The Sea, The Sea

Well, as you read this, I am getting ready to embark on a seven-day cruise up to Maine and the Canadian Maritimes. I should be posting regularly, but I have to find out how the internet works aboard. Last time I cruised, it was in a 34-foot wooden ketch, and I was the bewildered mate. Before that, it was the Navy, and I was a watch-standing seaman.

This is going to be strange because I’m going to be wondering what my duty station is, what watch I am on, and since it’s a civilian ship, will I be required to sign on articles? No. I’m just kidding. But it will be strange to be a guest rather than the crew.

This whole cruise idea was hatched by my oldest son as a birthday present for Dad. There is only one full day at sea, so I’ll see if there is any roll in the old sailors’ step when I depart for shore leave. So far as I know, my wife and I should not be rolling into any establishments which have my photo as a young man above the bar, and the advice that I am banned for life. But these days they can use computers to advance the age. But I’ll say, “Wes who? Never heard of the rascal!”

Portland and Eastport are in Maine. I lived in Portland and camped in Acadia, so I’ve been there as a parent. I don’t recall hitting the Maritimes when I lived in Canada for a while in ’69. So I am looking forward to seeing new sights.

As the week progresses, I expect to get some posts up about cruise life, the sea, and what’s going on. However, I certainly will not be using any of my old habits from when I was in the Navy or sailing on the Cap’n’s ketch. Those might get me in trouble…and I am a “good boy” these days!