Spring 2002 SEAmester East Journal
Sent weekly from sea by students on-board SEAmester ...
SEAmester Log, Part 5
April 20, 2002 Here is the last entry for the SEAmester log. We sail this morning for NY, so we will see you soon.
So we finally made it back to the good old USA. Before we could make our way to Georgia, we anchored off Fernandina, Fl in
order to clear customs. We were suprised by a visit from the Coast Guard and we knew it was no social call when they
whipped out their guns to search below for stowaways. After we passed inspection, we hauled up anchor and made our way to
the fuel dock where we enjoyed our first American meal in several weeks. After pigging out on cold cuts, fruit, Doritos, soda,
and ice cream, and topping off our tanks, we motored up the St. Mary's River to the small town of St. Mary's, GA. There we
were greated by the best of southern hospitality. Everyone's spirits were renewed after recieving packages and letters from our
loved ones. We have to send a special thank-you to the folks at the Riverview Hotel for allowing us to use all of their facilities,
and for their generous hospitality. The evening was rainy but everyone enjoyed exploring the town and some relax! ation.
Our first full day in St. Mary's was spent taking care of ship's provisioning. Thanks to Mr. Cann, Jessica, Luxa, Mike, and Jen,
we all have clean sheets and clothes! Pauly, Sarah D., Christina, and Erin L. tackled of the massive task of grocery shopping for
the next three weeks. Cheif Plantain did an excellent job of coordinating all of the chores and chauffering us in the white cadillac.
Many of us also picked up some warmer clothes for our trek north. The rest of the group spent the day taking in the history of
St. Mary's while reaping the benifits of being back in the States.
The next morning we met as a large group to discuss our port missions. We spent a couple of hours comparing the information
we had gathered in all of our foreign ports of call. It was a nice conclusion to our tour of the Caribbean and it was fun to recall
our adventures. Later, the Maritime History class visited a submarine museum, learning how to use a periscope. That afternoon,
we motored over to Cumberland Island and dropped anchor. After dinner, we all gathered on deck to continue our
Hornblower marathon with movie number five.
Cumberland Island is a national park that was once home to the Carneige family. On our first day there, we took a science field
trip across the island, exploring barrier island zonation patterns. Lots of us saw a wild armadillo for the first time. It was amazing
to see the difference between the beaches here and the crystal turquoise waters of the Bahamas. That night, we finished our
Hornblower marathon with movie number six, the last movie in the series. It has become a running joke to strive for Hornblower
excellence in everything we do.
At last the day had come...the dreaded Death March. Those of us up to the challenge hiked fifteen miles around Cumberland
Island. The first leg of the trip took us through a beautifully shaded live oak forest, through an open field filled with wild horses.
Our way point was Plum Orchard, a historic Carneige estate. Some of us walked back along the beach while others remained
in the cool shade of the forest. Three of our shipmates, John, Christina, and Annelie, went above and beyond the call of duty,
hiking almost thirty miles.
We set sail that afternoon, unsure of our next destination. We have all come to know that weather dictates our life at sea. Due
to a lack of wind and possible weather delays, we bipassed North Carolina and headed for Maryland. Unfortunately, we had to
motor a good part of the way. Bow watch had to be extra diligent as we navigated the waters of the "graveyard of the Atlantic",
passing Capes Fear, Lookout, and Hatteras. As we entered the Chesapeake Bay, we sailed over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Tunnel. We sailed up the Potomac River and into the St. Mary's River. It was so exciting to be nearing St.Mary's, MD because
this is the hometown of our bosun Matty Caplins. We were priveledged to dock in historic St.Mary's, next to a replica of the
Dove. We fired our canon as we came into port, thrilling the school kids on the dock. St.Mary's College is only a short walk
away, so we have invaded the campus. Much to our delight, we stand out because of our dark t! ans.
We spent a day exploring historic St.Mary's City, the first capital of Maryland. There is a working tobacco plantation, an indian
village, the state building, and a small church. We also had the opportunity to meet with scientists from the college and tour their
facilities. They taught us about the St. Mary's River Project, an ecological conservation and awareness program. That evening,
we opened Harvey Gamage to anyone wanting a tour. It was nice to interact with other college students and show off our
home.
Today we set sail for the last leg of our voyage. It's bittersweet- We are all excited to be returning home, but we know that we
will miss the life of a schooner bum. So wish us luck and a little wind and we will see you all soon.
- Erin Leonard and Jen Cormack
SEAmester Students
Shout outs
Time at sea is difficult, but God gets you through. I cannot beleive the trip is almost over. -Sarah Deo
"The best part of traveling is going home." Get ready guys, I'm coming back! Love, Stacie
Granberg's, my knots got too much for me. Dad- the ragga muffin rooster's butt had to go. Get ready for a short haired Kate.
You win! Can't wait to see you guys! Love, Kate
Pappa- You better have some dolla-seben-fi french fries ready for me when I see you in NY. Mamma- beware, I've got the
mouth of a sailor! To everyone at home- thanks for the support, I love you all and will see you real soon. Love, Tara Renee
Mom- your little girl is coming home, albeit a little smelly. Harley- I can't wait to see you. Ames- we are so going driving.
Kara- Laurie, Jess, Rach, Rin and Everyone else- I'll see you soon! Thanks everyone for being you! Love, Melissa
Hello to all the family. I'm sorry John, I wish I could be there for your first communion. We will work on the math when I get
home. I love you all and will see you soon! - Jessica
Hi guys! The Haiti funk came back, but I promise I will make it home in one piece- love you and can't wait to see you! Love,
Luxa
KLK- miss ya can't wait to see you!!! little and big laura- your missing suitemates are coming back!!!! so you better be on that
dock!! love, jen and sarah
Log 1: Tara Wood
Log 2: Jessica Richter
Log 3: Laurie Hall & Stacie Marchionne
Log 4: Nick Flavin & Katie Granberg
Prof. Hamilton's Journal Archive
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