Lady Maryland: Trip #3 (Day Six)

This morning was an early all-hands on deck wake-up: 6:00AM – we had a long way to go to get to Gloucester. The crew and cadets were underway by 7:00AM but that morning the weather was not cooperating as large storm clouds with lightning and thunder were on the horizon on the boat’s course!

It was decided to alter the course to go around the storm which would mean a much longer journey than anticipated. Unfortunately, even with this maneuver, the storm caught up with us but the cadets stood on watch as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on. The rain lasted less than an hour and the clouds gave away to warm rays of sunshine.

Lady Maryland was making her way across Stellwagen Bank - a major summer feeding ground for whales in the North Atlantic. The cadets were hoping to spot a whale but none of them anticipated so many and so close to the boat. There were Humpback whales left and right and the excitement on the boat was contagious! The cadets were running from one side of the boat to the other, jumping, screaming, clapping… camera shutters were clicking away like there was no tomorrow! The whales put on a spectacular show as they were feeding.

Because of the storm and the unexpected whale-watching, Lady Maryland was a couple of hours behind schedule but the crew brought her safely to dock in Gloucester harbor while the cadets doze away after such an exciting day.

PICTURES: Provincetown

PICTURES: rough seas and rowing

Lady Maryland: Trip #3 (Day Five)

Friday was filled with a ton of activities in town. It also proved to be completely different weather-wise than the previous day: sunny, calm and a scorching 90 degree heat. It was all about water bottles and sunscreen today.

In the morning, the cadets visited the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies to listen to an engaging presentation about whale disentanglement efforts. It was quite inspiring to hear the stories and watch the videos. These people truly make a difference!

After a quick lunch, many of the cadets were a little dispirited because of the oppressive heat. Little did they know about the surprise the crew had planed for them: swimming at the beach and then ice-cream! What a refresher!

After that, the cadets were full of energy for a visit to the Pilgrim’s monument and museum. The views from the top were spectacular – a 360 degree view of Cape Cod, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Bay.

Another great day topped of by a fine dinner of vegetable soup and corn on the cob. Yum!

Lady Maryland: Trip #3 (Day Four)

Thursday morning, the crew and cadets got Lady Maryland out of New Bedford harbor – resupplied and refueled for the next stage and destination – Provincetown on the very tip of Cape Cod.

And what a day it was! All on board battled through thick fog, strong winds, high waves and spray – the boat was swaying up and down, to the left and right, water was washing across the deck! But our cadets held their ground and valiantly performed their duties on watch under the careful guidance of the watch officers and the captain

Once Lady Maryland crossed through the Cape Cod Canal, the crew attempted a trawl but it was called off due to high winds – sometimes the sea just does not cooperate. Nevermind, the strong winds proved to be perfect as Lady Maryland swiftly jibed her way across the bay and into Provincetown harbor (for those who don’t sail everyday a jibe is a sailing maneuver where the stern (back) of the boat is moved into and across the wind).

The dock was full so we had to anchor just outside the protection of the breakwater where the winds were churning up the water into waves. After a few minutes the crew found out that the anchor was dragging! Luckily a spot on the dock was found – but now the anchor had to be brought up on deck – on the wind, spray, and dark.

Finally, just after 10:00PM, Lady Maryland was safely docked in the harbor. Everyone was tired but also deeply satisfied in how the boat was handled despite the elements. All could not wait for a full nights rest (minus the one hour each has to stand watch at the dock, of course).

Lady Maryland: Trip #3 (Day Three)

The cadets and crew woke up to a heavy fog – one could not see anything, which caused the boat to have a slow start as being underway in the fog would be like driving a car blindfolded. By 9:30, the fog cleared out so the anchor was pulled out of the water and Lady Maryland left Cuttyhunk harbor on her way to New Bedford.

By noon, Lady Maryland was already docked at the State Pier in New Bedford. The town used to be the whaling capital of the United States and even today represents one of the most productive fishing ports in the country

After lunch, the cadets visited the whaling museum – a fascinating look into the history of whaling as well as whale biology and anatomy. The museum had several real skeletons of whales, as well as huge models of whaling ships. There was so much cool stuff to learn! Did you know for example, that in order to stage whale skeletons for exhibits they need to be cured because they contain a lot of oil in them? They way they do it is that they bury the skeletons for several years in manure where the bacteria break down and “clean” the bones!

Later in the afternoon, the cadets had a unique opportunity to find out what it was like to row a small whaling boat thanks to the New Bedford Whale City Rowing. The cadets were given huge oars and then rowed in the harbor. The wind was quite strong so it was a real workout

That evening, the cadets were really tired after a full day of museum touring and rowing. They had the opportunity to write some postcards and letters that would be sent home and before bedtime they watched a movie about Pacific marine life. Another awesome day!

PICTURES: trawling and species identifications