Bayshore Last Day
Today, our last day at Bayshore, we did a number of different jobs! The morning started out with pretty chilly weather, but thankfully, it got sunny in the afternoon, and ended up being a beautiful day.
Learning to CUT LINE …
Three of us, Amanda, Kyle, and Jalen, were given the task to cut lines for the sail boat. Pen showed the group a manual with hand-drawn diagrams that gave instructions on how the line would be used.
We learned all about the line, how to cut it, how to train it, and what it was made of. Pen taught us that the line is made of Manila. It’s very prickly, so our group wore gloves, however, Pen and the rest of their crew didn’t because their hands had to get used to the line. To cut the line, you measure out the amount needed and mark the end (the place you are cutting) with tape. You then put it on a board under a knife and hit the knife with a hammer and ta-dah!!! It’s cut! Pen used a hammer made of plastic. This was because it was used for hitting softer metals, and the plastic would give in before the metal would. Basically, a plastic hammer is used to make sure no dents are made in the metal.
Refinishing the Gaffes and Booms
Other groups were in charge of different jobs involving sanding the mast and prepping the boom, and painting! This was our last chance to get the boat looking pretty (Pen, Ray, Carmen, and our other friends will have to finish the rest).
The BANQUET!!!
To end our Bayshore trip, we had a small ceremony to thank all of the volunteers at The Bayshore Discovery Project. We had a picnic lunch by the sailboat and enjoyed pizza, soda, fruit, salad, and ice cream! We are all very thankful for the volunteers who allowed us to be apart of their work. To thank them, we made cards and gave them a few gifts.
Bye, Bayshore!
We took one last group picture, then sadly it was time to head home. Hopefully you will consider visiting the boat yourself. The A.J. Meerwald has public sails from ports all around New Jersey, including Burlington, Atlantic City, Trenton, and Camden. Check it out this summer — it can be your FIRST DAY with the tall ship of New Jersey.
