Because we have gotten all stations done except for two north of Miami, the captain has decided to make a port call there. We will be there in a few hours and then head out on Saturday morning. I wish that we were going to finish up the two stations and just head back home rather than make the port call.
It's been a bit rough today but the temperature is delightful. The breeze has kept the deck comfortable which is good. I haven't seen the little bird that's on board but assume that it has hunkered down during the blow.
I imagine that it will be awkward to step on land. I generally still rock and sway, feeling almost "landsick" once I get off the ship. Anyway, it will be interesting to hear more from the crew regarding their reaction to the port call.
Today I was mulling over the type of life that career mariners must have. My uncle spent 50 years at sea. He left home at 15 and hawespiped his way up to Captain. He commanded quite a few cruise ships back when the US had a good run from New York to Rio de Janiero and Buenos Aires. He was at sea when his wife was notified that their only son had been killed in France during WWII. I can only imagine that heartbreak for her and for him. I have her diary and have read the pages of despair. I think that she was forever different after her son was killed.
This isn't a life for those who want to have all the "normalcy" of life. I'm not sure what type of person decides to make this a career but it has always been touted as one for mavericks and scallywags. The career mariner definitely finds something very compelling about the job. I find it a good escape but then I know that I can go home to my own job.
One of the old timers on here is retiring and told me that he just wants to be land bound when he gets off this ship. He has been at sea for 30 plus years. He said that he's seen all kinds of fantastic things but without anyone there to share them with, it was just a job. I heard him loud and clear. That seems to be the case with most things in life--without sharing it with someone some of the great moments seem tepid.
Hope you can find your land legs once you get to Miami.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy.
ReplyDeletewhat a great post..are you a scallywag or maverick..cause I have wondered...lol..just kidding.
ReplyDeletethis post just makes me want to live on the ocean..thank you so much for bring us along...now I am off to write on the Bow with seaguls and mermaids:)
Yes, Syd, there's 'aloneness' and 'loneliness'.....and it's good to know the difference.
ReplyDeleteNo man is an island...we need other people to be human, to feel validated..to bounce ideas..or communicate...or just to love and be loved.
And isnt' it true,,,that distance makes the heart grow fonder? I think I have the wording wrong..but you know what I mean!
For sure, it's a life for 'loners'....people who like their own company and don't miss the sounds and camraderie.
We are not meant to be alone.
any mother can't help but be different after losing a child to death
ReplyDeletewelcome to land
Sorry I have not been by to read your blog but let me tell you....to me it sounds like the adventure of a lifetime. One of which I would of loved to do. Wish I could of been in Miami to see you.
ReplyDeleteJJ
My dad was a sailor for many years, and he travelled all over the world, very cool. Unfortunately, a lot of his port calls were ended for him by being in the 'brig'...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your port call- isn't there a song about Miami by Will Smith?
HUGS
Tepid. I like that word a lot. Or rather, don't like it as a way to live life. Your post kind of has disquieted me for some reason. Not necessarily a bad thing, and perhaps you have written something I needed to hear. I guess I am having an off week.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels,
Judith
My husband is a dive master and has been all over the world. I don't know that he would enjoy it as much as he does...without me to tell it all to. Enjoy Miami..wobbley or not.
ReplyDelete