The Merchant Marine Express

We’ve managed to depart Tampa, yet with a delay attributed to weather as well as other traffic, among the reasons.

Just as cargo finished up, at the Kinder-Morgan dock and as the hose was being disconnected, the rains began to fall. Large droplets casting a blanketing effect at the turn of the watch, I was relieved that at least, it happened once cargo operations were complete!

Earlier in the night, I had a chance to go ashore and experience a couple of hours of freedom, only imagining what a prisoner must feel to be given a pardon or furlough from their times behind bars. I, too, come from a home of steel. And some have identified me more as a Warden; those seamen that who look up to me for guidance and seek to do, whatever I tell them, next.

The amazement, however, to walk the solid ground of Earth and witness life on a Saturday night and in town; the crowds in Ybor city were bustling with young and old and noise from honking of passing cars as they cruised slowly down
the boulevard. I snuck into a nice tavern called “Boneyard”. This pub was a pleasant sight, as colorful lights adorned the ceilings and walls, and memorabilia of pirates and treasures were evident. I did manage to befriend a group of mariners, in fact, who were stationed onboard a salvage ship, in town, and had lots of common stories to share.

Thanks to Wade, Matt, Peter, and Paul for the wonderful company!

And upon returning to the ship, I noticed “The Watch” peering down from the railing of the ship, and towards the dock as third mate Seth was taking pictures of a massive “Drum” fish that had surfaced and was now barely moving on its own. I believe he said it weighed in at fifty pounds!

The Inert gas blower we had recently repaired was causing problems, this morning. But the blower was quickly removed from the ship for another disassembly, ashore. We shall see how quickly it can be repaired and returned so we can have the spare blower, in operation. Wish us luck!

Our current position is a result of the strong high pressure moving in from offshore, west of Florida, replacing the violent cold front that brought or is bringing snow, rain and even tornadoes to the north-east, Midwest and south-east, respectively. Gusts in excess of thirty-five knots along with seas of fifteen to eighteen foot are being received like a slap or a jolt.

Not a soul, onboard, will wake up refreshed from this night of torment.

Tags: Chemical Explorer