Captain's Blog 1/24/12

DATE 1/24 TUE
TIME 0700 LT (ZD +6), 1300 GMT
LAT 5-49N
LON 83-10W
C 180
S 7.5 K
RPM 30
DEPTH 3078 METERS
WIND LIGHT AIRS
SKY 3/8
PRES 1012
AIR 78/73
SEA 81
120 NM SW OF ISLA JICARON, PANAMA

We are definitely in the Doldrums of the equatorial region - very light breezes - occasional cloud formations - but just out and out hot. The thermometer says 88 degrees, but it sure feels hotter without any wind. We are on day 12 of the training schedule, which means we are at the 50% mark in the training.

Tomorrow the cadets that have finished their training assignment will be examined. That will take up most of the day. For those cadets the remainder of the sea term will be dedicated to watches and maintenance, which is a relief I am sure. Whether it is the hot sun or the examination preparation, there are very few cadets out on deck. Those working maintenance in their blue boiler suits are moving kind of slow, and the ice machines are working overtime.

There is an underlying tension too as we approach the Equator, Everyone knows that the loyal Shellbacks are making preparations - odd contraptions of pipes are being built here, a plywood platforms elsewhere, and long lines run from unusual locations. It is all in the preparation for the ceremony that will be conducted on Thursday, but the unknown for the Pollywogs is real. More tomorrow...