Cruisin' in the Fast Lane

     We’re on the Chesapeake! After flying through the rest of the ICW, I finally feel like we’re on the homeward leg. After leaving Charleston on April 29th we really motivated, covering upwards of 60 miles on a good day. We zipped through all the places where we lingered last fall, never staying put for more time than absolutely necessary.  It’s very tedious to go all day long, although being confined to the boat has certainly allowed me to wrap up my schoolwork.

     A typical day these days starts off with my phone alarm clock going off at 6:00 AM. I generally doze for another hour or two, but my parents get up, haul up anchor, and motor off. My dad can’t fathom how I can remain asleep despite the throb of the engine, but I can sleep through just about anything. I really like this whole sleeping in thing, but I know that this habit will have to go when I get home. Reality is going to be harsh.

     After getting some grub I do a few pages in my math book. (I am about three days from being done, at which time I plan on baking a celebratory cake.) I’ll write a page in my science journal, update my seamanship and PE logs, and read. I’m pretty much done with English and History for the time being, but when I get home I’ll meet with my teachers and there will undoubtedly be some major studying to be done before I am sufficiently prepared to attempt the final exams.

     When I think that I have done enough schooling for the day I’ll help steer the boat or read. On the off chance that we’re actually sailing, I will assist with that. Often I just end up relaxing on the foredeck and listening to my iPod.

     It’s generally past dinnertime when we anchor. As the sun sets we all go below and get ready for bed. After a long day of plugging along at 5 knots, we are all ready to crash.

     6:00 AM comes too soon and the routine begins again.

     Hopefully we will get to spend a day or two in Annapolis later this week. We would all really like to see our friends there. From there we’ll speed on to New York City for a visit there. After that, the next stop will be home. Due to the unusually high lake level, the Champlain Canal is closed until at least May 23rd, so arriving earlier than the 26th at home is impossible. My dad still says that we’ll make it back around June 1st though. I’m a confusing combination of excited, sad, and anxious. Fortunately, I'd say it's mostly excitement.

     Here are a couple pictures of what life has been like on the White Seal as of late.

Sometimes we share the Waterway with much larger traffic. This barge
and it's load were about 1000 ft long all together.

Giving dad a haircut...