SST 2010: June 2, 2010
Rough Waters
My night ended with a crash last night as the ship rolled and a full shelf of books crashed to the floor. It was only the beginning. It got nastier as the night went on. We hit some rough water, not the worst I've ever seen, but uncomfortable. The ship rolled all night. Anything not tied down rolled back and forth on the decks. It only re-emphasises why all on-board must have everything secured for sea at all times. It also makes you remember the old adage - one hand for yourself, one hand for the ship.
It was not a good night to sleep, and I know that Captain Smith was up most of the night, as were others checking on everything. Usually the gentle rolling of the waves is calming; in fact it puts you to sleep.
Last night it took all one could do to stay in bed. The noise of items sliding and moving around the ship was a constant annoyance. Most of us didn't sleep very well until the sea calmed later in the day. They say that the Bay of Biscay can produce large seas, from the low pressure systems to the West, and they were right this time through.
Things calmed down enough by dawn for us to enjoy our Sunday at Sea barbecue out on the sun deck. There were burgers and hot dogs for lunch, and steaks for dinner. The day was gorgeous, sunny in the mid 70s, clear, and with light southerly breezes.
Most on board were able to relax the rest of the afternoon, and enjoy the sunshine with an ice cream sundae for desert. A Sunday at sea, despite some early classes for the engine Cadets, is always a break in the weekly routine.
All in all, it was a good day at sea.
Richard Delbango
Ship’s Librarian
