Programs Blog

Saturday, November 2 2024
Position (Lat and Long):  41 29.07’N x 070 43.6’W
Log (nm):  1700 nm
Weather / Wind and Sail Plan:  Anchored at Naushon
Description of where we are sailing:  Anchored at Naushon

This morning was crisp and cool in Newport Harbor where we began our day
with field day. A weekly tradition/necessity, the Cramer looks scrubbed and
shiny after a few hours of deep cleaning. Our departure was slightly delayed
by the ship’s obstinate windlass which has caused some headaches for the
engineers in the past. I made up a fictionalized account of the events in
which the chain monster is our windlass.

Perched above the sea with an eye on the rolling waves and passing seabirds,
lives a monster who likes chains. We call him the chain monster. He doesn’t
eat chain, he just cuddles with each and every link. As the days begin to
shorten and the mercury drops, the 37 year old chain monster feels
increasingly creaky. This morning, the chain monster was rudely awakened by
the sounds of dish washing, floor scrubbing, and music. In rebellion, the
chain monster decided Newport Harbor was a lovely place to spend some extra
hours. Rebellion gave way to crisis (as is often the case) when the chain
monster realized he was stuck. That’s when the team of chainiacs appeared at
the ready. With the use of dual back scratchers, the chainiacs cajoled the
chain, link by link, into the chain monster’s arms. The chain monster spent
lots of time with each link, as the backscratching cajoling method was a
laborious process. Eventually each link was home, the chain monster content,
and the Cramer was on her way to Massachusetts.

In short, it took many hands to hand crank the anchor and all of its chain
up from the seafloor. It was a beautiful day and a lovely transit to
Naushon. On our way, I remarked on how barren the trees on the islands
looked as we passed by. When we left on this trip, the trees were still
hanging on to their green and mid-day still felt hot. The passage of seasons
is less visually apparent at sea.  Like going through some kind of portal,
it’s a shock to realize how fast time has been passing on land.

We are anchored again for the night at Naushon. (The chain monster has had a
busy day.) What many of us will take away from this day was the beautiful
sunset that lit up the sky with vivid pinks and oranges. We are poised to
head for Woods Hole tomorrow.

-Nora Jackson, 2nd Marine Tech, A watch

PS to family and friends.
Sophia L.- To family: I miss and love you all so much! Mom: I can’t wait
to see you at the symposium and tell you about everything! I hope nana’s
recovery is going well and I hope Colorado was fun! I can’t wait to do
laundry. See you so soon <3