We left Nassau Friday under reverse power and the guidance of two tugs pushing and pulling the MV Explorer in a big 3-point turn so we could point out to sea. We hustled north and east on an altered course to avoid a hurricane (Gustav) and managed to just miss a tropical storm. Not so lucky for the Cayman Islands, I hear.
Captain Roman Krstanovic (Croatia) took the helm and made a quiet, orderly and thorough inspection of the muster stations during the life boat drill. He seems to carry the weight of his ship's burden easily on his 2 meter frame. Passing for an older Liam Neeson with an efficient haircut, he glowed with determined energy in his walk around the ship.
When the drill ended, we moved to deck 6 forward balcony to wave good bye to the parents of all of our students in the Bahamas. Lots of tears and hugs among students and a reality setting in for staff and faculty after a few quiet and under-crowded days on this ship. All these feelings were driven home with a three-horn blast so loud it made my eyes water and my heart jump.
The next day of sailing had us pass within sight of a handful of nameless Bahama islands and finally Cuba from the Starboard side before sunset. This morning had us sail into Puerto Rico harbor where we were boarded and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard before our current refueling. We'll depart here about 1600. The weather is hot and muggy, 84 degrees farenheit, same as the water temp. Lightning and thunder are visible and audible within a few miles. Classes keep on going. I'm off to work a shift at the activity desk!
3 comments:
YAY for Capt. Roman!!!
Say "hi" for me. He is the best.
Glad you've avoided Gustav. Joe is doing volunteer work for the Red Cross so he got deployed to LA for the relief efforts if Gustav is as bad as it could be.
love you guys!
Liam Neeson, eh? Is he single? ;)
YAY! it sounds amazing so far, and it's only the beginning! i'm so glad i can keep tabs on you guys. Keep blogging, Bloggy McBlogster.
Post a Comment