Programs Blog

Today has been a hard one. After a morning spent assessing the weather, the waves, and our options, Captain Rebecca called an all hands meeting to share the news: we won’t be able to go ashore at Rarotonga because the harbor is not sheltered, and the swells would repeatedly slam our ship into the dock with the potential of inhibiting our ability to leave port tomorrow. This news delivered with Captain’s usual “it is what it is” style was challenging for students, crew, and faculty alike. Many of us were waiting on the quarterdeck in our “land outfits,” excitedly chatting about our plans onshore. Most of all, students were looking forward to texting home. For that reason, we’ve decided to use today’s blog to allow each student to write one sentence (this instruction not uniformly followed ? ) to send to their loved ones.

From Natalia: At least we saw a shark.

From Hunter: Hi all, I’m doing much better now! I was a body rolling around the deck for a few days with bad seasickness but I have my sea legs now and I am enjoying the sea life! We saw land today and I spotted a reef shark while I was on science watch! Can’t wait to get back and see you family! Lala you Dada, Mama, Tanner, Walker and Summer. I love you and I miss you Freja<3

From Kai: Heyyy family! Today was a reaallly long day (we weren’t able to dock in Rarotonga) but it was honestly really fun. Caitlin was stewstu today, and she came through with a lot of great food today. Starting with some delectable fruit platters (strawberries, starfruit, grapes, etc.) that Caitlin neglected to wake A-watch (aka me) up for. She redeemed herself with the banana bread and smoothies for morning and afternoon snack times. Besides we did a LOT of science and sail handling, SO much FUNNNNN. Love you mom, dad, and my fur babies (and siblings)!

From Daryl: Hi family! I was so excited to get to walk on land today and was quite upset when I found out we weren’t docking. But at least I got the chance to see land after over a week, which was nice. Dad, I played a game of chess and unfortunately lost, but my opponent was much more experienced then I was. I put up a good fight though! Watch was eventful; we all had a lot of fun pulling ropes and we saw a shark. Love y’all and miss you!!

From Nena: Hi everyone. Today was tough with preparing the ship and all the equipment for docking that is now not needed, however it will only take three more days to get to Palmerston. With lots of patience, looking forward to being able to contact family and friends then!

From Papang: Hi Mummy, Daddy, PPP, Lulu and all family members. The list is long haha. As mentioned above √ it has been a rough day. Did tons of work out today (carried heavy lines and fenders) – you guys must be happy I burned a lot of calories. Also processing chlorophyll-A for science lab ? So many things happened on the ship √ a lot to learn- very exhausted but I am really happy and fulfilled. Can’t wait to reconnect with everyone again and tell you all about this past crazy week and counting! (Read my blog “What’s your scale today?” if you guys haven’t already). I am well, healthy and smile a lot like Papang you know. Don’t worry about me, especially you mum. LOVE everyone and MISS everyone so much!  <3

From Zeke: Today Trevor and I gave each other haircuts, dealers choice.  Much love and best wishes!

From Piper: Hi Papa and everyone else! I won’t be able say exactly how this voyage has compared to the old program you did until it’s over, but the stars have been lovely and the galley work relaxing. I got my sea-legs pretty quick, and I’ve recently got over a cold that had me masked for a few days and gave me five negative covid tests. Even if I did have service, I have no pictures to send you guys. I’ll try to get a few of those between now and the next stop, but for now the missed shore stop dodged a dawn watch which would wake me at 1 am, so it’s not all that bad!

From Caitlin: Heyy, fam! I spent almost the entire day helping out the stewards in the galley (ship’s kitchen) and I learned how to make a chicken pot pie from scratch, made banana bread, and smoothies. It’s been such a busy day, but can’t wait to call soon. Love, Cait.

From Nathaniel: I am here, I am alive, and things are going swimmingly. Looking ahead to Palmerston Atoll.

From Casey: I miss you Katrina, Mom, Dad, Elliot, Watson, Nylea, chickens, hickory trees, et cetera! Rarotonga was so close yet so far. The journey is progressing with many hitches in its mazy manner, as any would hope for. I have figured out what points of sail are, and it makes NO sense to say that they “must go hard” on the Seamans! The rats have gnawed off three of my toes, but morale is high. Happy Birthday Dad!

From Michela: Hi. Doing pretty good now, but seasickness nearly took me out.

From Sawyer: Overall terrible day, but it’s still beautiful seeing the Cook Islands from the boat. I hope that we get to Palmerston soon, and I will call you then! Currently playing chess on the boat.

From Sydney: Mom, I swear I was going to text you but alas, we have no service. I hope you and Dad had fun at the concert (and got me a t-shirt). Tell Delaney I said hi. Hug little Jim for me. Love you!

Thanks for reading, and for sending your best wishes from afar. Wishing for fairer conditions at our next stop at Palmerston, Cook Islands,

Beth Mendenhall, Policy Faculty