Actually a pretty boring day…..in our case, boring is very, very good 🙂 ))))
After a very boisterous night, the seas and winds calmed somewhat this afternoon. After calming to 8-12 kts in the afternoon, we had lot’s of squalls overnight with the associated winds, 12-20 kts, primarily N-ENE. It is now daybreak and scattered clouds and the winds have built to 18-22 kts….yikes!! It is still a very beamy ride so not the most comfortable ride. A pretty hot and humid day with lot’s of sun. We hope as we approach the Tuamotus…..16 deg South latitude…..it might cool off some!!
Worked on the Autopilot settings some – still no luck in the Nav mode. Nobeltec said their new update (850 MB) would solve the issue…..BS….back to tech support…..ugh!!!!!
This is probably a good time to write about how alone/isolated I am feeling….not a good or bad feeling, it just is. When Les and Rose left last week, it took me a good 6 days to fully recover physically. At first I was emotionally depressed as we both really missed them. But, then I started to realize where we are….like, we are in the middle of the freaking Pacific…..yikes! It was ok with Les and Rose being with us as they were our connection to the “real” world but when they left we truly were cut off and on our own. I talked with other cruisers and they had the same feeling…..maybe after a week or so being in the Marquesas. Some of the veterans said just wait…..it gets worse when you are in the Tuamotus, but then you go to Tahiti and you are back in civilization and sensory overload. Let the adventure continue…….
Les/Rose: can you believe it….the mast light came on around 3:00 am……hmmmm!!!! Rose, sure missed you at the 5:00 am watch change…..had to go another hour…..these 4 hour watches suck!!!!
Web Comments:
Craig – What’s happening with Nuggets/Warriors…..saw the Warriors up 2-1 and playing yesterday???
Wayne – do you still have your patch on…..you will need it for this ride 🙂 )))
Cousin Kathy – thanks for the comments…..yes, the Marquesas were very dramatic!
Dave P – yes, getting up at 1:00 am sucks, don’t tell me I’m living the dream 🙂 ))) Dateline…..hmmmm, that’s a ways away…..it’s west of Tonga so I suppose we will cross it as we go from Tonga to New Zealand.
Ally: yes they have the pearl farms in the Tuamotus and Kathy has plenty of FP money just for the occasion!!
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Position 4/29 @ 1630 UTC:
Position: 12 16S 141 11W
Traveled: 177nm today; 212 nm total; 228nm to go; ETA 4/30 around 1-2 pm
Course: 188M HDG, 188M COG
Wind: ENE (60-80) 10-22kts; current wind is 22 kts ENE; yikes, where is the 10 kts?????
Waves: E 4-7′ swell; 10-14 sec period; 2-5′ wind chop 3-6 sec E
Speed: current SOG is 6.7 kts, has varied 6.5-7.6 kts; avg 7.4 kts SOG today; 7.2 SOG for trip; 1500 RPM
Weather: 20-40% cloud cover; a few squalls overnight; sea temp 84.3 deg F
Boat sightings: 0 today; 0 total – yes, we feel very alone….yikes!
Fishing: tried in the afternoon but no luck
Fuel Burn: 1.55 nmpg…..actually pretty good for 1500 rpm. We need to conserve some fuel in order to have enough to make Tahiti the fist of June, but not like the Crossing.
Sail: Got the sail up in 18 kt wind…..whoa, needed Kathy’s help!!!!
John & Kathy,
Well now you know why we couldn’t do what you are doing, not enough cruisers around to bake & cook for. We need the kudos! We spent a couple of nights with Les and Rose and they are so impressed with your skills, planning and tenacity in doing this. So we can just imagine your feeling of loss when they left. Not only the companionship, but having someone else to bounce things off of and the FUN of sharing this marvelous experience. It is nice to read that cruisers you have met in these past few years are also over there. Take time to enjoy their company. We look forward to planning another reunion when you return to us…..C & BB
John & Kathy,
Hope you guys quickly adapt to your new situation & loss of crew. Can definitely empathize with the sensation of isolation. Had several moments in Colombia and eastern San Blas when the “what the heck are we doing here so far from home?” feeling was pretty powerful. Can’t imagine how sea travelers coped before the days of sat phones and offshore internet connectivity.
Love following your posts!
Elaine
John-boy,
Just catching up on the blogs. Warriors beat the Nuggets last night (Thursday) to take game 6 and the series.
Rockies still off to a good start. West Division is tight….Rockies, D-backs, Dodgers, and Giants all within a game or 2. Rockies still up on top. Cruise well!!!