Tuesday, 26 January 1999
As of 0800 this morning, the Empire State was located at 14 degrees 11 minutes North latitude, 060 degrees 59 minutes West longitude. That puts her approximately 4.6 nautical miles northwest of the Point du Cap Saint Lucia. She is steering various courses and speeds while conducting training. The depth of water under the keel is 5400 feet. The weather at her position is clear, wind out of the East @ 6 kts, sea state 2 (3 foot), air temp 80 degrees F, water temp 82 degrees F. Barometric pressure 1017 millibars.
CAPTAIN'S LOG: Today's log was written by Cadets 1/C Nicole Brooks, David Stanton and Sam White
Barbados was an excellent port and we enjoyed beautiful weather while we were there, including one full day of sunshine. However, the high cost of food, entertainment, and transportation drained the wallets of many of us. But, due to excellent planning, the cash ran out only hours before the time.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, sightseeing, and clubbing were of most interest. Scuba divers really had a wonderful trip. Meghan Carter, Rich Ennis, Chris Stentiford, and Irene Polnicki enjoyed sight seeing on a shipwreck at depths of 100 feet. The dive site is considered to be one of the ten best in the world. How could they go wrong there? Barbados, the only island in the Caribbean which is not volcanic, is made up almost entirely of limestone coral and that helps to make the snorkeling absolutely spectacular.
Crane Beach proved to be the water venue of choice; the surf was high, the sugar white sand was amazing and the steep cliff adjacent to the water attracted plenty of interest as cadets just couldn't resist the urge to jump from the heights into the crystal clear, comfortably warm water below.
Dave, Sam, and I encountered a local character while sight seeing. His name was Maurice, or "Fat Man" as he preferred to be called. He drove a taxi cab and for the sum of $40 U.S. took the three of us on enlightening round trip tour of the island. Driving in Barbados is definitely something to get used to. The locals seemed quite comfortable with the autobon-style, but we were in for an adventure every time we got into a car. Not only do cars travel on the left side of the road, but the people are always in a race to get there__ and without seat belts!
Maurice talked as we went and provided historic insight into sugar cane production, the local rum and tradition. We learned that hanging is still carried out as a form of punishment for murder under the "eye for an eye" philosophy. He talked with pride about the education system and the fine way that senior citizens are cared for. Schooling, including higher education, is free and the Island's Senior Citizens are vitally important and respected for their parts in heritage. They receive very inexpensive housing and vouchers for food.
Maurice's best line dealt with work, "There is no such thing as overtime in Barbados, just overworking." he said. This laid back Bajan attitude shouldn't be viewed as laziness; those whom we met were very hard-working, extremely intelligent people__ a true pleasure to be with.
We are currently steaming off the island of St. Lucia, just northeast of Barbados and loving every minute of it. We chose to attend MMA for love of the sea and strong desire to learn about it. But traveling to different ports and meeting new people are the best things about sea term. We are definitely waiting for Aruba. So long for now.
-