We are just a few days away from entering the warm waters that surround Hawaii. Everyone is eager to hear from Hawaiian officials if we are allowed to step off the ship. Since we are closer to Hawaii we set our clocks back again, now matching the islands' time. The air and water temperature have increased even more and we can feel it throughout the ship.  As we are sailing closer to Hawaii we have been seeing more fish, this morning some cadets spotted flying fish.

Last night’s events out on deck were canceled butthat did not prevent the cadets from having a good time after Clean Sweep was done. A lot of cadets were seen out on deck enjoying the cool breeze and each other’s company.

The interior of the ship was busy with classes and day work. Everyone has a task that is important as they want to gain sea time. Engine cadets were busy throughout the ship doing everything from class work to advanced work on deck, fixing broken items throughout the ship or deep in the engine room.

Meanwhile other engineers were busy down in the power lab learning how electric circuits and breakers work. Some others were found in the gym replacing lightbulbs. Some were deep in the engine room doing everything from oil transfers to cleaning the bilges.

Deck cadets were busy all throughout the ship as well. In the classroom some were putting the finishing touches on their sea bags. These are made out of a thick canvas and sewn together with twine. Out on deck they were chipping paint on the starboard side near lifeboats 1 and 3.

Tonight there is a BBQ out on the fantail, everyone is looking forward to it. Stay tuned for those photos tomorrow.  We are getting closer to Hawaii as we speak and look forward to what lies ahead. The events planned tonight will hopefully get everyone’s morale up. Being surrounded by beautiful water as far as the eye can see is difficult to describe, but all I know is it is a feeling that we all will remember.