On our way ...

We were supposed to leave the dock yesterday at about noon. We arrived at the ship to find that one of the small boats was having engine issues and that we would have to delay sailing until at least 4:00 that afternoon. Not a huge big deal, we had plenty to do to get the ship ready for our two months out at sea. At a little before 4 it became clear we would not be sailing that day. Another night at home and I didn't hear anyone complaining. We are all excited about the trip, but another night in one's own bed never hurt anyone.



We awoke this morning to a day much sunnier than yesterday, made our way down to he ship and were ready to set sail. Would it happen ... only time would tell. A few hours later the call was made and the crew started to make ready for sea. The gangway was raised and we were off.



As we steamed out of Pearl Harbor, past Ford Islands and what was once the second tier of Battleship Row, we made our last calls home and started to feel the south swell under our feet. After a few weeks of often harried preparations, we are on our way. Our first stop will be French Frigate Shoals on Sunday afternoon. We have much to do before we arrive, but we are all looking forward to getting back in the water again.