The Magical World Of Bender

We moved across the river last week to a different shipyard (nice aerial view here) for the welding we need to do in the cargo holds. Since our main engine is still in pieces for various repairs, the shift was accomplished under the power of two tugs. I had never been aboard before when the ship was in motion without the engine running. (Drifting with engine trouble, yes, but we like to think that's different.) As it is generally frowned upon for the ship to be out wandering around without any engine or rudder control - this is one of those little things they train us to report on gangway watch, e.g., should we happen to observe it taking place - the silent movement was a bit of a strange feeling.

But it is nice to be back on this side of the river, however. Our nearest neighbors include six bail-bond establishments and the county jail, but now we can walk downtown in the time it takes to say "Bender" one thousand nine hundred and seventy-one times fast. A worthwhile trade.