Samana
>> Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Harvey Gamage crew at Cascada de Limon!
A Note from the Captain
From the Captain
October 29, 2010
Well I’ve left it long enough. We are in Samana, The Dominican Republic, and the students are now well immersed in the ways of the sea they have ( for the most part) learned Port from Starboard, Aft from Forward, And Below deck from Above.
Not that the road is easy if you have a student or friend aboard You must know they have had to work hard for their introduction not only cleaning Heads (toilets) and helmsanship(steering) and Navigating( finding our way) but all the other studying that goes with school.
After a slow start being stuck by weather in Mystic we went like a train bound for the Chesapeake bay However like all true voyages your destination isn’t always what you intended and yet more Fall weather decided our fate, ever at the mercy of the sea, we took her hint and made our way around Cape Hatteras and the other” Fearsome” capes to Charleston SC . Catching Fish and steering large making sometimes a steady 9 kts or 3 depending.
Charleston as always a welcome stop getting our mail bills for me and cookies for everyone else.
My time is passed by the pure pleasure of watching a student like Megan catch her first fish, Brooks comes back into form from a former voyage, Cat is a genius at Navigation, Janelle always has the first answer to a math problem and shows off her new found “guns” Ian perseveres through seasickness and manages to keep up. So many small victories and my heart swells with pride as one watch tacks the ship.
One such incident on this last passage from Fla. to the DR the watch informs me of some nasty squall ahead, you can see some wind in it,(a lot!) so in my calm Captain voice I say “ take in your jibs” and next I know they are down. Then I’m thinking “ Maybe the Mainsail” To a sailor when you think it you should do it. So “take in the main” and the students are on it. Its done as if by professionals During this Squall the wind was so hard the rain hurt when it hit you.
If only you could see what I see You would be so proud. So happy.
Fair winds, Captain Flansburg
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Samana, Dominican Republic
Janelle Garcelon
The market place in Samana is important to many natives of the town. Before we headed to the beach, we stopped by the market to buy fresh fruit. Between the natives not speaking much English and not remembering the exchange rate, our attempts to buy a pineapple were quite interesting. Even though I’ve taken Spanish throughout my Proctor education, the moment I tried to ask simple questions my mind went blank. Jessy Lee was able to barter with someone to get a pineapple for twenty pesos. After the market, we headed to Playa Rincon for a relaxing day at the beach.
Megan Subsick
In the transit from Samana to Virgin Gorda (we skipped St. Eustatius), many events occurred such as Halloween (I dressed as a giraffe), being splashed with waves, and seeing diverse sea life. Nothing can compare to Trifecta Vomiting. Yes. All I tried to do was comfort Janelle as she vomited for the first time on the entire trip, and then with one fateful turn to the right I saw Hannah More puking. That was it. I rushed to the side and before I knew it the contents of the food I had eaten only seven minutes before were flying into the water, bringing my vomit count to number 18. Trifecta vomiting – what a time. Eating saltines with Janelle and Hannah afterwards wasn’t bad either.
Ian O’Connor
The DR was an interesting place. It’s very pretty and Samana was beautiful, but it’s a country with an abundance of poverty. The men liked the blonde girls in our group. I loved how every day we went to the same ice cream place. I got crème de naranja (orange cream). It was so milky and good! It was needed for the hot Caribbean days. We went hiking inland and it was cool to see all the palm trees. I’ve never seen so many palm trees in one area. We went swimming in a waterfall and it was really cool. I’m so glad I was taught Spanish before going to the DR! A lot of the French students were lost in translation and were very confused the whole time we were there.
Hannah More
I was so excited when I saw land the day we arrived at the D.R. Once on shore, I laid in the grass and just released all the tension in my body. It was as if we had entered a new world. There were noises that I had not heard in so long: cars, motorcycles, birds, dogs, and other people. Samana is very different from New England, and it was nice to see something different after so long of the same. My favorite part was the waterfall and the local style food we got afterwards. I also enjoyed driving around on the rollercoaster trucks.
Maddie Malenfant
When we first sighted land we seemed like savages, almost animalistic – thirsty for the first step ashore. We wandered through the streets of Samana, flustered by the hustle and bustle of the racing streets. Cars and motorcycles whipped by as we desperately searched for a cold beverage to cool our exhausted faces. We visited a waterfall, climbed through dark, ominous caves, ate lots of ice cream, visited a famous beach, and struggled to communicate with the Spanish-speaking natives. At night we returned to the ship and soon set a course for Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.
Will Tower
In the Dominican Republic, we anchored in the harbor of Samana. It was cool to see tarpons jumping for their food next to the boat. We visited a school and the kids were cool. The jungle with the waterfall was sweet, but I wasn’t sad to leave for the BVIs.
Frankie McCormick
The Dominican Republic looked amazing as we approached it from outside the bay. You could smell and see every single palm tree on the Atlantic side of the island. It was a great accomplishment. It wasn’t like the smell of arriving at a resort, but something not many people will experience. It was the smell of pure nature and nothing else. Playa Rincon had the coolest freshwater river flowing into the ocean. The sand was fine and the water was light blue, pumping cool water into the warm ocean. These bodies of water made the swimming perfect.
Anne Raffaelli
After arriving at the Dominican Republic we were beyond ready to get on land. When you are sailing for days you realize how much you take for granted certain things like cold milk or ice. One of the first things my watch did when we arrived on land was get ice cream. Frozen dairy product has never tasted so good!
Cat Kinney
Visiting Samana was a completely different experience than I have had ever had. The right people were friendly and we never crossed paths with the wrong. The coca-cola was addicting. Practicing our Spanish was something we’ll look back at and laugh about. It was fun.
Steph Bonewald
When we sailed into the Dominica Republic and it felt like a huge burden had been lifted. The sun was shining and the rain pouring…Welcome to the tropics. While on land we took a van that looked like it was fit for a Safari to the waterfall Cascada de Limon. It was amazing to see the Dominican lifestyle and culture along the way. There were houses half built, stray dogs running about, barbed wire along schools, and crazy driving by the locals. Overall Samana was a beautiful port that I hope to explore even more in the future.
Brooks Robbie
My favorite part about the Dominican Republic was the bus ride to the Limon waterfall. It was an open bus as we sped down dirt streets weaving around motorcycles and dogs lying in the street. The scenery was amazing. Lush green forests of coconut palms spread across big rolling mountains.
Hillary Wight
I never thought I would be able to say, “I sailed to another country.” We crossed about 1000 miles of open ocean to land in a whole new place, culture, land. As we sailed in with the sunrise, the lush, green palm covered mountains stood out against the blue sky. It seemed that the multitudes of rainbows were welcoming us to Samana in the Dominican Republic. We anchored in the harbor, on one side stood a small chain of islands, on the other was the city. We were ferried in to explore, hike, eat, visit the locals, and immerse ourselves in the culture of the Dominican Republic. We visited the local market and bartered for fruit. We saw local students at a high school, we trekked out to a waterfall, and made our way to a white sand, blue water beach. Samana was vibrant, full of life, and we could have spent many more days exploring the city.
Klare Nevins
Coming into the port of the DR was amazing after 11 days in the open sea. The looming hills that fell away exposed layers of ancient rocks. Everything was so green and the weather changed fast. It would be sunny and rainbows would be in the sky. Then you would see a sheet of rain coming. It would hit you and you would be soaked. When we finally went ashore the first things I saw were cliché tourists and motorcycles. Here was a functioning, working city amid tourists. All I could thin about was how we were being perceived. At first it was overwhelming. As time went on we met some really nice people, including the instructors who taught us to dance in local Dominican style, meringue and bachata. We visited a waterfall that was so refreshing after being immersed in humidity. We were able to have typical Dominican food such as rice, beans, chicken, pineapple, and really strong coffee! We also had frosty cold cokes. Never has a little bit of America tasted so good! We took a bus back from the waterfall. Seeing how Dominicans in the countryside live was eye opening. The next day we went further out in the country. We saw local residents bathing under sprinklers in the middle of the street. Apparently they had just gotten running water that month. We only got a taste of the Dominican Republic. How would out opinions change with more time?
Olivia Owens
Finally making it to the DR was amazing. I don’t think any of us have ever been that excited for land. Getting to drive around was really cool because it didn’t involve us having to tack every time we turned. Driving and then hiking to the waterfall was a great experience. Swimming in the fresh water was refreshing! Afterwards we had a local lunch which was delicious.
On our transit from the Dominican Republic to Virgin Gorda I did not get seasick which was pretty nice. We could see land most of the time, which made it easier for me to tell that we were moving. A highlight of the transit was finding all my clean underwear in the bilge.
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Henry the Heron
>> Wednesday, October 27, 2010
During our transit from Florida to the Dominican Republic a Great Blue Heron sailed with us for a day!
Some words from our students crew after 11 days at sea.
Maddi Gilroy
Just when I thought I would go the whole long passage to the Dominican Republic without getting sea sick, my stomach turned and the gross green feel flushed upon me. Oh what a night…
Anne Raffelli
I was told that this trip would push my comfort zone but I had no idea how physically and mentally challenging Ocean Classroom actually would be. I also did not realize how much more I would appreciate this accomplishment. When I went out on the head rig for the first time and I looked back aft at the ship, I was so proud of what I was doing and amazed at the beauty of the ship that we, the students of Ocean, were sailing.
Ned Pressman
Days and days at sea. It is something that people often talk about but never experience, but to spend 37 days surrounded by the churning ocean is another thing entirely. It can be incredibly monotonous at times, but unimaginable. It is a strange thing to not see land for weeks. My appreciation of land is much greater now.
Steph Bonewald
I look out and see nothing but crashing waves and the dark black night sky. Occasionally the moon peeks out behind the clouds and I sit on watch as the waves crash on top of me in my foul weather gear. I look forward to solid ground after 11 days of rolling and tumbling on our way to Hispaniola. Likewise, a break from pumping the bilges. Dominican Republic, here we come!
Frankie McCormick
Today the Bro’csle (Foc’sle) got shafted, it is the 24th of October as I write this, just like every other rainy day there are two waterfalls coming in through the overhead bulkhead. One onto my rack and the other on Brook’s. Sometimes it is due to heavy seas and random squalls that we encounter on our voyage. As you read this no doubt there are waves crashing onto our pillows. Classic. Sleeping in the Grundens, not so classic. Ocean is still sick!
Jessy Lee
I slit its throat and eat its heart. Yes, that’s right. We passed some driftwood, which is usually a good place to find fish and the beautiful Mahi Mahi. Klare, Megan and I each caught our own Mahi. The two vegetarians and the upbeat humanitarians are officially as salty as you can get. Yes, all three of us ate the beating heart of a Mahi. There really isn’t a need to say anything more.
Klare Nevins
Who knew I would feel at ease on a heeled over ship with the ocean spray soaking me head to toe every other wave, not to mention the fact that there is no land in sight for many hundreds of miles. After 5 days of motoring on our passage to Hispaniola, the relief and joy I felt when the wind finally arrived is indescribable. The days no longer stand-alone. They meld together only defined by watch rotations of 4 hours each. When we crossed into the tropics, Lizzie our chef made us all smoothies. We have made it to the Caribbean Sea. Who knew I would be able to catch and kill, then eat the beating heart, and fillet a 40 pound Mahi Mahi. After a long night o pumping bilges I was met by one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. Still so much to see and learn. What does land feel like? I’ve forgotten. Give the pony a kiss and a carrot for me!
Olivia Owens
Today is our 9th day at sea without any sight of land and we get excited about the rare passage of other vessels. It’s been a really long voyage but I know I will never again take land for granted. Mr. Czasak has a wonderfully colorful wardrobe, which provides me with many talking points. His 70’s style facial hair is pretty cool too. A Highlight is getting to know my watch deckhand Mickey and asking him lots of questions.
Hannah More
Life is hectic right now. All the days have turned into one never-ending existence.
It is tiring both mentally and physically. But it is awesome, no matter how tired or seasick, or homesick I am, I love it. Oh, and Mr. Czasak has amazing song choices that can brighten anyone’s day.
Megan Subsick
“Fruit Loops”
Fruit Loops. Something I took for granted before this trip. Yesterday in ditty bag class Captain Flansburg sits on the two-step with a large bowl of fruit loop in his hand. Before I even have a chance to think about it the words, “You’re killing me smalls” jump from my mouth. He says, “What, do you want a bite.” Of course I do! He scoops me some fruit loops from his bowl and holds them out for me. I reach for them and to my surprise he doesn’t pull the spoon of dried cereal away. Never in my whole life have fruit loops tasted so good. I was in awe and my jaw dropped when I realized that I had eaten from the Captain’s bowl. Oh my God!
Janelle Garcelon
We crossed into the tropics yesterday! I was down below in my rack when we crossed and I heard a cheer from above deck. I ignored it—I thought it was someone puking or getting nailed by a big wave. Later we mustered back aft for a celebration, smoothies! After days and days of drinking nothing but warm water, the ice-cold smoothies were heavenly. As we hung out on the cabin top, drinking smoothies, dark storm clouds started to materialize overhead. I guess that’s one thing I’ve learned to love about Ocean; the weather stops absolutely nothing. We’ve had squalls for the past day or so, so everything is wet. Sometimes I feel as though I will never be completely dry again.
Cat Kinney
As we learn to navigate the seas, we learn to navigate life. The lessons we learn can and will apply to every part of life off the boat. We know how much we are able to change and how much can change us. Ocean is amazing.
Hillary Wight
Cleanliness is a truly relative thing at sea. On the sixth day of our passage to the Dominican Republic several squalls came through. After we hastily struck our sails the crew broke out in joy over the deluge of fresh water from above. We all ran around with the communal bottle of “Joy” dish soap and soaped up our hair and bodies with the rainwater. We then took buckets of salt water and rinsed then stood basking in the rain again to rid us of the salt. Feeling almost clean now, well, the cleanest we will be for the next month.
Maddie Malenfant
Our voyage to the Dominican Republic has been an adventure through and through. The sea was calm at first, even tame. But now the sleeping beast has come to greet us. Frequent squalls and heavy winds abound. As of right now it feels like we will never reach the island of Hispaniola. With every passing day we grow more anxious, smelly and salty. Today the sun finally came out for a bit. And our exhausted tired faces suddenly have seemed to light up as well.
Ian O’Conner
Nine days at sea. I’ve been seasick since the first day of this voyage and puking every day we’ve been sailing. There was one day where I thought the seasickness would kill me. (Although I was assured that no one had ever died from seasickness) I just can’t wait to get to Samana, in the DR and dry land. We met a lost Heron on the sea named Henry, he probably won’t make it. Can’t wait for this hell passage to the Dominican to end in a few days.
Ali Lynch
Today marks day nine on our long passage from Fernandina, Florida, to the island of Hispaniola and the Dominican Republic. Life at sea is becoming steadily easier, but at the same time I am yearning for some land. The past few days have been filled with rough weather and lots of puking. Not from me luckily, but from pretty much everyone else, some much much worse than others. Our crewmembers and educators have been laughing at us because we think 10 days at sea is a long time. We had an unexpected stow away for the past few days. Henry the great blue heron. He was probably blown out into the sea during a storm. Unfortunately, yesterday he left us. All I want is to see land, and eat cereal, lots and lots of cereal. We will hopefully reach the Dominican Republic within the next two days, and you know what that means don’t you? CEREAL!!
Brooks Robbie
Sailing is pretty cool. We’ve been out for 9 days now. My bunk has puddles in it. Literally. I’ve been sleeping in foul weather gear. Other kids have been getting pretty sick and puking and its funny. The weather is hot and the water is gorgeous because we are in the tropics. We catch Mahi Mahi’s every day. Everything is good. Last night a wave crashed on me as I was falling asleep in my foulies in my bed. I’m talking about a legit wave too. I just want to go swimming for real…
Cameron Lucas
Sitting in the salon, I was working on my homework. Then someone from deck yelled “Dolphins!” I quickly ran to and up the companion way (ladder to you) and across the deck. Looking forward I saw Brooks and our cook Lizzie looking from the bow. Being head rig cleared, I ran and got a harness and layed out on the head rig. Looking down, suspended a few feet over the Atlantic I could see dolphins riding the bow waves and surfacing for a quick breath under my feet. I was in utter disbelief and bliss at being able to be less than 2 feet away from these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Two calves were swimming close to the surface with their parents staying close by. For me, the feeling of being able to watch these wild dolphins is indescribable. You could never see anything like this in an aquarium or zoo or anywhere else. Only here, on the Schooner Harvey Gamage, 200 miles off the coast of the United States. These are the times I crave a future in the Marine Sciences.
Will Tower
Looking through a Sextant you don’t see reality, you see a fiction that you create with the turn of a dial. A fiction that helps you find reality.
Patrick Allen
We just passed into the tropics. I’m really excited to get to the DR after this 10-day passage.
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