I'm on a boat!

Last Friday it emerged that my Sunday afternoon departure was moved to Saturday evening, meaning I had to cram 60 hours of packing and schlepping activity into 36—a feat which would have been impossible but for the invaluable assistance of three very dear souls (you know who you are).

Pro tip: When your broker says that freighter travel requires flexibility, believe him.

Look at how tiny this container is!

Anyway, at the end of this scramble binge (and wearing the same clothes I'd gone running in that morning for lack of time to change) Saturday evening I found myself in the port of Newark, across from the airport, where I had to carry my jaw in my hand after it repeatedly fell to the ground. The CRANES were HUGE! I mean, obviously, but standing directly next to them was mind-exploding.

And this is what a row of containers looks like stacked across the top of a GIANT SHIP

Before I could gaze my fill I was hustled up this long narrow gangway, safely away from potential hazards with a speed that would make ACL's litigation department proud. I am not one to slog up a set of stairs, but the crew who helped with my luggage was skipping compared to me—even the guy/saint who went up with my bike box hoisted on his shoulder.

Steps are at this weird angle to account for the raising and sinking of the top level as it changes with the weight of the cargo.

At the top of the gangway was this cargo hold.

 

Each piece of equipment is rolled individually on or off the ship (hence "ro-ro") via a giant ramp attached to the stern. 

Said ramp

 

At one point I saw a line of about 12 Mini Coopers driving off—adorable. Past the ramp the driveway area splits into three pathways, leading, left to right, to storage areas for raw construction materials, cars, and heavy machinery. 

Machinery like A HELICOPTER

The ro-ro aspect is a relatively recent innovation, and the ship also carries standard shipping containers. Once I got to my cabin, via two elevators and a maze-like set of hallways, I watched the Giant Cranes playing Cargo Tetris outside my window.

 

 

 

And yes, caps are warranted. In fact this whole two weeks should be written in caps. I'M SAILING ON A BLOODY FREIGHTER!