This has been a good time for a trip at sea. Until today, I couldn’t feel any significant movement of this massive ship. But the waters do seem to be getting a bit rougher as we near Miami, where myself and two other bloggers will leave the Kearsarge. The ship is swaying as I write this, and swaying and writing can leave you a bit motion sick. The swaying gets worse as you move farther down into the ship. When we were visiting the chapel and the ship’s store today, we had to time our steps just perfectly -- and quickly. Raising a foot at the wrong time or leaving it in the air too long can throw you off balance as the ship rocks. I’m actually wondering whether I should go pop a Dramamine pill. I haven’t taken one since yesterday morning because the movement wasn’t noticeable and because yesterday’s pill left me sleepy much of the day. But I don’t want to wait until I get sick. It will be too late for Dramamine then. I’m sure the swaying I’m feeling is nothing in comparison to what sailors typically face in a months-long tour of duty. One sailor told us yesterday about his experience in the North Atlantic. He was on deck when the bow of the ship was pushed underwater by a wave. He bid a hasty retreat to the ship’s interior. The Navy chose to plan this humanitarian mission to Latin America during hurricane season precisely so the Kearsarge would be nearby if needed for disaster-related relief. But being in the Atlantic during hurricane season increases the odds of being in a hurricane while at sea. I'm glad to be leaving the ship before any hurricane threats arise.
