bound Environmental Expedition.
Capt. Rusty the Watch Officer of the Marshall Dodge
Captain Caitlan
OBEE 35-C Students
Photo Albums
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Posted at 04:21 PM
Sat - July 15, 2006
OBEE 36-A Prep
Capt Will and
Capt Rusty relaxing the evening before course prep.
After a couple days of working for Project Adventure and just a couple of days of rest I am back at it again. I am just wrapping up my preparation for another Outward Bound Environmental Expedition and will be meeting my students tomorrow. I have a good instructor team with me. I have Kibuku who is a lead instructor and another core staff member like myself and Chelsea who is one of the new watch officers as my co- captain. After having such great success with a co- captain last time (Caitlin) I asked for one again and they actually gave me one! With a co- captain I am also more in a mentor rule with them, which I also really enjoy and it seems to be working well.
It is late, I wish had more time to write, but I want to go into my course well rested. Maybe when I get back I will be able to fill in the gaps here and from the last course.
Intern Shanti
at Porter Square station on the way to get ice cream after a full day of course
prep. If anyone wants to write or send a care package (wink wink nudge nudge), I do get mail while on course as do the students. If you send cookies or other treats be sure to send enough for eight students and three instructors. I will be on course until July 29, 2006.
Capt. Rusty Rice, OBEE 36-C
c/o TIOBEC
PO Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
I can also get e-mail on course if you send it to OBEE@thompsonisland.org
Captain's
Medicine to make it through course.
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Posted at 09:59 PM
Sun - July 30, 2006
OBEE 36- A
I am doing a little catch up. The dates will all be right when you read this on my blog, but I am actually writing it much latter in an effort to get caught up. This last and my last OBEE trip at least for a time if not ever was a good one. Good Students, Good instructor team, good new explorations and some good challenges. We had an all boy boat this time due to the numbers. Of the three boats only one had girls on it. So this made for an interesting dynamic. However it was a good group of boys and not like my first OBEE trip in 2003 which was all boys and I often refer to it as the OBEE intercept course that I did. (Intercept being the course we do for youth at risk). I learned some things from my students we had two from Needem which I found out has the highest teen depression and suicide rate in the Boston area. We also had two students from Rockport, Ma which is near where we sail on the North Shore, so they provided some local knowledge as well.
We covered a lot of distance quickly more than once on this trip. Our first full day underway put us in Salem Sound at Brown/ Crownshield island. We left from Thompson island that morning. The other boats left the night before and one didn't even make it out of the Harbor! The other to Nahant, which is where I usually go on that day. We were trying to get ahead of some storms that where predicted to come the following day. This allowed to do some sail training in Salem sound after visiting Brown island and then do some service at Great Misery Island. One of my great high lights was when I found out that the HIOBS 22 (Indifatigable) was on a mooring on the other side of Great Misery from us. I know they where there, but they did not know where we were. So after evening meeting, I waded ashore, walked accross the island, swam out to their boat, climbed on, untied their rudder, un shipped it and swam it to another mooring where I tied it off, then swam back ashore holding in the laughter. This was all done to get back at Capt. Will (and Erica) for steeling my rudder and tying it to a mooring the trip before in freshwater cover/ Gloucester. I was in glee for days.
Since we where ahead of schedule, we got into Gloucester a day early and spent two nights there at two different anchorages. One day we broke the students into three groups and cycled them through some classed on navigation, sail theory and knot tying, that worked really well. Then we shore drilled to do some environmental lessons and Kibuku and I snuck ashore for some burgers and then Chelsea and I for some ice cream.
A new exploration was heading up the Essex river one afternoon and evening. I had never been up there and had been wanting to explore it. The tides where right. The weather was predicted to blow a little bit, so we spent some time sailing in plum island sound first before heading into the more sheltered waters of the Essex. There was one place where the tide was really pushing us and we had to use ferry angles to keep from hitting things as we moved back and forth across the current. The Essex is known for being really shallow at low tide. We found this out when we anchored for the night as close to the channel as we could and at low tide the front quarter of the boat was aground in the mud. It didn't hold us up at all since we wanted to move with the end of the flood anyway. The following morning we went all the way into Essex and went to the Essex ship building museum. The students where really into it. More two masted vessels where built in Essex than in any other city in the world. Which is impressive since some of them where close to 200' long and there where places that our little 30' pulling boat had to be careful coming in.
On the way out we decided to head to our resupply spot by going around the back
side of hog island, which is all mud flats at low tide. We made it around with
no problems using the steering oar, Chelsea at the con and tried something new.
Kibuku was very insistant that we try this since no one else had ever done it,
at least in recent memory. Everyones favorite high point of the trip was after
the resupply when we head out of the Castle Neck river with the ebb and caught
the flood just right to get down the Anisquam River. When we got to the half
way point the tide was against us, but not too badly, so we kept going and
going, under the railroad bridge it was a bit strong but doable after then
opened for us. Then the big challenge to go under the Blyman bridge into
Gloucester Harbor against max flood. The bridge opened for us and we hit it
with power strokes and all eight oars. We got past the half way point and
rowing with all our might we were standing still or just creeping inches with
each stroke so we had to bail out. There was a crowd along the bridge who got
out of their cars to watch us try. A bystander offered a tow, so we went back a
little ways dropped the anchor and waited for him. This second try with a
little less current and a tow we made in through to cheering crowds and anchored
in the Gloucester inner harbor for the night.
We were also able to visit the Friendship in Salem to do service on the way back, staying at their guest dock for a night. The last day we traveled from Short beach in Nahant all the way back to Thompson Island, beating to weather all the way. Fortunately this students had the sailing down and where able to hold a course to weather.
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Posted at 09:26 AM
Mon - July 31, 2006
Friendship Sail P-Town to Salem, MA
After debrief for our last OBEE trip, which was a little intense with some feedback that I got and had to give, I jumped on the 11:30 boat off the island and headed off. I may a quick stop at the New England Seafarers Mission to say "hi", and then dropped my laundry off in South Boston. I then jumped on the T and headed to down town crossing where I had a couple of copies of the Friendship crew manual copied and bound and then I had just enough time to make it to Long Wharf to catch the 1400 fast ferry to Proviencetown, MA on Cape Cod. I ordered my ticket the night before and wasn't sure if I would be able to make the 1400 boat so I got it for the 1830 boat. Since I was able to make it, they changed it for me no problem. It was nice to get there early enough to help out, have dinner with the crew and be able to relax a little bit before going to bed.
The fast ferry was a fun ride. I grabbed a snack and road up on the fore deck for a little bit. She really moves fast. I am not used to going that fast on the water! After we got out of the harbor, I sat down and napped for a while. I was pretty beat after some late nights and early mornings the last couple of days of course. I got in and stepped into the Pirate museum gift shop on my way up the dock. They had my action figure in stock so I bought a couple so now I have a duplicate set to give away. Then I checked in on the ship stowed my gear and helped with tours and loading cargo demonstrations. We had a great turkey dinner made by a volunteer cook who made great meals the entire time that I was onboard. In the evening I took a little walk around P-Town and picked a couple things up at the army/navy store there. I slept up on deck that evening as it was fairly hot below and I was used to being out in the open after course.
Monday morning we got up and underway early. There wasn't much wind so we motored the whole way. We did see some whales of of Stellwagon Bank which was neat. I was able to get my rig orientation out of the way, so I am allowed to climb aloft now. I talked with lots of interesting people some of whom I had met last time that I was onboard. On person has a son that is currently a cadet on the Sloop Providence. John Burn who is a watch officer for Thompson Island from time to time as well was there. I spent a lot of time talking with him and his wife. They are an interesting couple. John has been a watch officer for years and usually does the Island of Hope courses. They actually gave me a ride to the train station after we got back to Salem.
We got into Salem with the high tide, which is the only way for Friendship to get in. I caught a train back to Boston, and had enough time to pick up my laundry in South Boston and make the last boat back to the island. It was nice to be able to sleep in my own bed and get some much needed rest that night.
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Posted at 11:18 AM
Thu - August 3, 2006
Thompson Island Departure
After some unforeseen circumstances and upon some personal reflection the time has come for me to resign my position as a core staff member at Thompson Island Outward Bound. I had plans to be here long term, but that seemed just to be the "easy" plan. I have not been promoted as quickly as I would like to have been and I have become aware of some other positions that would be a good fit for my skills and experience. I am leaving in such a way as to not burn any bridges and to keep my options open for a future return. I have some personal things that I need to work on and Thompson Island is not the place to work on them right now. Tuesday night some issues came to my attention that started me thinking seriously on this and after meeting with some senior staff members on Thursday morning I chose to resign my position. I have long been thinking of all my friends who have left recently or will soon be leaving (Sasha, Jeff, Logan, Michael...). They where a big reason why I kept coming back and while I have new friends, it just isn't and won't be the same island without them. So I am off to new things now. I have applied for an Adventure Coordinator position at Asbury College in Kentucky (across the street from where I went to Seminary), and have talked with a couple of Tall Ships. In the mean time I will just do some work for Project Adventure and then fill in some on the Sloop Providence after they loose there summer crew.
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Posted at 01:32 PM
Fri - August 4, 2006
Night Out on the Town
Tonight was a much needed fun night out on the town. It started with getting off the island for close to the last time, at least in the immediate future on the 1400 boat. I ran into Capt. Michael and Emily and chatted with them for a couple of minutes and then they dropped me and my bags off at the New England Seafarers Mission. Chaplain Steve was in alone, so I helped him move some groceries up to the connivence store. During this time and before I had been exchanging some phone calls with Sasha and with Capt. Caitlin. Steve was just finishing up, so he gave me a ride to Cambridge where I dropped in on Sasha to spend some time with her and fill her in on what is happening in my life. The time was good but short, since I had to look up showings from Blue Man Group and maybe order tickets so Caitlin and I could go see it tonight. Sasha let me use her shower and bathroom so that I could get cleaned up and change in to my Captains uniform so Caitlin and I could go out on the town in style dressed to the nines.
I was in line at the ticket booth to get on the waiting list so that we could have two seats together, Caitlin called to let me know that there was no way that she would be able to make it into town in time (she was having her car worked on today), and said we should just get dinner and asked if Katie could join us, of course she could. Not only that since Caitlin and I were getting all dressed up, Katie would have to as well which is not something that happens often. We all gathered at the New England Seafarer Mission and then headed into town to P.F. Changs in the Theater District. It was a very nice family style Chinese restaurant that I have been meaning to check out. I was glad that I did because it was a very good restaurant and the company was spectacular. After dinner the adventure really started as we all drove up to Maine to Maine Maritime Academy to bring Caitlin's car up there so it would be ready for her when she gets back from Spain and goes back to school. We just to make a quick stop at Sasha's to pick up some things I left there and off we went.
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Posted at 06:15 PM
Sat - August 5, 2006
Maine Trip
I have always wanted to visit Maine Maritime Academy, and now I had my chance. It was a whirl wind visit if that, but now I can say that I have seen it. After our night on the town, Caitlin, Katie, and I jumped into two cars (Caitlin and Katie's) and headed up to Maine. Caitlin is leaving for Spain to work on a private yacht there that is a Schooner doing the classic ship racing circuit in the Mediterranean. Our friend Simon Colley is the chief mate on it and got her the job. Since she would be coming back and going right back to school in Maine she wanted to have her car up there. I offered to help her in any way that I could since I have some time on my hands until I am able to get my things moved off of the island and find my next job. Katie also offered to help. So the three of us took turns driving Katie and Caitlin's cars and keeping each other company all the way up to Maine. We dropped the car off and then found a quiet beach to sleep by for a few hours in the car. In the morning after some rest off we where again driving back down to Boston. We made a quick stop at Ducun Donuts for breakfast and then again close to Boston for Caitlin to do some shopping to get some final things she needed for her trip. We ended back at the New England Seafarers Mission where we started and Katie parted from us there. Caitlin and I stayed together hanging out. After we got settled in at the mission, Caitlin checking her e-mail and going through her things, and I checking in with Steve and Michael who where in since a cruise ship was in, Caitlin and I went for a walk and out for dinner. We went to Central Square and having dinner at a quiet little restaurant there. We return the the mission for the evening and crashed in the Chapel. Caitlin was beat, so fell asleep right way, I stayed up and did some thing including starting to get caught up on this blog!
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Posted at 02:02 PM
Sun - August 6, 2006
Breakfast at Terrie's Place- A day with Caitlin
Drawing of me
by Caitlin.This morning Caitlin and I went to my favorite breakfast place, Terries Place. We debated it since we knew that the OBEE course going out would be there too, but we where able to get in and out before them. It was nice since I hadn't been there much lately. The Irish waitress recognized me and had a glass of ice for me when I got up to get a bottle of Nantucket Nectar and then asked me if I wanted a chocolate chip muffin and even grilled it without asking. She knew what I always get. :-) Just as we where leaving someone called in to make reservations for eight. Terries' Place is not a place where you make reservations, but it has been crowded at different times when we have gone in for course prep, so we where pretty sure that it was the OBEE staff making the reservation and we where able to get out before them. We thought about leaving a note for them, but didn't want to be around since we were both staffed to be on this course in one capacity or another before each of our plans changed.
We left Terries Place and went down to Castle Island to walk around and
practiced our Italian from a book that she picked up at the mission. The ship
that she will be on is Spanish, but the captain is Italian and that is also the
language spoken on board. So she wants to be able to get around and communicate
a little there. So we practiced throughout the day. It was fun. We played a
little on the playground and then headed back to the mission, quickly passing
the OBEE/ Mountain Passages and CWC course start unnoticed. I grabbed my
computer and and sun glasses after we relaxed in the sea farers lounge for a
little bit, and off we went to the Borders Cafe to use their wireless. We
grabbed iced coffees and took turns using my computer to blog and such as I went
off to browse the book stacks. Eventually I took a walk around the block and
grabbed a Italian sausage sandwich from a street vender. While there, I
e-mailed the Sloop Providence to let them know that I am available. In a very
short amount of time, I got a call from Rob their executive director, saying he
would be glad to have me back, and that it would be Capt. Steve's decision, so I
would have to wait for him to get back from vacation. So that looks like it
will be a good prospect for me. Katie called us and we rendezvoused with her back at the mission which seems to be our base of operations these days. Katie gave Caitlin a ride home to Cohasset since it looked like it would be a day or two before she flies to Spain. I went along and we got ice cream on the way. After dropping her off we returned to the mission for the night. Katie left early the next morning to do a contract course for the island.
Caitlin will make even a tree blush! For her perspective of these events see
Caitlin's My Space blog.
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Posted at 08:54 PM
Tue - August 8, 2006
Mailing Address
For the time being any mail can be sent to my parents address or as always to my mail forwarding service in Anacortes, WA. When in doubt check the contact info section of my web page, or refer to this blog for the latest information.
7698 Morgan Rd.
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
1004 Commercial Ave.
PMB-301
Anacortes, Wa 98221
My phone numbers are still the same.
Cell: 857-928-9191
SKYPE VOIP: 617-381-4141
Parents: 315-635-6517
Contact Info.
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Posted at 04:56 PM
At the New England Seafarers Mission- Blog updates and Ship Visits
As seems to be the case during times of
transition while in Boston or while I am waiting for something and trying not to
spend lots of money I have been spending my days (and nights) at the New England
Seafarers Mission. It hasn't been so bad, but putting together a bunch of
padded chairs together in the Chapel, does affect your back after a while. Two
nights I had a friend stay with me, so that was a little different and took away
the boredom, so last night was the only night I was there alone, and I got in
late and pretty much went right to bed, so that wasn't so bad either.
Monday I slept in a little bit after Katie left. Since everyone had been working over the weekend with the ships Chaplain Steve didn't come in until the afternoon. I had spent most of the day catching up and answering some e-mail, updating my My Space account some and updating my blog for you all to enjoy. :-) Steve's new office is in the Chapel/ seafarers lounge where I had set up my computer to use the wireless. So we would chat periodically throughout the afternoon. Katie grabbed some things that I needed from my room for me and gave them to me when she got off of the island this afternoon and then dropped me off downtown.
Shortly after Katie dropped me off, I got a call from Sasha and she invited me to a bar-b-que with some friends from church. I hadn't done anything with her church in a while, but I was hungry and needed a free meal. I had been eating out a little too much lately and needed to conserve my money more since I don't know how long it will be before I go back to work. I had shared that with Sasha in an e-mail. So I worked my way over to Sasha's place, stopping at the mall on the way to kill some time, look at the new mac's and tape decks. Then I showed up at her place just in time to catch a ride to the bar-b-que. It was Mormon family night or something like that since Sasha is in a single ward it was all single people. We got their a little late so missed the devotion. I met a lot of new people which is typical when I go to such things. I ran into Natasha there, which was nice since we hadn't seen each other in a while, and I had just left a voice message for her and got an e-mail from her. We didn't have a chance to really talk, but it was still nice to see her though a little awkward for a second.
I got a lift with Sasha back to her place and then worked my way back to the mission for the night where I went to bed pretty quickly. Today was more of the same. Working on my blog and web site. Checking e-mail. I did try to contact the USCG cutter EAGLE to see if I could get onboard while she is in port and maybe sail with her on one of her upcoming voyages. I don't think that there are any crew members on board from when I helped out last time, so I may have to start all over again to make it happen. They are doing a trip up to Halifax, NS which would be really nice to get on, since Michael, Emily and I have been talking about going up anyway. I will see if I can get them on too.
This afternoon I did a ship visit to the container ship MSC China with Chaplain Steve. I just missed Caitlin dropping by the mission to get some new shoes that she left there the other day. I had hoped to catch her and join her on her way to the airport to see her off, but missed her. :-( Ida, who works in the office at the mission offered me a place to stay and a hot meal at her place tonight. Since it is what I really needed and I didn't have any plans, I took her up on it. That is where I am now. Still getting caught up on my blog.
MSC China at Connely Terminal.
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Monday I slept in a little bit after Katie left. Since everyone had been working over the weekend with the ships Chaplain Steve didn't come in until the afternoon. I had spent most of the day catching up and answering some e-mail, updating my My Space account some and updating my blog for you all to enjoy. :-) Steve's new office is in the Chapel/ seafarers lounge where I had set up my computer to use the wireless. So we would chat periodically throughout the afternoon. Katie grabbed some things that I needed from my room for me and gave them to me when she got off of the island this afternoon and then dropped me off downtown.
Shortly after Katie dropped me off, I got a call from Sasha and she invited me to a bar-b-que with some friends from church. I hadn't done anything with her church in a while, but I was hungry and needed a free meal. I had been eating out a little too much lately and needed to conserve my money more since I don't know how long it will be before I go back to work. I had shared that with Sasha in an e-mail. So I worked my way over to Sasha's place, stopping at the mall on the way to kill some time, look at the new mac's and tape decks. Then I showed up at her place just in time to catch a ride to the bar-b-que. It was Mormon family night or something like that since Sasha is in a single ward it was all single people. We got their a little late so missed the devotion. I met a lot of new people which is typical when I go to such things. I ran into Natasha there, which was nice since we hadn't seen each other in a while, and I had just left a voice message for her and got an e-mail from her. We didn't have a chance to really talk, but it was still nice to see her though a little awkward for a second.
I got a lift with Sasha back to her place and then worked my way back to the mission for the night where I went to bed pretty quickly. Today was more of the same. Working on my blog and web site. Checking e-mail. I did try to contact the USCG cutter EAGLE to see if I could get onboard while she is in port and maybe sail with her on one of her upcoming voyages. I don't think that there are any crew members on board from when I helped out last time, so I may have to start all over again to make it happen. They are doing a trip up to Halifax, NS which would be really nice to get on, since Michael, Emily and I have been talking about going up anyway. I will see if I can get them on too.
This afternoon I did a ship visit to the container ship MSC China with Chaplain Steve. I just missed Caitlin dropping by the mission to get some new shoes that she left there the other day. I had hoped to catch her and join her on her way to the airport to see her off, but missed her. :-( Ida, who works in the office at the mission offered me a place to stay and a hot meal at her place tonight. Since it is what I really needed and I didn't have any plans, I took her up on it. That is where I am now. Still getting caught up on my blog.
MSC China at Connely Terminal. E-mail Me
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Posted at 04:57 PM
Look Back :-)
Over the last couple of days and over the next few days I have been updating my blog. I have been writing some details of some recent events, but I have also been filling in some details from over the summer where I wasn't able to write much at the time, only put up a couple pictures or write a sentence or two. So if you are interested look back as far as June and you will find some more details. Make it a habit to always look back because I am always adding new things to previous entries as well as adding new ones. For those of you that are relatively new to my blog and are interested in tall ships, go back to January through March of this year and learn about my experience as first mate on board the Brig Lady Washington.
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Posted at 05:44 PM
Wed - August 9, 2006
Helping Michael Move
I got to sleep in a little bit this morning since
Ida waits for rush hour traffic to end before she heads into work, and it has
been bad lately with one of the big dig tunnels being closed because of a
ceiling panel falling and killing someone a few weeks ago. Ida gave me a ride
to the mission. I had a little bit of time in the morning to check my e-mail.
I am starting to get some responses from my recent blog entries. It was good to
hear from one of my biggest blog fans John Vonk. I met Capt. Michael Burpee at
the noon boat for his shift change to help him do some moving. He resigned his
position this past week as well, but has a couple weeks left before he goes
completely. He has been moving his things off the island and has a van that he
inherited to do it. I may use that van myself to move my things. I saw Ellen
and Allie from OBP and got to tell them that I am leaving. Mike and grabbed a
quick lunch at the Liberty Bell Roast Beef place in southie then went to get his
van from a friends house where he parked it. We then dropped the things that he
took off the island this weekend at his storage unit. He took Emily's car to
return it and I followed. I saw Caitlin (not Capt. Caitlin an intern named
Caitlin) and Dan walking by South Station, tried to blow the horn, but it didn't
work, tried to call, but I didn't have either of their numbers. I got Caitlin's
from Katie and called them once I got to dry dock ave and left a message. Dan
eventually called me so I have his number now too. They where on their way up
to Gloucester to evac a student. We picked Emily up at the boat, I hid in the
van in case there was anyone I didn't want to see (there was only one supervisor
that I though I should avoid). We dropped off some things at the good will,
then Emily Michael and I went to the Independent in Sommerville for dinner and
drinks. That rounded out the day with good friends and good fellowship.
Somewhat of a boring day to write about, funny that when all the good stuff is
happening I am too busy to write! I will continue to get caught up and add to
some of my previous entries about my adventures that only have a picture and a
sentence or two right now.
Michael and
Emily
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Michael and
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Posted at 08:09 PM
Thu - August 10, 2006
The Job Search
Today I am putting a lot of energy into a job
search. It is hard realizing what a good thing that I left behind at Thompson
Island with all the long term plans that I had attached to it. Plans that maybe
could be picked up again in the future but for now need to be put on hold or
replaced with new ones. I have lots of things in the works right now, but
nothing that really excites me like Thompson Island did. Today I was happy to
get a call from a program in Portland Maine called the Ripple effect. They are
an adventure education program that run out of an island of Portland. They had
advertised on Craigs list for a weekend captain. Sound familiar? I applied and
noted my adventure ed background and that I might be able to help them in other
areas as well. They left me a message this morning on my skpe account saying
how psyched they where to get my resume and that their program director (who I
found to be very impressive after I read his bio on their web site) would be
calling me tomorrow.
I put in also for some challenge course and college positions in the New England area including a couple of therapy programs. Then I wrapped things up by applying to a few tall ships off of the ASTA billet bank. So I have a few resumes out there. We will see what happens. Part of me would like to just take the risk and go back to school, take whatever part time job comes my way, find a cheap place to rent and really focus on it. With currently only one bill, my cell phone, taking on lots more expenses and maybe even debt for school is not that appealing. If anyone hears of any work that might interest me, be sure to contact me. Also if you know of an inexpensive place to rent in the Boston area, let me know about that as well.
I took a break at lunch time and had lunch with a shipmate from the Providence Chris Mancinni, and then we went over to his parents place so I could pass some pictures from our experience over to him since he had lost some when his hard drive crashed. That is about it for the news here. I am interested to hear about what is happening in other people's lives. Drop me a line sometime.
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I put in also for some challenge course and college positions in the New England area including a couple of therapy programs. Then I wrapped things up by applying to a few tall ships off of the ASTA billet bank. So I have a few resumes out there. We will see what happens. Part of me would like to just take the risk and go back to school, take whatever part time job comes my way, find a cheap place to rent and really focus on it. With currently only one bill, my cell phone, taking on lots more expenses and maybe even debt for school is not that appealing. If anyone hears of any work that might interest me, be sure to contact me. Also if you know of an inexpensive place to rent in the Boston area, let me know about that as well.
I took a break at lunch time and had lunch with a shipmate from the Providence Chris Mancinni, and then we went over to his parents place so I could pass some pictures from our experience over to him since he had lost some when his hard drive crashed. That is about it for the news here. I am interested to hear about what is happening in other people's lives. Drop me a line sometime.
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Posted at 06:19 PM
Fri - August 11, 2006
Good Bye To Boston
The Eagle was in port today, so I made my way over to see here. I had hoped to see her sail in, but by the time I ventured out from the mission after doing my morning e-mail, and internet thing, she had already made it in. So I took a leisurely walk over to the Coast Guard base to have a look. She wasn't open to the public yet, so I took just a brief look at the Coast Guard race car that they had out front, and thought I would walk over to Charlestown to see the USS Constitution since I hadn't been on board in quite a while. I took the full tour, but there wasn't anyone on still from the crew members I helped train when I was on the Niagara. They were a bit busy as well, so I wasn't able get a private or special tour. I did pick up a hat like what the crew wears and a challenge coin. After getting my fill of the Constitution I worked my way back over towards EDIC. I needed to pick up a final pay check from the office and meet Kibuku at the dock.
KIbuku and I went out to grab a bite to eat after cashing and depositing our pay checks. We checked out the Kinsale Pub down by Government Center and I gave him some pictures from our recent trip wirelessly from my computer to his. He has a mac as well. While there I checked online to see the hours at the Apple Store, so I could go look at a new computer. I found out that starting at midnight they would be open for 24 hours a day for a sale corresponding with a state wide no sales tax day. After saying goodbye to Kibuku at North Station where he had to catch his train home, I headed over to the Mall to look at computers and then met up with Sasha at Boston Common. I called and talked to Logan and my parents as I walked over.
At Boston Common I met up with Sasha and her dog Solie. They where there checking out Shakespeare in the park's presentation of Taming of the Shrew. We left a little early because Sasha was meeting with another friend to go out dancing and had to walk her dog back home, so I walked back with her to keep her company (and safe since it was a little late). I road with her to pick up her friend and then walked back to the mall after they got to the club that they were going to. That gave me just enough time to make it to the midnight opening of the Apple Store in the mall.
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Posted at 08:51 AM
Sat - August 12, 2006
MacBook Pro!
I have a new Mac! I finally broke down and got
the new MacBook Pro.
Because I had my nine month salary with Outward Bound payed out over twelve months instead of nine, I had a bit of money owed to me in my last pay check. I thought that I would use this to pay off a little bit of debt from when my jeep was stolen and I had to replace things and buy a new computer to replace the one that was stolen from my parents car back in December. I did get about what I expected to, but after over $1000 was taken out in taxes I only had enough for the computer. I only owe about $1500 on my debt and I am months ahead in my payments so it shouldn't be a problem. After joining Kibuku for a bite to eat this afternoon, I headed over to the shore to shop around and pick out what I wanted. I decided that the Mac Book Pro with the 15" screen was the one for me and best fit my needs. I had the sales person write down everything that I wanted, and then I had to kill some time until midnight when I could come back and get it tax free. Since I worked for an educational institution and (hopefully) would be going to school at Cambridge College in the fall (I have already been accepted), I was able to get the educational/ educators discount as well. It was a wad of cash, but baring things like theft and with a couple of upgrades, I am sure that I will have this computer for many years.
So now I have an even better, music, picture storing, dvd making blogging machine! So watch my blog and web page for lots of new and good material. Maybe I will even figure out this pod casting thing and add that to my repitour.
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Because I had my nine month salary with Outward Bound payed out over twelve months instead of nine, I had a bit of money owed to me in my last pay check. I thought that I would use this to pay off a little bit of debt from when my jeep was stolen and I had to replace things and buy a new computer to replace the one that was stolen from my parents car back in December. I did get about what I expected to, but after over $1000 was taken out in taxes I only had enough for the computer. I only owe about $1500 on my debt and I am months ahead in my payments so it shouldn't be a problem. After joining Kibuku for a bite to eat this afternoon, I headed over to the shore to shop around and pick out what I wanted. I decided that the Mac Book Pro with the 15" screen was the one for me and best fit my needs. I had the sales person write down everything that I wanted, and then I had to kill some time until midnight when I could come back and get it tax free. Since I worked for an educational institution and (hopefully) would be going to school at Cambridge College in the fall (I have already been accepted), I was able to get the educational/ educators discount as well. It was a wad of cash, but baring things like theft and with a couple of upgrades, I am sure that I will have this computer for many years.
So now I have an even better, music, picture storing, dvd making blogging machine! So watch my blog and web page for lots of new and good material. Maybe I will even figure out this pod casting thing and add that to my repitour.
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Posted at 08:54 AM
Sun - August 13, 2006
Moving things home to Baldwinsville
Saturday, after sleeping in a little since I was out late picking up my new Mac, I got up to become more familiar with it, and then headed back to the store to get a fire wire cable (so I could shift all my data over if I wasn't able to get to a store to have them do it), a modem (which they didn't have in stock). I met Michael in Davis Square and we went to pick up his van so I could borrow it to move my things back to Baldwinsville. We had enough time to grab dinner before heading back to the island. The original plan was to head out to the island on the 2000 boat with the change of the shift to Michael's shift and then pack all my things that were already all packed in my room into the truck and onto the boat and then slip off at 2100 boat, load the van and be on my way. The boat was a little late at 2000, so we had enough time to load the truck with one load my stuff, but not my furnature (a couple of desks and a book case), and not enough time to load the boat and for it to be on time. So we decided just to bring the rest of my things to the dock during the last run, load the boat when it got back and then just take everything off in the morning with the first run.
I spent the night on the island at the duplex with Michael. We shared a cigar and some island stories, then off to bed and an early rise to get everything off in the morning. There was plenty of room in the van to get all my things with furnature into it. I made a quick stop to the mission to grab my pack and computer there, some snacks and then off I went back to New York State. Gas was a bit much, made me glad that I don't drive much anymore. I got a call from Capt. Steve Brown of the Sloop Providence, and I was offered a position as basicly second mate/ relief first mate leading to relief captain. I was offered the same amount of money as what I made before, so I accepted it and will start in about a weeks time.
When I got into town I swung by carosel mall and dropped my computers off to have the data and setting switched over from one to the other. It should be ready for me the next day. I almost drove all the way to my parents house, but they are now living at my grandmothers house and have been since the spring.
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Posted at 09:05 AM
Mon - August 14, 2006
Home Visit
My visit home was a whirlwind visit as usual.
From Sunday afternoon until Tuesday night. I had to unpack everything from
Michael's van, find a place for it in my Dad's new garage and pack my sea bag
for the Sloop Providence. My parents are now living at my Grandmothers house
and plan to move completely there by next July. I need to think about getting
all my things there and into storage as well. I am thinking of getting a
container to put my things in and have gotten permission from my Dad to put in
on their property there. So if any knows anything about getting one, please
contact me. I also had to go through some antiques with my mother before an
upcoming garage sale to pick the things I would like to keep of my grand parents
things. Key among them is a Victrola record player, some of my grandfathers
fishing gear and an old fold down dresser desk type thing.
I gave my dad a dvd of Abbot and Costello movies which he is already really enjoying. They have a finished room in the basement now with a tv and dvd player in it that my day will move all his toy tractors and race cars in to. I slept in there on the couch while visiting. On monday we all went to see Pirates of the Caribbean two. After the movie I picked up my computers from the Apple store where I was having the data shifted over from my old one to my new one. It didn't happen exactly the way that I wanted it to, so that took a little while, but my computer has exactly all the settings that I had on the old one and is set up just the way that I like it.
Tuesday I made it up to the house to get the title for my jeep and some things there. I swung into the mall to pick up a modem that I had ordered the other day when it came in. I also got to see my brother, sister-in-law and niece briefly on that day. I gave my niece an "Uncle Rusty Pirate" action figure that I had bought for her last time I was in Province town. Like the one that I got in the Caribbean. I had all the things I wanted to bring with me to the Providence in a pile and didn't have a chance to pack it all neatly, so I just threw it back in the van to bring it back to Boston, so I ended up with a little more than I would have liked to have brought, but not too much. I left late on tuesday night and slept at a rest area on the thru way a couple hours away so I wouldn't have to get up too early in the morning.
My niece
Catharina with Uncle Rusty the Pirate action figure.
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I gave my dad a dvd of Abbot and Costello movies which he is already really enjoying. They have a finished room in the basement now with a tv and dvd player in it that my day will move all his toy tractors and race cars in to. I slept in there on the couch while visiting. On monday we all went to see Pirates of the Caribbean two. After the movie I picked up my computers from the Apple store where I was having the data shifted over from my old one to my new one. It didn't happen exactly the way that I wanted it to, so that took a little while, but my computer has exactly all the settings that I had on the old one and is set up just the way that I like it.
Tuesday I made it up to the house to get the title for my jeep and some things there. I swung into the mall to pick up a modem that I had ordered the other day when it came in. I also got to see my brother, sister-in-law and niece briefly on that day. I gave my niece an "Uncle Rusty Pirate" action figure that I had bought for her last time I was in Province town. Like the one that I got in the Caribbean. I had all the things I wanted to bring with me to the Providence in a pile and didn't have a chance to pack it all neatly, so I just threw it back in the van to bring it back to Boston, so I ended up with a little more than I would have liked to have brought, but not too much. I left late on tuesday night and slept at a rest area on the thru way a couple hours away so I wouldn't have to get up too early in the morning.
My niece
Catharina with Uncle Rusty the Pirate action figure.
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Posted at 09:06 AM
Tue - August 15, 2006
Farewell to Jeep
Cross country
drive in December 2000, I think this was in Wyoming someplace.
After having it off the road for over a year, and with all the repairs I would have to do to it from the time it was stolen, plus the fact it had been giving me problems from time to time when I was last driving it. I mean it has over 360,000 miles on it! Not to mention the current price of gas at over $3.00 a gallon. I finally decided it was time to sell the Jeep. I have been thinking about it for a while. I have done well without it. Using public transit while in Boston, the bus and train to get between cities, and a zip car when there are no other options. My dad's friend Matt said he would give $200 for it, I said $400 and it was his. My other option was to try to sell it at my parents upcoming garage sail. Matt took my offer, so when I was home, I went back to my parents house (they are now living at my grandmother's house, and that is where I stayed), cleaned my last few things out of it, found the title, and took a few minutes to sit in it, reminisce about our adventures together and many travels and say goodbye to an old friend. I had her since May of 2000. I had pretty much let go of her since it had been over a year since I last drove her. I will always remember the many cross country drives we did. She was certainly my favorite vehicle of the five I have owned since high school
Four wheeling on the campus of California State University Monterey Bay August 2000 during "Otter Days" This was an annual tradition during the three years that I did this program.
Pictures of all of my stickers during the final drive home from Boston to Syracuse after loaning it to Capt. Michael for several months.
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Posted at 09:17 AM
Thu - August 17, 2006
Visit to Logan in New Hampshire
Logan, by one
of the Yurts on the Browne Center Challenge Course.
While back in Boston waiting to head down to Providence I took the time to go up to see my good friend Logan in her new position at UNH's Brown center in New Hampshire. I got back into Boston on Wednesday early and in time to meet Michael at the noon boat with his van so he could move some things off the island. We went out to lunch and then I slowly worked my way back to the mission. I met up with a woman that I met on a web site called LIfe Knot which is a site to meet activity partners. Her name is Lisa and we went to high school together. She graduated a couple of years ahead of me, but we were in the concert choir together. We met a restaurant in Central Square after a tai kuwn do class she was taking/ teaching. It was a convenient place to meet since her class was there and I was staying at Nastasha's place that night on the futon since we had reconnected. The next morning I got up early and met Lisa again for breakfast at Terries' Place sine she lives in South Boston, then I had to catch a cab and rush to North Station to make my train. I made it just in time.
Logan was waiting for me at the train station in Durham, NH, where UNH is. I had been there once before when I went up to visit my first girl friend (then my ex) Marie, back when I was in seminary. Logan drove me through town, we grabbed some subs which we at at the Browne center and dropped a cooler off at a boat launch for a group that would be canoeing there. After lunch she had some work to do, so I just checked my e-mail and read over there policy manual for their challenge course. After a meeting she had she gave me a tour or their course and checked me off on some skills so that I could facilitate there in the future.
After work she showed me her place, and I got to see her dog that I have watched many times Abby. We went out for Pizza in town and then went to see Pirates of the Caribbean II since she hadn't seen it yet. Since I had seen it a few times (this being the fourth), I was able to tell her exactly where to look for me and she was able to see my face shot in the scene I was in. It was very good to see her again and spend some quality time with her, though my visit was short. I left the next morning as she had meetings out of town to attend to. The early train was running late, which worked in my favor, so I was able to catch it back to Boston.
Friday night I ended up doing some ship visits at Connely terminal for Chaplain Steve since he had his daughters 11th Birthday party. He paid for my cab to central square where I attended a going away party for Natasha's sister Tiffany and I spent the night there and helped them pack the car in the morning. Sasha was there as well. In the morning, I slowly made my way back to the mission checking my e-mail at the mall, buying a case for my dvd's and eventually ending up at a Starbucks in the theater district where I started to download the latest season of ALIAS on their wireless network. I was there when I got the call from Caitlin that she was back in town. Just getting back in fact.
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Posted at 09:19 AM
Sun - August 20, 2006
Move to Providence
Caitlin with a
little bed had from the Chapel floor!
Last night I got a call from Caitlin that she was at the airport and back in town. I was pleased that she was the first one to call me as she got back from Spain. She hadn't even cleared customs yet! I met her at the dock before the 2130 boat as she was heading out to the island. We met again this morning at the dock to go to Terries' Place for breakfast and catch up on stories. She had far more than I. While waiting at the dock for her, I ran into Capt. Will too. It was very good to see him. After breakfast I helped out at the New England Seafarers Mission as Caitlin rested in the Chapel. I had called Emily Grouber to borrow her car to move my things to Providence. I had just a little too much to carry on the train. So I got the keys at noon, ran into a few Outward Bound friends including Noelle and then Caitlin and I took off after grabbing my bags from the mission. I brought her home to Cohasset and then rushed down to Providence (or tried to, but traffic was bad in places).
I got to the Sloop Providence. Another new crew member Nicola was there, and I asked if she would like to join me for the drive up to Boston. She did. I got Emily's car back to her with a full tank just in time, actually a couple of minutes late. Not everyone had left the dock area yet. I ran into the program director Bashire as I dropped the car off. Nicola and I went to the train station, got tickets for the commuter rail, and grabbed a bite to eat and then caught the train to Providence. We called Capt. Steve and then Adria the education director to get a ride to the Sloop from the train station. Both were surprised that we had met up and were together. We watched Around Cape Horn on my lap top on the train ride down. Adria picked us up and I got settled in on the sloop and met the rest of the crew as they came back from a day off.
Nichola one of
our new deck hands. E-mail Me
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Posted at 09:22 AM
Back on Board Sloop Providence
I am not back on board the Contenential Sloop
Providence in my old position as basicly second mate and even in my same old
bunk, though the below decks have been completely redone since I was last on
board. Over the course of the season I will be mentoured into a relief mate and
then relief captain position. I am really looking forward to that and the
possibilities to follow. Stay tuned true believers!
E-mail Me
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E-mail Me
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Posted at 07:48 PM
Mon - August 21, 2006
First Day Back
Today was my first day back as a crew member on
the Continental Sloop Providence and it was a good tone set for my season here.
The crew was just getting back from a day off, so we got to sleep in until 0815
with a 0830 breakfast. I met the crew members that I didn't meet last night and
the Captain and his seven year old son, who I met when we were in the Caribbean
in 2005, Max came on board. I jumped right into chores and got to clean out our
new sumps in the bilge. To refamilerize myself with the boat and all the new
things they had me do the dailies and weeklies. Dallies and weeklies are checks
and readings that we do on a daily or weekly basis. Things like how much water
and fuel we have on board, smoke alarms, bilge levels, oil..... They had
Nichola, a new crew member that I met yesterday who went up to Boston and back
with me when I returned Emily's car join me, so I could orient her to the sloop.
After all that was done, I got started right away doing more mate like things. They had me in the engine room first, to remove the alternator so it could go into the shop and be check out. I then did more bosundry work, paint some gear and then putting some chafe gear on the boom lifts to protect them from the outhaul. We went out to lunch today to a pizza place. I found it neat because they had an actual wood fired stone hearth to cook it in.
This afternoon Rob Hoffman dropped by with the paper work I needed to fill out and update. It was good catching up with him some. This afternoon we picked up our cadets for the week, six 12-13 year olds, five boys and one girl. They are from Michigan and where going to sail with us out there, but since the Sloop was not able to go to the Great Lakes this summer because
After all that was done, I got started right away doing more mate like things. They had me in the engine room first, to remove the alternator so it could go into the shop and be check out. I then did more bosundry work, paint some gear and then putting some chafe gear on the boom lifts to protect them from the outhaul. We went out to lunch today to a pizza place. I found it neat because they had an actual wood fired stone hearth to cook it in.
This afternoon Rob Hoffman dropped by with the paper work I needed to fill out and update. It was good catching up with him some. This afternoon we picked up our cadets for the week, six 12-13 year olds, five boys and one girl. They are from Michigan and where going to sail with us out there, but since the Sloop was not able to go to the Great Lakes this summer because