Teacher Aboard

Date: Friday, November 20, 1998
Position: Jacksonville, Florida
Entered By: Teacher Leslie Bridgett
Hi guys,

It is now 9 PM. Like a "horse headed for the barn," Pride II has cast off her docks lines and is sliding under the bridges that cross the St. Johns River. At the end of a long list of business parties on this Asian Tour, tonight was the last of the Maryland Port Administration receptions. The only remaining task before the captain and crew is to bring Pride II home to her waiting family and friends at our grand homecoming celebration. It has been a long six months for the return crew and everyone is eager to see the skyline of Baltimore on the horizon. After this historic voyage of one year, this is one celebration you don't want to miss. Mark your calendars! Friday, November 27, 12 Noon in the Inner Harbor. There will be helicopters, fireboats, workboats, pleasure boats - all kinds of boats to escort us in. It will be quite a sight!

And let's not forget the kids who won banner the contest who will also be sailing with us on this glorious day - three 4th graders from Deerfield Elementary in Harford Co. and three4th graders from Grantsville Elementary in Garrett County! And the 6th and 7th graders from Severn River Middle School in Anne Arundel Co. who will be ringing Pride's Bell. We're counting down! Meanwhile, in the dark of night as Pride II quietly slips down the St. John's River, it seems like a good time to reflect on the how the warm sunny hospitality of Florida has been a pleasant end to this long adventure. Thinking back, it has been a busy two weeks and there are many places worth highlighting.

THE GULF STREAM

 As Pride made her way north and around the west end of Cuba toward Florida, she eventually was able to use the Gulf Stream. This current or "river of ocean water" continues around the tip of Florida, then northward toward Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. At this point, the current slows downs and eventually travels toward Europe where it has a warming effect on their climate. Ben Franklin knew about this current and advised British ships to use this current to sail back to England. Captain Miles also found the Gulf Stream to be helpful as it gave the ship a good 4 knot boost in speed as she traveled up the east coast of Florida.

MIAMI

In the aftermath (happening after) of Hurricane Mitch, it was a relief to have crossed the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico unharmed. With memories of such a recent storm on everyone's mind, the tranquil (peaceful) outline of Miami's skyline was a welcome sight.

Closer inspection (good look at) Miami's South Beach revealed that it has taken on a new look. Gone are the days of the old faded hotels as more modern, colorful buildings now line the streets. The neighborhood of Coconut Grove was also worth exploring. The crew found an excellent Spanish/Mexican restaurant to enjoy a well deserved meal ashore - although it was a bit of a surprise to find alligator on the menu!

Of course, let's not forget that one of the best reasons to hang out in Miami is the beaches! Miami is just one of those places where palm tree swaying under warm, sunny skies make Florida an ideal vacation destination.

EVERGLADES

The Everglades is a great "river of grass" that once covered the entire southern tip of Florida. This vast, slow moving shallow river results from an overflow of Lake Okeechobee to the north. Until 1947, development (draining and building) pushed the wetland west. Eventually the Everglades National Park was established for its protection. This park is now home to the Miccosukee and Seminole Indians, some of whom have entertained tourists for years with their skills at alligator wrestling.
Meanwhile an airboat ride over the endless shallow water grasses may reveal wildlife such as alligators, water fowl (birds), snakes, frogs, chameleons (lizards), and possibly even an endangered panther. This subtropical wilderness supports a wide range of plants - from inland freshwater sawgrass to saltwater mangrove forests. This diverse range of habitats (places to live) provides nursery areas for fish, and crabs, food for fish and birds, and nesting areas for coastal water fowl.

OTHER SIGHTS FOR A VIRTUAL FIELDTRIP

It seems almost a crime to come to one of America's vacation playgrounds only to scurry off after a day or two in port. However, such is the life of Pride Of Baltimore II and her crew as she strives to visit as many cities as possible. To leave you with a few places to explore on your own, check out these web sites!

DOLPHINS

Moving up the long stretch of coastline to Jacksonville, one night the crew was entertained by the antics of dolphins. Enjoying the gentle pressure surge of the bow (front) wave, they swam back and forth as crew members hung down in the nets beneath the headrig to try to touch them. Stephanie and Tina made good attempts and were successful on several occasions. Aside from touching them, the dolphins made intriguing (interesting) trails of light as they disturbed microscopic plankton (small floating living things) in their path.

JACKSONVILLE

As Jacksonville drops behind the stern, it becomes one of many cities which the crew had little time to explore. Time is short to get to Baltimore so the excursions around town were few. Nevertheless, let me share with you some of the highlights of the area.

Jacksonville is situated on the St. John's River 30 miles upriver from the coast. Its location provides a convenient access (easy to get to) to both fresh and salt water. The site was selected by early colonists as they traveled up river in search of a safe harbor that was also a good source of food. Even today Jacksonville enjoys this riverfront setting where residents can stroll along two 1.2 mile boardwalks, known as the Riverwalk, to view the downtown skyline. In modern days, the coastal white sand beaches have added a wonderful outlet of outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, and hiking.

FLORIDA SPORTS

Florida's year round mild climate makes it suitable (right) for sports enthusiasts (people who like sports). Even in the more northern location of Jacksonville, the midday high is only 63.8 F in January. Aside from all the beach and water sports, golf is also popular. Jacksonville has over 846 holes of golf and is building The World Golf Hall of Fame and an IMAX Theaterwhich will have a screen eight stories tall. Of course, Florida also has the ideal climate for watching outdoor sports.

Here's some Florida teams that may interest you:

Well, this it is! By this time next week, I will be sharing with you all the excitement of a long awaited day - Homecoming! See you there!

"Wishing Pride II fair winds and a following sea,"
Leslie Bridgett

YOUR THOUGHTS

  1. List some new sensations (experiences of sight, sounds, smells, or touch) that you might experience if you took an airboat ride over the Everglades.
  2. In what ways is the Everglades National Park unique (special)?
  3. Find a map of the Atlantic Ocean on a wall or globe. Why did Ben Franklin not want the British to use the Gulf Stream to sail to South Carolina? (By the way, the reason Ben Franklin cared so much about shipping routes is that he was a diplomat and was waiting for answers to letters which were delivered by ship)
  4. Design one hole for a miniature golf course. Draw your design.
  5. Take one of the Miami virtual field trips listed in this log. Tell what you like or disliked and why.
  6. Write a letter to the Pride II crew and tell what you enjoyed most about their adventures and what city you most enjoyed. You can send your letter to:
    Crew
    c/o Director of Education
    Pride of Baltimore, Inc.
    World Trade Center, 401 East Pratt St., Suite 22
    Baltimore, MD 21202
    Or email it to: schools@pride2.org

Start Back Ahead