KATHERINE: Walking on deck, I welcomed our first sunny day at HTHH; however, upon reaching the island, I was greeted by hot black sand and an all-consuming heat that would last all day. Soon, as a part of the bird/vegetation team, Emily, Arielle, Cam, and I headed towards the southwest corner of the island, which boarders Hunga Ha’apai (which I think looks like a dragon lying down). Its red eye watched over us as we drew near.

Snip, snip. A clump of hair comes away in my hand floating through my fingers to the surf below. It is finally time. A year ago when I decided to do SEA semester this moment in time formed. And now, standing at the stern of “Mama Seamans” I am cutting off the blanket, the veil, the struggle, the joy, the growth, the perceptions of others, the HAIR.

Malo lava friends and family,

I woke up this morning to an urgent and kind voice reminding me today was our chance to snorkel! Our final day in Vava’u, we all rushed to gather our things: snorkel gear, a packed lunch, sunscreen,
and a change of clothes.

Although my day technically began with my 0040 watch, it really began when I (and my roommates in the foc’sl) were jolted awake by the *very* loud sound of the windlass deploying the ships anchor.

As C-Watch handed off the watch to A watch at 1900 on October 1st , and A- watch handed off watch to B watch at 0100 on October 2nd, a collective zeal to reach our first port stop dictated our conversations, increased our efforts, and scattered relief to those suffering from the ebbs and flows of the open Pacific ocean.

Tomorrow morning we will arrive in Vava’u, Tonga! In preparation for our arrival, today was field day. We spent our allotted class time today cleaning the entire ship. Dividing the chores up between watches, we conquered the task in 2 full hours.

Last night was my first dawn watch; C watch was on from 0100 to 0700 after B watch took us through the international date line. To the Robert C. Seamans, September 29th never existed. When keeping watch overnight, the seas and the skies are dark, illuminated only by the stars, the moon, and the red lights on board our ship

After four nights on ship, and three spectacular days of learning in American Samoa, yesterday we set sail from Pago Pago Harbor. Though as individuals we had all awaited this moment by means of our own personal pilina, or relationship, with the dream of the voyage≈the visceral elation beamed from every face, connecting us all.

Hello All!

We have officially spent a few days living aboard the Robert C. Seamans and it seems that we’re beginning to feel more comfortable calling it our home. On shore, during classes with Emily, we talked a great deal about sense of place.

And so as quickly this trip began, it ends. With the ship back in harbor right where we set sail from five weeks ago at a glance it can seem like we never left. Thankfully, we still have the memories, photos and friendships left over to remind us of this amazing experience.