GOAT Hike
Location: Elba, Italy
Chiao! It’s Sam.
The morning started early for Watch Group 3 and me; up and at em for a 4-8 watch. No lightning storms this time, thank god, but we did have a flying fish pay us a visit. Arriving at Elba at around 0700 hours, we were greeted by the gorgeous green hills and a city bursting with color. The sunrise as we approached was enough to take your breath away, rising high above Vela’s raised sails. As we prepped the boat of anchoring, the main stay’sl was giving us some trouble, but it was nothing our crew couldn’t handle.
We started the day strong with our first Oceanography class. We apparently have a lot of school to catch up on due to the crazy seas we have been served up on our two passages. The first class was amazing, learning about the importance of the great seas we sail every day, along with the history of the field. We really need to stop preparing meals with onions during classes, though; the heat and the fumes aren’t a great mix for the eyes.
After class, we loaded into our dinghies and rode off the shore, prepped for a grand hike. Upon arriving, we were greeted by preparations for a rally car race! We all had a great time looking at the cars (no race, unfortunately). Just as we began to hike up the side of the cliffs, we were stopped in our tracks as a ginormous tall ship under full sail crested the horizon. It has nothing on Vela, though. We continued through the streets of the vibrant city until we reached the steep trails up the forested mountainside, leading to the illuminated cross that overlooks the wondrous island. The hike was quite steep and long, but it could’ve been a light stroll when faced with our group. Once we reached the top, we were met with a view so incredible it cannot be expressed in words. The entire island lay before us, pastures, forests, roads, cities, boats, and us, high above them all. The way down was equally exciting, as our trail was blocked by a herd of wild goats! Once the wildlife was clear, we trekked further down the mountain, and every break in the trees revealed a new window into this ethereal island.
Finally at the base, we were happily surprised to find a store selling fresh fruit. I personally tried a persimmon with Max, and I must say I am a fan. Reaching the marina with fruit in our stomachs, we loaded back onto the dinghies. As we rode back to the ship, however, we came to find a pirate ship blocking our path! After barely escaping with our lives (kidding!), we returned to Vela’s welcoming arms. Dinner was a delicious pasta dish with chicken and turkey, and after a failed attempt to have a tickle fight with the staff, we broke for clean-up. The rest of the crew is currently enjoying a well-deserved shower in the Med, so I’m gonna end this here and join them.
-Sam