Journals 2003/2004

Lynn Masellis
McGinnis Middle School, Perth Amboy, NJ

Jerry was up already for breakfast when they called me late that morning. We could have anything we wanted for breakfast; I had one of everything, blueberry pancakes, bacon, and eggs-ahh! I was full. We had an easy morning and we could see land. Everyone was perky and happy. We were going to be on land in a matter of hours. We could see Provincetown and Captain and mate had their binoculars out looking for "pink pirates." Of course it was all in good fun, I was looking out to see how far we had come-full circle. I made it, I really did it.

As we approached the Sagamore Bridge above the canal I was listening to "Let the River Run, "by Carly Simon. It was neat to see the world coming alive. To see land and then get closer and see people sailing around you. And then closer to see life taking place in houses and sidewalks that line the Cape Cod Canal. We waved at people like we were stars on a float in Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It was a life experience that I've learned so much about. A lot of thoughts encounter a persons mind out on the sea. I wondered what the other people in the boat were thinking as we were approaching the end of our sailing trip. I would only gather the captain had a feeling of satisfaction that he had gotten us back to shore safe and sound. I would only guess Herb the cook was relieved that no more meals were mandatory for the four scientist aboard. And the scientists were probably thinking this is the beginning of the end. For me I was thinking of how wonderful it will be to see the ones I love and that I thank God I made it home. I was also thinking about the bet Jerry and I had made and that I was going to hold true to the bet after we hit land. I believe that we all had different thoughts but I know one thing held true is that we all worked together to create a successful voyage. There was a lot of trust and teamwork with both the ships' crew and the scientific crew. It was a success because of the special people we had on board. I knew at times I wondered what did I get myself into, and now I really knew. I got a great lifetime experience with a great group of people, and that is a great blessing.