Denning 10/6

Hello hello hello! Greetings from the ever-energetic Harvey Gamage! Ocean Classroom 2011 is in the midst of our longest passage so far… and by golly it’s quite a ride, between sunrises there is a constant hubbub aboard. We have been completely under wind power since our departure from the Chesapeake Bay area. The ship hit nine knots and was HAULING in big waves, winds and a wild vibe before reaching a spot of calm, during which two fish were caught, inspected and cooked. Matt, the fisherman, ate the heart of the first false albacore for good luck and we tied both fish tails to the head rigging in the name of tradition. Our Marine Science teacher Jason walked us through the workings of these fishies, one of which had been chomped on by a shark before being caught. The marine life doesn’t end here, a smack (group) of jellyfish floated on by, followed by yet more pods of dolphins. Bow watch was my first hour of watch tonight where ‘B watch’ had sunrise watch 0400-0800, during which about six dolphins played in the wake of the bow and because of the bioluminescence they were like little ribboned rockets, silvery and shooting forward and aft. And the soft little “puufft” as they surfaced was a perfect way to watch the sun peak up over the horizon. As the Gamage nears Charleston the air feels warmer and the sailing gets better, a fresh breeze has struck our sails and everything is going, going, going. Everyone is loving life in the big blue. Which is big… and blue.

Cherio! Denning