Adventure Log

We consumed an amazing quantity of food for Thanksgiving. We miss Ryan, but our new cook is coming up to speed.  We began the celebration Thursday at noon with the traditional turkey and ham, then continued through Friday night with Prime Rib and Filet Mignon.  Saturday is here and we still have a table filled with cookies, home made fudge and fresh baked goods.  (Rib-Eye for dinner tonight)  We’ve spent hours enjoying food, laughter and camaraderie.  Weight Watchers has been contacted, they have not returned our calls.

I’ve always been attracted to lights, meters and switches.  The ballast console has enough twinkle to keep me busy and is where I spend a couple of days every week.  It controls twenty one pumps and one hundred four valves which direct water into and out of the ballast tanks.  Because the ship carries heavy cargo through unpredictable weather it is built to flex and bend with the waves.  However, when we are loading or unloading we are careful to keep an eye on the structure of the vessel and how she sits in the water.  A careless 10,000 tons here or there could get us twistin’ and turnin’.  When we are loading ore, I pump water from the tanks.  When we are unloading, I pump water into the tanks.  This helps keep the vessel happy and on an even keel.  It also keeps me occupied and away from the cookies in the galley.  Mostly.

 

Today I had time off and was able to voyage onto dry land.  I had pizza with
friends in Duluth, got a hair cut and posted some new photos to the “Abooard
the Blough” album.  I have taken way too many photos of sunsets and
sunrises, as they are spectacular out here. I’ve chosen the four best for
your viewing pleasure.  There are also a few photos of the Ojibway, the
supply boat that meets us at the Soo and hoists pallets of groceries and
other supplies onto our deck.  Interesting viewing!