As Jupiter awaited her trip to Baltimore in the morning, I sat watch from 10 pm to midnight. Standing watch while Jupiter is docked, is mainly to make sure we don't have any unexpected visitors. I woke up at 0300 (3:00 am) to the sound of the engine roaring. I walked on deck just in time to see Penn's Landing slipping away from sight. The captain, engineer and a few brave crew members woke up early to send Jupiter smoothly onto the C and D canal (Chesapeake and Delaware canal).
On board we have 15 crew members, 6 women and 9 men. I am the youngest and least experienced on board. (but I wont tell you who is the oldest!) Although this is a small crew, no one hesitates to offer advice or lend a hand. That is a reason I assume so many people stick with the guild and continue to volunteer, because every person is willing to pull you on board whether your ready for it or not.
Our route was about 107 miles, so our captain, Ralph Onesti, estimated that we arrive in the Baltimore harbor at 1500 (3:00 pm).
The skies were clear with scattered clouds, allowing us to glide smoothly down the canal. We got up to 11 knots.
I spent time in the wheel house with Ralph, our captain and he taught me how to steer. Yup, I steered a 147 ton tug. In the wheel house, I learned how to navigate through the buoys, research tides and currents and read the GPS. I also learned whistle signals. Two whistles from the captain tells oncoming vessels that, "I'm leaving you on my starboard side." One whistle says, "I'm leaving you on my port side." These signals eliminate confusion when passing other vessels.
Right before our sloppy Joe's' lunch, we had a wash down. This is accomplished by using the fire hoses to wash down the deck.
We docked in Baltimore harbor Vane Brothers, Pier 13 at 1300 (2 hours before our estimated time!)
After we were settled right beside Savannah, we gathered for an emergency review meeting. We reviewed where the fire extinguishers are, life jackets, and what to do during an emergency.
Tomorrow morning we will wake up to dress Jupiter is assorted flags. She will be leading the tug parade!
Safely docked at Pier 13,
Abby Fazio
The skies were clear with scattered clouds, allowing us to glide smoothly down the canal. We got up to 11 knots.
I spent time in the wheel house with Ralph, our captain and he taught me how to steer. Yup, I steered a 147 ton tug. In the wheel house, I learned how to navigate through the buoys, research tides and currents and read the GPS. I also learned whistle signals. Two whistles from the captain tells oncoming vessels that, "I'm leaving you on my starboard side." One whistle says, "I'm leaving you on my port side." These signals eliminate confusion when passing other vessels.
Right before our sloppy Joe's' lunch, we had a wash down. This is accomplished by using the fire hoses to wash down the deck.
We docked in Baltimore harbor Vane Brothers, Pier 13 at 1300 (2 hours before our estimated time!)
After we were settled right beside Savannah, we gathered for an emergency review meeting. We reviewed where the fire extinguishers are, life jackets, and what to do during an emergency.
Tomorrow morning we will wake up to dress Jupiter is assorted flags. She will be leading the tug parade!
Safely docked at Pier 13,
Abby Fazio
What wonderful drive Ms. Abby! Keep writing girlfriend! And the photos are beautiful...great angles and framing. Keep looking for that shot that puts an everyday object in a whole new perspective.
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