The Patriot State is berthed at the Pier #22 Passenger Terminal, Port Everglades, Florida, just south of the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach. The weather is pleasant and ample weekend festivities promise to fulfill every recreational need that the Cadets or crew might have.

Captain's Log:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida requires no introduction. Everyone knows that it is the Spring Break capital of the world and that college students flock south to the beaches every winter as surely as the birds fly north in the spring. Let me provide you with a bit of history, describe the area, and tell you why. First, you can get there from here!

Fort Lauderdale and much of surrounding Broward County, "rose up out of the swamp" after the railroad came in 1896 and the growth continued when Port Everglades was opened in 1920. That doesn't mean that the area was uninhabited. Native Americans did very well here for hundreds of years. We know that the Spanish Sailors were roaming the beaches in the 1500's. They were purportedly looking for the Fountain of Youth. I think they were most likely arriving early for Vollypalooza, the annual Beach Model Volleyball Challenge, which begins this morning.

The Chief Engineer, Bill Butler, has been heard to say, nothing in the known universe travels faster than a bad check. I beg to differ. Stand at the brow and watch as yesterday's duty section goes on liberty.

Today, this area is home to more than a million people (plus thousands of migratory college students) and it is truly, a destination. Within a few miles north and south of Port Everglades, our Cadets will find more than 2,000 square miles of beaches, Pompano, Miami, Deerfield, Lauderdale, to name a few. High quality nightlife and excellent restaurants are the rule. Cadets may choose to visit museums or nature centers, or they can dive, fish, or go sailing. The choices are endless. It's just a short ride to Disney World and many are going. In fact, Lt. Antonangeli is loading the buses, now.

For the seniors, their last Sea Term and their last liberty port as Cadets may be nostalgic events. But, the thought is also eye opening; only one short semester, yes, two short months... and the perennial rice bowl breaks. So, we are mixing business with pleasure at this stop as we host an on board, job fair and reception. A large number of eager employers are here to personally interview interested Cadets of all Majors. Believe me, the Cadets are interested! They're strongly motivated by Chief Butler who often reminds them, money can't buy happiness but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

After the tension of the interviews, some Cadets will relax at a comedy club or listen to live music under the stars. I wouldn't be surprised if some actually practice their celestial navigation skills at the nearby, Buehler Planetarium. No matter, rest assured, we are having a wonderful time; wish you were here, too.