Boobies
April 14, 2025 | FALKEN
Being at sea thousands of miles from land is a vulnerable place to be at times, and none more so than when the watermaker decides to malfunction. Our ability to desalinate salt water enables us to sail long distances without the need to carry arduous amounts of fresh water, but the operation requires constant maintenance and supervision. It quickly becomes a consideration of survival when this system fails and reminds us of the finite nature of the essentials that we very much take for granted in day-to-day life.
Thankfully this evening, Andy and crew went about a series of maintenance tasks that resulted in a happy outcome as healthy water once again flowed through the high-pressure system and into our tanks. We would always have enough to drink, but we have become used to a surplus with which we can occasionally shower and rinse our dishes after a salt water wash. The relief across the boat was tangible as the threat of losing one of our few luxuries was eventually overcome.
As we meet our daily challenges, we are rewarded by the constant delight of surfing down impressive Pacific swells in the sunshine, and I think I speak for many when I say how much I look forward to the cooler night air as the evenings draw in. Our daily ritual of ‘glums and glows’ during dinner is a time to unite the crew between the watch systems, to air our challenges and share our highlights.
Today, we have taken on a new crew member in the form of a Boobie that we have named Barbara, and who this afternoon was joined by what we can only assume to be her mate (Brian). As I type this, the two birds appear to be engaging in some after-dark activities on the aft guy, which is providing much amusement for the on-watch team. It’s amazing how much appreciation we all have for our new friends and how much entertainment they have provided.
It seems that without the distractions of the wider world, it’s the simple things that bring us joy.
Oops, have to go now, apparently Barbara just pooped on Hilary’s face…
- Emily
EmilyCaruso
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Ketch us if you Kan
Falken is soon to carry on our preferred route of South, back to (hopefully) warmer climates. We’re all excited to set off and see more of this wild landscape as we head down to Victoria. A thermal trough over Vancouver combined with an offshore high pressure creating funneling NW’ly winds means it is due to be pretty fruity on the 9th. This passage is just under 600 miles, relatively short for Falken, but I’m sure we’ll be kept entertained with dramatic scenery, wildlife and weather!
Final Blog
Falken and her crew arrived safely into port last night around 8pm boat time, 10pm Prince Rupert time. Some spicy weather was anticipated, but luckily the 35kt gusts and 2.5 meter waves were no match for this expert crew. We had an exceptionally smooth docking, despite it being Alex's first time parking this year (!). We all agreed that this was a very special group of people—I for one am so impressed with how everyone stayed so positive, helpful, and appreciative of humor despite an arguably challenging passage. We'll all return home significantly saltier than we were when we left, a mark of a passage properly sailed.
Lessons and a Gift
The biggest lesson is the helm. The lesson here is that even if you don't think you can do it over and over again with no sleep, cold and damp, it has to be done and so it can be done. Flying fish are cool, dolphins are really really cool, but the coolest of them all are the whales. And most of all Alex: "Find your center Carla. Always know where your center is so you can come back to it". He means the helm but it applies to life as well.