CTY Whales Day 8

7/15/09

Today, we left Mystic Seaport bright and early, having a scheduled bridge opening which the captain planned to make. While still silent on deck, we threw off our dock lines and went on our way. Breakfast consisted on unusually tasty cereal and granola, along with some cold lemonade. The morning was quiet, however, we suceeded in relying on the wind to get us to Bristol. Having fired up the engines everyday so far, the lack of rumbling was refreshing. However, soon we gathered together as we began our "field day." Unlike a normal field day, our Lady Maryland field day consisted of chores such as scrubbing the decks, cleaning our the bunks as well as discovering the dirt and grease hiding behind the deck boxes. For some however, the fumes and lemony scents proved to be too much. Many nauseus cadets were forced on deck. After 4 hours of mindless cleaning, we were given a break. However, rest wouldn't last long, because as Aaron rose from his shadowy seat, his weathered John Deere hat flew off his head, landing overboard. Without hesitation, Sinker called out, "Hats overboard!" Every person on board snapped into action. Nina and I attempted to keep our eyes on the black mesh as best we could as the rest ran to tack back to the last known location. But the hat disappeared below the surface and was never recovered. The drill was pretty cool to watch, as long as you weren't the hat. Afterwards, Aaron, as if it had never happened, returned to relaxtion along with everyone on deck. The breeezes were strong, the suin, bright and warm. Later that night we all gathered around and the class presented their skits. Both were very funny and very well photographed. We ended the evening with a reflection on what we had set our goals as and whether or not we accomplished them. As the sun disappeared behind the hills, the realization that the end was near began to set in.

Over the past eight days, I have had the pleasure and honor to spend time with 18 incredible individuals, who, cohesively made this journey so remarkably incredible. I was able to watch as nine other students thrown into a new and unfamiliar world evolved from children into pride worthy young adults. Not only do i consider myself lucky to have gotten to work with them as students, but also blessed to have become close friends with them. I want to thank each and every crew member for their saintly patience and guidance, as well as every CTYer for their eagerness to open up to me and eachother. As we leave this adventure for the next, I would like to leave everyone with this thought, "People walk in and out of our lives constantly, but those who truly make a difference will stay in our hearts and minds forever." You are those people.

Nothing but the best in moving forward,

Michael DeMattia