Location: 32º55.61'N 46º15.43'W
It has been one fascinating day here on Argo. My morning started with a 12-4 shift with the rest of Watch Team 1. Knowing it was more than likely the last opportunity I will have to try for my helmsona in calm conditions, I spent the entire shift on helm (I have now been dubbed Van Helmsing). The rest of the team was exhausted from the combined menaces of a time change and a Super Smash Bros tournament. That said, we were lucky – Watch Team 2 got soaked on the 4-8 shift. Meanwhile, to the shock of all, Watch Team 3 evaded the bad weather for the first time ever and polished the white paint, so shiny that Mina could see her reflection.
Today was laundry day for Hayes, Mimi, Maya, Emma, and me. It was somehow the most challenging chore to this point, especially with the rolling of the waves throwing people (and laundry bins) across the deck (no one was harmed). After the usual round of wake-ups for those of us lucky enough to sleep in, Lizzie, Andrew, and Lanie learned how to make roux out of butter, milk, and flour for Mac and Cheese. I must say, they did a really good job.
As per usual, we had class after lunch, starting with Leadership. Lizzie’s delightful digital drawing of Argo graced the top of our group values contract (which we all signed, of course). Following a brief break, we learned about estimated positions, leeway, and drift in Seamanship. It was definitely a challenge, but we managed to conquer it with some success.
For dinner, we had shukshuka and some truly fantastic bread, courtesy of Ella. Perhaps more impressive, she succeeded in making some delightful gluten-free rolls, which can be very difficult to pull off. It was then that our unfortunate headmasters, Peyton, Alexis, Macie, and Loulou, had to clean a macerator with toothbrushes after yet another tragic incident in the heads. This resets our “Days without Head Incidents” back to zero (where it has been firmly set for at least the last week). I have never seen a group of teenagers look so thoroughly defeated.
I am back on watch now and have an early morning ahead, so I will sign off.
All my love to my parents, my siblings, and my critters at home. I am staying safe and not that sunburnt. I can’t wait to call you in the Azores!