What a weekend! A couple of days away from the rules of the Regiment, better food, and relaxation. Those are things about which no Kings Point Midshipman can ever complain. Saturday morning i got up around my normal Saturday time of quarter to 0700 so I could catch some breakfast before meeting the others who were going on the Plebe Retreat at 0730. I could've enjoyed a few more minutes of sleep had I known that we would be provided boxed breakfasts on the bus. The bus ride was pretty relaxing; consisting of talking with some other Plebe Candidates, sleeping, and absorbing the sights of my first trip up Long Island past the Academy. After maybe an hour and a half of driving (and a few wrong turns) we pulled into the driveway of Camp DeWolfe. Once we unloaded from the buses and deposited our bags in our cabins, we headed over to the meeting hall to listen to Mom and Dad Guest tell us the rules for the weekend. Once they finished, we had real free time until lunch. Not having experienced anything like this since arriving July 9th, most of us in my cabin decided to get a quick nap in before lunch. Upon waking up I realized that A) it was lunchtime and B) I had slept for about an hour and a half. Boy did that nap feel wonderful.
After lunch a few of us Plebe Candidates decided to walk the camp's beach which bordered Long Island Sound. Although it was cool, windy, and rainy, it was very enjoyable to get away from the city and stare out across the vast deep as the rain pelted our clothing. Once we made it back to our cabins after strolling up and down the beach, a few of us tried another nap, succeeding greatly this time with another two hours added to our nap totals. Unfortunately, the ropes challenge course closed right before we woke up, so we were unable to attempt that, but hopefully the next time we go we won't be so tired.
After a good dinner and some more free time, the Catholic Plebe Candidates met at the chapel, while the Protestant Plebe Candidates gathered at the meeting hall for a worship service led by some upperclassmen, who played worship songs, and Chaplain Sias, who spoke on some verses in Proverbs. The conclusion of the worship service commenced the bonfire on the beach where we were able to mingle with upperclassmen and other Plebe Candidates as well as roast marshmallows and sing along with the guitars that were played. That was a good experience because we were able to freely talk to the upperclassmen about nearly anything. Even with all of that fun, bed was still a welcome sight when I plopped in around 1 am.
Sunday morning experienced a rude awakening when two fellow Plebe Candidates from First Company marched into our cabin with one calling cadence for the other. Thankfully it was timely since we had less than a half hour until our morning assembly led my Mom and Dad Guest. Once that wrapped up, we didn't have all that much time before lunch, so some other guys and I had a blast practicing being Drill Instructors in case we decide to work Indoctrination next year. After lunch we had a couple of hours before we had to load up the buses again, so some friends and I wanted to walk the beach again because it was sunny this time. I think most, if not all, of us were a little disappointed to pack up our gear and load the bus because the break from the Regiment was welcome for us all. Upon our return we had to go back to our required squaring corners and running while outside.
The PKT was interesting, as normal, as members of the soccer team had the punishment of taking it on their faces because of some lies that were told in regards to there whereabouts during last Sunday's PKT. Another kid was brought up front because he had brought his PKT study guide sheet and had it on his clipboard. Our CTO later told us that we will remember him for the next four years for being labeled a cheater.
Today was another big step towards Recognition as we had to sing the Marine Corps Hymn at lunch for a USMC Gunnery Sergeant. Adding to that pressure, all of the upperclassmen make as much noise they can to throw us off and drown us out. Because we had spent some time practicing as a class we got a thumbs-up of approval from Gunny upon completing the song.
Tonight we went to Ackerman Auditorium to listen to a presentation from a Kings Point grad who was the Chief Engineer on the Maersk Alabama, the ship attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia earlier this year. It was interesting hearing his perspectives on what happened and seeing pictures of the lifeboat where Capt. Phillips was held by the Somalis. Makes one realize that piracy is not a joke and is a very serious problem when traveling, especially in various areas of the Indian Ocean.
Well, it's about 2315 right now and if I can get to bed in the next 45 minutes (hopefully 5) it will mark the first time I've been to bed before 0000 in nearly a week. That extra hour of sleep is definitely going to feel good. Stand by for more updates.
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