We’ve been on the ship long enough now that we’re all familiar with the intricate peculiarities of life here. Undoubtedly, one of these peculiarities is communication, in all of its iterations. This is the only place I’ve ever been where repeating what other people say to you back to them becomes a near-comical reflex, popping up even in casual conversation. I am in constant communication with some of my shipmates, namely those on my watch, who I see every time I am awake, without fail.

Although I hate to be the next person to talk about a sun rise, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

The sun rose at around 0600 this morning; however, I wasn’t watching it closely. I was on the helm steering a course of 185.

Compared to a typical college classroom, teaching maritime studies at sea presents some unique challenges. Time is particularly precious aboard the

Corwith Cramer: while she is underway, one third of students are standing watch at any given moment.

A myriad of emotions are flying around the ship right now. We are nearing the end of our two-week transit to and from the Kermadecs, coming closer and closer to sighting land and soon, stepping foot on it. There are feelings of mourning for life out on the open ocean as well as excitement for this next leg. I’ve found that life at sea is comprised of these fluctuating thoughts and emotions. When on lookout, gazing out at nothing but blue, rolling water, you pass your time daydreaming of land.

I really can’t believe it is December. Growing up in Wisconsin I got used to snow and negative temperatures in the winter. Going to school in Oregon I got used to chilly rain. But I have never experienced a December with clear blue skies (minus the squalls) and temperatures fit for shorts and tank tops.

Bob McDevitt is a semi-retired senior forecaster from the Kiwi national weather service that any visiting sailor would do well to meet. He goes by the pen name MetBob.  Among other things, Bob is the author of something called The Mariner’s MetPack, the first book that I ever read on weather in the Southwest Pacific.

This morning we anchored in Tobago Cays and prepared for our first survey off the Cramer. The area that we decided to survey is in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Eager to get in the water after a couple of days at sea we all shuttled into the small boats and headed towards the reef.

Happy December! I think? Ever since we crossed the International Date Line, I’ve been a little unclear on what day it is in the rest of the world. For the crew on the Bobby C, however, it is definitely December, which means it’s time to break out the Christmas songs. I am officially ready to start hearing everyone sing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” on repeat.