Arrival into Philly

Posted on September 16th, 2009 by Admin

The Tern’s bound for a port near you! And Philadelphia is that lucky port.

I’m writing to you on our last full day at sea. I’ve managed to complete 98 percent of my list of ” Third Mate to-do’s” as a Coast Guard Inspection will take place shortly after Arriving. These past few days have been hectic. Among other things, the Chief Cook has decided she had enough of the hustle and bustle and has decided to quit. It’s another chapter in the Tale of the ‘ Tern!
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We Will Never Forget

Posted on September 11th, 2009 by Admin

This Day brings a feeling of sentiment and sorrow to whom most folks in America, continue to pay homage to those whose lives were tragically taken at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and onboard those United Airlines Flights on September 11th, 2001. We continue to remember what events panned out on the fateful day back in 2001 in New York, Pennsylvania and District of Columbia and whose lives it affected.
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Out of Africa

Posted on September 8th, 2009 by Admin

We are en route for the States! This lumbering ride almost as a bird coasting and quickly dipping at times, is soothing mostly. The seas attempt to torment much as a sibling may tease by pushing or pulling trying to get a reaction. This bird stays its course!
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Letter for Mom

Posted on September 5th, 2009 by Admin

Folks, I have enclosed the writings from the Deck Cadet, Joshua in the format of a letter addressed to his family, back at home. His short time spent during the port stay while in Cameroon is chronicled below. Enjoy!

As Cadet Joshua Writes: “We came into the river leading up to Douala, Cameroon early on the 31st of August. The 3rd Mate called me up to the bridge around 0320 and I did [Read more →]

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Departing Africa

Posted on September 1st, 2009 by Admin

Our quick stop into the port town of Douala, Cameroon allowed us only a pier side view of this bustling Western African portal. But what an experience, it was! With most of the crew on their toes for a good sixteen-plus hours from the time of picking up the pilot, to departing back for the high seas, this day would drag on for eternity! [Read more →]

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Miscellaneous Ramblings

Posted on August 29th, 2009 by Admin

This trip, so far, has been a testament of what to expect in the months to come. I’m almost a quarter of the way through, folks! Days on end with not another meandering ship, and the monotonous schedule of starting out the day on Watch with the sun slowly rising from the East and finishing off the day with a beautiful tangerine colored sunset.. A few of the days, we’ve encountered sporadic squalls, but the majority were faced with just a darkened grey coverage of blanketed strato-cumulus clouds
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Meals on the Double!

Posted on August 26th, 2009 by Admin

Our trip is going well, so far! All three of us mates are engulfed in our own alternate duties and keeping busy. The cadet has been helping me as well, I’ve been instructing him while conducting my monthly inspections.
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Call to Port

Posted on August 21st, 2009 by Admin

The American Tern made a call to the southern region of Spain on the Atlantic . We loaded up cargo in Rota as it was a bit of a brief stay for the crew. Only a small parcel of cargo was anticipated, and even with the delay due to the joining Chief Mate missing his flight, our stay seemed too brief! We would eventually depart by sundown
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Lonely Sea

Posted on August 18th, 2009 by Admin

The sea is our friend, and not another soul in the shape of a wallowing ship floats on thee! In the past week, I’ve only encountered two of these ships and yet, they never ventured less than six miles from our intended course line. And yet, a few dolphin were spotted frolicking off our bow, jumping in the slight wake from hull, in a possible show of friendship, the other day seemingly to say, “Welcome to our part of the world, enjoy our neighborhood and smell the slight bitterness of the salt air while you’re stopping through!”
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Smooth Operator

Posted on August 14th, 2009 by Admin

The ship has settled into a pleasant rolling motion to what is a low and graceful swell from the North.

Billowy cumulus clouds by day and a crisp clear sky at night, with the occasional streak from a shooting star but with no hint of another passing ship. All crew seem to be sleeping well and only a slight rumbling you can feel through your shoes tell you that the ship’s engine is full of life.
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  • The Mariner Guy

    I am a maritime officer, traveler, and writer. I like the adventures of the high sea and the countless stories to be shared. My name is Nate, and I run the Merchant Marine Express website

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