In less than a day, our little ship will cross the equator. Besides the latitude numbers switching from north to south, it has always been a significant event aboard ship. The ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite in the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and other navies that commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the Equator. Originally, the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long, rough times at sea. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed (Trusty) Shellbacks, often referred to as Sons of Neptune; those who have not are nicknamed (Slimy) Pollywogs.
Preparations are underway aboard Emily Grace. Rumor has it, there will be a visit from Neptune and libations are being chilled. Dear readers, you will have to keep checking the blog to find out if Neptune is pleased and three new Shellbacks are born.
Beyond that, the captain is looking at our progress and because of favorable currents, we will arrive just after sunset. Since we NEVER come into a strange anchorage in the dark, we have two choices. One choice is to keep going and if we arrive after dark, motor around (or drift) in circles until daybreak. The second option is to speed up. Since we have been carefully monitoring fuel burn, we are opting for this choice.
Posted Via SSB
Tom
3 comments:
Where did all those weird people come from, and how did they get on board?
Uncle Joe
Those weird people are your relatives. Remember, you can pick your friends but not your relatives. That said, I think we might pick you again. You have proven to be a pretty good Uncle. There is still room aboard for the Galapagos - Marquesas leg!
Much love from Tom, Kim and Emily
What - me on a little motorboat in the open ocean? Switch to a rugged ketch, and I'll consider it. Speaking of the Marquesas, I hope your French is good! It appears you'll be doing a lot of island hopping on your way to Australia. Have fun, and, Emily, you'll learn a lot!
Uncle Joe
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