Teacher Aboard Logs

Date:	November 25
Position:	Coming Home
Entered By:	Teacher Aboard Lee Vogtman

"...On a tour of one-night stands, my suitcase and guitar in hand, and every stop is neatly planned for a poet and a one-man band. Homeward Bound..." Simon and Garfunkel I feel like the legendary nomad described in their song, but for one difference - I'm going home. This is my final log. Twenty logs in twelve weeks seem excessive, yet I feel as though I need at least that many more to share what has been the experience of a lifetime. Nine countries and almost 10,000 miles have taken their toll; I'm a little tired and need a day or two to recharge my batteries. I'm focusing my remaining energy on finishing this log and preparing for my visits to Maryland schools. Even so, I would do this all over again, if given the opportunity.

On our way toward Chesapeake Bay and home, we began to encounter weather that was more like what I expected to find out here. It began with a steady 15 knots and then we ran into a cold front from the north. At first we sailed along beautifully as the winds were in a favorable direction. But then things got nasty and she began pitching as she lunges forward against wind and seas that challenge her right to be there. I was reminded of all the weather patterns and phenomena we've seen during the last three months. From the Northern Lights to 20+ foot waves; we've been privy to many of Nature's wonders.

Due to the extremely capable Captains and their skilled and dedicated crewmembers, I never for a moment had any concerns about safety. The ship and crew are a well-oiled machine, working together as one. To them go my thanks for a great passage. I was not a crewmember, and in the beginning worried that I would not "fit in." As it turned out, I didn't need to. I only needed to do my job, and the rest would take care of itself.

The ship. What can I possibly say that would convey the respect I have for this vessel? Yes, she's a tops'l schooner made of wood. Yes, she's a goodwill ambassador from the state of Maryland. And yes, she took responsibility for my life and delivered me safely home. But she's so much more than that. More than wood, gear, lines, and sails. She's the embodiment of the spirit of sailing She carries with her the memory of lives lost on her predecessor. She proudly shows the blood, sweat, spit, and polish from every crewmember who ever cared for her. She embraces every gust of wind with the promise of distant discovery and adventure just over the horizon.

And she can sail. Oh boy, can she sail! Heeled over with rails at the water, she's like a stallion chomping at the bit, eager to be turned loose and run with the wind. So this vessel has left its mark on me, for which I am also grateful. The memories of standing at the helm of such a magnificent ship will be among my most cherished.

Over the course of the last three months, I also made many new friends stretched in a network that runs throughout Europe. Ken Ciccone spent valuable time shuttling me around at the beginning of my journey. Cindy Ferrell, Judith Rivera, and all the other teachers and administrators welcomed me into their schools. Cab drivers, tour guides, internet cafˇ owners, and many other nameless souls contributed to the success of my mission. My thanks go out to them as well.

I would not be here at all if I'd not been selected as the recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship in the first place. My gratitude goes out to Darla Strouse at the Maryland State Department of Education and the other panel members that selected me, and to the Frederick County Board of Education for its support in this endeavor. I'd like to think that Christa McAuliffe would also approve of what I've accomplished in her name. I hope so.

Of course, Pride of Baltimore, Inc. is at the heart of this entire project. They have embraced and financially supported this fledgling education program as it strives to stand on its own two feet. Within the organization, my liaison, Jerome Bird, and his associate, Tenley Newcomb, deserve special recognition for working nonstop to provide support for the mission and me. Their efforts enabled me to make contact with thousands of European students, and then, through the use of technology and the Internet, allow thousands of American students to join me on a weekly basis for the journey.

I can't forget my family, friends, and students who have been so supportive and helpful during my extended absence. I hope I've made them proud.

Perhaps my biggest "thank you" should go to you, my fellow travelers You've followed me through parades and fjords, over mountains, inside castles, and across seas and oceans. You've stayed with me through storms, seasickness, falling out of the bunk, and missed trains. Together, we've eaten raw herring , codfish, rabbit, moose, goose, lamb kidneys, and many other new foods, on the boat and ashore. We've seen an endless stream of statues, museums, palaces, art galleries, and artists. We've walked countless miles side by side down cobblestone alleys, mountain paths, quiet beaches, harbor sidewalks, and cafe-fronted streets.

We've sailed fast and furiously, and motored along in 90-degree heat with the sun beating down. We've caught fish off the stern and watched dolphins and whales from the bow. We've seen the pounding of the storms during the day, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the sky at night. What more could we possibly ask of an adventure than that?

Last night I looked out through the myriad of lines and shrouds at the last remaining light and thought about my Ditty Bag. In a way, it's a great symbol of this trip for me.

In it, I'll carry sewing tools, knife, marlinspike, bits and pieces of twine, and other small stuff that's necessary on board a sailing vessel. Yet the bag is so much more. It represents the many things I've learned during this voyage, and in it I'll also carry the thousands of memories that life has created for me over the last three months.

I'm glad you were there to share this "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity with me. So in a way, this bag is yours, too. When I look at it, I'll remember you, my virtual companion, as we sailed, walked, ran, took ferry's, trains, canal boats, streetcars, and taxis all over Europe. We had a great time, didn't we?! We made new friends, learned new concepts, and maybe, just maybe, discovered something about ourselves, as well. So next time you look up at the night sky and identify the constellations we've talked about, remember me, this voyage, and this incredible vessel. Most importantly, remember that you, too, were a part of it all. I'd like to leave you with a favorite quote of mine. I think it sums up everything I've tried to say quite neatly.

"For the truth is that I already know as much about my fate as I need to know. The day will come when I will die. So the only matter of consequence before me is what I will do with my allotted time. I can remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise my sails and dip and soar in the breeze."

From First You Have To Row A Little Boat, by Richard Bode.