Lady Maryland: Day Six

When we woke up Monday morning to a fog so thick that we could not see more than 10 feet around our pink and green schooner, we weren't sure if we'd ever make it to Mystic, CT. But fate knew of our plans, and the fog fully lifted at around midday, and we were able to dock alongside the quaint Mystic Seaport. Our pungy schooner, the last of its kind, looked at home with the other historical boats tethered to the pilings at the dock. The cadets heard and read about the history of whaling across the world, and specifically in New England. We even had a shantyman come aboard the Lady Maryland and teach us real sea shanties of different origins and uses! (SHAN-ty n. A song sung by sailors on a boat to keep time, and pass time, when hauling lines, raising/lowering sails, and hauling in the anchor).

The group had a great time going to each outdoor exhibit and searching for answers to questions on their scavenger hunt sheets. Did you know that British ships of the past had anchors weighing up to 7,000 pounds?! The cadets learned this and many other facts about ships and the everyday life of a sailor.

With only one more full day left, the cadets are both excited and sad to be coming to the end of their CTY experience. I think all would say that it has been an experience they will always remember!