Saturday, 13 February 1999
As of 0800, the Empire State was moored starboard side to, at pier 6/7 on Dodge Island in the Passenger Ship Terminal at the Port of Miami. There are 4 head lines, 4 forward spring lines, 4 aft spring lines, and 3 stern lines holding her on the dock. The weather remains partly cloudy, air temperature is 67 degrees F, water temp is 76 degrees, and it is calm. Rain is forecast for the afternoon. Barometric pressure is 1022 millibars and steady.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
I don't mean to complain but... this weather is not what we have become accustomed to. Temperatures have fallen into the 60's and some of us can't find our jackets! I realize we won't get a lot of sympathy from the folks back home, but even this bit of summer will end for us soon enough and we were all hoping for just a few more sunny days to enjoy the luxuries of the famous South Beach. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny, but still cool.
We have a great berth here in this important maritime port. Miami is ranked the 8th biggest port in the country. Annually, it handles 6.7 million tons of cargo, generates 8.7 Billion dollars and provides 45,000 jobs. Maritime commerce is certainly alive and well here-in fact the industry is booming.
We are right on the inter coastal waterway, only a short walk from the big outdoor mall "Bayside", one of South Florida's hottest new spots. Being close to the city is important for the cadets. The "Low funds warning alarm" has sounded on their wallets long ago and most are running on fumes and the generosity of more solvent friends. Being able to walk to shops, enjoy free outdoor concerts, watch the parade of the rich and almost famous, and take in the spectacular Art-Deco architecture is a definite plus to this port call. For cadets who did not plan their finances very well this trip (So much to do and buy...so little money!) the Academy provides a unique "Bank of the Atlantic/Caribbean" cash delivery service. A relative of a hard-up cadet can call the Academy business office, leave a credit card number and the amount of the gift/loan. This information is e-mailed to the Purser on board the Empire State who will then pay that amount to the cadet, the same day. More than $23,000 in money transfusions has already flowed into the pockets of the cadets... but I can still see some walking around counting nickels to see if they can get a bus over to the beach. AHHHH sailors. The same the world over.
Actually, being on the inter coastal waterway is one of the worlds best free shows for boat lovers. All one needs to do is grab a cold drink from the mess deck, pull up a deck chair on the port side of the ship, and look down as literally millions of dollars worth of beautiful water craft pass close by the hull. From snarling, angry looking cigarette boats powered by 4 huge V-8 engines to luxury motor yachts equipped with their own helicopter, to stately Grand Dames of the past, lovingly restored to the height of their beauty, it is a show not-to-be-missed for a sailor.
Yesterday was another busy day for the Cadets and Officers: -We hosted a job fair for our graduating seniors. Sixteen different companies came down to the ship to try and attract cadets to work for their companies. Our Placement Director, Capt Al Wilson, (famous at the Academy for putting more people to work than FDR), sets up the event each year and I am always amazed by how many cadets give up a trip to the beach to interview with a potential employer.
-Over 100 guests came aboard last night for a twilight reception and MMA Alumni reunion. Graduates from the classes of '57 to '98 were represented along with dignitaries from the Port of Miami and the local Chamber of Commerce.
-Maintenance gangs were working hard on the hull and topside spaces. This will be our last chance to do outside painting before we hit the cold winter weather and we want to return Empire State to our friends in the Bronx at SUNY Maritime in pristine condition.
Today, we ran a bus to Disney world that left at 0500, we have a reception in our honor tonight at a local watering hole sponsored by the Chamber, and 25 cadets will get a chance to go to a local semi-pro hockey game, again courtesy of the Chamber. Fun never sleeps. See you tomorrow.