Captain's Log for 19 January 2000
|
At 0430 EST (0930 GMT) the T/S Empire State was departing the pier in Funchal, Madeira. She had divorced shore services and was fully operational on own ship's systems. The skies were cloudy with calm air. Barometric pressure was 1020 millibars of mercury. The air temperature was 60 degrees and seawater was 65 degrees. CAPTAIN'S LOG The pilot arrived shortly after 0900 GMT this morning and by 0930 we were well underway. Just as newspaper delivery people in Boston were hearing the 0430 EST alarm announcing the start of a new day, the Empire State's whistle blasted the calm air of downtown Funchal. For Cadets in Division Two, the long blast signifying that we were free of the pier also marked the end of a long night. They were responsible for pre-underway checks and systems startup. They did an excellent job. The departure was smooth, uneventful and predictable. We left Funchal under cloudy skies, but we were extremely fortunate all day yesterday. Crisp, clear weather permitted us to enjoy breathtaking views from the surrounding cliffs and mountains and nearly everyone aboard positively enjoyed the Madeiran hospitality. From the Captain's point of view, Funchal was great. A small sampling of Cadet comments follow. "It was a very good time, a beautiful island with lots of sights. I hope to return again soon." 2/C Mark Linkewicz, Centerville, MA "This port was beautiful. If you traveled outside the city the top of the island was cool; you could look down and feel like you were flying. The gardens were breathtaking. Hope all the ports are this good." 1/C Merideth Mechetsy, Seekonk, MA "This port was awesome. One moment you were eating lunch in a tropical atmosphere, the next you were thousands of feet high playing in the snow. Good times in Funchal." 3/c Bridget Hegarty, Dorchester, MA "The people had respect for you if you showed them respect. They warmed up to you if you attempted to speak their language. 1/C Brendan Roper, Milton, MA "Madeira was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I wish we could have stayed longer." 3/C Brad Lehman, Columbus, Indiana
"Pretty scenery, nice mountains, but no beaches." 3/C Joseph Smith, Pembroke, MA Beach lovers uttered the only negative comments that I caught. Young, volcanic islands usually have rocky beaches. With steep cliffs such as Point Gricao, which rise straight up out of the ocean to 680 meters above sea level, much of this Island's topography leaves no room for any beaches. "Rocky Coast Madeira" Emotions run the gamut on the first day out to sea. Some enjoyed themselves a little too much and must pay the piper today, others didn't get enough done or see enough and are sad to go, vowing to return. Such is the seagoing life... and such is the way one learns life's valuable lessons when "the world is a classroom". The page is turning on Madeira. Friday's topic is Gibraltar, a new chapter in an old textbook. See you tomorrow from the Northwest Coast of Africa. QUESTIONS FOR THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 2000 GEOGRAPHY: Greece, the country we will visit after Gibraltar, borders how many countries. Name them. SCIENCE: The Empire State crossed the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, as you now know. How does life exist along the deep Mid-Atlantic Ridge when there is no light for normal living conditions to occur? HISTORY: In what year did Greece receive her independence and from what empire? MATH: The Training Ship Empire State is 172.2M in length. She is 23.1M wide at the beam. How many times longer is she than wide? ANSWERS FOR WEDNESDAY 19 JANUARY 2000 GEOGRAPHY: Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. SCIENCE: Off the west coast of China, between China and Korea. It is yellow because it contains a large quantity of yellow mud from river run off. HISTORY: The war of the Spanish Succession. MATH: 38 percent
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||