Batten Down the Hatches, Mateys!

Weather reports say that we'll be on the "dry" side of Tropical Storm Ida, with only 20-30 mph winds expected. The rig has spent the past 24 hours preparing for the worst, however, by storing or securing all loose objects on deck. There is always the worry of freak gusts or waves that might catch us unawares, so we've been strapping things down and tidying up just in case.

I love nautical terms, and can still enjoy them even when they seem to lose some of their novelty when you're actually at sea and their meanings are taken literally. My current trainee who hails from North Dakota (has anyone else ever met someone from North Dakota? Eric -- you don't count) had never heard the phrase "batten down the hatches" before so I explained it to him. Then I searched Google to make sure I had it correctly.

A "batten" is a strip of wood. A "hatch" is a door or portal. I had guessed the latter, but was interested to learn the former. So battening down the hatches is to secure planks across all the doors and windows on a ship in preparation for a storm. Our doors out here are rather secure, but we've had plenty of other objects that needed strapping down.

The company man prefaced his discussion for the need of this in a meeting with "Now I'm sure I'm not the only one in this room who has ridden out a hurricane on the rig." Perhaps it was my imagination, but his tanned and weather-beaten face seemed to show a far off look in his eyes and perhaps a hint of long forgotten fear. I shuddered after he spoke those words.

The heaving of the rig has been gradually increasing over the course of this day, and I find myself a touch excited to face the weather ahead. This is the thrill of imagined danger, like riding a roller coaster. All the safety precautions are in place, and I wouldn't be buckled into that seat if there was a chance I could be hurt. I'll fly through the loop-the-loops with the wind in my face, a scream in my throat, and in my heart the knowledge that this is all just for fun. I'll get off on the other side just as fine and dandy as when I stepped on, with a fun story to tell that will surely receive much embellishment.

So here we go now. The heaving's getting stronger and my internet connection won't last once the rain comes. I'll see you on the other side.

Update: As of late November 8th, Ida has been upgraded to the status of Hurricane.