Day 26: My last Tuesday and we were sailing! (sort of...)

Today is my last Tuesday.  It was a beautiful sunny day but just a bit cold.  Everything is starting to come together.

Here is the ship with all of the spars on it.  The flying jib boom is on but not pushed out (but its not in the picture anyhow).  Look how many more lines are starting to run all over the place - they all have a purpose!

Today we got the main topsail staysail.  Check it out, we were (kind of) sailing...

Without sounding too corny this was super cool.  We set the sail and the wind blew right on cue and and *BAM* we had were "sailing".  Got permission to grab the camera cause it was just too cool.

Otherwise I got to hang out under the bow and put a seizing on the flying jib boom stay (the part that holds in place the piece of wood that sticks the farthest off the front of the ship).  I also spent about an hour and a half in the education room reorganizing because the annual NASOH will be at the museum next week.  (I think it stands for North American Society of Oceanographic History).  (AKA a bunch of history nerds who like sailing and boats)

While they are here let's meet some of the crew.  Today is a two-fer...

Grant Bredeson and Emma Wabrowetz

I have them together because they are a thing (and because I am running out of time and want to get everyone in).

How long have you been on the Niagara?:  G:  a little over a year    E:  since July 5th, 2013

How long have you been sailing?  G:  Professionally since 2009      E:  since July 5th, 2013

Why the Niagara?:  E:  I saw them in port when I was in high school and thought it was really cool

                               G:  I needed a job and I had some experience and the pay is good on this ship over                                            many others.

What interesting thing about you can I tell Kiski?  G: aside from working for Mellow Mushroom (shout out to Mr. Spahn and Mr. Howard) I have been in martial arts since five years old and study Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art - that involves lots of dance oriented movements.            E:  I like traveling...I don't like talking about myself.  (Let me tell an inspiring story about Emma:  We went to Education Day together last week at the SeaWolves baseball game.  Right in front of us a few boys made fun of another boy to the point where he was clearly hurt.  Emma made a point to track him down and tell him to not worry about those "jerks".  The boy was very touched and I thought it was inspiring.

Now a return to word of the day.  Bare Poles

When the ship is afloat with no sails set it is considered to be "bare poles."  Short and sweet.  Teach it to your parents (kids/siblings or whomever...)

We grow closer and closer to actually sailing.  Stay tuned.

Ahoy!