Sailing to Spain

When Georg returned from the bridge, he found Maria with all the children around her. Their enthusiasm about the ship hadn't waned. He could hear their comments.

Gretl really surprised him. She was talking like a sailor.

"Mother, I like my berth. My bunk is just the right size."

And then there was Kurt. "Hi father. Did the captain dismiss you?"

"He did. He sent me to see you. He wants to be sure everyone is adjusting to a sailor's life. It appears you are. Louisa, you rang the bell so well, I could hear it on the Bridge."

"Thank you. Father, is it very far to Spain?"

"I don't know how many miles it is. But I do know it will take two days. Right now were in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's a small body of water off the coast of Italy. Up ahead are two large islands. Once we pass between them, Captain Archie will be able to travel faster."

"Will we see one of the islands?"

"Not sure, Friedrich. But we can stay here and keep our eyes looking in the direction the ship is traveling and we might see one of them."

They did stay on the top deck and although they were looking for one of those islands, the water had them mesmerized. This was nothing like the lake behind their villa in Salzburg. This body of water was huge. And Liesl commented.

"This water is beautiful. It's only a little bit darker than the sky. It's difficult to see where the water ends and the sky begins."

They continued to watch in silence. The wind was propelling the ship to move much faster than any of them had anticipated. And soon Brigitta broke the silence and asked in a loud voice excited voice.

"Do I see one of those islands?

"I believe you do." Georg responded.

"Look at those waves crashing into that piece of land covered with all those huge rocks."

They starred in silence until Friedrich asked.

"Does anyone live on the island?"

Brother Paul was standing nearby. "Allow me to answer your son."

"Please do."

"The answer is yes. Both islands have villages, small towns and miles of pristine white beaches and mountains which entice visitors to hike their trails. This island, Sardinia, is also home to hundreds of sheep farms. Each has its own eccentric history."

"How interesting! Children, do you remember what I told you about books?"

Marta answered. "You told us not to judge a book by its cover."

"That's right. The same could be said about this island. Our first impression of the island was all the rocks we saw. Deep within its shores this island has people and lots of things to see and explore."

Brother Paul added to Maria's words. "Children, we're traveling to another place which also could be compared to a book. You will see it tomorrow."

And Max was wondering when and how Georg was going to tell them they were going on to America. He put that thought out of his mind and remained upbeat.

While they were talking Captain Archie had navigated the ship between the two islands. Everyone knew they were safely past both of them when Archie had the engine crew open the throttle on the engine and the ship increased its speed as it headed for the open waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

They were moving so fast the wind made everyone close their eyes. A mist had developed from the ship's powerful movement through the sea. They were grateful when Katia appeared and spoke to Brother Paul.

"Brother James asked me to tell you the dinner meal is ready to be served."

"Thank you. I'll have Louisa sound the bell again."

The group didn't wait for the bell to ring; they were already headed down below. Kurt led them to the dining room. As they ate, the ship continued to travel the open waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

As the sun began to set, Father Wasner had everyone join him in the ship's chapel for Evening Vespers. And Maria led everyone to sing hymns they all knew. As they sat, the younger children grew sleepy.

The others were also tired; none of them complained about going to bed. After all it had been a very long day; their adrenaline had waned long ago. Maria and Georg went to every berth and kissed them each goodnight.

Now they retired to their berth; the berth with the big bed. They both knew it wasn't the Pope's bedroom. Maria had an explanation as to why the ship had this room.

"Georg, I'm sure that from time to time the Pope may have a married couple travel with him; we can sleep here and not be spooked."

"That's an interesting word to use."

"It's an appropriate word to use because we may awake and see angels around us."

"I suppose they can watch us fulfill the scripture."

They snuggled close and the couple did fulfill the scripture; they were officially married.

Nobody slept late. They were awake before Louisa rang the bell to tell them to report to their assignments. And after breakfast, Brother Paul told them.

"The ship made excellent time during the night. We should be in Spain by mid-afternoon. I suggest everyone pack up their things before lunch. I know you will be excited about the remainder of your travel and I don't want you to leave anything behind."

They did as he suggested. And everyone helped Isabel, Liesl and Brother Andrew clean their berths and the bathrooms. Their bags were placed by the entrance of each birth. And after lunch everyone returned top-side to wait.

Everyone heard Captain Archie shout from the Captain's bridge.

"I see land. We will be at the port of Gibraltar Spain soon."

Maria and Georg took the children below to wait. Stefan and Phillip stayed on top to help Brothers Simon and Bartholomew lower the sails. The Brothers worked in reverse order; the lowest sails on each mast were lowered and stored by tying them with the ropes on each beam. The Brothers still used the rope ladders to lower the other sails. The two men held them taunt as they had done before.

As more of the sails were stored, the ship began to slow. Those down below noticed. And Georg told them.

"Captain Archie invited me to join him on the bridge. I'm sure Stefan or Phillip will let you know when you can go topside. Your mother is in charge."

"Aye, aye captain."

"Your mother's speaking pirate talk; she must have read pirate stories."

"I have and I can teach everyone how to talk like one."

The children had the giggles as their father left them. Maria went on to tell them. "Maybe someday we can have a pirate day. And you can all learn how to speak like one."

"Can we dress up too?"

"Of course, Marta; that's part of the fun."

And Maria was glad they were so at ease about their travel; she hoped it would continue when they saw their next ship.