Monday, 08 February 1999
As of 0800, the Empire State was located at 18 degrees and 38.4 minutes North latitude, 066 degrees and 32.6 minutes West longitude, steering a course of 315 degrees true, at a speed of 10.8 knots. Palmas Atlas, Puerto Rico is 8.7 nautical miles to the south. The air temperature is 72 degrees F, with a forecast high of 78. Water temperature is 78 degrees. The skies are partly cloudy with occasional rain and east-northeast trade winds at 8 knots, sea state 3 (10 feet). Water depth is 4.816 feet. Barometric pressure is 1020 millibars and steady.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
We have been to St. John many times in the past and each trip has proven to be enjoyable. This stop was no exception.
Cadets and crew enjoyed another all day, feeding frenzy: During the two day pit stop, the ravenous troops ate 565 steaks, 66 gallons of ice cream, 1200 burgers, 480 hot dogs, 444 pieces of BBQ Chicken, 288 ears of corn, 80 pounds of potato salad, 50 pounds of coleslaw, and.... 150 gallons of bug juice. Bring on the Alka Seltzer!
After many hours of feasting and swimming we loaded up, weighed anchor, and took departure from St. John at 1900 last evening. The twilight departure was was every bit as beautiful as our dawn arrival. The sunset was spectacular and the island lights shown to the horizon; the perfect end to a perfect day. Some things remain constant. For example, we can always count on the cadets to eat more than they can carry and that will never change. However, tourism is rapidly changing many familiar things. and mother nature is never idle. Seeing Montserrat, which we passed earlier in the week, exhibiting fresh, new volcanic activity served as a vivid reminder. All of the Virgin Islands were formed by volcanic activity and the construction is on going. As we transited out of the area, our fathometer recorded submerged mountain peaks rising abruptly from huge ocean bottom plateaus. If we could peer into the blue green water, I am sure that we would see extinct volcanoes and possibly new ones just beginning to ooze molten lava onto the sea floor.
We are hundreds of feet above that rugged terrain but judging from the ride, one would think that we are embarked in a hummer and taking the cross country route. Empire State sure likes to rock and roll! Not only have we returned to hanging on for dear life, but the regular training schedule has resumed in earnest and the routine is beginning to become tiresome to some. I overheard the short timers chant this morning, "13 days and a wake up."
The baseball and crew teams are going to depart for spring practice when we arrive in Miami and they are already packed and clearly ready to disembark They will return to Buzzards Bay on 1 March following two weeks of intense practice in the warm sunshine. Additionally, the baseball team is eagerly anticipating a visit with the the Baltimore Orioles at their Spring Training Camp. Unfortunately, both teams will miss our roller coaster ride off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Well, we have another hard week of training to accomplish and it is past time to get at it. See you tomorrow.