Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Sea.

I love the sea. Have I told you that? I do. The ocean is one of my most favoritest things. I will always be alright as long as I live semi near a sea coast.


This was my first time on a ship this size. And my first time sailing the open waters. Thank God I do not get seasick. I learned this as I was trying to sleep last night while the boat was cresting 14ft waves. It’s an odd thing, to be lying flat, sometimes with your head above your feet and sometimes with your feet above your head. Gets everything good and discombobulated. I have some video that I got with my camera just so you can see how hard that boat was a’rockin.





And just for comparison, here's one where the sea is calm.



It was so much fun =)

The sun came out briefly as well, but I didn’t risk life and limb to get a picture out on the deck. Some things just aren’t worth dying for. But no seasickness. Whoo hoo! I even had a cheeseburger for lunch during the worst of it. It is no easy feat walking down a hallway when the hallway moves in the opposite direction you’re trying to go. And showering? Forget it! You try lathering your hair with one hand while your other hand hangs on to the rail so you don’t pitch out the curtain into the public space. You actually have to brace yourself in a corner to rinse it out. At least next time we’ll be on the Inside Passage and I’ll have my very own bathroom. No sharing for me! And next time I won’t forget my toiletries bag and have to get the Purser to walk me down to the Car Deck (where passengers are STRICTLY forbidden to go while the vessel is underway, according to Coast Guard law). No, no, I’ll remember it all, and be comfortable to boot!

We’re just about to leave Yakutat. I took a couple pictures. No more than a couple, though, because a couple encompasses all there is to see in Yakutat. Also, the snow is blowing sideways. Always a fun situation to take pictures in. So, here I sit, in the Forward Lounge, drinking an ice cold can of Dr. Pepper (just for you Amandita! And also because the Coke was sold out), waiting for the ship to begin to pull away. I’m told after we leave Yakutat and go around something, we’ll then be in the good part of the voyage, one that doesn’t force you to walk like a drunken two-year-old up a flight of stairs. I’m looking forward to that. Though I will miss the swells. They were pretty spectacular. I asked the Purser if this was bad, and he said yes, this was pretty bad, but he’s been in 30 footers before, and at that point, all you can do is strap yourself into your bunk and pray for a dock. Ah, the good ole days.

Still no cell reception. Apparently they only use land lines in Yakutat. Probably because everyone worth talking to is within shouting distance. I’m told that Yakutat is beautiful during the day, as it is entirely encircled by giant mountain peaks. Won’t be seein that though, as it’s 9pm and the sun set six hours ago.

Well, that’s all I really have to say about the ride so far. I’ll leave you with this quote:

“Hi! That’s my cousin; he always farts in my face.”

1 comment:

Mimi said...

Feel my envy, across the oceans, over the continent, all the way to...what was it? Yakutat? I've been on several ferries, but none that required sleeping on-board. I am jealous. SO jealous. (Except your 14-foot swells video doesn't work.)

Also love the Yo Yo Ma track that was playing.

Also also, you need to come to England. I was browsing for flats in London today (as going back to work looms ever-nearer, the desperate desire to get out of school wells up and spills over in hysterical wishes), and while whatever space I can afford will likely be smaller than my current bedroom, you are invited to sleep on my floor the first chance you get to fly across the world. And the flight's really not that bad. No mountains or anything.

More, I got your present (I had to give away my copy of the Salmon Princess, so the signed copy rocks!) AND your Christmas card. I might possibly get it together to send you something soon.

Maybe.

If I become a better person than I am now...