Journal and notes of H. Hamlin : Whitney South Sea Expedition July 20, 1927 to August 8, 1930.
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July 25 Off at Vancouver at 9:30 of a bright morning and the first object of importance that we saw was the S.S.Aorangi, 22,000 tons net displacement and very trim in appearance.At 10:30 we left for Seattle on the Princess Marguerite.On board were Alston Jenkins and Martin Fenton,both Yale'29.In Victoria we had a swim in the Crystal Garden pool.The sail down the sound was delightful.In Seattle we found Collins by sheer good fortune,for the telegram we sent from Moose Jaw never reached him.He immediately treated us to two box-spring beds. July 26 Among the many delightful indulgences of this day were swimming in Lake Washington and a seaplane ride over the city. After a splendid dinner we caught the same Princess Marguerite back to Vancouver.This trip was ex cathedra and not on the gen- erosity of the Museum(editor's note). July 27 Up betimes and busied about luggage.The auk shells were intact.A few supplies up-town and we were ready to sail,which we actually took part in.The Aorangi stopped for 2 hours in Victoria where we put foot on land for the last time before getting to sea.By 9:30 we were watching the lights disappear over the horizon. July 28 Lat.46-52 N. Long.128-6 W. Run 226 (noon recording) We are surrounded by Australians of very slight acquaint- ance.Our table companions - Mr.&Mrs.H.P.Christmas of Sydney. July 29 Lat.42-49 N. Long.135-49 W. Run 408 G.R.ill with chills and fever from under-eating and gen- eral change of environment;kept to his bunk and visited by the ship's surgeon who pronounced him a perfect specimen.We have resolved on a schedule(pronounced shedule in Anzac)that is go- ing to be difficult to follow-reading,writing,and exercising at regular times(and drinking). July 30 Lat.37-58 N. Long.142-15 W. Run 413 15/ tax for privilege to compete in deck-tennis and quoits I call burglary especially since the entries for every- thing except billiards,an aged game had closed before we were collared.Unfortunately it is a"necessary expense".The ocean out here is even calmer than near land.I always had an idea that it was due partly to depth,but Johnstone's"Study of the Oceans"reveals the fact that the deeps in the Pacific are all off the several continental shelves.The food on board is excel- lent;we hope to keep our weight down by exercise. The most distinguished passengers,I suppose,are Hon. William McCormack M.L.P.,Premier for Queensland,and Sir George Fairbairn,one of the biggest sheep owners in Australia.By far the nicest man,from the American sheep point of view is Mr.Pullr,a young Scotch,who is representing a famous cotton firm of Edin- burgh,established by his grandfather. July 31 Lat.32-43 N. Long.147-33 W. Run 408 (Sunday) 890 miles from Honolulu at noon.The most important event of the day was the divine service,conducted by Commander H.