Southeastern Connecticut is buzzing with excitement about the upcoming 38th voyage of the Charles W. Morgan, of Mystic Seaport, the last wooden whaleship in the world. Her 37th voyage was 93 years ago from September 1920 to May 1921. Mystic Seaport has been diligently working to restore her to her former glory for several years now.
Because the Mystic River is shallow, last Saturday tugboats brought the ship to New London, on the deeper Thames River, so they could add ballast and fuss with her sails, making final preparations for her historic voyage. Today we went over to see the Morgan and her crew at work.
Sea trials from New London will be June 7-8 and 11-12, and then on June 17, weather permitting, the Morgan will set sail for her first port of call in Newport. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can get some pictures of her as she sails past Groton on her way out of the Thames River and into Long Island Sound.
The tugs will probably take her down the river so I’m just not sure at what point she will finally be on her own under full sail. I do hope I catch it!!!
A moment of mourning came over me when I realized I had picked out a postcard for my father and was startled to remember yet again that he is gone… He would have loved seeing all this!
Isn’t it amazing how these sailors can work so high up in the rigging? And imagine them doing it while the ship is rolling with the waves…
We watched the PBS documentary, “The Charles W. Morgan” last night and enjoyed learning more about her history. We’re looking forward to following her progress as she embarks on this special 38th voyage!
Many years ago I visited Mystic Seaport and purchased two “deck prisms” in a nautical shop. We still have (and use) one; our son has the other. While there, I visited Mystic Pizza (of movie fame), and walked around snooping in as many windows as possible at twilight when open window treatments and inside lighting made for great visibility. I loved the experience and remember it with fondness.
Picking out a postcard for your dad and suddenly realizing that he’s gone had to be like a cold glass of water in the face. What a wonderful relationship the two of you must have had. I’m confident he was aware of your intent and smiled when your heart swelled at the thought of him.
Laurie, it’s kind of cool knowing you have poked around Mystic and the Seaport and have probably walked over many of the same steps as I have. When friends of mine came to visit us from Macedonia, back in 2002, Mystic Pizza was the first place they wanted to go because of having seen the movie back at home. 🙂 We love walking around the village summer evenings – it’s fun to watch the procession of tourists passing by.
Papa and I locked horns when I was in my teens but we eventually came around to understanding each other, especially where science and religion were concerned. I always knew he loved me and was looking out for me. We grew even closer after my mother died. I miss him so much, though I am relieved that his suffering is over.
After being on the dry docked Morgan at the Mystic Seaport several times over the past 50 years, and never having felt her move, when we were on yesterday and felt her gentle rolling to the waves it was surrealistic for me.
It’s been ages since we’ve been on a sailboat out on the open water. Do you remember when 8 of us Rodgerses sailed on the “Argia” in the summer of 2001? We all signed the guest book – it was Rodgers after Rodgers… 🙂
Very neat pictures of the workers up high in the rigging. I’m sure you’ll get more photos during the summer voyages. I can’t imagine what it will be like when my mom and dad are gone and you want to send a postcard or call on a whim. Oh, Barbara. I am sorry. He’ll have to get a “virtual” postcard from your heart to his.
Thank you, Kathy. A funny idea came to me after I got home: I should send him the postcard c/o Larisa. After my mother died we all felt her presence often in our lives. Since my father died we haven’t felt the presence of either parent in these parts. My sister and I were puzzled until Larisa happened to mention that he’s been with her down there in North Carolina, poking his bony finger at her and teasing her. Ever the mischief-maker. 🙂
I love it that people still work to keep these amazing ships afloat. I hope you are successful in your quest to capture her under sail!
Thank you, Melissa! Yesterday I found out that replicas of the Nina and the Pinta are berthed up the river in Norwich for a spell – turns out the river is not deep enough for the Santa Maria.