The Empire State arrived on time last Saturday, bringing snow showers in her wake as she steamed up Buzzards Bay and tied up to the face of the Cape Cod Canal. The remainder of the First Class Cadet Officers were waiting on the dock, shivering with a mix of cold and anticipation. This would finally be their opportunity to run this huge white hunk of metal down to the Caribbean and back. On Sunday the fourthclass cadets, first time cruisers all, reported for their day long orientation to what will be their home for the next forty days and nights. Because they have never seen the Empire State, it was a day of high anxiety as they listened to a speech from the Captain and began to move their gear aboard. Most of the day was spent learning port from starboard and how to get to the mess hall from their bunkroom. Today was hectic. Waves of trailer trucks began to arrive even before morning formation was over. Gangs of willing hands began to unload and stow the food that would be consumed during the sea term. Combined with that activity, the rest of the upperclass cadets reported to the ship. Experienced hands, having served aboard Empire state during past sea terms, they joked and laughed as they greeted friends they hadn't seen since fall's finals finished. "Happy New Year!" and "How was your Holidays?" seemed to be the passwords of the day. Now the staff begins the tedious job of counting noses assigning billet responsibilities and getting everyone ready for sailing at noon on Saturday.