Thoughts about Boat Life

Maggie Grant, B Watch, Deckhand

Hello from the Robert C. Seamans! Maggie here!

Now after a little more than a week at sea everyone is learning the ropes (so to speak) and getting used to our way of life, with rotating watch schedules, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and so much new information to learn. Seasickness wise, everyone has made it through and it looks like smooth sailing from here on out for the most part. The ocean has turned from a lovely green to the brightest blue. Sometimes in an idle moment, I love to think of what sea creatures and underwater ecosystems lurk under the boat at any given time.

When I go out to sea it is always a little bit difficult to make sense in my mind what an amazing experience it is. As with everything in life, this very unusual and wonderful time has a way of becoming normal, so I always like to remind myself when on deck, in the galley, or in the lab how lucky I am to be here with so many wonderful people in such a beautiful place.

Three things that I have experienced in the past week that brightened my day were (1) when we swam in the ocean and I opened my eyes and gazed down through the water and all I saw was crystal clear blue, (2) two mornings ago I woke up and I wandered into the galley to find freshly made cinnamon buns, and (3) when some of us played music on the quarter deck under the beaver moon (a full moon). It feels as if we have been on the ship for a while because of how strong our community is already, and I am really looking forward to the next five odd weeks and all of the things to come.

P.S. A warm hello to all of my friends and family that are following along!

Have a donut for me at the Sandwich fair and say hi to Tim for me!

Fair winds,

-Maggie