Well, we have seen a lot more of Penobscot Bay than we ever thought we would! Circling Islesboro has given us a new perspective of the area. Seeing the mountains juxtaposed with the ocean from our lovely TSSOM racing at a whopping 10.6 knots is a unique opportunity. Coming back into our beloved Searsport Anchorage, I was outside as we passed by Dice Head, the edge of our “home away from home,” Castine. Seeing the beautiful rocky coastline topped with forest, instilled a new unyielding pride in my college town.

Even though we are at anchor, the work still continues! Alpha and Bravo were both on Utility today. Two companies were cleaning the ship together, facilitating new bonds that would not normally occur in a traditional cruise. The upperclassmen Marine Transportation Operations majors, referred to as “deckies”, in Alpha and Bravo are practicing chart plotting. This is an opportunity for the upper classman to work together in further improving these vital skills as mariners. Charlie is on maintenance; they are fixing any problems that may arise. With the days seeming the same, most people would believe the ship’s many duties are dwindling. However, this has merely inspired creativity in tasks or allowed us to tend to jobs that have been consistently put at the bottom of the list. Lastly, Delta is on watch. They are monitoring the ship as we navigate the bay.

Captain Mac solemnly delivered the bad news to us that our port call in St. Thomas is officially canceled. The good news is that the essential part for the infamous lifeboat #4 is in New York. Subsequently, we are one step closer to getting out of Maine. We may make a port call in New York City. After only feeling steel under our boot soles, we may, instead, have the opportunity to feel plush concrete.

This afternoon is our cornhole tournament, hopefully the rain holds out!

Post By: 4/C Amiee Sala, MTO Alpha Company