This morning was foggy,
but warm on the hook at Tarpaulin Cove, near the island of
Naushon. Everyone woke early and enjoyed breakfast
in the fo'c'sle. After working hard to complete morning
chores, we launched the dories and rowed ashore to Naushon.
Everyone wandered the beach there, looking for interesting
signs of intertidal life. Bob Rocha, from the Coalition
for Buzzards Bay, identified and talked about the life
histories of the organisms we discovered, including slipper
shells, whelks, clams, mussels, eel grass and seaweed.
After a relaxing time on the beach and a chance to see the Ernestina
from the perspective of the shore, we piled back in the dories
to return to the ship. Once everyone was on board again,
we hauled back the anchor and sailed off the hook.
It was a beautiful day for sailing, with
force three winds out of the southwest and clear skies.
The students stood watch, practiced chanteys for tonight's
evening program and took some quiet time to reflect on and
write about their time on board so far.
At 1430, we struck sail and anchored in the
outer harbor of Vineyard Haven. During a short swim call
off the side of the ship, students and crew donned swim suits
and took a plunge into the salt water. Then, the program
took a trip ashore for ice cream at Mad Martha's and to pick
up Fred Littleton, one of the Bartlett Boys, to return to the
ship to learn about Fred's time on the Ernestina
during its years as an arctic exploration vessel.
Samples of group poetry written this
afternoon about our experiences on board:
By Krystal, Randy, Erika, Justin, Bob,
Jeremy, Erin, Kristin, Richard, Jonathan and Kristen.
1. Morning comes with soft
voices, steps above my head and cool shadows.
Sometimes we have fog surrounding us and the boat in early
morning.
I really love this ship.
We spent about an hour on Naushon Island.
Sailing is a journey of both distance and spirit.
We are together on this trip.
2. This ship is held together in
a moving design of wood, canvass and rope.
I have to duck as the boom comes at me.
Want a piece of chalk?
Ok, I'll have a piece of chicken.
I hate the wind,
But this boat is home.
3. I see a piece of cheese.
We hear the sounds of the ship moving through the waves.
Think first, then act.
I feel the strong rage of the sun.
4. We wake up very early in the
morning.
I really hate fog.
We had to do chores this morning to take care of the ship.
The Elizabeth Islands shape the lower jaw of Buzzards Bay.
We are on a three-day journey.
Together we will make it through.
Program Coordinators: Polly Zajac, Kristen
Sharpless
Captain: Willi Bank
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Gwen Reviews a Chart with
Krystal
A
Future Fireman.
Kristin Scrubs the Deck
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