Latitude: 00°57.6’N
Longitude: 087°47.1’W
Monday, March 24
00°57.6’N 087°47.1’W
20:20 UTC / 15:20 Local time
Adventure at sea—what does that mean to me? TIME AWAY from the world and a chance to meet others who love sailing as I do. No news, no knowledge of anything but the nature around us, whether that be clouds, birds, dolphins, whales, lightning, swells to ride on, no wind to sweat in, and maybe a little swim.
What would your thought be as to water temperature in the South Pacific? As I got ready to dive in, I was prepared for a very cold adventure, but lo and behold, the water was warm—very nice and enjoyable.
We just witnessed a few dolphins entertaining us with their cool jumps. Since our attention was distracted, our stowaway blue-footed booby decided to take off and leave us with great pictures and a bit of poop to take care of later. It was fun to see it move from place to place over the last 20 hours, I am thinking to find the perfect takeoff spot.
As I see birds out here, I always wonder how they live so far from land. Then my thoughts go to the explorers of old and the Pilgrims that were brave to come out on the ocean to find a new world. It’s easy to look out and think one is just going to fall off at some point. I hope that I have found a time or two when I was that brave.
Life is good and I’m looking forward to the crossing the line ceremony as we cross the Equator. Since I am a veteran Shellback, what do these Pollywogs have in store? A special moment for all. Thankful to be here enjoying each day.
- Linda McDavid | FALKEN Crew
P.S. If you are reading this blog, please write some comments in the section below and we’ll send it over to the crew to read. I am sure they will love it :)
- Mia & Andy (shore support on Leg 5, Panama to Galapagos)
FALKENCrew
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The Penultimate Blog from Adrienne II
After 20 days, and 3000+ nautical miles, we're back on land. The motley crew of Adrienne II, consisting of 7 happy amateurs supported by 3 professionals, have completed an epic journey many dream of but few realize. So much of this trip has been about being present - with nature, with each other, with this boat. My biggest takeaway from this trip is the amazing crossing of the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone). We all hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as we've enjoyed creating it.
Mother Nature, you’ve outdone yourself!
It’s been a great experience to have a non-traditional trans-Atlantic, as it’s been packed with genuinely cool features. The Doldrums!! A place sailors have been talking about for centuries. The unpredictability is what made it such an exhilarating experience. While some might be frightened or alarmed by this kind of weather, I was embodied with a sense of calm and awe. There’s something wildly beautiful about being reminded how small you are, while feeling so incredibly alive.
A Heavenly High
As you have probably figured out at this point, the drug of choice on board is, of course, celestial navigation- an art which has hooked offshore sailors for centuries. Once addicted, navigators will emerge from down below only to get their fixes two times per day, and spend the rest of their days and nights down below doing complex spherical mathematics. On Adrienne II, our skipper is our dealer. I must confess that I myself gave in to the strange urge which I’ve felt witnessing my crewmates practice this fine art, and yesterday felt an amazing sensation as I was able to wield the sextant for the first time and with it, bring down the tip of our starboard spreader to the top of our front sprayhood, presicely measuring the angle between the two (35deg, 38,8’ min). This afternoon, Naxo then showed me how to get my fix from the very sun itself - and I now fear there is no turning back.