Voyage 6  July 30 - Aug. 5                                                Chaperone: Tricia Smith


8/8/2006- A personal log kept by Tricia Smith the week of Voyage 6.

DAY 1 –

The Students were split into “watches”; PORT: Rose, Josh, Sam, Jamie, Sammi, John & Geoff and STARBOARD: Macy, Patrick, Dodie, Eliza, Matt, Carson, Jake & Kevin.

 DAY 2 –

Everyone awoke bleary eyed and a little fretful about our first Morning Dip, most found the water in Camden Harbor refreshing rather than shocking. Today was the first day of the full routine. The “lines game” was played to help students learn the sail lines before we got underway and some ship’s rules were broken. Dodie rang the anchor bell in her enthusiasm of correctly identifying it and was but on “bell watch” to make sure it didn’t ring again. We got underway around 10:45. There was an oceanography lesson on the quarterdeck. Once we were anchored off the coast of Wreck Island and the ship was all-a-taut-o we boarded the dinghy and made a wet landing on Wreck Island to investigate the inter-tidal zone, however it was high tide, so it was more factual than actual. After a brief hike and a lesson and reading from a Rachel Carson book we returned to the vessel. A group of daring swimmers was given permission to take a dip. Sam was the first to jump off the rigging (at the highest allowed rung). John, Jake, Dodie, Josh, Macy, and Eliza got in and cooled off while the rest of us cheered them on. After dinner the evening activity was Charades with the teams formed by watch. Starboard was the victor but only by one point.

DAY 3 –

The Morning dip was pretty chilly this morning and Carson thought he could skip it all together. He found himself sadly mistaken and treading water for a bit before he could get back aboard. (Chemistry labs). The morning lesson was followed by a quick excursion back to Wreck Island for an up close look at the inter-tidal zones at low tide. Sammi, Josh, Eliza and Macy were the most adventurous group the most inhabitants of the four zones, locating several crabs and a jellyfish. Sammi found a Sea Star and risked life and limb on spiky barnacles to bring it out of the surf to show the rest of the group.

When we returned it was time to head for Mount Desert Island and Somes Sound. The skies were overcast when we headed out but as we entered the sound the sun had broken through the clouds. Being a fortunate bunch we arrived in enough time to do a recreational hike and are only the second cruise this summer to do so. Most were excited to hike St. Saveur and drown out the whine of the naysayers. Near the summit we played a get-to-know-you game and got a glimpse of the beauty of the island and the sound. On our return Captain Geil gave permission for a recreational swim.

DAY 4 –

Today we started with the usual routine and then went to shore for the daily lesson that required us to explore the geology of MDI by hiking Mt. Acadia. This is also the day when we get to have a swim in a fresh water lake, a welcome change from salty morning dip and sea water swims of the first few days. When we arrived at the ledges of Echo Lake we collectively experienced the “echo” part of its namesake. There were many shouts and much joy as everyone went willingly into the cool fresh water. After a dip and a lesson we returned to the vessel for lunch and our trip to Bar Harbour. The entire ship was abuzz with excitement in anticipation of our impending freedom and reconnection with civilization. Most students returned from shore with a belly full of food with candy, soda and souvenirs in tow. Patrick came aboard with a goofy neoprene ski mask emblazoned with flames to “protect him from the sun” and the guffaws of his shipmates were just a bonus. That evening Cap gave his “talk” on the history of the Tabor Boy to an enraptured audience.

DAY 5 –

As we made way to Swan’s Island The students watched an IMAX movie about the ocean and once we arrived our shore trip was rewarded by some wonderful baked goods and a walk to the Saturn Press. When we arrived at the printing press the accompanying crewmembers spotted a car with a flat leaving the parking lot. Being the helpful, upstanding citizens they are Lexie and Jake lent a hand and helped the Islanders on their way. On our return to the Tabor Boy another recreational swim took place and there were some adventurous jumps including a few cannonballs, can-openers and one unknown jump entering the water in a seated pose performed by Sam from the fifth rung as a bet. Jeopardy followed as an evening study activity. With the test looming on the horizon quiet-ship was very quiet.

DAY 6 –

Test- day and ashore in Camden.

DAY 7 –

As we said our good-byes we were glad for the idea of home and a shower. There was a general consensus that the experience was a good one and everyone voiced great appreciation for the voyage the Captain, Director, and crew.

Quotes from the week:  "I am honored to have taken part in this experience ..."
                                  " I had a BLAST on the Tabor Boy!!!"
                                  "I feel like this voyage on the Tabor Boy has been a life changing experience for me."

UPDATE:  8/1    Spoke with the vessel this morning.  Kids are doing great.  For those of us in Massachusetts suffering from the extreme heat,  the Tabor Boy reports it is 68 degrees this morning with fog...looks like it's going to rain. They are wearing their jackets and fleece to stay warm!


NOTE: Pictures of Voyage 6 will be posted the week following your voyage.  Go to website. Select "About Us" heading at top of page.  Go to Tabor Boy Photos.  Select your voyage.

The Tabor Boy bus left Marion at approximately 9:30AM.  With pick ups at the Portsmouth NH traffic circle and Portland Airport, the bus arrived Camden at 4:00PM.  The Wayfarer launch transported the students and their gear out to the vessel anchored in the outer harbor.  Once the students were on board (4:20 PM), they were given a tour by the student crew.  Monday morning, prior to departure, safety procedures will be discussed.  Dinner tonight (Sunday) will be pasta and pecan bars...interesting combination!The vessel is due  to depart Camden Monday at approx. 11 AM.  The schedule for the week is as follows.  (Please note it is subject to change):

Monday: Depart 11AM head to Wreck Island/Stonington where the students will do intertidal work.
Tuesday: Go to Mt. Desert Island; hike Acadia Mt and swim in Echo Lake.
Wednesday: Depart for Bar Harbor. Time and dinner ashore.
Thursday: Sail to Mackerel Cove, Swans Island.  Visit old printing press still in operation.
Friday: Return to Camden in afternoon.  Spend short time ashore.

Oceanographic work is done throughout the week with a test given on Friday.  If anyone has any questions during the week please don't hesitate to call 9-3PM  508-748-2000 x 2219.  My email is lgeil@taboracademy.org.  Have a great week!  Leslie Geil