The Journals of Josloy/Pelthe 15, 5675

From Archives of Amehtana
Jump to navigation Jump to search

The end of the southern ice sheet is fading into the distance. However, we did stop briefly before leaving it behind. In what was no doubt a dangerous maneuver, Captain Hegherg and the sailors anchored the ship to the ice this morning. Several of the sailors then left the ship with picks and buckets, and began collecting ice. Once the buckets of ice were back on the ship, they melted the ice to replenish our freshwater supplies for the last time until we reach the coast of Etnyben.

I expected the sea ice would be salty, but somehow it loses most of its salt when it freezes. Learning this makes me realize the opportunities available to a shrewd captain with a large ship. With Arctic ice available all year long, a good businessman could collect the ice and take it to warmer climates to sell. This would be extremely lucrative during the times of year when ice collected during the winter is no longer available.

The sailors also conducted a thorough inspection of the ship’s hull, at least the portion above the waterline. Without anywhere to dock or beach the ship for the next few weeks, the ship needs to be in the best condition possible. Fortunately, the ship needs no major repairs, and the sailors can easily install additional structural supports while the ship is underway. Captain Hegherg anticipates no problems, but did say a storm far out to sea is harder on a ship than a storm near land.

As I write this entry in my journal tonight, there is indeed a storm raging. I hope Captain Hegherg was correct when he said the ship could handle even the worst of storms, because this is the worst storm I’ve ever experienced. With the waves battering the hull as the ship bobs up and down the swells, the timbers creaking under the strain, and the wind and heavy rain blowing in all directions, there is nothing we can do except wait for the storm to calm.


← Previous Entry Next Entry →


The Journals of Josloy