Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
In-port
I came into my role as an Apprentice expecting some surprises, but I can’t say that taking a spin in a gyrocopter was on my 59° North bingo card.
Yesterday was filled with cleaning, passage prep, taking inventory, and a wee bit of time in the pool here at Marina Flamingo. As I was brushing my teeth before bed, Alex and Adam called me up on deck to tell me I should go flying with JC and Teresita the following morning, just as they had done right before I arrived. JC and Teresita are joining us for the passage to the Galapagos, and live just down the road from Playa Flamingo.
I was hesitant, only because I signed on to be of use, not to (literally) fly away and leave Alex and Adam to fend for themselves whilst provisioning. They assured me that it was “just grocery shopping” (an understatement) and asked me “when else are you going to have the chance to fly in a gyrocopter?” (a more valid point).
Two other crew members on this trip, Jeremy and Gayle, joined as well. I was with JC, who flew me up and down the coast, pointing out beaches, islands, the surrounding towns, and estuaries. As a map nerd, it was so awesome to get a bird’s eye view of this landscape. I wish I could share more photos.
Most of all, I was shocked at how smooth the ride was for such a small machine! Perhaps JC is just a pro pilot.
We all enjoyed a lovely coffee on the beach in Tamarindo, after which I was dropped off at Falken to resume my actual duties. These are duties that I feel lucky to have, though— I’m certainly embracing the current Falken sauna. It helps that Adam keeps our water bottles full of ice—an in-port luxury.
I’m so excited to meet the rest of the crew. While the time in the marina and in the sky has been lovely, I’m ready to set sail!
Zoe (Apprentice)
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Shooting Stars & Turtle Logs
Day three out of Ketchikan and FALKEN is running wing on wing down the outside of Vancouver Island. The temptation is to lie back in the cockpit and spend the night watching for shooting stars, but a diligent watch is always the first priority. So we keep a sharp eye out while the shooting stars keep us company through the night. The wildlife keeps coming: humpback and minke whales, five mola molas, dolphins, and a black-footed albatross. We are all feeling lucky for such conditions!
Pot dodging and whale watching
Duncan got us up to eleven knots at one point! The Ferriers also logged our first Orca sighting on their 3am-6am watch! This morning is a gift as the temps are just right and we finally have some blue sky and plenty of sunshine. It was a glorious few hours sailing before it inevitably died as forecast. I live in hope that by sunset tonight we’ll be back sailing as we emerge out of the lee of the island and the wind will be more westerly which lends itself to a better sailing angle.
We are off!
After two days of introductions, safety briefings and boat procedures we have departed Ketchikan. We are currently making a whopping 3.3 knots as there is very little wind in Nichols Passage. Adam fed us well last night with a delicious shrimp curry and Duncan was the winner of a sporty game of the card version Monopoly. With the scenic views and light wind it's quite peaceful out here.