02:50 UTC | 37.10N 122.36W
Sailing
The Pacific is giving us “the shimmer” - with a still flat sea seven hours out of San Francisco Bay, we’re motoring south along the shipping channel, with an hour to go to what teases now as a stunning sunset against wispy clouds. Throughout this first day of Falken 11 the sails have unfurled and been furled again as skipper Alex tries to fill them a meager breeze indeed. But no matter - we are laughing and getting to know one another and the specialness of this boat, taking the left over swells from hurricane Maria as gentle reminders to keep the faith in the power of the Pacific.
And what better to do when we’re poking along than throw a line off the stern and jump in the sea. An unexpected early benefit to this non-stop voyage, with crew sucking in air at the shock to the system the very cold water brings, then smiles of satisfaction.
We’ve seen a few whales traveling along the route, and an otter that was sadly just a buoy. We’re all learning to log the stats and feelings and some of us are remembering the names of sails and halyards that were learned but then forgotten in disuse. Everyone is very generous to help a mate, share the helm, double up to “sweat” the halyard.
My first watch will be from 9-12 tonight when a few of the models predict our wind will kick in. Could it be I’ll be rigging in the dark with my watch team? It’s the first open ocean sail for many of us and it’s a thrill to anticipate all the new experiences we’ll have.
Lynn
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Dive on in
Life aboard Adrienne is hot and sticky. It was hilarious how fast we all started moving once we heard we might go for a swim in the ocean. With our captain’s blessing, we started jumping in, hooting and hollering, grinning like children on a carnival ride. It was simple and delightful and also mind-boggling to be bobbing and washing in the great ocean under a clear sky with nothing around but our floating home and each other. But the deeper cleaning of this ocean plunge will certainly linger for days.
Death on the high seas
I’m not going to lie - I really miss my dog. As we’re just now approaching Cap Verde (two thirds of the way) I can’t help but think of all the wonderful things that happen on a trip like this; strangers become friends, terror turns into confidence, and ignorance into knowledge. It’s not for everyone. But if you do decide to cross some of most isolated spaces on the planet in a small boat, you’re definitely in for a mighty interesting ride. And next time I’ll bring my dog with me. 😊
Eleven Snippets from Adrienne
This list of little moments might just shed some light on all the other stuff happening out here as we make this massive journey together. The back aft deck takes on many roles, like a salon (Anton gave Naxo an award winning haircut), a butcher shop (Kif cleaned his first fish), a yoga studio, gym and a dance club (Manot is an excellent DJ - and Captain and Katelyn keeps us moving wither energy and enthusiasm). Culinary magic happens nightly in a tiny galley by three amazing chef - sailors. Big thoughts, life's questions, personal histories, paths taken and talk of family (pets too) are shared. I'm beyond grateful to be a part of this little community in the middle of the Atlantic.