Thursday, January 22, 2009
Just the facts....No rebutal!
In Alaska one will find numerous lighthouses while sailing the inland waters.
This sea going sailor stepped foot on at least a dozen different lighthouses
during his two years of duty aboard a bouy tender. We proudly took care of
our dry land sailors who maned those places.
One morning at muster the crew was informed that the Army was stranded at
Point Barrow. Ice fields had moved in on their ships and they were literally stuck
in the ice and needed help. Who did they call on to come to the rescue? Yes,
the Coast Guard Cutter Clover. A bouy tender, by the way. For a couple of days
we loaded supplies and were shortly underway. Departing from Kodiak we headed
out along the Aleutian Islands, then just beyond Dutch Harbor headed north into the
Bering Sea known for some of the roughest waters in the world. This area is also
known for its deep water not allowing for the construction of lighthouses. You see,
some areas have lighthouses and some don't. This sailor has been in both areas.
Moving north and nearing the Bering Strait we come upon two island. One called
Little Diomede and the other Big Diomede. Little Diomede belongs to the United
States of America and Big Diomede belongs to Russia. Yes my friends, I could see
Russia from our bouy tender. Interesting as it is............I probably saw Russia before
Gov.Sarah Palan was born. Perhaps that makes me eligible to run for V.P.
During this cruise to Point Barrow with the ship tossing and turning, this sailor stood many
watches. Some at the helm and some on the flying bridge looking out for icebergs.
Never did I ever think of reading a book while on watch. Even if I didn't know shipboard
terminology and had to study from a book. Aboard ship, reading a book on watch could
be cause for a Captains Mast or in some cases, a court martial. Reading in your free time
is good. However, select a book that will give you the correct information. Example, the
item used to go from one deck to another aboard ship is referred to as a ladder rather
than a latter as apparently came from a book on shipboard terminolgy being read
on watch.
And my last questions of this Coast Guard discussion.............Does the mermaid shown
below look familiar and has anyone talked to her lately ?
The picture of Plum Island Lighthouse is beautiful but will it float?
Thanks light tender for making sure all my sea going buddies were safe.
Coastie,
