The Merchant Marine Express

Departed on June 1

I’m writing to you from the comforts of my home! I’ve been able to enjoy a few days since Signing Off the ship on June the 1st and I am fitting in with life, on land. I’ll just mention briefly, the short journey from Ft. Lauderdale to Tampa and what my day entailed as I prepared to fly back home on the 2nd after eventually departing the vessel .

“We finally arrived in Tampa after discharging a short load of approximately four million gallons of Jet Fuel destined for the local airport in Fort Lauderdale. As well, ‘Junior’ the Able Seaman assigned to my eight-to-twelve Watch was just adjusting to life back at work. Pedro, who was planning on departing the vessel, had to linger on board as the ship was chosen to participate in a drug test which was administered to the entire crew upon arriving into Ft. Lauderdale. I found out later that it took him nearly two hours to produce the required sample and as a result, he couldn’t leave until the doctor said it was okay. I remember assuming the Watch and shook his hand, as I waved to him while he disembarked down the gangway. I smiled and wished him well. He was wearing a pair of jean shorts with the closest fitting polo shirt I’ve ever seen anyone wear, as it revealed every curve of his portly torso, along with a pair of ‘Air Jordan’ sneakers adorned with red, white and blue patches. I guess he was ready for action ashore.
As we arrived to the Pilot station boarding area, I was on the Bridge for Arrival into Tampa. I conducted the usual gear test of checking the steering in manual mode, and making sure the general alarm and ship whistle worked. Plenty of small fishing boats were scattering like mice in a wheat field yet all I could do was sit and watch them as they zipped either across my bow or pass behind my stern. The first two hours whizzed by, while on Watch, and I witnessed the Pilot embarking and monitored engine orders while transiting a somewhat busy Sunday morning inside the bay, as well. Plenty of private small crafts filled with “fun seekers”, as I call them, were enjoying the morning under mostly clear skies and warming temps. I could see a pair of young twenty-something gals on the bow of a cabin cruiser motioning to ‘honk our horn’ with the symbolistic raising and lowering of their arms with fists clenched. I’m sure this was their entertainment!I mentioned it to the Captain but with no reply.
My luck, however, intensified as Travis took the Watch at noon and with over two hours until tie-up, It would be up to 2nd Mate Mike who would be responsible for mooring operations and directing the AB’s instead of me. So I was off the hook! I planned to pack last minute items in my suitcase, and said goodbye to the members of the Engine Department as they wait for orders from the Bridge from the comfort of the Engine Control Room.
Once alongside and moored, I patiently waited for approximately one hour before my relief, Mike, showed up. He looked visibly tired from the extreme heat as he was lugging a sea bag on his shoulder.
I quickly ran up to see the Captain and was issued my discharge slip, stating date of shipment and date of discharge- a mandatory piece of paper most mariners claim is the most important document besides their License. As well, I was paid up to the 2nd of June as I would stay in a hotel until the following morning before flying off to Detroit. I shook Captain Schurman’s hand and he sent me off with an evaluation that surprised me; All “Excellents” and “Good pluses” dotted the form and a scribbled section indicating that he “would gladly invite me to return”. I never really could pinpoint what this Captain thought of my work or me personally, since he never really spoke to me beyond the usual demand questions or directed me to complete a task or something. I met up with Travis and Mike in the passage way and thanked the two of them as their companionship, alone, was worth praise. I think I sensed that they were actually sad to see leave.
Sunday was my birthday, as it marked thirty-seven years years ago that I would enter this world of excitement and potential fortune. I’m holding onto my thirties’ folks!
Before I knew it, I was whisked away in a brand new GMC Avalanche hybrid SUV with the Agent as he drove skillfully throughout Tampa and eventually stopped at a Hampton Inn Hotel. It’s interesting to point out that with the cost of fuel on the rise, the agent’s right foot wasn’t the least affected by this event as it fluttered on the gas pedal in rhythmic fashion. At any rate, once checked into the hotel,I would find a comfy room with actual down comforters and pillows and a earthy brown colored couch adjacent with a coffee table; a generous offering as the company, Crowley, provided for the accommodations and who truly cares for their employees even beyond the boundaries of their ships.
After a warm shower and a quick change of clothing, I found the ultimate dining experience just a half block to the north. I found that Ruth’s Chris Steak House which was one of the nation’s premier purveyors of juicy steaks and their ambiance of fine woods and soft leather adorning the walls and furniture making for warmth and seemingly abundance generosity as this would be my choice of places to celebrate the completion of a voyage and a start to another year of success- in years, that is.
The waitress and busboy team were amazing as warm bread followed by a fresh salad was presented with a bottle of Pellegrino sparkling water and port wine. The steak eventually arrived on a sizzling platter, and perfectly char grilled, mind you. Wow! I think it took me almost thirty minutes as I took my sweet time with the Ribeye. And upon finishing the meal, I was offered a dessert which was a gift on their part due to my ‘Special Day’. A dish of Crème Brulee with a compliment of fresh fruits topped the evening! My night was complete and after two hours of feasting, I was ready to float back to my room and slip into the comfortable soft sheets before slumbering nearly eight hours into the morning.
I flew on Air Tran Airways stopping in Atlanta, Georgia for a connection into Flint, Michigan. I asked to upgrade my seat to business class, as I deserved a ride with comfort. Both flights were nearly on time and I flew into familiar territory as i could make out the farming plots below, just as the plane cleared those parcels of land and the quick jolt of landing on a tarmac with hardly a head wind.
My single suitcase was ready to be picked up at the baggage terminal and I got a glance of my wife, Michelle, as she slowed just past the double doors in the family SUV leading to the curb with our dog, Lucy wagging her tail as she whimpered quietly with the sight of her master at a distance.
I was home!!!”
Thanks again to you all. I’ll be posting future journals as events continue and summer life commences. Have a great weekend!

Tags: Chemical Explorer