The Watchleaders’ Supply Run

Ship: Roald Amundsen
Date: 2Oth of November
Nautlical Position: 28 ° 27,8’ N 016° 14,6’ W
Etmal: 0
Average speed: 0 kn

Today was one of those days when you realize that life onboard isn’t just watches, sail handling and navigating – sometimes it’s simply about keeping the ship from turning into a floating biohazard.

So the three watchleaders (yes, us) were sent ashore for a cleaning & hygiene supply mission.

Morning – Mission Briefing

Before we even finished breakfast, we got the gentle reminder that several essentials had mysteriously vanished from our storage:

vinegar essence
toothbrushes
toothpaste
silicone gloves
wet wipes

In other words: the basic tools needed to keep both the ship and us somewhat civilized.

So: “Watchleaders, go.” And off we went.

Midday – The Great Search

We stepped into the nearest supermarket… and immediately questioned every assumption we had about finding everyday items.
Vinegar essence? Located between cooking oil and floor detergents. Toothbrushes? In a section that looked more like a cosmetics museum. Silicone gloves? Hidden behind baking supplies for some reason. Wet wipes? Everywhere, except the type we actually needed.

After 15 minutes we had toothpaste. After 20 minutes we were arguing whether vinegar essence comes in different “strengths” and which one wouldn’t melt the ship’s paint. After 30 minutes we had everything, mostly by accident, partially by luck.

Afternoon – Return of the Heroes (Kind Of)

Loaded with our supplies like triumphant explorers, we made our way back to the ship.

Of course, we had to face the inevitable question: “Why did it take you so long?”

We delivered the official answer: “We wanted to choose the best-quality items for the crew.”

Everyone smiled politely. Nobody bought it. All good.

Evening – Mission Accomplished

Now the ship has vinegar essence for cleaning, fresh toothbrushes and toothpaste for everyone’s sanity, silicone gloves to protect our hands and wet wipes for… Well, everything.

We also decided: next time we’ll write a list. But honestly? Next time we’ll probably still be wandering around some foreign supermarket debating toothbrush firmness like it’s a matter of national security.

And that’s just life on board.