Thursday, July 8, 1915

Turned out at 5 to scrub decks. The morning was a fine one. There was a strong steady wind of our starboard bow - it was a moist salty breeze that made you feel 'gooy'. It was so salty that a drink of fresh water tasted sugary. The sea is a beautiful clear blue - it can't be beat anywhere I believe; it's wonderful. We have sighted at least a half dozen ships. Had quarters and gun drill. The BO steamed abreast of us for check sight drill, then took her position 1000 yards abeam and 500 yards aft - the regular sea steaming formation. They have put in the gun port shutters. The sea is breaking well over the forecastle. A 60 mile gale blew all day - steady on our starboard bow. It washed waves up over the bridge - 42 feet above the water line. I staid [sic] up on deck until 10, cold, but loathe to go below where the air was hot and bad. Stoked from 3 to 5:15.