Monday, 15 February 1999
As of 0800, the Empire State was departing Dodge Island, Passenger Ship Terminal, Port of Miami. The weather; partly cloudy, air temperature, 72 degrees F, with a forecast high of 75 degrees. The wind was northerly at 06 knots. The water temperature was 76 degrees. Barometric pressure was 1027 millibars and rising.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
The last week of Sea Term 99 officially began at 0736 this morning when the pilot embarked. We hauled the last line on deck a 0757 and left the Miami Sea Buoy at 0900. Everything went like clockwork and we are steering a course of 070 degrees true, at a speed of 13 knots, headed for the Gulf Stream.
Leaving the last port of Sea term is always interesting and I am in the habit of closely observing the cadets at this time. It's funny, some are excited to be on their way while others seem very subdued. Just beneath the surface, I sense some sadness in nearly all of them. What could make people who are anxious to be home, sad?
I think that seaman tend to become satisfied in their surroundings. Some made new acquaintances here and will likely not see them again. Others like the area and are unable to see more of it. For some it is a poignant occasion, the last port, the last Sea Term, and the last MMA experience. The college years are nearly over. I call the phenomena "seaman's inertia," a time when observed emotions just don't fit the motion of the ship. When in port, stay in port. When at sea, stay at sea. Readers with similar experiences will understand.
All in all, Miami proved to be a great place to visit. The cadets met and exceeded every goal, they are very tired, very broke, and they are going home. They traveled by bus and rental cars, to all parts of the State. Disney world was the favorite out of town destination while South Beach and Bayside Market Place won the local prizes. I liked Coconut Grove. The Miami Boat show was a good take. The weather was cool and nothing on earth warms the heart like wandering among luxurious motor yachts and sail boats. The sticker shock which accompanies the visit, also provides incentive to study hard.
Yesterday was Valentines Day and I forgot to pass along Valentines wishes. Not everyone is so thoughtless. We received many, many beautiful Valentine Cards from several schools in Massachusetts and they are decorating every bulletin board and passageway on the ship. We will keep them posted to remind us of our special Valentines at home. Thank you for being so nice to us.
Well folks, it is back to the familiar intensity of the training schedule but now with the welcomed push of the north bound Gulf Stream. Six days and a wake up. See you tomorrow.
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