The Merchant Marine Express

This past Tampa call occurred during the Irish holiday. We were, indeed, seeing green.

I happened to get the opportunity to make a brief visit, ashore for a few hours during the evening of St. Patrick’s Day. Charles, the ship’s pumpman, and I shared a cab ride and ventured into nearby Ybor City to see if there was anything happening. The town looked very desolate as only a few people were seen as they crossed the street. We managed to stop in for a quick bite at the local Roma’s Pizzeria and talk of how dead the night was turning out to be, was evident in the restaurant, as well. Turns out, the “March Madness” tournament for college basketball was being hosted in neighboring Tampa and this might have been partially the reason for the lack luster turnout. Too, the economy has put a damper on non essential celebrations as many people, more than likely, chose to stay home. Well, this news didn’t keep Charles and me from spending our saved dollars on some food and drinks as we were set on having a good time with a couple hours ashore being enough to satisfy the urge to pay a visit, in town.

The focus on cargo and the energy exerted as the need for endless running down the five hundred feet or so, of steel deck, back-and-forth, just about had the best of me. And there was a price to pay for going ashore as the time spent in town, kept vital hours for sleep at minimum. I believe I only got three hours of rest before that damn phone rang, signaling my “three-twenty walk up”. A hot cup of coffee and I would spring to life, like an engine eventually warming up on a cold day.

We’re bound for Lake Charles, Louisiana. A noon time Arrival at the CC buoy on Saturday and five hours to the dock, will ensure, yet, another load.

Have a wonderful weekend, folks!

Tags: Chemical Explorer