Today is the big day!! Barring any completely unforeseen circumstance, we will set sail on the Picton Castle (www.picton-castle.org) at 1400 (that's 2:00pm) from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The weather looks great (that's a relative term...at least it's not pouring rain and blowing 40 knots) and we're ready to go.
Since yesterday, everyone has been trying to get in one last hot shower and whatever other "creature comforts" they crave before heading out to sea. I woke up at 5 am to get in the shower ahead of the crowd. There was already someone in the shower and two people waiting ahead of me. (So, I went into the office to use the internet while I waited). Before I finished my shower there were two or three more people waiting. I'm glad I got there before the hot water runs out.
The other highly desired thing to do before we set out is wash laundry. Once we are at sea the only way to wash clothes is in a bucket of salt water. It would seem to be a simple matter of going to the laundromat, but the laundromat in Lunenburg burned down this past winter and has not been replaced. The only other options are driving to Mahone Bay or Bridgewater. Since we do not have cars available, it means getting several people together to share a cab. And the laundromats only stay open to 5 or 6pm, making it very difficult for those of us who are working all day to get there.
My friends, Felicia and David Robinson, who live on top of the hill (straight up from the ship) invited me to dinner last night. While they went out later and I babysat their children, I also had the privilege of doing a load of laundry in their washer and dryer. The joy of simply having clean clothes is not to be underrated; and, as much as I dislike doing laundry at home, this was a real treat!
Keep an eye on the ship's website for updates as we sail to Panama. I will not be able to update this blog until I arrive in Panama. By then I will have lots to say...assuming that I can find an Internet Cafe.
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