1650 UTC | 31°32.086’N 029°03.754’W
Sailing
Well “I woke up this morning” to a “zippity du dah kind of day.” Last night was quite a Rock and Roll time with big waves and wind.
Over the last two weeks I’ve become fascinated with the peace of no cars, construction sounds, feeling of hustle and bustle and have to get there.
Instead I’ve felt a real touch with music through visuals and sounds. First I noticed with both the moon and sunrises, the beginning of a crescendo as they rose and small beginning become larger and then a beautiful beam of light across the ocean.
The swish sounds of the boat going through the water with a little emphasis on their beginning if the bow hit a wave. The sounds of clatter if we are headed up or down too much and the sails would then talk to us in an angry racket. Sometimes just the crack of a whip (as in Sleigh Ride). The reaction of the dodger material as it felt the wind and boat movement. (Someone playing on a set of 4-5 toms with a soft mallet and ending with a buzz rather than single tap).
Of course there’s the sound of water drops if a wave splashes up too - like a rain stick in slow motion.
The moon sets with a decrescendo visually on the water, while the sun sets with beauty and color, a soft suspended cymbal roll that if one sees the “Green Flash” could end with a sizzle.
Of course then there’s the wind. At times it’s like an Alto voice humming and as the wind gets higher, the alto tone slightly rises and falls with the wind velocity. And of course, the rush of fresh sounds and feelings in one’s ears as the velocity strengthens and diminishes.
Besides the peace, beauty, and musical moments, the being with a fun group of very diverse but like minded sailors with a skipper, mate, and intern that have routed us around storms, fixed mechanical issues way above my knowledge, and encouraged and made this voyage a magical time. Thank you!
Linda, Adrienne II Crew
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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.