TRIP THREE Day One - Baltimore to New York City to Hempstead Harbor

Our first day of this whaling adventure was packed full of activities and relationship-building games. This morning we had an early wakeup and breakfast, followed by the toting of our packed-to-the-max duffles down to the van. We then embarked on our 4-hour car ride up to the New York City Harbor. The trip went by so quickly, and it was such a good way for us all to get clost to each other and start some strong friendships.

When we arrived at the dock there was a hotdog lunch waiting for us. It tasted so good after that drive! Then we learned all of the crew members' names by going around the circle and saying our name and a marine-type thing that started with the same letter; for example, mine was Starfish Savanna.

Soon after, we boarded the vessel. It took us all a little while to gain our sea legs but we adjusted. We spent a long while learning the ways of the Lady Maryland, and who knew a boat could seem so big! Next we were assigned our roles either on Port or Starboard watch. Then we went down and got our bunks all situated in shifts, according to our roles.

Next came charades. One word can describe this game... CRAZY! We played boys vs. girls and it was practically head-to-head the whole time. Many, many laughs were shared!

We were then given our nightwatch roles and attended the muster. Then we were off to bed... only to be woken up soon for our nighttime anchor watches... we learned all about boat checks and how to conduct them.

Our first day aboard the Lady Maryland was so full of adventure and learning that you could never believe that they fit it all into one day. This was, in my opinion, absolutely amazing!

-Savanna