(Written 4/13, Posted 4/14 We are now largely through the ITCZ) One of our favorite fans commiserated with our lumpy night and then specifically asked how I was doing. So sweet. My feet hurt, my muscles are sore. All of my muscles are sore. And I have bruises everywhere! This all comes from trying to maintain your balance while doing all that you normally do in a day. Okay, so on a boat that is limited, but we still eat and do dishes and laundry and keep things cleaned up. Even Bob is surprised by the confused seas. And you should see this boat rock! I am going to enter a bull riding contest at Cadillac Ranch when we get back. I have all of the moves down. We call this the boat diet or core work out. I was doing some daily exercises a week ago when the waters were calm and I was in need of entertainment as Bob napped. Thank goodness I was somewhat in shape when we hit this area. It is amazing, this movement. To accomplish simple tasks you must now wedge yourself in from several angles to stay secure. With previously incurred bruises this hurts. And still Charisma will react to an odd swell and send you flying. Today I decided I was not giving in to it. For three days I have had a note to make some bread but passed because of the rolling. Today I fought for it. I lost the first batch of starter due to a lurch but the dough is rising and I fully intend to wedge myself by the stove for the full 55 minutes that the pressure cooker needs to cook it. If I don’t stand there it will get launched. I should not be complaining given what Bob accomplishes. I still find myself waking him 10% of the time. He says they are good questions and concerns and is always helpful. It happens whenever the conditions change drastically. Last night he took and extra- long watch due to squally weather. By 04:30 when he woke me up to take over he thought we were past most of the thunder and lightning. Alas, 2 hours into his sleep I had to wake him up and we then ran from lightning for two hours! The exciting news is that Bob has determined that we are well into the ITCZ (so maybe it won’t be much worse?). So Bob checked the weather faxes and wind files and we made the big move to turn south to head straight across it! I would tell you exactly where we are but the GPS is in the oven to protect it from lightning right now. But we are past the half-way point!!! Ignoring yesterday’s rocking and rolling we ended up with a great day. Hit the half-way point, had a nice clear late afternoon to enjoy a “Charisma” to celebrate and we were treated to the squall showers. The water temperature is perfect. Especially because the boat is hot, having to be kept closed up because of the waves. And after the net check-in we got to chat with two other boats and get fun blog responses. As Bob said, I went to sleep a happy girl. I can’t believe I am doing this and really enjoying it. Here on day 13 I can say that there have only been two days that weren’t fun. One of these happened to be the anniversary of my sister, Bev’s passing. I thought being way out here on this great adventure that she would have loved that I would be fine. The whole day seemed to fight me. From spilling some hot water on me first thing in the morning to locking my poop in the bathroom! Yes, that happened. Sometimes it is easier on the plumbing to just toss it overboard (right Cliff?). So I stepped out of the bathroom to get a paper towel to complete the task and somehow locked the door. Of course Bob was asleep. I spent a half hour trying different keys when I realized it’s an easy lock to pick. As I went to go into the bathroom the boat lurched and my hand got slammed in the door. Ouch. It was just going to be that kind of a day. I kept looking for dolphins or fish or something to just let me know it was okay, to no avail. But that night, as I finished dishes and went up to look around for traffic, the 100% overcast sky had parted to show the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper was an analogy my Mom used to show how important all seven of us children were. And there we were. Obviously God is on this trip too! So, after listening to me ramble you now know why Bob also is responsible for writing the blogs!
What an adventure. Through the tough days I remember the words of wisdom I received from previous Puddle Jumpers: “This will soon pass” and “It will be worth the price!”. I’m loving most of it!
OK Ann, let me know when you are riding the bull. I’ll be there with camera in hand. Definitely sounds like you guys have had a very tough few days. But, what the hell, that’s why it’s called an adventure, right? Also sounds to me like you are handling it well. Good job!
I once read an interesting comment about life that maybe you can use, “Speed up when you’re winning, slow down when you’re losing; and don’t sleep with anyone whose troubles are worse than your own.” Pretty simple, but I’ve always thought it contained a lot of truth.
Here’s to better weather and fair winds. Hugs from afar.
Hang in there babies! “This, too, shall pass” got me through my kids teenage years!
Love yas!
B
Still enjoying the posts from both of you. Sounds like this is the toughest part of the jump – and you both sound like although it’s tough – you are still enjoying the experience. Saw a great bumper sticker at the Strictly Sail boat show today that sums that up -” The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude.” I think your attitude is keeping it an adventure and making for some awesome memories.
Hope you are wearing your harnesses! There was a deadly water accident in the recent full crew Farrallon’s race yesterday – apparently a rogue wave knocked 4 people off the boat ” Low speed chase” (one died) and then another wave knocked the boat onto the rocks of the farrallons. Tragic.
But enough of the bad news. We had fun at the boat show today – seeing all the cool stuff and the boats. Also saw some people’s pictures of sailing through the South Pacific – seems like you have some great adventures to come!! The bad weather has passed through here (lightening hit the bay bridge multiple times – made for some great pictures). Hoping you are done with the bad weather as well.
Keep writing posts!!
P.S. We just heard today that Molly has been awarded the “most outstanding student” in the School of Media and Design. We think that’s pretty cool. She graduates in 3 weeks.