Friday, 29 January 1999
As of 0800 this morning, the Empire State was in the process of mooring at Oranjestad, Aruba, 12 degrees 31 minutes North latitude, 70 degrees and 07 minutes west longitude. The weather at her position is clear, with afternoon rain in the forecast, wind out of the East @ 5 knots, air temperature 80 degrees F, water temp 82 degrees F. Barometric pressure 1019 millibars.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
Since we are solely responsible for our entertainment while at sea, we began the annual "Tournament Nights" Wednesday evening. The games attracted a huge crowd. Foosball and ping-pong are always big hits with the more physical types and fans must exercise due caution when approaching the hotly contested matches. The intensity of the competition is surprising and one may intercept a flying elbow when in the immediate vicinity of the ping-pong table. If one chooses to stand near the Foosball table he may find his foot pinned beneath the work boot of an excited, 200 pound cadet. The more "staid" among us, find enjoyment in quiet games of cribbage or chess. The final rounds began last night but since everyone was busily preparing to enter port, I doubt that bragging rights will be secured until we are well on the road to Miami. The Student Government Association organizes the annual competition and provides valuable prizes to the winners...T-Shirts.
Yesterday found us island hopping again. This time, among the A,B,C Islands; Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. We traveled southwesterly just off the east coast of Bonaire and turned west along the southern coast of Curacao. Both islands are beautiful and the "channel" between the islands and the mainland of Venezuela is well protected.
Bonaire is a fascinating island well known for diving, snorkeling and wind surfing. But it is probably best known as home to one of the few breeding colonies of Flamingos in the world. The Bonaire Marine Park is also renown. The Park has been honored for the high quality Ecotourism that it offers and bird watchers find it an absolute paradise. The plant life is also fascinating. I picture tropical islands as very wet, jungly places and most are. However, Bonaire is almost arid and home to two main species of cacti, the yatu and the kadushi. Thorns on the yatu form neat rows of rosettes, while those of the kadushi are densely packed and stick out in all directions.
Curacao was once a commercial meeting place for pirates, rebels, merchants, and others. Another of the Netherlands Antilles Island Chain, the English held the island briefly in the early 1800's but the Dutch have controlled it since. Oil was the mainstay of the economy until the last major refinery closed in 1982 and tourism became the island's lifeblood. Curacao is well known for its Mardi Gras like carnival, which is happening now. The carnival boasts beauty pageants, musical contests and parades. Everyone is costumed and the streets are filled with loud music and boisterous crowds. Almost like New Orleans. Too bad we haven't time to stop there as well.
We arrived in Oranjestad, Aruba just after sunrise this morning and of course, we were headed directly into the sun. It shined through the light smog and created a surrealistic view of the island. The beautiful harbor, located in the heart of Oranjestad, is created by a wreck littered, barrier reef and several small islands. As an added bonus, the remains of a fishing vessel sit almost mid channel, a short distance off the dock. That complicated things but our pilot, a local gentleman with 35 years piloting experience and two tugs, made quick work of the docking evolution.
Aruba, the westernmost island of the Netherlands Antilles, lies approximately 20 miles north of the coast of Venezuela. The island is a very dry and barren place surrounded by brilliant blue green water and punctuated with sugary white beaches. Windsurfing is king here. However, the wonderful beaches have attracted development within recent years and resorts and casino are taking hold.
The main attraction is the Seaport Village complex which surrounds the harbor. It combines the largest entertainment and shopping facilities in Aruba and guess what? That is at the foot of the brow! I am certain that the cadets will have no problem finding things to do. I will keep you advised.