Programs Blog

Author: Meriel McGovern, A Watch, Roger Williams University

Ship’s Log

Noon Position
05 degrees 50.862 North. 162 degrees 07.62 West.

Ship Heading
070 degrees

Ship Speed
6 knots

Taffrail Log
1308 nm

Weather / Wind / Sail Plan
Motoring with the main stays’l Description of location: Leaving Palmyra

Souls on Board

To say our time in Palmyra was a dream would be an understatement. We set sail this morning to return to Honolulu and although I am excited for the voyage ahead waving goodbye to Palmyra was hard. We spent three full days on the Atoll and with a special thanks to the incredible team stationed on the island we were able to experience its beauty firsthand. From snorkeling three times, to going for a dip at the swimming hole and getting a tour around Cooper Island (Shout out to Chris, Allie, Tory and Sophia) we truly had an amazing time. I have to say I did pinch myself several times to make sure I was really awake and not dreaming. In fact, we loved it so many of us are considering applying for Palmyra’s 6-month volunteer program – sorry to all the parents out there, you might be seeing even less of us.

We had a relaxing last day on Palmyra yesterday. I went snorkeling in the morning and saw a manta ray and a shark! Other students went out on the small sailing boat Gene one last time or took advantage of the docked ship to go aloft.

At the end of the day we concluded our time at Palmyra by hosting a dinner for everyone within 100 miles (not including the space station!). The team on Palmyra set up tables and chairs on land and Cat and Gracie cooked an incredible meal followed by even more incredible apple crumble. We celebrated by dressing up and had fun swapping dresses and Hawaiian shirts.

I have to say I was very impressed by the result. You couldn’t even tell that none of us have showered for at least 4 days. Though we’re not too gross thanks to the rain; if you stand outside and put your head under the end of the canopy covering the quarter deck you can get a pretty good hair wash.

This morning, before truly getting underway today we stopped in the channel outside Palmyra for one last snorkeling adventure. I’m sure previous blog posts have talked about how amazing the snorkeling on Palmyra was, but this was even more incredible. I felt like I was swimming through one of those giant reef tanks you see at aquariums. The water was so clear, and the coral was so huge – some bigger than me! There were also so many beautiful fish. Some people even saw a sea turtle and a shark. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to conclude our time here.

Hoping everyone at home is well! Send us good vibes for our voyage back!

Notes for home:

o       To the fam – I miss and love you all! Only a few more weeks!

o       Mom– Don’t worry too much about me, you’ve probably been waiting for a blog post from me to make sure I’m still alive. I am and I am having an amazing time!

o       Dad – Thank you so much for trusting me with your camera. I have taken many pictures and I can’t wait to share them with all of you.

o       Deiniol – I hope your Opera and auditions went well! Good luck with all your applications!

o       Lorcan – Stay in school! You’re so close to finishing you got this!

Meriel McGovern, A Watch, Roger Williams University

Contact: Douglas Karlson, Director of Communications, 508-444-1918 | [email protected]