Chi-town, whoa now
On a Southbound Train
So, Chicago. Before today it was just an impressive skyline often enjoyed from the lake. The sun glints nicely off the skyscrapers at dawn and dusk. This time though, since I am on the 4-8 watch and thus have 8am to 4pm off, I decided to ride the train into the city from the industrial hinterlands where we dock. The dock is pretty sketchy though as it requires the ordinary seamen to get in a dingy to go ashore and take lines...and this time the guys on the dock had to weld a hand railing onto their new fold-up ramp gangway rig before they'd let the crew off so I didn't hit the dirt unti just after noon. Still, it's better than sitting on the boat breathing bunker fumes.
My job is interesting, which I always find to be a plus. I am literally an oiler. My primary responsibility is to go around with an oil can to lube the various antique steam engines and pumps that keep this 103 year old girl going. The steering gear is literally a big gear attached to the rudder, with a steam engine to make it move. It requires frequent care and feeding.
The ship loads cement in Charlevoix, MI and delivers it to South Chicago, Milwaukee and Manitowoc, WI. I have yet to see Charlevoix, but I hear it is a pretty little town and hope to get ashore there soon. It's main claim to fame is being the summer home of the Hard Clan.
Thrillz
I have taken up iPhone gaming to kill spare time at the expense of my poor abused carpel tunnel. For those who have one, join me in iMafia II and/or Ninjas. It's basically Pimpwars with gangsters/ninjas. They call me SailorHensai.
Peace! (except to rival ronin)
EvilBastard