Sixty-six Days at Sea

This Day in History: November 21, 1620

Are We There Yet? Can you imagine how many times this question may have been asked aboard the Mayflower? OR, was the thought of such questioning ever even considered? One must keep in mind that strict adherence to stringent rules governed the day, especially when it came to one's father. 

Travels today, whether work related or vacations, would not take any where near 66 days to reach the designated destination and how many times has this phrase been repeated over and over and over again?

Aboard the Mayflower, 1620

Sixty-six Days at Sea

One of the most memorable journeys in America’s history is the Mayflower’s voyage 

from England to America. She sailed over three thousand miles 

across stormy Atlantic waters averaging a speed of two knots.

A cargo ship by design

The Mayflower did boast

It left the shores of England

Toward America’s coast

  

Its cargo was not trade goods

Nor was it silver or gold

Instead over one hundred souls

Filled its galley and hold

  

Crowded and uncomfortable

Making the perilous ocean voyage

Sea sickness, disease, and scurvy

Bore roles in a story of courage

  

Stop and imagine

Giving first birth at sea

No anesthetics

Only pure misery

 

Nature touted her anger

Storms raged, the sea roared

One fear never ceased

Plight of falling overboard



On its return back to England

Nary a soul returned to thee

The Pilgrims were firmly rooted

After sixty-six days at sea

  

©2013 Awakenings

Sharla Lee Shults