We came to the realization today that we only have 8 more classes until we head out on our journey! With that in mind, Sonia and Chrissy made a list of skills we want to work on before then: navigation, anchoring, and longer rowing challenges. We also need to keep moving forward on our Purple Martin Bird Box project. Lots to do!

After a quick and efficient weather check, we determined that we could indeed head out on the water. Before heading out we checked in our environmental project progress milestones. Then we spent some time learning navigation skills.

We focused on reading a navigational chart and measuring distance using dividers. We had a goal to row down to the Boat Haven marina and visit the Purple Martin bird boxes there. Using the formula Speed=Distance/Time, we determined it would take us about 45 minutes each way (without the influence of current or wind.) We decided we had time to go for it.

We headed down to the Bosun’s locker and packed up our gear (including rain gear), then we headed down to the boat. We noticed that the wind was starting to come up and our Coxswain Anna and Navigator Kyle discussed our plan and picked a turn around time, the time we had to head back to the dock no matter where we were.

Anna led us in packing up the boat and Roland took the bow watch position with Sonia. After Anna and Chrissy conferred on a plan, we headed out of the harbor and along the front of town. As we neared the ferry, Roland noticed that the cars were starting to load. The wind was helping us move at a nice clip, but Anna and Chrissy decided to wait until the ferry left the dock before moving on.

As we passed the dock we noticed sea birds feeding in the water that had been churned up from the ferry’s wake. We saw a common loon, double crested cormorant, and surf scoters.

Before we knew it, it was time to turn around and head back in. Anna challenged us to turn as fast as we could-we turned the boat around in 28 seconds! We also practiced power strokes (our grand total for the day was 100 power strokes.) Because of the rain and wind, the crew decided to head back in to the dock and have a late snack.

After hanging up our gear and enjoying our well deserved snack, we settled in to our rituals- sharing our High Tides and Low Tides for the day. We loved: rowing in the wind and weather, practicing power strokes, being the coxswain, trading roles, being the bow watch, and seeing the birds. We were challenged by: cold fingers, time, realizing we only have 8 classes left, rain, and cold feet.

This mini-epic adventure helped us practice our journey skills. We’re all excited for more!