It was a cold and dreary day when we departed from St. John’s this morning. It was a bittersweet departure just as the gray skies and the rain sprinkling on the deck might’ve suggested. Our departure left everyone with a feeling of completion, a terminus, because St. John’s was our last foreign port before our return home, and for that, many rejoiced. Since we left, everyone has been sharing stories of their plans for returning home. Some long to see their dogs and cats, others to embark on vacations with their families and some are just excited to be home. Leaving Canada hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows though. In addition to the impending final exams for Alpha and Delta companies, St. John’s has been the favorite port call for many. Though much smaller than the other ports we’ve visited, it was certainly in the running for the most beautiful port we’ve visited thus far. It featured a small city that found some way to appear quaint against the backdrop of a virtually untouched Canadian landscape. A castle loomed in the distance above a sea of greenery and sheer cliffs. What proved more remarkable were the crazy stories everyone returned to the ship with. Students went on hikes and discovered spring-fed ponds, enjoyed a view of the city from the Signal Point Castle or even became official Newfoundlanders by kissing a codfish. I’m sure everyone left with stories they would remember for years to come.

Post by: MIDN 4/C Cooper Parlee, MSE-5