The Merchant Marine Express

We stopped into Souda Bay, Crete to offer our accumulated garbage onto a barge as a request since our journey would not stop for quite sometime more. We only anchored for approximately four hours and the Chief Mate gained my trust by allowing me to anchor this behemoth! Since the depth was over one hundred-eighty feet, I “walked out” the anchor by using the powerful windlass instead of the customary ‘free falling’ method of allowing the anchor to simply drop onto the sea bottom using gravity. After we conducted business in Crete, I was tasked yet again, to heave anchor as we slowly turned for sea and steamed on a ‘full ahead bell’ back into the Mediterranean.

I was able to capture some of the ancient looking terrain on film while momentarily stopped within this Greek Isle. I could only gawk at how historical this region of the world has been as it’s the pinnacle of human proliferation and what significance the Greek culture along with its mythological tales we read in history books and other greats growing up.

We continue to steam on! Our ship’s air conditioner system is doing a fine job as the daytime temperatures hover close to the century mark.

Greg, the Chief Steward is doing an exceptional job with arranging great meals, and keeping chilled juices and drinks for the crew as needed.

I want to lastly wish my brother, Lyes, a belated Fortieth birthday!
Yes, Indeed, he’s reached the fabulous forties! Columbus Day marks ‘his’ day and conveniently the ship was on a similar journey. In this case, we know where we’re headed. I shall celebrate your birthday, brother,with a slice of spice cake and warmed cider in the Fall tradition.

Have a great week!

Tags: MV American Tern