It was so cold that the commands from the boat captain froze in mid air and they had to be put beside the hot lifeboat engine to warm up so the boatcrew could hear what he had said. O.K., so maybe it wasn't THAT cold, but it sure felt it! Standing there on deck for two hours in minus 10 degree wind chill while all hands were counted in the first real lifeboat drill of the sea term was not on anyone's list of fun things to do in Buzzards Bay while waiting for sailing day. Everyone prayed that the three short blasts on the ship's whistle (that ends the drill) would come soon and end the misery. Finally, at 1130, everyone was released from lifeboat stations to get warm and grab something to eat... before the next lifeboat drill at 1330. The forecast for the next few days calls for moderating temperatures. Right now, anything above freezing will feel balmy.

Liberty was granted to Division 1 and 2 tonight. Fourth class cadets must be back by 2359, 3/c by 0100 and 2/c by 0200. Seniors have the opportunity to return for morning muster at 0700, but despite earning that privilege, most of them opt to stay aboard. Too much work to do.

The anxiety of the first few days- "where is my bunk? how am I going to find my way in this labyrinth?" - has been replaced with the restless: "when are we going to leave?"