Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
May 29, 2009
The second to last week of school started on a Tuesday after a four day weekend. Everyone seemed to be tired after their long weekend. It was supposed to be our final week of boat construction because the last week was reserved for priming and painting. We got a lot done on the boat. We finished making the thwarts (seats) and cleats (which hold the boat together at the corners). We primed the inside and outside of the boat and most everything is ready to paint. We just had a few minor things left to construct. The boat is looking pretty good and the girls are anxious to get it in the water! We spent our last day with GGNRA watering the native plants we worked so hard to preserve in previous weeks. We all received different animal temporary tattoos for our hard work! Friday was spent at San Francisco State University working on our final projects for history and oceanography. It was Iris' birthday so we had a little cake after school to celebrate. The girls have all been working together as a team and have definitely become a lot closer since the beginning of the semester.
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8, 2009
After coming back from our break, things still felt shaky for all of us girls. We still felt like we should be on the boat, or go back to the boat. There’s still apart of us that feels crazy that were back. We’ve been on the boat for six weeks going from island to island, and to be back home where the same thing happens over and over again.
Coming back we had our first day in the boat shop. We learned the safety rules, where every tool goes, and how to use some of the power tools. It felt different meeting the new people when I was used to the crew on the boat. It reminded me when we first meet the crew on the boat. Well after we learned the safety stuff and all that we started working on the boat that same day. We broke up into groups, most of us volunteered for the stuff we wanted to do, than the people who didn’t volunteer for anything just got put to jobs. They were just as good though. After we went to lunch, we came back to do what we had to finish in the shop.
On Thursday we went to a classroom and it felt really different because for the last six weeks we had class it was on the deck of the boat, it felt different being stuck in a classroom. I felt like I couldn’t sit still because I was use to the wind, the moving of the boat the crew yelling and the deckhands running around. This added to the feeling that this couldn’t be happing I couldn’t be back already.
I know it is going to be hard getting use to being back. Especially when I miss that boat, and I know most of the girls do too. The teachers said this would be the hardest part of the whole program but I didn’t know it would be this hard. It is like I’m glad to be home but I feel the need to be back on the boat, mostly when the girls start to talk about the memories we had on that boat.
Veronica Olimpiada.
Coming back we had our first day in the boat shop. We learned the safety rules, where every tool goes, and how to use some of the power tools. It felt different meeting the new people when I was used to the crew on the boat. It reminded me when we first meet the crew on the boat. Well after we learned the safety stuff and all that we started working on the boat that same day. We broke up into groups, most of us volunteered for the stuff we wanted to do, than the people who didn’t volunteer for anything just got put to jobs. They were just as good though. After we went to lunch, we came back to do what we had to finish in the shop.
On Thursday we went to a classroom and it felt really different because for the last six weeks we had class it was on the deck of the boat, it felt different being stuck in a classroom. I felt like I couldn’t sit still because I was use to the wind, the moving of the boat the crew yelling and the deckhands running around. This added to the feeling that this couldn’t be happing I couldn’t be back already.
I know it is going to be hard getting use to being back. Especially when I miss that boat, and I know most of the girls do too. The teachers said this would be the hardest part of the whole program but I didn’t know it would be this hard. It is like I’m glad to be home but I feel the need to be back on the boat, mostly when the girls start to talk about the memories we had on that boat.
Veronica Olimpiada.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
April 29, 2009
Arriving in Fernindina Beach, Florida once again was a bittersweet feeling. The sailing was over. No longer more did we have to lift the anchor burton, haul up the sails and get ready to proceed on our next adventure. And for someone who had a hard time adjusting to life as a sailor, I wasn't sure I was ready to leave my home of six weeks. I learned to enjoy the different hues of the blue sea, watching the stars & meteors at night and just living with everyone. No longer would we all be together at meals joking or Julia coming to wake me up saying, "Ro po pope, get up up up!!".
On our last day being on the ship we all did quick chores, ate a bowl of cereal and finished packing. It was sad to say goodbye to all the crew. Some of the girls and I cried as we hugged our shipmates for the last time. Reaching the airport and boarding the plane was not so joyful as I had expected it to be.
We arrived in SFO airport later on that night. We couldn't believe we had made it this far and the realization hit us hard that we were back home. We got off the airplane, took a quick restroom break and anxiously headed to the gates. In the crammed airport we all searched for our loved ones making our group size decrease. It was weird when I turned to see my mom and brother standing there waiting for me. I ran into their arms as my dad and other brother came to hug me too. We laughed, talked a lot and they thoughtfully gave me the gifts of a bag of hot cheetos w/ lime and a starbucks coffee.
Driving into the city and reaching home felt like a whole other place. My home had changed. Rooms were painted and mine had been redecorated. It was overwhelming being back and sort of gloomy when my own dog wouldn't come to me anymore. Instead he barked & growled at me but eventually he came around. Even taking a shower added to my new sensitive sadness. We weren't on the ship anymore!
I can see why Molly had us all meet on the Alma the following afternoon. Being together again felt normal except for a couple of girls who unfortunately couldn't make it. It was my birthday so we celebrated by sailing the Alma on the murky San Francisco Bay and having cupcakes & hot cheetos. It was very relaxing & calming to hang out with the girls and Ann & Molly. The crew was nice as well to have us accompany them. The girls all talked about how even at home we would wake up and stress that we were late for anchor watch or that we were using sailor vocabulary.
After having that get together, everything seemed to settle. Yes we weren't on the ship any more and would have to adjust being back home, but we knew things would be fine. The time spent in the Caribbean was a journey that was done but we still had our memories to hold onto.
Sara Rovai-Cortes
On our last day being on the ship we all did quick chores, ate a bowl of cereal and finished packing. It was sad to say goodbye to all the crew. Some of the girls and I cried as we hugged our shipmates for the last time. Reaching the airport and boarding the plane was not so joyful as I had expected it to be.
We arrived in SFO airport later on that night. We couldn't believe we had made it this far and the realization hit us hard that we were back home. We got off the airplane, took a quick restroom break and anxiously headed to the gates. In the crammed airport we all searched for our loved ones making our group size decrease. It was weird when I turned to see my mom and brother standing there waiting for me. I ran into their arms as my dad and other brother came to hug me too. We laughed, talked a lot and they thoughtfully gave me the gifts of a bag of hot cheetos w/ lime and a starbucks coffee.
Driving into the city and reaching home felt like a whole other place. My home had changed. Rooms were painted and mine had been redecorated. It was overwhelming being back and sort of gloomy when my own dog wouldn't come to me anymore. Instead he barked & growled at me but eventually he came around. Even taking a shower added to my new sensitive sadness. We weren't on the ship anymore!
I can see why Molly had us all meet on the Alma the following afternoon. Being together again felt normal except for a couple of girls who unfortunately couldn't make it. It was my birthday so we celebrated by sailing the Alma on the murky San Francisco Bay and having cupcakes & hot cheetos. It was very relaxing & calming to hang out with the girls and Ann & Molly. The crew was nice as well to have us accompany them. The girls all talked about how even at home we would wake up and stress that we were late for anchor watch or that we were using sailor vocabulary.
After having that get together, everything seemed to settle. Yes we weren't on the ship any more and would have to adjust being back home, but we knew things would be fine. The time spent in the Caribbean was a journey that was done but we still had our memories to hold onto.
Sara Rovai-Cortes
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 28th, 2009
Our last night of our adventure was a day filled with many tasks and old memeories. We started the day by rasing our anchor and saying goodbye to our friends from the Harvey Gammage as we motored back to Fernandina Beach. After lowering the anchor (again) and eating breakfast, we chnaged into our dirtiest clothes and prepared for our last Field Day on Sprit. Although there was plenty of work to be done, things got finished faster because instead of organizing our bunks, we would be shoving our smelly adventure clothes and gifts for our loved ones into our duffel bags. The group managed to get so many things done in a much shorter time than our previous field day. We all felt both tired and accomplished.
After cleaning, Molly and Ann were kind enough to purchase the group some shower time in the Marina shower ashore. We were also allowed to have one outfit for the plane ride home to be washed. The group was so glad that we would be squeaky clean for the strangers we would sit next to on the plane and for our families at home. After showering, we had the chance to walk around Fernandina and reflect on our our departure the next morning felt so unreal.
The end of our last day was espacially nice. After eating our last dinner prepared by Lizzie, all the hands mustered and had a final ceremony celebrating our accomplishments. All of the girls, plus Molly and Ann recieved our Ocean Classroom Certificates (one of the many forms of physical proof that we went through this). Captain Smith gave some very kind "last words" and Mr. Bailey recited a poem about returning home that was written by a former student. Afterwards the group recieved personalized paper plate awards that recognized each one of our different skills and qualities.
Before our last anchor watch we said personailized goodbyes to the ship, reminisced about good and bad memories and took pictures with our mates and deckhands. Although thinking about leaving in the morning was sad, we all fell asleep in our bunks or on deck in a very good mood.
Julia Brooks
After cleaning, Molly and Ann were kind enough to purchase the group some shower time in the Marina shower ashore. We were also allowed to have one outfit for the plane ride home to be washed. The group was so glad that we would be squeaky clean for the strangers we would sit next to on the plane and for our families at home. After showering, we had the chance to walk around Fernandina and reflect on our our departure the next morning felt so unreal.
The end of our last day was espacially nice. After eating our last dinner prepared by Lizzie, all the hands mustered and had a final ceremony celebrating our accomplishments. All of the girls, plus Molly and Ann recieved our Ocean Classroom Certificates (one of the many forms of physical proof that we went through this). Captain Smith gave some very kind "last words" and Mr. Bailey recited a poem about returning home that was written by a former student. Afterwards the group recieved personalized paper plate awards that recognized each one of our different skills and qualities.
Before our last anchor watch we said personailized goodbyes to the ship, reminisced about good and bad memories and took pictures with our mates and deckhands. Although thinking about leaving in the morning was sad, we all fell asleep in our bunks or on deck in a very good mood.
Julia Brooks
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 27th, 2009
Today was really fun. Half of us went on a short hike and the other half went on a long hike with students from another boat named, Harvey Gamage. I went on the small hike and I really enjoyed it. We got to see private residences and the Dungeness House that belonged to the Carnegie family and there were wild horses! We walked all the way to the beach and played football (2 hand touch) and my team won! Woo Hoo! It was Iris, Kayla, Gwen and me. After we played, we went to the beach and got wet and were having so much fun. We also got to tan and talk amongst each other. We were supposed to meet up with the other group but the radio seemed to not be working so we did not know where they were at so we spend the rest of the time laying on our towels in the beach. I was so happy we got to take a fresh water shower. Even though the water was freezing cold, it felt so good to at least rinse myself with fresh water. The hard part of today was that we had our oceanography test so everybody was freaking out. I bet we all did well.
Celina Lopez
Celina Lopez
April 26th, 2009
We woke up this morning to distant Fernandina Beach! It was finally in sight! We arrived to our final destination two days early. Harvey Gamage, another Ocean Classroom Tall Ship, was here to greet us. While we waited to clear customs, we explored the other ship and gave the grand tour of ours. After we provisioned for the next few days, we took off to Cumberland Island in Georgia right behind Harvey Gamage.
Later on, students from both ships met on land for a barbeque on a local camp ground. We shared stories of all our adventures and listened to theirs. It was so wonderful to see some new faces and talk to new people that can relate to everything we’re doing. One of the students from Harvey Gamage faced our worst fear and ate a cockroach. However, the best part of the whole day was ICE CREAM!!! Many students took their ice cream and walked down to the beach. The sand was so soft like white powder. A few girls took a dip in the ocean when it got dark. The water was cool and so refreshing. After a great day, we had an excellent walk back to the dock. We walked down a path in the woods that was lit up with hundreds of fireflies. A few of the girls saw armadillos and lizards. We were singing familiar tunes and had smiles on our faces, for we only had two days left.
Kayla Altobelli- Libercent
Later on, students from both ships met on land for a barbeque on a local camp ground. We shared stories of all our adventures and listened to theirs. It was so wonderful to see some new faces and talk to new people that can relate to everything we’re doing. One of the students from Harvey Gamage faced our worst fear and ate a cockroach. However, the best part of the whole day was ICE CREAM!!! Many students took their ice cream and walked down to the beach. The sand was so soft like white powder. A few girls took a dip in the ocean when it got dark. The water was cool and so refreshing. After a great day, we had an excellent walk back to the dock. We walked down a path in the woods that was lit up with hundreds of fireflies. A few of the girls saw armadillos and lizards. We were singing familiar tunes and had smiles on our faces, for we only had two days left.
Kayla Altobelli- Libercent
April 25th, 2009
Today is Saturday. We are on our 7th day of sailing bound for Florida. During the night watches it gets colder now since we are not in the Caribbean anymore. Today during my 8 to 12 watch I went aloft with Nick to do a rig check. A rig check is when you climb up on the shrouds and make sure that the lines are not ripping and that everything is fine. It was very scary because I had not gone up while we were underway. But when I got up there it was worth the view. Then after a very hot and sticky day Kayla, Julia, Molly and I took a very refreshing bucket bath. We also saw a lot of dolphins today. They were all along the bow of the boat. It was so amazing having them so close to us. We also had to hove to at around 8 pm just outside of the channel entrance to Fernandina Beach. We have to wait until tomorrow to go in because there is a very strong current and we cannot anchor during the night. Well we are very close to getting there and our trip is almost coming to an end. I am excited to be home but I know that I am going to miss living with the girls and being with them all the time. I think that I am also going to miss the crew and all our little boat moments.
Iris Galvan
Iris Galvan
April 24th, 2009
Today’s day started early during the 4am-8am watch. Both teachers Molly and Ann, had to do soles and bowls for A watch because Veronica got that as her prize during the Easter Egg Hunt. While cleaning, Molly was emptying the paper trash into the ocean and accidentally dropped the whole trash can in the ocean. The chief mate Mr. Bailey didn’t seem to happy about that so he let Captain Smith know and she decided to launch the small boat, Kevin, to rescue the trash can. Gwen had to stand look out pointing to the trash can without looking away while Ms. Anderson and Matt went to retrieve it and it was a close call but we got it back to the boat safe and sound. Besides all the early morning excitement the girls are anxious because it is our 6th day of sailing and our ETA is 26 hours. Everyone cannot wait to get to Fernadina Beach!
Briana Clemmons
Briana Clemmons
April 23, 2009
Happy Birthday to Celina! It can be hard having a birthday on a ship far from home, especially when you are used to celebrating with your twin sister. Knowing this, we made sure that Celina felt constant birthday love. Lizzie made her delicious German pancakes for breakfast, everyone gave her big hugs, and during class she received props, cards, and gifts including her beloved red hot Cheetos and a Next Top Model tee shirt. We then went on deck for spa treatments of face masks and pedicures. Everyone left feeling like princesses. Every day at 1700, all hand meet for daily status reports on navigation, weather, and engineering. During reports today we sang to Celina and gave her a card from everyone on board. For dinner we got to eat the tuna and mahi mahi we have caught, and for night watch snacks Lizzie is going to do her best to fulfill Celina’s request for cheesecake with cheesecake swirled brownies. Overall, not a bad way to enter your 17th year!
We are also having beautiful sailing. The wind is strong and consistent, and as we enter the Gulf Stream, we’ll be on a Starboard tack until Fernandina beach (which means easy sleeping for those on the Port side…) Spirits are high and there is much laughter around the boat. Briana just came below to grab her sweatshirt, winter hat, and scarf and announced to everyone in the main salon that we are going 10.5 knots. At this rate we’ll be in Fernandina Beach right on schedule. I’m off to catch the sunset.
Molly Simmons
We are also having beautiful sailing. The wind is strong and consistent, and as we enter the Gulf Stream, we’ll be on a Starboard tack until Fernandina beach (which means easy sleeping for those on the Port side…) Spirits are high and there is much laughter around the boat. Briana just came below to grab her sweatshirt, winter hat, and scarf and announced to everyone in the main salon that we are going 10.5 knots. At this rate we’ll be in Fernandina Beach right on schedule. I’m off to catch the sunset.
Molly Simmons
April 22, 2009
Today was yet another day out at sea. The girls are in the middle of Command Week and they're doing great. It's awesome to see them put together all of the things they've learned during the first five weeks. To hear them calling sail, tacks and keeping the boat running with very little help from the crew makes me proud. It's nice to hear their voices yelling out commands with confidence.
One of the challenges the girls have been working on throughout the voyage is Schooner Olympics. In their watch groups they compete in different physical and intellectual challenges. This week they have been working on predicting where the ship will be the following day at noon. So far B Watch (Viki, Cathy, Celina and Ann) was 195 nautical miles (nm) off the actual position and C Watch was 19 nm off. We'll find out today how A Watch did. Other Schooner Olympic events to come may include Immersion Suit Relay and Put as Many Clothes on a Watchmember in 3 minutes. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the final score.
The other exciting event of the day was catching a Mahi Mahi. It was a little guy, but he joined the yellowfin tuna in the fridge to be eaten for dinner at a later date.
See you in a week!
Ann Wasser
One of the challenges the girls have been working on throughout the voyage is Schooner Olympics. In their watch groups they compete in different physical and intellectual challenges. This week they have been working on predicting where the ship will be the following day at noon. So far B Watch (Viki, Cathy, Celina and Ann) was 195 nautical miles (nm) off the actual position and C Watch was 19 nm off. We'll find out today how A Watch did. Other Schooner Olympic events to come may include Immersion Suit Relay and Put as Many Clothes on a Watchmember in 3 minutes. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the final score.
The other exciting event of the day was catching a Mahi Mahi. It was a little guy, but he joined the yellowfin tuna in the fridge to be eaten for dinner at a later date.
See you in a week!
Ann Wasser
April 21st, 2009
Today we entered the Old Bahama Channel on our way to Fernandina Beach. It will be our last stop where we will be boarding a plane home. As you know we are in Command Week and so far it has gone really well. I think we know a lot more then we think which is a good thing. It shows how much we have learned. Earlier this morning we went through a squall. It wasn’t as bad as the last one, but we handle it well. It’s starting to get a lot colder since we aren’t in the Caribbean anymore. We have come a long way and this last length of our trip is the home stretch for us. This is the longest we have sailed on the boat this whole trip and its going by so fast, but it feels good to know what we are doing. Hope you all are proud of us!
Ashley Hurtubise
Ashley Hurtubise
April 20th, 2009
So yesterday we started our new watches and I’m pretty satisfied with my group. Today I had to be J-WO again and it went very well. All I had to do was take the place of the 1st mate, Mr. Bailey. The job included plotting a position every hour, take bearings on ships, make sure the watch rotation was going along and lastly report back everything that happen in the last watch. I felt like I was running everything, like I was in charge. It went pretty smooth and I’m proud of my self. Another highlight came later that night. I was sleeping in my bunk when I was awaked by the loud banging of the foresheet. Next thing I know I heard voices yelling and saw a lot of rain! It looked like a squall so I hopped out of bed to try and get it on camera but I was to late it already calmed down. I spent the rest of the night trying to get the sound of the rain since I could hear it right over my bunk. It was an interesting day overall and right now we have 9 more days until we are at home.
Gwen Fincher
Gwen Fincher
April 19th, 2009
Today was day one of command week. We were all a little nervous of the idea of being handed over the ship and running things on our own though the crew, Molly and Ann trust that our group is ready for it. We took votes on who would decide who is in which watch. It was a long wait to find out the new watch groups and fortunately we were all happy with the change. After lunch clean up & reports, we set sail to our final destination Fernandina Beach, Florida. It’s hard to believe we’ve made it this far on our journey. I remember when we had just set foot on the ship and left the port in Puerto Rico but now after traveling to many islands we’re finally heading home. Our rotated JWO (junior watch officer) Briana started us off by giving commands to leave. It took us a little longer than usual to set sail on our own but we set the sails fine, hauled up the anchor, and prepared to go on our last leg of this voyage.
On our eight to twelve night watch, it was my turn to be JWO. The wind blew hard and nerves kicked into Mr.Bailey who was very angsty about a strange noise in the main sail and how none of us could keep the ship heading straight. I knew he was just as nervous as the rest of us though. As the junior watch officer it was my job to continuously check the radar for ships and plot a GPS position on the chart every hour. I had to stay on top of everything that was going on and be aware of the ship & its surroundings. Even though it was a work load, it wasn’t as hard as it was made to seem. My “deckhand” helped me out a lot to keep rotation going and to make sure our navigation was right. It felt a little weird not having Matt or Mr.Bailey or any other crew ordering us around. Now we were more independent to run things by ourselves. As long as we continue to have good weather and the crew to keep everything safe, I know we can make it fine on the last stop of our journey.
Sara Cortes
On our eight to twelve night watch, it was my turn to be JWO. The wind blew hard and nerves kicked into Mr.Bailey who was very angsty about a strange noise in the main sail and how none of us could keep the ship heading straight. I knew he was just as nervous as the rest of us though. As the junior watch officer it was my job to continuously check the radar for ships and plot a GPS position on the chart every hour. I had to stay on top of everything that was going on and be aware of the ship & its surroundings. Even though it was a work load, it wasn’t as hard as it was made to seem. My “deckhand” helped me out a lot to keep rotation going and to make sure our navigation was right. It felt a little weird not having Matt or Mr.Bailey or any other crew ordering us around. Now we were more independent to run things by ourselves. As long as we continue to have good weather and the crew to keep everything safe, I know we can make it fine on the last stop of our journey.
Sara Cortes
April 18th, 2009
Today was a fun and interesting day. We were at the beach here in Great Inagua, in the Bahamas for a couple hours working on our journals. Some of us went snorkeling to see the big coral reef and got to see many different kinds of fish in the clear blue water of the Bahamas. We also got to take a nap in the hot sun with the sun just beaming at us. Me and my fellow classmates made a sand castle while we were there and also made a mermaid out of one of my friends. We had a great time at the beach. Colin are tour guide brought us some fresh water to rinse off with after getting in the saltwater and had also brought nice refreshing cold water bottles in a cooler which knocked us off our feet. While at the beach we also were picking up shells to take back home to made good use of them some of as frame outlining. After leaving the beach we also got the opportunity to go into the Morton Salt Factory and see where it comes from and how it’s being washed and put into their sizes and piles. They’re all different sizes some very big and some medium and small size but not extremely small as were use to seeing. However we also got to pack some of 3 sizes for us to take home. Many of us are excited to show are parents and use it for our meals at home. Once we were all done exploring the factory we were brought some conch fritters by Colin which was really good delicious with some Bahamaian style sauce .
Cathy Ortega
Cathy Ortega
April 17th, 2009
Today we got to Great Inagua in the Bahamas. When we got here we cleaned up the ship and had a swim call before we went on land. I have never swam in such clear water than we did today. Once we were done and ready we left to meet our tour guide, Colin. He took us to the light house were previous Tall Ship Girls had come and visited. The view from up on top of the light house was great. We could practically see the whole island and a lot of the beautiful clear water. We even saw a shark when we were up there. After the light house we went to see the Morton Salt Plant were we got to see how salt was made and where it came from. We got to see some pink salt lakes that are pink because of the shrimp that live in them. After seeing and touching some salt in the salt lakes we got to go see some flamingos. We saw a couple of them is was really cool because some of us have never seen flamingos in our lives besides pictures of them. On the drive back to the boat a lot of us fell asleep. We were really tired but excided to be here!
Viki Contreras
Viki Contreras
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27, 2009
The girls have reached Florida!
I got a call from Molly Sunday morning that Spirit had safely arrived in Fernandina Beach. They were clearing US customs and then planning to leave and visit Cumberland Island. They spent Sunday on Cumberland Island, and will spend today there as well. Tomorrow they will head back to Fernandina Beach, have a field day on the boat, pack their bags and get ready for their flight back on Wednesday!
Nettie
I got a call from Molly Sunday morning that Spirit had safely arrived in Fernandina Beach. They were clearing US customs and then planning to leave and visit Cumberland Island. They spent Sunday on Cumberland Island, and will spend today there as well. Tomorrow they will head back to Fernandina Beach, have a field day on the boat, pack their bags and get ready for their flight back on Wednesday!
Nettie
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 24, 2009
Hello!
I just wanted to post a quick update on the TSSG voyage. The Spirit of Massachusetts left Great Inagua in the Bahamas on Sunday afternoon (4/19). This is the longest passage the girls will make -- 800 nautical miles in a straight line -- but depending on the direction of the wind they may have to travel many more miles than that!
The weather/wind websites say that today and for the past day or two, the winds in the area are from the east at 15-20 knots, which is favorable for this passage. If they are ahead of schedule, there is the possiblity that they will stop on Bimini (Bahamas) and visit the Shark Resarch Station there, or visit Cumberland Island in Georgia.
I will keep you posted on any news from them!
Nettie
I just wanted to post a quick update on the TSSG voyage. The Spirit of Massachusetts left Great Inagua in the Bahamas on Sunday afternoon (4/19). This is the longest passage the girls will make -- 800 nautical miles in a straight line -- but depending on the direction of the wind they may have to travel many more miles than that!
The weather/wind websites say that today and for the past day or two, the winds in the area are from the east at 15-20 knots, which is favorable for this passage. If they are ahead of schedule, there is the possiblity that they will stop on Bimini (Bahamas) and visit the Shark Resarch Station there, or visit Cumberland Island in Georgia.
I will keep you posted on any news from them!
Nettie
Thursday, April 23, 2009
April 23, 2009
Happy Birthday to Celina! It can be hard having a birthday on a ship far from home, especially when you are used to celebrating with your twin sister. Knowing this, we made sure that Celina felt constant birthday love. Lizzie made her delicious German pancakes for breakfast, everyone gave her big hugs, and during class she received props, cards, and gifts including her beloved red hot Cheetos and a Next Top Model tee shirt. We then went on deck for spa treatments of face masks and pedicures. Everyone left feeling like princesses.
Every day at 1700, all hands meet for daily status reports on navigation, weather, and engineering. During reports today we sang to Celina and gave her a card from everyone on board. For dinner we got to eat the tuna and mahi mahi we have caught, and for night watch snacks Lizzie is going to do her best to fulfill Celina’s request for cheesecake with cheesecake swirled brownies. Overall, not a bad way to enter your 17th year!
We are also having beautiful sailing. The wind is strong and consistent, and as we enter the Gulf Stream, we’ll be on a Starboard tack until Fernandina beach (which means easy sleeping for those on the Port side…) Spirits are high and there is much laughter around the boat. Briana just came below to grab her sweatshirt, winter hat, and scarf and announced to everyone in the main salon that we are going 10.5 knots. At this rate we’ll be in Fernandina Beach right on schedule. I’m off to catch the sunset.
Molly Simmons
Every day at 1700, all hands meet for daily status reports on navigation, weather, and engineering. During reports today we sang to Celina and gave her a card from everyone on board. For dinner we got to eat the tuna and mahi mahi we have caught, and for night watch snacks Lizzie is going to do her best to fulfill Celina’s request for cheesecake with cheesecake swirled brownies. Overall, not a bad way to enter your 17th year!
We are also having beautiful sailing. The wind is strong and consistent, and as we enter the Gulf Stream, we’ll be on a Starboard tack until Fernandina beach (which means easy sleeping for those on the Port side…) Spirits are high and there is much laughter around the boat. Briana just came below to grab her sweatshirt, winter hat, and scarf and announced to everyone in the main salon that we are going 10.5 knots. At this rate we’ll be in Fernandina Beach right on schedule. I’m off to catch the sunset.
Molly Simmons
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22, 2009
Today was yet another day out at sea. The girls are in the middle of Command Week and they're doing great. It's awesome to see them put together all of the things they've learned during the first five weeks. To hear them calling sail, tacks and keeping the boat running with very little help from the crew makes me proud. It's nice to hear their voices yelling out commands with confidence.
One of the challenges the girls have been working on throughout the voyage is Schooner Olympics. In their watch groups they compete in different physical and intellectual challenges. This week they have been working on predicting where the ship will be the following day at noon. So far B Watch (Viki, Cathy, Celina and Ann) was 195 nautical miles (nm) off the actual position and C Watch was 19 nm off. We'll find out today how A Watch did. Other Schooner Olympic events to come include Immersion Suit Relay and Put as Many Clothes on a Watchmember in 3 minutes. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the final score.
The other exciting event of the day was catching a Mahi Mahi. It was a little guy, but he joined the yellowfin tuna in the fridge to be eaten for dinner at a later date.
See you in a week!
Ann Wasser
One of the challenges the girls have been working on throughout the voyage is Schooner Olympics. In their watch groups they compete in different physical and intellectual challenges. This week they have been working on predicting where the ship will be the following day at noon. So far B Watch (Viki, Cathy, Celina and Ann) was 195 nautical miles (nm) off the actual position and C Watch was 19 nm off. We'll find out today how A Watch did. Other Schooner Olympic events to come include Immersion Suit Relay and Put as Many Clothes on a Watchmember in 3 minutes. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the final score.
The other exciting event of the day was catching a Mahi Mahi. It was a little guy, but he joined the yellowfin tuna in the fridge to be eaten for dinner at a later date.
See you in a week!
Ann Wasser
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 21, 2009
Today we entered the Old Bahama Channel on our way to Fernandina Beach, our last stop where we will be boarding a plane home. As you know we are in Command Week and so far it has gone really well. I think we know a lot more then we think, which is a good thing. It shows how much we have learned. Earlier this morning we went through a squall. It wasn’t as bad as the last one, but we handle it well. It’s starting to get a lot colder since we aren’t in the Caribbean anymore. We have come a long way and this last leg of our trip is the home stretch for us. This is the longest we have sailed on the boat this whole trip and its going by so fast, but it feels good to know what we are doing it! Hope you all are proud of us!
Ashley Hurtubise
Ashley Hurtubise
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20, 2009
So yesterday we started our new watches and I’m pretty satisfied with my group. Today I had to be J-WO again and it went very well. All I had to do was take the place of the 1st mate, Mr. Bailey. The job included plotting a position every hour, take bearings on ships, make sure the watch rotation was going along and lastly report back everything that happen in the last watch. I felt like I was running everything, like I was in charge. It went pretty smoothly and I’m proud of myself.
Another highlight came later that night. I was sleeping in my bunk when I was awakened by the loud banging of the foresheet. Next thing I knew I heard voices yelling and saw a lot of rain! It looked like a squall so I hopped out of bed to tried to get it on camera but I was to late. It had already calmed down.
It was an interesting day overall and right now we have 9 more days until we are at home.
Gwen Fincher
Another highlight came later that night. I was sleeping in my bunk when I was awakened by the loud banging of the foresheet. Next thing I knew I heard voices yelling and saw a lot of rain! It looked like a squall so I hopped out of bed to tried to get it on camera but I was to late. It had already calmed down.
It was an interesting day overall and right now we have 9 more days until we are at home.
Gwen Fincher
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 19, 2009
April 19
Today was day one of command week. We were all a little nervous of the idea of being handed over the ship and running things on our own even though the crew, Molly and Ann trust that our group is ready for it. We took votes on who would decide members of our Command Week watches. It was a long wait to find out the new watch groups and fortunately we were all happy with the change. After lunch clean up & reports, we set sail to our final destination: Fernandina Beach, Florida. It’s hard to believe we’ve made it this far on our journey. I remember when we had just set foot on the ship and left the port in Puerto Rico but now after traveling to many islands we’re finally heading home.
Our rotated JWO (junior watch officer) Briana started us off by giving commands to leave. It took us a little longer than usual to set sail on our own but we set the sails fine, hauled up the anchor, and prepared to go on our last leg of this voyage.
On our eight to twelve night watch, it was my turn to be JWO. The wind blew hard and nerves kicked into Mr.Bailey who was very antsy about a strange noise in the main sail and how none of us could keep the ship heading straight. I knew he was just as nervous as the rest of us though. As the junior watch officer, it was my job to continuously check the radar for ships and plot a gps position on the chart every hour. I had to stay on top of everything that was going on and be aware of the ship & its surroundings. Even though it was a work load, it wasn’t as hard as it was made to seem. My “deckhand” helped me out a lot to keep rotation going and to make sure our navigation was right. It felt a little weird not having Matt or Mr.Bailey or any other crew ordering us around. Now we were more independent to run things by ourselves. As long as we continue to have good weather and the crew to keep everything safe, I know we can make it fine on the last stop of our journey.
Sara Cortes
Today was day one of command week. We were all a little nervous of the idea of being handed over the ship and running things on our own even though the crew, Molly and Ann trust that our group is ready for it. We took votes on who would decide members of our Command Week watches. It was a long wait to find out the new watch groups and fortunately we were all happy with the change. After lunch clean up & reports, we set sail to our final destination: Fernandina Beach, Florida. It’s hard to believe we’ve made it this far on our journey. I remember when we had just set foot on the ship and left the port in Puerto Rico but now after traveling to many islands we’re finally heading home.
Our rotated JWO (junior watch officer) Briana started us off by giving commands to leave. It took us a little longer than usual to set sail on our own but we set the sails fine, hauled up the anchor, and prepared to go on our last leg of this voyage.
On our eight to twelve night watch, it was my turn to be JWO. The wind blew hard and nerves kicked into Mr.Bailey who was very antsy about a strange noise in the main sail and how none of us could keep the ship heading straight. I knew he was just as nervous as the rest of us though. As the junior watch officer, it was my job to continuously check the radar for ships and plot a gps position on the chart every hour. I had to stay on top of everything that was going on and be aware of the ship & its surroundings. Even though it was a work load, it wasn’t as hard as it was made to seem. My “deckhand” helped me out a lot to keep rotation going and to make sure our navigation was right. It felt a little weird not having Matt or Mr.Bailey or any other crew ordering us around. Now we were more independent to run things by ourselves. As long as we continue to have good weather and the crew to keep everything safe, I know we can make it fine on the last stop of our journey.
Sara Cortes
Saturday, April 18, 2009
April 18, 2009
Today was a fun and interesting day. We were at the beach here in Great Inagua, in the Bahamas for a couple hours working on our journals. Some of us went snorkeling to see the big coral reef and got to see many different kinds of fish in the clear blue water of the Bahamas. We also got to take a nap in the hot sun with the sun just beaming at us. Me and my fellow classmates made a sand castle while we were there and also made a mermaid out of one of my friends. We had a great time at the beach.
Colin are tour guide brought us some fresh water to rinse off with after getting in the saltwater and had also brought nice refreshing cold water bottles in a cooler which knocked us off our feet. While at the beach we also were picking up shells to take back home to made good use of them some of as frame outlining.
After leaving the beach we also got the opportunity to go into the Morton Salt Factory and see where salt comes from and how it’s being washed and put into piles by crystal size. They’re all different sizes some very big and some medium and small size but not extremely small as were use to seeing. We also got to pack some of 3 sizes for us to take home. Many of us are excited to show are parents and use it for our meals at home. Once we were all done exploring the factory we were brought some conch fritters by Colin which was really good delicious with some Bahamaian style sauce .
Cathy Ortega
Colin are tour guide brought us some fresh water to rinse off with after getting in the saltwater and had also brought nice refreshing cold water bottles in a cooler which knocked us off our feet. While at the beach we also were picking up shells to take back home to made good use of them some of as frame outlining.
After leaving the beach we also got the opportunity to go into the Morton Salt Factory and see where salt comes from and how it’s being washed and put into piles by crystal size. They’re all different sizes some very big and some medium and small size but not extremely small as were use to seeing. We also got to pack some of 3 sizes for us to take home. Many of us are excited to show are parents and use it for our meals at home. Once we were all done exploring the factory we were brought some conch fritters by Colin which was really good delicious with some Bahamaian style sauce .
Cathy Ortega
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 17, 2009
Today we got to Great Inagua in the Bahamas. When we got here we cleaned up the ship and had a swim call before we went on land. I have never swam in such clear water than we did today.
Once we were done and ready we left to meet our tour guide, Colin. He took us to the light house were previous Tall Ship Girls had come and visited. The view from up on top of the light house was great. We could practically see the whole island and a lot of the beautiful clear water. We even saw a shark when we were up there.
After the light house we went to see the Morton Salt Plant were we got to see how salt was made and where it came from. We got to see some pink salt lakes that are pink because of the shrimp that live in them. After seeing and touching some salt in the salt lakes we got to go see some flamingos. We saw a couple of them is was really cool because some of us have never seen flamingos in our lives besides pictures of them. On the drive back to the boat a lot of us fell asleep. We were really tired but excited to be here!
Viki Contreras
Once we were done and ready we left to meet our tour guide, Colin. He took us to the light house were previous Tall Ship Girls had come and visited. The view from up on top of the light house was great. We could practically see the whole island and a lot of the beautiful clear water. We even saw a shark when we were up there.
After the light house we went to see the Morton Salt Plant were we got to see how salt was made and where it came from. We got to see some pink salt lakes that are pink because of the shrimp that live in them. After seeing and touching some salt in the salt lakes we got to go see some flamingos. We saw a couple of them is was really cool because some of us have never seen flamingos in our lives besides pictures of them. On the drive back to the boat a lot of us fell asleep. We were really tired but excited to be here!
Viki Contreras
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16, 2009
Today we are headed to Great Inagua. It felt like any other day on the boat, going through normal watch rotation and taking care of the boat. It was awesome to go aloft for the second time, I love being able to see what is around me. The water is a pretty blue color most of the time and some times so clear you can see the bottom even though it’s really deep, like around 60 feet.
I thought that it was really cool that the US Coast Guard helicopter circled around us a few times. The Captain says this is one way they keep track of where we are. Another interesting thing that happened is, we caught a yellow fin tuna fish and everyone watched it get carved up into pieces that we could eat, but before it was cut up everyone got to hold it and take a picture with it. I loved mid-rats (our night watch snacks!) because it was a mix of chocolate and peanut butter with cereal (puppy chow!), it would just melt in your mouth.
Ann Curran
I thought that it was really cool that the US Coast Guard helicopter circled around us a few times. The Captain says this is one way they keep track of where we are. Another interesting thing that happened is, we caught a yellow fin tuna fish and everyone watched it get carved up into pieces that we could eat, but before it was cut up everyone got to hold it and take a picture with it. I loved mid-rats (our night watch snacks!) because it was a mix of chocolate and peanut butter with cereal (puppy chow!), it would just melt in your mouth.
Ann Curran
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15, 2009
Today is the first whole day after having two of our Tall Ship girls leave the program. No one really slept the day before. We were all mentally and physically exhausted but as a Tall Ship girl, there’s still work that has to be done, regardless.
We headed toward Puerto Plata to pick up our teachers Ann. She went to the airport yesterday morning to go with the two ladies that left. So we had to flake chain, take down the sails, and launch the small boat. Sweat rolls down our face. So much work to be done with fewer hands. After picking up the teacher we took in the small boat, we took in the anchor, and hauled up the sails.
Finally we separated into our watches and we could see how tired we were, and not only from having to work in the heat(because we're used to that by now) but having to realize there are less hands, so you have to work like there’s no tomorrow.
-Veronica Olimpiada.
We headed toward Puerto Plata to pick up our teachers Ann. She went to the airport yesterday morning to go with the two ladies that left. So we had to flake chain, take down the sails, and launch the small boat. Sweat rolls down our face. So much work to be done with fewer hands. After picking up the teacher we took in the small boat, we took in the anchor, and hauled up the sails.
Finally we separated into our watches and we could see how tired we were, and not only from having to work in the heat(because we're used to that by now) but having to realize there are less hands, so you have to work like there’s no tomorrow.
-Veronica Olimpiada.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 14, 2009
I am sad to report that this morning we had to send two of our students back to San Francisco after an irreconcilable safety issue on the ship. Ann accompanied the students part way home, and we will go pick her up in Puerto Plata on the northern shore of the DR.
We had a beautiful sail out of the Samana Bay this morning. Strong winds were blowing right on our nose, so we did a bunch of short tacking to make our way East. We were proud of ourselves when we saw that the Corwith Cramer, another tall ship visiting Samana with a crew of college students, chose to motor their way out instead of sailing. The girls were comfortable with their lines and moved smoothly around the ship. With an increased swell, we spent the day moving a lot more carefully due to the significant rocking of the ship.
We had a quiet afternoon getting back into the swing of our watches and head around the coast of the DR towards Puerto Plato. We had strong wind in our favor through the evening and night, so we zipped along at 6-9 knots. It felt like we were on a speed boat. There was a clear night sky filled with stars and the moon didn’t rise until around 11pm.
Molly Simmons
We had a beautiful sail out of the Samana Bay this morning. Strong winds were blowing right on our nose, so we did a bunch of short tacking to make our way East. We were proud of ourselves when we saw that the Corwith Cramer, another tall ship visiting Samana with a crew of college students, chose to motor their way out instead of sailing. The girls were comfortable with their lines and moved smoothly around the ship. With an increased swell, we spent the day moving a lot more carefully due to the significant rocking of the ship.
We had a quiet afternoon getting back into the swing of our watches and head around the coast of the DR towards Puerto Plato. We had strong wind in our favor through the evening and night, so we zipped along at 6-9 knots. It felt like we were on a speed boat. There was a clear night sky filled with stars and the moon didn’t rise until around 11pm.
Molly Simmons
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13, 2009
The last day we spent in Samana was filled with all sorts of emotions. We started the day at six in the morning in order to finish our chores and prepare lunches for a hike to a fresh waterfall. When we arrived at the dock around eight, we were surprised to find some other people from Tall Ship that was anchored nearby. We headed uphill in a truck and stopped near a tourist stand where we sampled fresh fruit and local coffee. Then we headed toward the trail to start our hike to the waterfall.
The hike was very surprising because we expected the trail to be rocky and the lengths to be about forty minutes, but the guide took us on a very short (about 10 minutes) and leisurely walk. It was very relaxing to take a swim in some fresh water for a change. Many of us rinsed our hair and hung out on the rocks above the falls.
After that, we had a surprise stop to a nearby beach where we collected some beautiful pink seashells and tried to even out our embarrassing tan lines. We then returned to the ship where we hung out and did chores for a couple of hours before eating an early dinner before we headed back to land to sit in during an English class at the local school.
Around seven that night we met up with Jennifer, a member of the Peace Corps, who drove us to the English class she was teaching later in the evening. We squeezed into a small van and drove to a small church where the class was being held. Although many of us were tired, we all ended up having a very good time. Some of the students introduced themselves in English and Celina told them about Tall Ships program in Spanish. We then split into groups and practiced our Spanish skills, while the students worked on their English. Conversations were awkward at times, but we all managed to have good conversations. We ended the class by playing bingo and limbo and drank some soda. Overall, everyone ended up having a great time and talked the whole car ride back to the dock.
Once we boarded the ship, many of us ended up having a “slumber party” on deck after running into some very big roaches in the Main Salon. Although some people were terrified to go back into their bunks, we all enjoyed hanging out on deck while looking at the bright moon. Emotions changed when many of us learned that two of the girls would be leaving the group and flying back to San Francisco the following morning because of a safety violation. Many of us spent the night awake and restless, giving out some of the last goodbyes and best wishes to our friends. Although many people had negative thoughts in their heads, we all managed to get a bit of nice sleep on deck before saying our final goodbyes in the morning.
Julia Brooks
The hike was very surprising because we expected the trail to be rocky and the lengths to be about forty minutes, but the guide took us on a very short (about 10 minutes) and leisurely walk. It was very relaxing to take a swim in some fresh water for a change. Many of us rinsed our hair and hung out on the rocks above the falls.
After that, we had a surprise stop to a nearby beach where we collected some beautiful pink seashells and tried to even out our embarrassing tan lines. We then returned to the ship where we hung out and did chores for a couple of hours before eating an early dinner before we headed back to land to sit in during an English class at the local school.
Around seven that night we met up with Jennifer, a member of the Peace Corps, who drove us to the English class she was teaching later in the evening. We squeezed into a small van and drove to a small church where the class was being held. Although many of us were tired, we all ended up having a very good time. Some of the students introduced themselves in English and Celina told them about Tall Ships program in Spanish. We then split into groups and practiced our Spanish skills, while the students worked on their English. Conversations were awkward at times, but we all managed to have good conversations. We ended the class by playing bingo and limbo and drank some soda. Overall, everyone ended up having a great time and talked the whole car ride back to the dock.
Once we boarded the ship, many of us ended up having a “slumber party” on deck after running into some very big roaches in the Main Salon. Although some people were terrified to go back into their bunks, we all enjoyed hanging out on deck while looking at the bright moon. Emotions changed when many of us learned that two of the girls would be leaving the group and flying back to San Francisco the following morning because of a safety violation. Many of us spent the night awake and restless, giving out some of the last goodbyes and best wishes to our friends. Although many people had negative thoughts in their heads, we all managed to get a bit of nice sleep on deck before saying our final goodbyes in the morning.
Julia Brooks
April 8, 2009
Its Gwen again! It was my galley duty day today which means that I get to do the blog and fill you in on how the day went.
The girls and I first woke up to do some chores and then ate some delicious German pancakes. Then we launched the boats to go ashore in Trellis Bay so we could meet Aragorn. When we arrived we all went to the café to watch a documentary on him. I found out that he helped build a 36 foot dugout canoe called the Gli Gli that took 2 years to build. Not only did he help, he also sailed with people of the Carib Territory. He wanted them to see the other Caribbean indigenous people on other islands. The point was for them to see the others, research the language more and unite there people.
After we met Aragorn, we got in the Gli Gli and sailed to the beach. It was beautiful as usual and we swam in the perfect temperature clear water. Then we started sailing back and we had to tack. Ha, ha although we all had to keep the boat balanced by sitting on the rails every once in a while, I enjoyed it. Once the ride back was done we got an hour and a half to get some souvenirs from the art store and we got a chance to use the internet to contact some friends and family.
Lastly when we got to the boat the captain congratulated us. The girls had us out and sailing in under 58 minutes which is big. Overall it was a great day and I can’t wait to get to our next stop! The Dominican Republic!!!!
Gwen Fitcher
The girls and I first woke up to do some chores and then ate some delicious German pancakes. Then we launched the boats to go ashore in Trellis Bay so we could meet Aragorn. When we arrived we all went to the café to watch a documentary on him. I found out that he helped build a 36 foot dugout canoe called the Gli Gli that took 2 years to build. Not only did he help, he also sailed with people of the Carib Territory. He wanted them to see the other Caribbean indigenous people on other islands. The point was for them to see the others, research the language more and unite there people.
After we met Aragorn, we got in the Gli Gli and sailed to the beach. It was beautiful as usual and we swam in the perfect temperature clear water. Then we started sailing back and we had to tack. Ha, ha although we all had to keep the boat balanced by sitting on the rails every once in a while, I enjoyed it. Once the ride back was done we got an hour and a half to get some souvenirs from the art store and we got a chance to use the internet to contact some friends and family.
Lastly when we got to the boat the captain congratulated us. The girls had us out and sailing in under 58 minutes which is big. Overall it was a great day and I can’t wait to get to our next stop! The Dominican Republic!!!!
Gwen Fitcher
Sunday, April 12, 2009
April 12, 2009
Today is Easter! It was a fun day. We did our morning chores and got ready to go to shore. Some of us went to church and then we had a little bit of time to walk around. On our way back to the boat, we got to walk on the bridge that connects to another island which was really cool. We kind had a little private time when we were walking towards the dock. When we got back to the boat, we settled down and then Molly announced to us that we were having an Easter egg hunt. It was really funny because we had to go up the ladder to go look for eggs on deck and all the girls were struggling to get up.
After the Easter egg hunt, we had our talent show! Both the crew and the students participated. We had the Captain playing the guitar and Molly making up a song with six random words. We also had Jasmine and Kayla A.K.A “The Water Thugs” rapping, Lizzy (our cook) played the guitar and sang a song for us, Viki and Iris also sang a song. Cathy performed a poem for us, Ann our teacher performed a magic trick, I danced samba. It was very fun because we were all together enjoying ourselves.
Celina Lopez
After the Easter egg hunt, we had our talent show! Both the crew and the students participated. We had the Captain playing the guitar and Molly making up a song with six random words. We also had Jasmine and Kayla A.K.A “The Water Thugs” rapping, Lizzy (our cook) played the guitar and sang a song for us, Viki and Iris also sang a song. Cathy performed a poem for us, Ann our teacher performed a magic trick, I danced samba. It was very fun because we were all together enjoying ourselves.
Celina Lopez
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 11, 2009
Today we arrived in the Dominican Republic. The girls were anxious for the first day because they had the opportunity to get on the internet and call home. We walked around Samana to get a feel for the place and pick up a few souvenirs. Our first challenge was finding a way to exchange money to get pesos and the second was brushing up on our Espanol for those of us who don't speak it regularly. I was disappointed in myself because after 6 semesters of Spanish my speech was horrible!
It's the day before Easter and we decided to have the girls dye eggs to get them in the Easter spirit. Each girl got to dye 2 eggs and we are planning on taking them ashore tomorrow as part of lunch. As for the rest of our Easter plans, Lizzie, the cook, bought a bunch of plastic eggs for us to fill with candy and a box of Cadbury Eggs for the girls, so after church (for those that want to go) we are doing an egg hunt on the boat. I hope the girls don't miss Easter too much with their families!
Happy Easter to all those at home!!
Ann Wasser
It's the day before Easter and we decided to have the girls dye eggs to get them in the Easter spirit. Each girl got to dye 2 eggs and we are planning on taking them ashore tomorrow as part of lunch. As for the rest of our Easter plans, Lizzie, the cook, bought a bunch of plastic eggs for us to fill with candy and a box of Cadbury Eggs for the girls, so after church (for those that want to go) we are doing an egg hunt on the boat. I hope the girls don't miss Easter too much with their families!
Happy Easter to all those at home!!
Ann Wasser
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10, 2009
Today it was a usual day of sailing. We are underway bound for Samana, Dominican Republic with 70 nautical miles to go. We are sailing down wind today, which is a good point of sail for Spirit. Samana will be our second to last stop before getting to Florida.
This Morning I got to stand the dawn watch and I got to see the sunrise while I was on the helm steering. I have seen so many nice things on this trip including beautiful sunrises and sunsets, a bunch of stars and even dolphins. Of course nothing out of the ordinary, but things that I do not really appreciate when I am back at home. I am excited to go ashore and hopefully get to talk to my family. It has been about four weeks since we’ve been away from home and I really miss everybody. I am also excited to visit our second Spanish speaking country. It is always nice to be in a place where you have something in common with the people.
Poem:
A strong woman is a woman who feels
beautiful inside and out no matter what
she is wearing. And no one and nothing
can make her think otherwise.
A strong woman is a woman who picks
herself up after facing disappointment.
And still has a smile on her face as her
life continues.
A strong woman is a woman who expresses
her feelings and expects no one to feel sorry for her.
One who is very caring and loving to the people who
surround her and who is strong for who ever needs it.
Iris Galvan
This Morning I got to stand the dawn watch and I got to see the sunrise while I was on the helm steering. I have seen so many nice things on this trip including beautiful sunrises and sunsets, a bunch of stars and even dolphins. Of course nothing out of the ordinary, but things that I do not really appreciate when I am back at home. I am excited to go ashore and hopefully get to talk to my family. It has been about four weeks since we’ve been away from home and I really miss everybody. I am also excited to visit our second Spanish speaking country. It is always nice to be in a place where you have something in common with the people.
Poem:
A strong woman is a woman who feels
beautiful inside and out no matter what
she is wearing. And no one and nothing
can make her think otherwise.
A strong woman is a woman who picks
herself up after facing disappointment.
And still has a smile on her face as her
life continues.
A strong woman is a woman who expresses
her feelings and expects no one to feel sorry for her.
One who is very caring and loving to the people who
surround her and who is strong for who ever needs it.
Iris Galvan
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9, 2009
Yesterday we left for Trellis Bay at around 5pm. We sailed through the night and today we are still sailing on our way to the Dominican Republic. During the night I was the first student to sail wing and wing, which means we were going down wind with sails set on either side of the boat. During the day we continued our sail up to Samana. Once it hit noon, there was barely any breeze and it was superhot, so Captain Smith decided to open up the pool for a swim call! "Opening the pool" means that we stop the boat in the middle of nowhere and get to take a swim. Everyone hurried and got ready and jumped right on in. We didn't realize until we got out that we were swimming in the Puerto Rican Trench which is 7,500 feet deep, over a mile and a half down.
Briana Clemmons
Briana Clemmons
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8th
Dear Friends and Family,
We are in Trellis Bay, Tortola and the computer with all of the girls blogs on it is currently having technical difficulties. We will post their blogs as soon as we can figure out the problem. We will be leaving here tonight and working our way to Samana, Dominican Republic. The voyage should take 2-3 days depending on the wind.
You would all be proud of the girls! The have finally gotten the routine of the ship down for the most part and things are running much smoother. This last week seems to be the week they all start talking about their cravings. So far the top choices are hot chips, ice cream and cheesecake! We hope all is well with everyone at home and we'll be checking in again soon!
Cheers,
Ann Wasser
We are in Trellis Bay, Tortola and the computer with all of the girls blogs on it is currently having technical difficulties. We will post their blogs as soon as we can figure out the problem. We will be leaving here tonight and working our way to Samana, Dominican Republic. The voyage should take 2-3 days depending on the wind.
You would all be proud of the girls! The have finally gotten the routine of the ship down for the most part and things are running much smoother. This last week seems to be the week they all start talking about their cravings. So far the top choices are hot chips, ice cream and cheesecake! We hope all is well with everyone at home and we'll be checking in again soon!
Cheers,
Ann Wasser
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 7, 2009
Hello!
We apologize for the lack of blog entries recently and will post them as soon as possible. In the interim, I will give a quick report on the last few days since I returned to San Francisco.
I left Spirit on April 1 and started the long travel back to San Francisco to attend to administrative duties in the office. At that point, we had spent an amazingt few days on the beautiful island of Dominica. We arrived on Saturday and spent some time in the capital city of Roseau exploring their lively Saturday market. Sunday, two groups of girls went to separate Church services and in the afternoon we all did laundry! I'm sure you have never seen a group of girls so excited about doing laundry -- especially Ashley because her entire bag (as well as her bunk) had been drenched. Monday, we spent some time with our local guide, SeaCat and drove the southwestern shore of the island. Along the way, we were treated to snorkeling in bubbling ocean water, hot water baths and a phenomenal view from Scotts Head. Tuesday, we spent the day visiting Castle Bruce High School and exploring the Carib Reserve on the other side of the island with our wonderful hosts from the Sineku Motivators Club. Wednesday, we were back with SeaCat and did the challenging hike to Dominica's famous boiling lake.
All of you following these posts may not know that our inimitable program director, Molly Simmons, was called home from Puerto Rico on March 18 due to a serious illness in her family. She returned to us On March 31 and we were both glad to see her and relieved that things at home had stabilized. In addition, Marcella, one of our students, joined us in Dominica after a long wait for her passport. We are glad to have her join us as well!
Since my departure, Spirit has travelled to Nevis, an island just north of Dominica, where our students met some turtle hatchlings with local biologist Barb Whitman and were able to see some of the monkeys that inhabit this island. We hadn't expected to stop in Nevis, but fair winds have put us a bit ahead of schedule and thus we made a bonus stop!
From Nevis, Spirit travelled back to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and that is where they are today. During this stop, they plan to visit Trellis Bay, the home of the Carib voyaging canoe Gli Gli. They will depart Tortola tomorrow and sail for the Dominican Republic.
I'm sure the girls entries will give you LOTS more detail but I hope this fills in the blanks since the last post.
Nettie Kelly
We apologize for the lack of blog entries recently and will post them as soon as possible. In the interim, I will give a quick report on the last few days since I returned to San Francisco.
I left Spirit on April 1 and started the long travel back to San Francisco to attend to administrative duties in the office. At that point, we had spent an amazingt few days on the beautiful island of Dominica. We arrived on Saturday and spent some time in the capital city of Roseau exploring their lively Saturday market. Sunday, two groups of girls went to separate Church services and in the afternoon we all did laundry! I'm sure you have never seen a group of girls so excited about doing laundry -- especially Ashley because her entire bag (as well as her bunk) had been drenched. Monday, we spent some time with our local guide, SeaCat and drove the southwestern shore of the island. Along the way, we were treated to snorkeling in bubbling ocean water, hot water baths and a phenomenal view from Scotts Head. Tuesday, we spent the day visiting Castle Bruce High School and exploring the Carib Reserve on the other side of the island with our wonderful hosts from the Sineku Motivators Club. Wednesday, we were back with SeaCat and did the challenging hike to Dominica's famous boiling lake.
All of you following these posts may not know that our inimitable program director, Molly Simmons, was called home from Puerto Rico on March 18 due to a serious illness in her family. She returned to us On March 31 and we were both glad to see her and relieved that things at home had stabilized. In addition, Marcella, one of our students, joined us in Dominica after a long wait for her passport. We are glad to have her join us as well!
Since my departure, Spirit has travelled to Nevis, an island just north of Dominica, where our students met some turtle hatchlings with local biologist Barb Whitman and were able to see some of the monkeys that inhabit this island. We hadn't expected to stop in Nevis, but fair winds have put us a bit ahead of schedule and thus we made a bonus stop!
From Nevis, Spirit travelled back to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and that is where they are today. During this stop, they plan to visit Trellis Bay, the home of the Carib voyaging canoe Gli Gli. They will depart Tortola tomorrow and sail for the Dominican Republic.
I'm sure the girls entries will give you LOTS more detail but I hope this fills in the blanks since the last post.
Nettie Kelly
April 7, 2009
Well today I woke up early because it was all hands on deck, but I had galley duty. It was field day on my galley duty which means the entire crew and all of us girls had to do a big clean up on the boat before we went ashore. Our cook Lizzy had to go ashore to buy more groceries for the boat. All day we were stuck cleaning things and putting away food. Although it was worth it because the boat looks really good and clean.
After the big clean up everybody was so tired and ready to go to sleep but we stayed up and chatted for a little while then for me it was lights out and I was out for the count.
Well I should tell you all my experience being here so far since I only arrive a few days ago. I really like it. I have been pulling my weight around the boat and since I have been here its sort of like home. You wake up clean the whole house then you go do homework and then you have class then go right to sleep. Of course being here on the boat is a big difference from home. I never thought I would be sailing around the world on a sail boat but look at me now I am and I'm so happy.
Just being around the girls talking and having fun makes being here on the boat so much fun. They have been very nice to me, catching me up on things, helping me when I need it and just being my support systems since I'm not home. During galley duty at dinner I used my Grandmother's recipe to cook the whole boat fried chicken and mash potatoes with corn. I had fun doing that even though it was really hot in the galley. I was sweating up a storm but after I went outside and cooled off. I took a refreshing bucket bath then went to sleep.
Marcella Reed
After the big clean up everybody was so tired and ready to go to sleep but we stayed up and chatted for a little while then for me it was lights out and I was out for the count.
Well I should tell you all my experience being here so far since I only arrive a few days ago. I really like it. I have been pulling my weight around the boat and since I have been here its sort of like home. You wake up clean the whole house then you go do homework and then you have class then go right to sleep. Of course being here on the boat is a big difference from home. I never thought I would be sailing around the world on a sail boat but look at me now I am and I'm so happy.
Just being around the girls talking and having fun makes being here on the boat so much fun. They have been very nice to me, catching me up on things, helping me when I need it and just being my support systems since I'm not home. During galley duty at dinner I used my Grandmother's recipe to cook the whole boat fried chicken and mash potatoes with corn. I had fun doing that even though it was really hot in the galley. I was sweating up a storm but after I went outside and cooled off. I took a refreshing bucket bath then went to sleep.
Marcella Reed
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6, 2009
Today we left Nevis where all the little mango eating monkey’s were. We went from there to Spanishtown to clear customs so we had to anchor. Then when we were done with customs, we lifted the anchor and sailed to Road Town. Tortola to stock up on food for the galley.
Today was very tiring because we where doing a lot of movement and in one day we have already lifted the anchor twice. That anchor is really heavy and to do it twice in one day is hard work. Over all it was a good day making it even better we got to start off today with freshly made bagels that me and Lizzy (the cook) put together for breakfast.
Right now we are all getting ready for field day. !SPRING CLEANING! We are picking out music for tomorrow to get us motivated and hopefully we all work together and everything goes smoothly, which TSSG girls always do. So overall we are doing great and the ship is about to look great after field day tomorrow. WISH US LUCK! We are about to sweat and clean clean clean!
Ashley Hurtubise
Today was very tiring because we where doing a lot of movement and in one day we have already lifted the anchor twice. That anchor is really heavy and to do it twice in one day is hard work. Over all it was a good day making it even better we got to start off today with freshly made bagels that me and Lizzy (the cook) put together for breakfast.
Right now we are all getting ready for field day. !SPRING CLEANING! We are picking out music for tomorrow to get us motivated and hopefully we all work together and everything goes smoothly, which TSSG girls always do. So overall we are doing great and the ship is about to look great after field day tomorrow. WISH US LUCK! We are about to sweat and clean clean clean!
Ashley Hurtubise
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 5, 2009
Today we woke to a beautiful morning anchored off of Nevis. As the girls become more and more familiar with the routine on the boat, they are able to become more independent of the crew for direction. They are also working to complete the second check list of skills that will be necessary for them when they take control of the boat during command week. This morning as we set sail, I head girls cheering each other on while hauling up the windlass, girls’ voices calling retrieval of the small boat, and girls’ commands as we set sail.
We sailed along St. Kitts nicely and then floundered a bit when the wind died. Ms. Anderson, our Second Mate, took the helm while we all met for a class about fish with Ann. We then continued past part of the Netherlands Antilles—St. Eustacias and the strange mountain community of Saba. We sailed on towards Spanishtown and then Trellis Bay in the British Virgin Islands where we will have a short stop over before continuing on to Samana, Dominican Republic.
I was up with the girls for the 8pm-12am watch and the moon shone down on us like a spot light. It was so bright we were not able to see quite as many stars as in the past, but we were able to see the two huge cruise ships that passed close to us in the night. It was a warm, lovely night.
Molly Simmons
We sailed along St. Kitts nicely and then floundered a bit when the wind died. Ms. Anderson, our Second Mate, took the helm while we all met for a class about fish with Ann. We then continued past part of the Netherlands Antilles—St. Eustacias and the strange mountain community of Saba. We sailed on towards Spanishtown and then Trellis Bay in the British Virgin Islands where we will have a short stop over before continuing on to Samana, Dominican Republic.
I was up with the girls for the 8pm-12am watch and the moon shone down on us like a spot light. It was so bright we were not able to see quite as many stars as in the past, but we were able to see the two huge cruise ships that passed close to us in the night. It was a warm, lovely night.
Molly Simmons
Saturday, April 4, 2009
April 4, 2009
We spent today at the island Nevis. As usual we woke up to do our morning chores and eat breakfast but we were all excited to go on land and see the monkeys. We had had a couple of rough days at sea and needed a break. When we got to the dock we were greeted by a lady who would take us around the town. The first place we were taken to was a hiking trail right by the Golden Rock Hotel with a restaurant built in it. Up the small hill was the pool with a gorgeous view of the ocean and palm trees. It felt relaxing being able to sit in the long chairs and dip our feet into the water.
It was only a forty minute hike but after walking the fourteen mile hike to the Boiling Lake, some of the girls weren’t so excited for another walk through a mountain. Coming up we were able to see the monkeys hanging on the tree branches but after that we only saw their poo. We walked only a part of the way only getting to the village’s beginning when we decided to turn back. Some how our group got separated and went down a different trail. Since none of us were familiar with the trail, we felt lost. I decided to lead the way and ended up falling. I got up and kept going on and soon enough we had reached the start. It made the hike a little more fun than it had been before.
Around noon time, we took the cab to the Under the Sea Marine Biology Reserve at a beach on the north shore of Nevis. We met Barbara who seemed to have a great interest in her work in marine life. She gave us a power point presentation on a few of the sea animals and where we would find them. She didn’t just want us to get in the water not know what we were doing but to notice and appreciate all the life around us when we go snorkeling. Then we got to learn about Barbara’s three baby turtles: Lincoln, Tia, and Seaweed. Unfortunately they wouldn’t be able to go out in the wild on their own yet, but they now had a place they would be safe. Barbara showed us how precious life could be in the sea.
Sara Cortes
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 3, 2009
Leaving Dominica was pretty intense at first we weren’t getting enough wind to fill are sails to head to Nevis. We had to use the engine but while doing that we got to see to see two humpback whales, the mama whale and the baby whale. We saw them spray from the top and dive showing their fins. We were pretty close to them-- just a couple yards away really.
Not too long after the whales, we also got to see a big green turtle swimming in the direction of the currents. The girls were pretty surprised and all went to the side the turtle was on and called out “turtle on the starboard side” so we could all admire his beauty.
After an hour or so we finally broke through the hard times of wind and started sailing at about 7 knots. Some of my fellow classmates felt seasick again after being on land for about 5 to 6 days in Dominica. We weren't feeling so great between the seasickness and our muscles that felt like they were all tighten up. Over we were all still working hard and keeping up with the work even though we didn’t feel the best. Eating and sleeping helped a lot.
We arrived in Nevis the next day and were busy with setting the anchor, pulling the downhauls etc. We felt like that day was our hardest but now everyone was feeling great and happy and excited to see the monkeys on Nevis. At about four we got to take bucket baths and freshen up with a swim in the "pool". We cleaned up quickly and then got ready for class and dinner. Over all despite are sickness we were able to work together and finish are rough day with a smile on are faces.
Cathy Ortega
Not too long after the whales, we also got to see a big green turtle swimming in the direction of the currents. The girls were pretty surprised and all went to the side the turtle was on and called out “turtle on the starboard side” so we could all admire his beauty.
After an hour or so we finally broke through the hard times of wind and started sailing at about 7 knots. Some of my fellow classmates felt seasick again after being on land for about 5 to 6 days in Dominica. We weren't feeling so great between the seasickness and our muscles that felt like they were all tighten up. Over we were all still working hard and keeping up with the work even though we didn’t feel the best. Eating and sleeping helped a lot.
We arrived in Nevis the next day and were busy with setting the anchor, pulling the downhauls etc. We felt like that day was our hardest but now everyone was feeling great and happy and excited to see the monkeys on Nevis. At about four we got to take bucket baths and freshen up with a swim in the "pool". We cleaned up quickly and then got ready for class and dinner. Over all despite are sickness we were able to work together and finish are rough day with a smile on are faces.
Cathy Ortega
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2, 2009
Just about everyone limped up on deck for their morning chores after their 15 mile hike yesterday to the Boiling Lake. Girls were exhausted and struggling with the labor of soles and bowls, brasso, and deck wash. Nobody was really in the best mood and certainly not at their best.
Around noon we took a surprise field trip over to Picton Castle, another tall ship that was anchored in the area. A few people on Spirit’s crew had previously sailed on Picton Castle, and our own Mr. Bailey sailed around the world on it from 2005-2006. We met the crew and had a private tour of the three masted barque. Many of the girls were impressed with the size of Picton Castle and were jealous of the noticeably larger bunks and fresh water showers on board.
The biggest event that happened April 2nd was the switching of watches. Everyone was eager to find out who was going to be their next watch officer, deckhand, and fellow students in their new watches. So when we arrived back to Spirit, we all mustered to find out. The new watches are as follows: A WATCH: Cathy, Ashley, Sara, Gwen and Marcella B WATCH: Kayla, Iris, Julia, Jasmine and Veronica C WATCH: Vicky, Celina, Briana and Ann.
After a quick final muster with our old watches, we immediately lined up for a pin chase with our new watches. A WATCH won the pin chase by one point (even though B WATCH had the smoothest pick up line for Matt, a deckhand, and therefore clearly should have won).
Shortly after the pin chase we departed from Dominica and set off for Nevis. People seemed to be slightly happier after parting and left some of the drama behind at Dominica. The weather predicted a few squalls on our way to Nevis, however we were able to avoid all of them and had a pretty fine day and a half of sailing.
Kayla Altobelli-Libercent
Around noon we took a surprise field trip over to Picton Castle, another tall ship that was anchored in the area. A few people on Spirit’s crew had previously sailed on Picton Castle, and our own Mr. Bailey sailed around the world on it from 2005-2006. We met the crew and had a private tour of the three masted barque. Many of the girls were impressed with the size of Picton Castle and were jealous of the noticeably larger bunks and fresh water showers on board.
The biggest event that happened April 2nd was the switching of watches. Everyone was eager to find out who was going to be their next watch officer, deckhand, and fellow students in their new watches. So when we arrived back to Spirit, we all mustered to find out. The new watches are as follows: A WATCH: Cathy, Ashley, Sara, Gwen and Marcella B WATCH: Kayla, Iris, Julia, Jasmine and Veronica C WATCH: Vicky, Celina, Briana and Ann.
After a quick final muster with our old watches, we immediately lined up for a pin chase with our new watches. A WATCH won the pin chase by one point (even though B WATCH had the smoothest pick up line for Matt, a deckhand, and therefore clearly should have won).
Shortly after the pin chase we departed from Dominica and set off for Nevis. People seemed to be slightly happier after parting and left some of the drama behind at Dominica. The weather predicted a few squalls on our way to Nevis, however we were able to avoid all of them and had a pretty fine day and a half of sailing.
Kayla Altobelli-Libercent
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009
We are in Dominica, and we went on a 14 mile hike to a place called the Boiling Lake. Our guide was named Sea Cat and he showed us some really cool stuff like the different kinds of trees and where the fresh water was. He told some good stories about the mountain we were climbing, the stories were amazing we learned a lot about the history of the mountain and the Boiling Lake. For example he told us about how the natives would hide in the trees and knock on them to communicate with each other.
Sea Cat made a bunch of different kinds of snacks for us as we went along like salted fish salad, fruit punch, and eggs that he boiled in the hot springs! He was a really fun guide to have because he would do stuff that the other guides wouldn’t do. He gave us volcanic mud facials which were good because they make the skin soft and smooth. He would allow us to swing on the vines and swim in the hot springs that were like hot tubs.
The boiling lake is 200 feet across and is part of a volcano. I believe that it was an amazing hike to be a part of. To get to the boiling lake it’s a lot of up and down stairs and rocks. The site from the top of the mountain was beautiful, you could see many different colors of green, blue, brown, and a little bit of white. I wish that I could have stayed there just so that I could enjoy the site every day. Part of the mountain was a rain forest where it rained a lot and it made the trail very muddy and slippery, it made it harder to go up and down the steep stairs and over the rocks. The end of the hike was fun because we got to go swim in the Titou Gorge and see a waterfall inside a cave. When we got back to the boat everyone could really feel how sore their muscles were.
The last cool thing of the day was when Marcella joined us on the boat after missing the first two weeks. We hope she enjoys the trip.
Not many of us have had time to write letters home because we have been busy on the boat working hard and working on our projects on land.
Ann Curran
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
March 31, 2009
So today we had a very early day. We were going to visit the Carib Reserve on the other side of Dominica and had a group of Carib students hosting our visit. We were woken up at 5am so that we could be on land by 8:00 to make the bus that the Carib students set up for us. We made it on time and after a few technical difficulties we got on the right bus. It took us an hour to get to the territory.
The Caribs are indigenous people of many Caribbean islands. Many Caribs were killed during European colonization and Dominica's Carib Reserve is the only Carib community that still exists in the region.
The first thing we did was visit the Castle Bruce School. We met with two different groups of students and had different reactions to the questions we had. Sometimes students were really shy, but other times they were really outgoing and willing to answer our questions.
The Carib students next treated us to fresh young coconuts and we drank the milk and ate the gooey insides. Everyone tried them but all had different reactions. It wasn’t the first time I had eaten a coconut, and the taste was different, but it was good.
After we went down further into the Carib territory, and hiked to see the ocean. We learned about the community and what they represent as a part of Caribbean history. At the ocean, we stood on a big rock and looked out over a beautiful view.
Coming back into the boat we were in a good mood. But the most exciting part was one of our teachers Molly coming back after a hard time at home. We all missed her. The sad part was our other teacher Nettie was leaving us. So it was very emotional day, but either way we had a better day, than we had in a while. With everyone coming in and out, I think its starting to bring us all back together, slowly but surely.
Veronica Olimpiada
The Caribs are indigenous people of many Caribbean islands. Many Caribs were killed during European colonization and Dominica's Carib Reserve is the only Carib community that still exists in the region.
The first thing we did was visit the Castle Bruce School. We met with two different groups of students and had different reactions to the questions we had. Sometimes students were really shy, but other times they were really outgoing and willing to answer our questions.
The Carib students next treated us to fresh young coconuts and we drank the milk and ate the gooey insides. Everyone tried them but all had different reactions. It wasn’t the first time I had eaten a coconut, and the taste was different, but it was good.
After we went down further into the Carib territory, and hiked to see the ocean. We learned about the community and what they represent as a part of Caribbean history. At the ocean, we stood on a big rock and looked out over a beautiful view.
Coming back into the boat we were in a good mood. But the most exciting part was one of our teachers Molly coming back after a hard time at home. We all missed her. The sad part was our other teacher Nettie was leaving us. So it was very emotional day, but either way we had a better day, than we had in a while. With everyone coming in and out, I think its starting to bring us all back together, slowly but surely.
Veronica Olimpiada
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30, 2009
Today we started our day by visiting an all girl’s school in Rouseau called Wesley High. We were greeted in the school yard by the principal and she then gave us a tour of the school. After showing us around she brought us to a class on the second floor of the small two story building where she introduced us to the students that we were going to speak with. All of the students were extremely polite and happy to provide us with any knowledge or information that we needed. After another successful school visit we headed back down to the dock where we met our tour guide Sea Cat. He took us to a beautiful snorkeling spot called Champangne Beach where we got the opportunity to snorkel, work on oceanography projects and just take the time to enjoy the weather and relax. When we finished there Sea Cat took us down to the salt water hot springs and to Scott's Head. After a long ride back to the boat we were all pretty exhausted so after dinner we all went straight to our bunks to retire from our tiring day and to get well rested for our next.
by Jasmine Dean
by Jasmine Dean
Sunday, March 29, 2009
March 29, 2009
Today began with an early start when wakeups were pushed ahead of schedule in order to get ready to go to church this Sunday morning. The majority of our group decided to attend either a Catholic or Christian mass in the morning. The first group of students attended the eight o’ clock mass at the Catholic Church in town, and the second group of students went to the ten o’ clock mass at the Nations of Jesus Church. Although the two services were different, the services were a new experience to those who regularly attend church or do not go to church at all. The services were filled with all new hymns, a different way of praying, and even had experiences familiar with church back home. Although some people in our group were not religious, it seemed as if everyone has a good time experiencing a part of Dominican culture.
The second half of our day involved going back to the dock to pick up our laundry. We all picked up a bag and walked our clothes over to a local laundromat and spent most of our time learning how to work a washer and enjoying the fact that we can clean our clothes for the first time in two weeks. A few hours later, the majority of the class went to eat lunch and explore Dominica some more with Ann, while a few girls decided to stay at the laundromat with Nettie. During this time many comments about the piercing and punishment situation were discussed. This was because a student had disregarded the rules the day before and gotten a piercing, which had a consequence for all of us. Many felt that our discussion the previous night had not ended right and the incident was beginning to bring out the worst in some of us. Fortunately we continued the day on a mostly positive note and returned to the ship in a mostly positive mood.
After having some time to ourselves before dinner and eating some lovely leftovers, Gwen, Jasmine and Briana led a discussion that began with a review and recommitment to the student contract. Everyone was asked to comment on how they felt at the moment and how to address the piercing issue. Although the discussion brought up many things that were left unsaid earlier it was a difficult discussion. The group went through a roller coaster of emotions and issues. Ideas and thoughts were put out there, but they were pushed back and forth. Some felt the group was back to square one but we pushed on and created some recommendations to give Nettie and Ann as alternatives to our current consequence. After an hour so after the end of the discussion, the student gave an apology to the group about her piercing. Overall, today was filled with all sorts of emotions, but we now know that we have issues to work out and are on our way to solving them.
Julia Brooks
The second half of our day involved going back to the dock to pick up our laundry. We all picked up a bag and walked our clothes over to a local laundromat and spent most of our time learning how to work a washer and enjoying the fact that we can clean our clothes for the first time in two weeks. A few hours later, the majority of the class went to eat lunch and explore Dominica some more with Ann, while a few girls decided to stay at the laundromat with Nettie. During this time many comments about the piercing and punishment situation were discussed. This was because a student had disregarded the rules the day before and gotten a piercing, which had a consequence for all of us. Many felt that our discussion the previous night had not ended right and the incident was beginning to bring out the worst in some of us. Fortunately we continued the day on a mostly positive note and returned to the ship in a mostly positive mood.
After having some time to ourselves before dinner and eating some lovely leftovers, Gwen, Jasmine and Briana led a discussion that began with a review and recommitment to the student contract. Everyone was asked to comment on how they felt at the moment and how to address the piercing issue. Although the discussion brought up many things that were left unsaid earlier it was a difficult discussion. The group went through a roller coaster of emotions and issues. Ideas and thoughts were put out there, but they were pushed back and forth. Some felt the group was back to square one but we pushed on and created some recommendations to give Nettie and Ann as alternatives to our current consequence. After an hour so after the end of the discussion, the student gave an apology to the group about her piercing. Overall, today was filled with all sorts of emotions, but we now know that we have issues to work out and are on our way to solving them.
Julia Brooks
Saturday, March 28, 2009
March 28, 2009
Today was our arrival to Dominica! It was very fun. As usual, we started with our morning chores and then got ready to go out to the island. We got to the island and got into groups and went had some time to explore the market in Rouseau. We tasted one of the best smoothies ever! They were so good. We also met some really cool people. For example, we met police officer and he was really cool. We also met a really nice woman who let Iris and Viki use her cell phone when she saw both of them in tears because they wanted to call home. We got to check out different stores and we walked around the Market. I got to buy my sister her birthday gift, an item you can only buy here in Dominica. I had a really fun time just getting to see all the stores they had and all the fruit that was being sold that looked so good! I enjoyed my first day in Dominica. =)
Celina Lopez
Celina Lopez
Friday, March 27, 2009
March 27, 2009
Today was a normal sailing day but some interesting things went on. So galley duty is when you get a whole day to help Lizzie, the cook, out in the galley with the food preparation. I had galley duty today so I got to sleep in and have a day off from C watch. After I woke up and was done with the morning shift I sat on deck wishing I had a book to read and Nettie overheard me. I told her I wasn’t done reading twilight and she told me the series was here so I was really excited and happy. So the day went on and Lizzie taught Briana, Jasmine, and me how to harmonize while we braided her hair in singles. After that, lunch came around and we happily feasted. Then we listened to our weather, navigation, and resources report to find out how things were. It was the 2nd time people did them on their own and they did a really good job. Last but not least we finished the night by trying to finish Lizzie’s hair and stay up at the same time. Overall it was a normal and slightly interesting day today and I’m excited to get off the boat to explore Dominica tomorrow!
Gwen Fincher
Gwen Fincher
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March 26, 2009
Today we are on our second day of sailing towards our next destination, Dominica. It has been a rough sail so far. And I mean rough for us because it is hard to steer and stand on bow watch when the ship is going really fast. The speed is actually a good thing because we can get there quickly. The worst part is not staying dry. Every time we tried to do dishes we get splashed. At first I hated it but then I started to get used to it. By my night watch I was fully prepared to get wet.
The highlight of my day though was when Mr. Welsh caught his first fish of the trip. I could tell he was very happy by the smile he had on his face. Mr. Bailey and Dave also seemed very excited. Later that day Lizzie cooked it for dinner. I heard it was very yummy. I couldn’t even taste it after seeing how they cut it open and took everything out. Ann actually showed me the gills and the inside of the eyes. It was interesting but stinky.
At night I helped Lizzie make chocolate chip cookies. It was fun because I hadn’t baked in a long time. Finally the best part of my day was seeing a shooting star during my night watch! I was so amazed because I like to look at stars back home but it is nothing compared to what I have seen on this voyage. Now all I have to do is wait and see if my wish comes true.
Iris Galvan
The highlight of my day though was when Mr. Welsh caught his first fish of the trip. I could tell he was very happy by the smile he had on his face. Mr. Bailey and Dave also seemed very excited. Later that day Lizzie cooked it for dinner. I heard it was very yummy. I couldn’t even taste it after seeing how they cut it open and took everything out. Ann actually showed me the gills and the inside of the eyes. It was interesting but stinky.
At night I helped Lizzie make chocolate chip cookies. It was fun because I hadn’t baked in a long time. Finally the best part of my day was seeing a shooting star during my night watch! I was so amazed because I like to look at stars back home but it is nothing compared to what I have seen on this voyage. Now all I have to do is wait and see if my wish comes true.
Iris Galvan
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March 25, 2009
Today we left Norman Island and set out for Dominica. Just to leave we had a lot to do like strike the awning, put up all the sails, and take up the anchor. All the students had to plan the voyage we had ahead of us, so we split up into our watches and got information that we needed to bring back at an all hand muster mid ships. During the night there was a big storm called a squall. You could hear everything up on deck. The waves were 8-10ft and we were going 9 knots. It was pouring raining. The whole crew had to come up and strike the jib and put a reef in the main. The squall only lasted for about 20 minutes but to make all the changes in the sails it took over an hour. After the squall was over the waves were 3-6ft and the wind force was a 5, which is big compared to what we have been sailing. The day was scary but also very exciting and I’m sure it will be remembered!
Briana Clemmons
Briana Clemmons
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
March 24, 2009
Today we left Tortola and sailed to Norman Island. Norman Island is another island in the British Virgin Island. There where no homes that we saw just a beach bar and a lot of tourist. These tourists came here by boat and not a cruise boat but either a charter boat or their own boats. When we dropped the anchor we all got ready to either go snorkeling or work on our rocky intertidal project. Ashley, Jasmine and I went with Nettie to do our intertidal projects and we had a lot of fun. The intertidal here is very different from in California. We found a huge hermit crab that had mostly crawled out of its shell, various species of sea urchins and well hidden chitons. After we collected some information for our projects we went back on the boat to get ready for a nice hike. When we first started to walk up Spyglass Hill, we found out that it was not going to be a very easy hike. It went straight up a rocky path. We had to take at least four breaks because we got very tired but when we got up there it was so worth the hard work climbing up that mountain we got to see the view for miles and miles. We saw Tortola, Virgin Gorda and many more of the Virgin Islands.
Viki Contreras
Viki Contreras
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23, 2009
Today we played in Roadtown, Tortola. There isn’t really very much exciting here. It’s a big cruise ship stop and has all the tourist shops to go with it. We had our school visit at BVI High School, the only public high school on the island. It was a great learning experience for the girls as well as for me. The school system is setup so differently and doesn’t offer students as many second chances as schools in the US. There isn’t summer school or night school; you essentially have one shot to get it right. We met with From 4 students (the equivalent to 11th grade) math classes and the girls were able to get a lot of interesting information for their globalization projects. In walking around the classrooms and observing the conversations the girls were having with students, I heard many different topics discussed. I heard conversations about school uniforms and gang colors, sports, music, dance, women’s health, etc.
Ms. Sutcliffe, the Vice Principal, toured us through the school. She introduced us to one of the music instructors. He gave our whole group a quick lesson on the steel pans (drums). A couple of Tortolan students and the teacher helped us stay on beat. Gwen couldn’t help but dance as she played, but we’re finding out that she can’t really sit still any time there is music. During the tour we also learned that music is a really big thing in school in Tortola. As our music programs in the states are shrinking, their programs are expanding. They have a steel pan band, orchestra, jazz band and choir. It was an awesome experience and we were impressed with the variety of courses offered by this school. Check out the video below of our steel pan practice!
After leaving the school we let the girls explore Roadtown in their groups with the mission of completing a scavenger hunt. They found some pretty entertaining things that made them look more than skin deep. This was also their opportunity to call home, buy souvenirs, get their junk food fix and find some sort of iced drink. Everyone, including us teachers, needed to find a smoothie, glass of iced anything or ice cream just because we’ve been drinking room temperature water for so long while it’s been hot out.
As far as the girls and their sailing, they have been working hard to learn their lines, practice their navigation and remember where they need to be during emergency drills. They’ve had a lot thrown at them and for the most part, they’ve stepped up to the challenge. Every one of them has experienced a down time when they just couldn’t do it or were just tired and didn’t want to put the effort in, but it’s understandable and to be expected. Over all I’m really proud of the work they’ve done individually, but also as a team.
Ann Wasser (instructor)
Ms. Sutcliffe, the Vice Principal, toured us through the school. She introduced us to one of the music instructors. He gave our whole group a quick lesson on the steel pans (drums). A couple of Tortolan students and the teacher helped us stay on beat. Gwen couldn’t help but dance as she played, but we’re finding out that she can’t really sit still any time there is music. During the tour we also learned that music is a really big thing in school in Tortola. As our music programs in the states are shrinking, their programs are expanding. They have a steel pan band, orchestra, jazz band and choir. It was an awesome experience and we were impressed with the variety of courses offered by this school. Check out the video below of our steel pan practice!
After leaving the school we let the girls explore Roadtown in their groups with the mission of completing a scavenger hunt. They found some pretty entertaining things that made them look more than skin deep. This was also their opportunity to call home, buy souvenirs, get their junk food fix and find some sort of iced drink. Everyone, including us teachers, needed to find a smoothie, glass of iced anything or ice cream just because we’ve been drinking room temperature water for so long while it’s been hot out.
As far as the girls and their sailing, they have been working hard to learn their lines, practice their navigation and remember where they need to be during emergency drills. They’ve had a lot thrown at them and for the most part, they’ve stepped up to the challenge. Every one of them has experienced a down time when they just couldn’t do it or were just tired and didn’t want to put the effort in, but it’s understandable and to be expected. Over all I’m really proud of the work they’ve done individually, but also as a team.
Ann Wasser (instructor)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March 22, 2009
Today was a very hard working day. I think we all did really great. We all had to wake up by 7 today and do our chores. We left from Saint John today and started our way to Road Town in Tortola. The trip was very smooth and easy except for all the hard work everybody put in today. We had to put up the sails and following that when we got to Road Town we had to take them down, it was a lot of hard work but we got it done and didn’t give up on what had to be done. It was very hot today by the way and that did effect everybody and their mood and reaction to things but it was all good because we worked though it and were rewarded with swimming time today. We had a lot of laughs today and I feel like day by day we are all getting closer and better at doing our job on the ship and learning our lines we did a lot of studying on them today and had things checked off our list. AMAZING we got to go aloft today and the crew was taking pictures we also had our first Tall Ships runway show, it was great. Tonight we had something special, smores oh yea we had them and they were great!!!! Over all today was one of the best days and there will be many more to come along with many memories and experiences.
Ashley Hurtubise
Ashley Hurtubise
Saturday, March 21, 2009
March 21, 2009
Welcome to St. John! After a first passage with great weather and smooth sailing, our crew has gotten their sea legs. Instead of pinched, green faces and grumbles the girls are smiling and singing through their duties.
After we dropped anchor in Francis Bay, we took our first small boat runs into the beach to snorkel. After enjoying the feel of land beneath our feet and running some sand through our toes, everyone jumped into the blue-green water with snorkel and fins to see what we could see. We swam through fish of all shapes and sizes; up at the end of the beach, sea urchins and a sea turtle were a fun surprise. For those who swam like fish, to our newer more tentative swimmers, there was much adventure to be had this afternoon.
After swimming for a while, a small group of us hiked over to the Anneberg ruins, an old sugar mill. We enjoyed the walk and the ruins. In addition, Sara and Ann spotted a battle between a red-winged fly and a spider that fascinated us. The fly won and eventually pulled the spider down into its hole, finishing the show.
Back on board, we had a delicious dinner prepared by our galley wonder, Lizzie, did some homework and then went to bed early to prepare for our anchor watches.
Although there is still plenty of work and adjusting to do, this first landfall will be a good memory to carry into the future.
Nettie Kelly, Instructor
Friday, March 20, 2009
March 20, 2009
Some of us still feeling sea sick and feel that it’ eating us up into pieces we continue to be on are way to St. Johns, U.S Virgin Islands. Not getting there as fast as we would like to, do to our steering and wind conditions we continue to help each other out and cheer each other on. This new experience we are all facing is nothing we have done before so us trying to get use to the system having to clean the deck some of us doing soles and bowls and having to do dishes also with salt water, concentrated soap, and bleach is something new to us. Also one of us gets the opportunity to help Lizy are cook in the gallery for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and that takes us out of our watch till after dinner. While helping the cook we have to do most of the prep stuff and putting things out. Once were done with that meal we can do anything basically we can choose to go to sleep we can just relax till the next meal of the day. As far as for us trying to learn are lines it’s still some work in progress because we don’t have them all down yet or remembered. We have also started to get some of our stuff checked off from our first checklist like for example what to do if they’re was a fire or man over board and abandon ship. Also were are all those things located like fire extinguishers, the PFD’s, water, food life rafts etc. Still enjoying this new experience we continue to be anxious to get to St. Johns soon.
Cathy Ortega
Cathy Ortega
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March 18, 2009
Today was a little bit of a crazy day. Molly had to leave us to be with her family and Nettie was finally able to join us. Once Nettie was aboard we untied dock lines and started off on our adventure. We set the fores’l and the jumbo and sailed off the dock. The girls were wide-eyed and not sure what to expect. I wish I could even begin to explain the mixture of expressions on their faces. As a sailor and avid traveler, I was jumping around with excitement and I’m pretty sure the girls thought I was nuts. I hope that they find the excitement in this journey that I have so been looking forward to. As we were leaving the harbor in Puerto Rico we passed El Morro, which is part of the fort in Old San Juan. Having visited on land yesterday, it was amazing to be able to see it from the sea and experience how big it really is. Not too long after leaving Puerto Rico the first of the girls started to get sea sick. First Iris, then Cathy, then Celina, then Julia…They did really well in not letting it get them down and still trying to be involved in what was going on. They were really supportive of each other -- a good beginning to them working as a team. Those that weren’t sick were jumping up to help cover for the other girls that were sick. All in all it was a good first sailing day minus the seasickness. The little personal perk for the day was seeing the Southern Cross, which is a constellation, for the first time. We hope everyone is doing well at home and keep checking in on our adventures!
Ann Wasser (instructor)
Ann Wasser (instructor)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March 16: San Juan, Puerto Rico
This morning we woke up in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Coqui Inn to coffee and donuts in the lobby. We got ready and then headed over to one of the girl's hotel rooms to eat fruit and plan our first presentation to our first high school. Then we walked over to a private Catholic High School down the street from our hotel.
We visited a 12th grade honors English class. Our first presentation went well. Then we split up one on one with the students and were able to get to know them and ask a few questions. Each of us were able to talk to 3 students each. We learned a lot about their school and what it is like to live in Puerto Rico.
After visiting the school, we took a bus to old San Juan. We got our first look at our new home for 6 weeks. The captain came out to greet us as we looked at the Spirit of Massachusetts. Then we walked over to old San Juan. We visited two forts over there. We split off into small groups and explored each of the forts for 45 minutes. The first fort was used to defend the land and the second was used to attack at sea.
Then we walked over to a local restaurant and had dinner together. After the bus ride home, most of us went swimming in the rain in the hotel pool outside. A few of us did our first load of laundry (and probably our last for a while) and then finally went to sleep. It was a fun day!!
Kayla Altobelli-Libercent
We visited a 12th grade honors English class. Our first presentation went well. Then we split up one on one with the students and were able to get to know them and ask a few questions. Each of us were able to talk to 3 students each. We learned a lot about their school and what it is like to live in Puerto Rico.
After visiting the school, we took a bus to old San Juan. We got our first look at our new home for 6 weeks. The captain came out to greet us as we looked at the Spirit of Massachusetts. Then we walked over to old San Juan. We visited two forts over there. We split off into small groups and explored each of the forts for 45 minutes. The first fort was used to defend the land and the second was used to attack at sea.
Then we walked over to a local restaurant and had dinner together. After the bus ride home, most of us went swimming in the rain in the hotel pool outside. A few of us did our first load of laundry (and probably our last for a while) and then finally went to sleep. It was a fun day!!
Kayla Altobelli-Libercent
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16 2009
The first day we to got to San Juan, Puerto Rico we all had a great first impression of the beautiful island. Although the flights were long and tiring we soon learned once we got there that it was worth it. After we arrived at the hotel and got settled in we headed straight for the beach. Nobody hesitated to get in the water because for most of us it was the cleanest, warmest and most beautiful water we ever swam in. After we got back to the hotel we had a couple hours of free time to shower, use the internet, and relax. Since we were all so used to our hot, unlimited showers back home we were all very disappointed and frustrated with our limited supply of cold water that we had to shower with. After we enjoyed our free time we walked a block to the hotels restaurant. I don’t think that any of us really knew what to expect after ordering but I think we were all satisfied with our meals for the most part. Overall we had a fun and exciting first day leaving us all very anxious to find out what the future had in store for us.
Jasmine Dean
Jasmine Dean
March 14-15 2009
Arriving to the airport and meeting the girls after our day off from school, you could see the entire shell-shocked look in our eyes. We all were happy to go, don’t get me wrong. But at the same time, it was just going by really fast. We all had crazy emotions running threw our mind and to tell the truth I still don’t think it settle in anyone’s mind. Leaving or families, boyfriends, best friends, and anyone else that we were leaving were really hard, but the idea of us coming together sounded great. Seeing each other cry was the hard part, but making each other feel better was that was easy. First time on the plane from San Francisco to New York was different. Few of us got comfortable by switching seats, than we all started talking, some of us tried to sleep but that didn’t really work out. The next time we got on the plane from New York to Puerto Rico we all went to sleep some how, some way. Coming into San Juan we all felt the different weather. Getting our bags, getting into the cabs to go to the hotel we got our first look at San Juan. Picking our roommates, getting our keys to our new rooms it all started to feel some what real. The first thing we did together as a group was go to the beach. Playing in the clear Caribbean water, you can see how close we have gotten from the first day we met. We ate together at the hotel restaurant for our first dinner at San Juan. As the day turns into night we all heard into one room and hang out there for awhile, doing homework, talking, and most of all trying to comprehend how to get our mind settle that were not going to be home for the next six weeks. As we started finishing up the day the bomb start to hit us that we are really doing this and that there’s no turning back now.
- Veronica Olimpiada
- Veronica Olimpiada
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Week 8: March 9-13, 2009
This was our last week at SF State! All the girls had mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety for we realized we are going to be leaving soon. We began to count down the days of our departure. It felt like things were going too slow and we wanted to leave already but also felt like things were moving too fast and we didn't want to lift our feet off the ground. Monday was like any normal day at State. We had our classes: first Leadership, then History, Lunch, Oceanography and Navigation. Tuesday was yet another long day but when we reached Wednesday it began to lighten up. We went small boat sailing once again and worked on our presentations that we will give to the crew and schools we will visit. That was when a big conflict rose.
While we were suppose to come up with two good presentations, some people began to get off task while others formed a smaller group where they came up with the presentation. I was one of those people who had no involvement in the assignment until Kayla told us that we should help with this and pay attention. We decided to became part of the working group. While some of the girls expressed their ideas, I felt like mine wasn't respected by the others and no one even wanted my help. Hurt & frustrated, I walked out with two girls and as we were called back in, everyone formed a circle to talk it out. I explained how I felt that I was targeted for being off task but when I tried to join in, I didn't feel I was wanted for the discussion. It hurt even more, how I was told that I should be quiet so others could talk. At the end, the group was able to talk everything out including the misunderstandings. We ended with a group hug.
I believe every single girl here has a strong personality and attitude but I hope in the future we will learn from this experience and no unkind words will be said. We will all be able to work through problems in a respectful and open minded way. This is going to be most useful for when we step on the boat and HAVE to be able to work together.
Thursday was our last day at SF State and we took it all in. Our last session of Bootcamp, our last real day of regular classes including Vincent :-(. We had a cake for Marcella and Elissia's birthday which Ann accidently dropped on the floor. Haha. Our last day was sort of a sad but an exhilarating change that none of us, even by packing, could prepare for. However, we do have each other and that, most importantly, will prepare us for anything.
Sara Cortes
While we were suppose to come up with two good presentations, some people began to get off task while others formed a smaller group where they came up with the presentation. I was one of those people who had no involvement in the assignment until Kayla told us that we should help with this and pay attention. We decided to became part of the working group. While some of the girls expressed their ideas, I felt like mine wasn't respected by the others and no one even wanted my help. Hurt & frustrated, I walked out with two girls and as we were called back in, everyone formed a circle to talk it out. I explained how I felt that I was targeted for being off task but when I tried to join in, I didn't feel I was wanted for the discussion. It hurt even more, how I was told that I should be quiet so others could talk. At the end, the group was able to talk everything out including the misunderstandings. We ended with a group hug.
I believe every single girl here has a strong personality and attitude but I hope in the future we will learn from this experience and no unkind words will be said. We will all be able to work through problems in a respectful and open minded way. This is going to be most useful for when we step on the boat and HAVE to be able to work together.
Thursday was our last day at SF State and we took it all in. Our last session of Bootcamp, our last real day of regular classes including Vincent :-(. We had a cake for Marcella and Elissia's birthday which Ann accidently dropped on the floor. Haha. Our last day was sort of a sad but an exhilarating change that none of us, even by packing, could prepare for. However, we do have each other and that, most importantly, will prepare us for anything.
Sara Cortes
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Week 7: March 9-13, 2009
Wow this week was so fun and crazy, but in a good way. As you should know this is second to last week on land. Its finally hitting everybody that it’s real; this is really happing to us. When we were told we were going to have gear check for the first time, everybody looked at each other in shock like we leaving soon. It’s funny because every girl in the room signed up to be here, and we knew we were going to go to the Caribbean for 6 weeks, but I don’t think it ever really hit us tuntil this week. All of us have very mixed emotions about leaving and going away for 6 weeks, but we all could agree that we are really excited.
This week we also went down to Hyde Street Pier for our first day of sailing. It was really fun, but hard work at the same time. We learned how to put the little sails on the sail boats and how to steer the boat (it’s harder than it sounds, trust me.). This is the first actual time that we needed navigation on the water, and sadly I don’t think it’s the last, but that’s okay. We also learned some more terms for the boat. It’s like a whole different language but you get use to it after a while. You can see the girls and how much they enjoy it by the smiles on our faces. Even if it was cold we still had fun. Also this was the first week we had school on Saturday, and you know us teenagers love our weekends, but we all had great attitudes and we did what we had to do and had fun doing it.
After this week and all the exciting things we’ve gone through, we are ready for this trip!
Veronica Olimpiada
This week we also went down to Hyde Street Pier for our first day of sailing. It was really fun, but hard work at the same time. We learned how to put the little sails on the sail boats and how to steer the boat (it’s harder than it sounds, trust me.). This is the first actual time that we needed navigation on the water, and sadly I don’t think it’s the last, but that’s okay. We also learned some more terms for the boat. It’s like a whole different language but you get use to it after a while. You can see the girls and how much they enjoy it by the smiles on our faces. Even if it was cold we still had fun. Also this was the first week we had school on Saturday, and you know us teenagers love our weekends, but we all had great attitudes and we did what we had to do and had fun doing it.
After this week and all the exciting things we’ve gone through, we are ready for this trip!
Veronica Olimpiada
Monday, March 9, 2009
Week 6: March 2-6, 2009
As we entered our sixth week at San Francisco State, we began to realize that we only had three more weeks left until the beginning of our voyage. Both nervous and excited, we began a week filled with many decisions and visitors. On Monday morning we had some time to brainstorm and create a layout for a flag that would represent our group that we would fly during our trip. Although we had many ideas, we could not think of any solid ideas, so we decided to go over new ideas on Tuesday’s Crew Muster.
On Tuesday our first guest of the week, The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) spent the day evaluating Tall Ship’s program by interviewing the teachers and sitting in and asking us questions about why we joined the program during our Crew Muster. During Crew Muster, we finally came to a consensus on the final idea for our flag. Then after that discussion, we took the time to go around the group and tell one another how much they are appreciated.
On Wednesday during Navigation, we were greeted by numerous guests. In the morning, Laurie, who we met at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, gave us a lesson on Mangroves in the Caribbean and in America. Later on in the day we were greeted by our surprise guest Dr. Oswaldo Garcia, who is a professor of Meteorology at San Francisco State. During his visit, he taught us the basics of weather charts and how to read and understand wave heights and wind speeds. During the end of the day we took time out of Vincent’s class to rehearse and present little performances based on Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman.
Thursday was a typical day, with the exception of our guest teacher Blanca, who was a Tall Ship alumni in 2006. Blanca taught us a lesson on video and skills and techniques we can use to make a documentary of our voyage in March. After learning about various shots and cuts, we went around campus to practice what we had learned.
We ended the week with our typical schedule, and got ready to spend the weekend packing and getting ready for our trip.
Julia Brooks
On Tuesday our first guest of the week, The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) spent the day evaluating Tall Ship’s program by interviewing the teachers and sitting in and asking us questions about why we joined the program during our Crew Muster. During Crew Muster, we finally came to a consensus on the final idea for our flag. Then after that discussion, we took the time to go around the group and tell one another how much they are appreciated.
On Wednesday during Navigation, we were greeted by numerous guests. In the morning, Laurie, who we met at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, gave us a lesson on Mangroves in the Caribbean and in America. Later on in the day we were greeted by our surprise guest Dr. Oswaldo Garcia, who is a professor of Meteorology at San Francisco State. During his visit, he taught us the basics of weather charts and how to read and understand wave heights and wind speeds. During the end of the day we took time out of Vincent’s class to rehearse and present little performances based on Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman.
Thursday was a typical day, with the exception of our guest teacher Blanca, who was a Tall Ship alumni in 2006. Blanca taught us a lesson on video and skills and techniques we can use to make a documentary of our voyage in March. After learning about various shots and cuts, we went around campus to practice what we had learned.
We ended the week with our typical schedule, and got ready to spend the weekend packing and getting ready for our trip.
Julia Brooks
Monday, March 2, 2009
Week 5: February 24-27, 2009
This was a short, but very exciting week. On Wednesday we visited the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. We finally got to see all the animals that Ann has been talking about in Oceanography. When we first got there, we were introduced to some of the park rangers. We then ate lunch and had to change into our rubber boots because we knew we would be getting really wet. We took a small hike up to the beach. On the way we saw a lot of seals lying on the beach. We even got to see one of the newest babies. After finally getting down to the beach everyone was anxious to explore and touch things. Everyone touched the anemones first. When I first touched one of the open anemones it had a tiny shock to it, and the texture of it was very sticky. Hermit crabs were also really popular, everyone was picking them up and hoping they would come out of there shells. Jasmine was attached to one of the hermit crabs the whole time; she even named him “Hermie”. She was very sad when we had to leave him behind when it was time to go. After a bunch of exploring we had to get down to business and collect some data for our “Rocky Intertidal Lab”. After writing down all the data everyone was tired and relieved to go home. This week all of the girls have been getting along, and I look forward to the trip!Briana Clemmons
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Week 4: February 9-13, 2009
Four Weeks Down, Four Weeks To Go
We finally made it to the half way point. I cannot believe there is only four more weeks until we leave on our amazing voyage. At this point I feel more comfortable with the girls. Some of us have even given each other nicknames. But I still think I need to reach out and get to know a couple girls. Well this week we also had our first progress report check-ins. It was better than what I was expecting. Growing up, progress reports were something I was scared of. It was different here at Tall Ships though it was an actual conversation back and forth rather than just Molly and Ann telling me right from wrong. They made me feel very good about myself, and I could tell they care because they asked how I was feeling and asked my opinion on the Progress Report.
This week we also met Caitlin Schwartzman, the founder of Tall Ships Education Academy. She is also an artist and a full time mother. She shared her story about how she began sailing. I could really tell how passionate she is about sailing from the way she spoke about it. She showed us some of her pictures from other sailing voyages. She also gave us some very creative pointers and ideas on how to take pictures while we are on our voyage. One that stood out to me was the one where she said to try to capture a silhouette. The ones that she showed me looked very pleasant.
After this week all I can think of is that we are do close to leaving but I am so excited and afraid at the same time but I sure know one thing I will not miss it for anything.
Iris Galvan
We finally made it to the half way point. I cannot believe there is only four more weeks until we leave on our amazing voyage. At this point I feel more comfortable with the girls. Some of us have even given each other nicknames. But I still think I need to reach out and get to know a couple girls. Well this week we also had our first progress report check-ins. It was better than what I was expecting. Growing up, progress reports were something I was scared of. It was different here at Tall Ships though it was an actual conversation back and forth rather than just Molly and Ann telling me right from wrong. They made me feel very good about myself, and I could tell they care because they asked how I was feeling and asked my opinion on the Progress Report.
This week we also met Caitlin Schwartzman, the founder of Tall Ships Education Academy. She is also an artist and a full time mother. She shared her story about how she began sailing. I could really tell how passionate she is about sailing from the way she spoke about it. She showed us some of her pictures from other sailing voyages. She also gave us some very creative pointers and ideas on how to take pictures while we are on our voyage. One that stood out to me was the one where she said to try to capture a silhouette. The ones that she showed me looked very pleasant.
After this week all I can think of is that we are do close to leaving but I am so excited and afraid at the same time but I sure know one thing I will not miss it for anything.
Iris Galvan
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Week 3: February 2-6, 2009
In the third week of the semester, we as girls became close. Our communication class with Vincent has helped us get to know each other even better on a different level and out of our comfort zone. For example, during the time when we were still getting to know each other, Vincent had us do exercises where partners had to learn and then tell stories about each other.
In other classwork, Molly helped us understand the economic and social development of the Caribbean and the important aspects of the cultural imprint of colonialism. As we get deeper into reading In the Time of the Butterflies, we’re anxious to know what happens next and know more about the Mirabal sisters and their personalities. We're still trying to understand Oceanography with Ann yet we are so excited to learn about the water quality, tides, and more. Our time with Coach Ann and swimming with Molly continues its course and we believe it’s working its way to get us in shape for our departure day.
Overall Tall Ships is very challenging for me because I came from a school that is project-based. There, we do not have homework and have fewer hours at school. That did not prepare me for a program like Tall Ships. Now, coming to Tall Ships I have homework every day and the school days are much longer. Also I have to participate in book discussions and stay on top of all my work. Being organized is something I didn’t have to do at my old school. However, making it to school on time is some work in progress.
By Cathy Ortega
In other classwork, Molly helped us understand the economic and social development of the Caribbean and the important aspects of the cultural imprint of colonialism. As we get deeper into reading In the Time of the Butterflies, we’re anxious to know what happens next and know more about the Mirabal sisters and their personalities. We're still trying to understand Oceanography with Ann yet we are so excited to learn about the water quality, tides, and more. Our time with Coach Ann and swimming with Molly continues its course and we believe it’s working its way to get us in shape for our departure day.
Overall Tall Ships is very challenging for me because I came from a school that is project-based. There, we do not have homework and have fewer hours at school. That did not prepare me for a program like Tall Ships. Now, coming to Tall Ships I have homework every day and the school days are much longer. Also I have to participate in book discussions and stay on top of all my work. Being organized is something I didn’t have to do at my old school. However, making it to school on time is some work in progress.
By Cathy Ortega
Week 2: January 26-30, 2009
This week was the first week we got a feel of what a regular school schedule was like. We had our first test on geography and oceanography! I'm hoping we all did good at remembering the names of islands and the different fault types. Vincent also came in to lead the communications class.This time we did a walking activity that helped me think about a lot and get to know more about my classmates.First the classroom was labled true and false on each side and the middle of the room was considerd sometimes. Then vincent would read out facts that may describe some people and we would silently walk to the part of the room that was our answer to what he read out. If the statement was true about us! thats the part of the room we would go. Once we got there we took turns to tell why we went to that part of the room. This activity let me know what type of a person they were and how much i have in common with them.
The highlight of this week would definitely have be the crazy ropes course that we did Tuesday. First we all met at Fort Mileys ropes course in the morning and did some fun partner stretching and trust exorcises. Then we were put to the test to see if we could work together and complete there challenge in 20 minutes! After we did that we got to what I thought was the fun nest stuff. one at a time we all got almost 30 feet in the air to walk across a single wire! It was great to see everyone go through with it and to see everyone cheering each other on! That day everyone connected and enjoyed themselves. this brought us a whole lot closer and I couldn't believe this was just the second week.
Gwen Fincher
The highlight of this week would definitely have be the crazy ropes course that we did Tuesday. First we all met at Fort Mileys ropes course in the morning and did some fun partner stretching and trust exorcises. Then we were put to the test to see if we could work together and complete there challenge in 20 minutes! After we did that we got to what I thought was the fun nest stuff. one at a time we all got almost 30 feet in the air to walk across a single wire! It was great to see everyone go through with it and to see everyone cheering each other on! That day everyone connected and enjoyed themselves. this brought us a whole lot closer and I couldn't believe this was just the second week.
Gwen Fincher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)