It's been a slow day. Not much getting done, and not much wind in the right direction.
Murphy has been living on a cabbage head since we left. It lives in the fridge, and I give him part of a leaf at a time every few days. He is a very, very spoiled snail. I am waiting for him to try to find a bigger shell. That could be funny. So, about cabbage...I have never really been a fan. I like good coleslaw with some mustard in it. That is about it. Cruisers always talk about cabbage being great. I will eat canned spinach first.
Anyhow, back to the point. The cabbage hasn't changed. It looks just like the first day. I am scared to eat anything that doesn't change. I am quite tempted to see if we can use the entire head for Murphy before it goes bad. This will probably mean a science experiment until Christmas. Literally.
Does anyone know the half-life/decay rate of cabbage?
30.6.13
29.6.13
Day 6 - The Fish, The Rain and The Mouse
Mid-morning Scotty saw the line jumping, which we have been trailing off the back of the boat this whole time. In he pulls a "little" mahi. Now, my manly trophy fishers wanted to release the poor, "little" fish. The old trout fishing side of me told them that I would like it on the foredeck so that it could become dinner, please. They grudgingly obliged, hauling the string by hand up the entire length of the boat. I gutted, chopped off the head and tail and tossed the carcass to Davey Jones. And, I thanked the fish for feeding us. Hey, if you are going to take a life to feed yours, you can at least thank the thing. Thank you to my Love, as I "may" have squealed a bit when they mentioned putting the stinky thing in the cockpit. Note to others: fish and cockpit do not go together. That is of course unless it is already cleaned and prepared and on its way to the grill. That is okay. We fed the crew off of one third of the "little" fish, tossed one third as I was a bit lazy to clean out the bones (who knows maybe Davey Jones was hungry too), and have a third in the freezer.
Before dinner, and after the fish catching, I happened to be outside washing dishes. Apparently, Davey wanted a spoon to eat his fish. I am now down a small spoon that slipped right over. I told him that was fine, but if he ever tried taking my coffee press I would be jumping in to take it back. The horizon was nothing but a line of grey misty cloudiness, and rain. I volunteered to stay outside as I was already wet. That ended up being outside in the rain until 1830 dinner cooking time. Which, simultaneously with me trying to get to the galley, just happened to be when the wind chose to shift. Off the bow. Yep, when it rains...So, after engine starting, jib furling, main centering...Oh, I almost forgot. I sent g-ma to the wheel as Auto was already having issues. Steer into the wind is apparently a little more complex than I realized. As we were covering the mechanics of it, we lost our speed. So I reach back throw it in gear and give her some juice. Somehow, we still did not make it into the wind with 4kts of speed until after the sails were fixed. :p Ahh, I definitely don't miss the days of my Love having to explain everything to me that way. At least when I was learning, we had a smaller boat. Eight years will do a lot for your sailing skills. We will make at least a competent deck hand out of her yet.
"So there I was..." (typical Navy story beginning) on watch (another common Navy story) when I saw a shadow...(more common than you would think). The problem is flying fish shadows (Yes, we throw a couple out each morning that have the misfortune of landing topside over the night. Mysteriously, none hope on board in daylight.) do not climb back up. The shadow flitted down the speaker, and I thought "CRAB!," then gained some sense and went "Wow! Big flying fish." Right as I was debating on moving across the keeled over cockpit to toss it back. The shadow went UP the line. Note: Fish do not go up lines. No matter how cold, wet, bedraggled, or late on watch (0300) it is. By some stroke of genius, I managed to remember that I had my headlamp on, and quickly turned it on to stave of the approach of whatever foul, loathsome creature was attacking the cockpit under the cover of darkness. At that point, I screeched, "Ack!!! IT'S A MOUSE." Apparently I wasn't quite loud enough to wake the dead (or even the sleeping in the cabin), but G-ma woke with a start and screech. The mouse was terrified of the sudden light, and scrambling in a tangle of main sheet (almost glad I hadn't tidied it earlier like I should have) just past the foot of her bivy sack. I have never seen camouflage move so quickly. Her feet were at her ear about the same time the mouse saw the cubbyhole in the side. It darted in like its life depended on it. After I secured my light, it took all of three minutes for the mouse to dart back up under the dodger to the "garage." The place out the mid-hatch where we store gas cans and fenders and who knows what else...apparently mice nests. Now, we have to feed one more thing. Oh, and it was dubbed Fabian by my other half just for you Jolie. Before I could name it Noah. So help me, if I find another animal on this boat, I am going to name it Noah so it feels responsible for feeding everyone. :)
Speaking of animals, the baby lizard received a burial at sea with full honors. Ok. So I tossed him in when no one was looking. Quite honestly, I think his eye slits had just opened, so there wasn't much chance. That, and G-ma decided a rock would be nice in the terrarium (lidded box). But, hey, a girl can hope. Just in case you are worried, Murphy is apparently indestructible.
Oh, and for Davy Jones, apparently he does not like being told he will NEVER get something, such as my coffee press. We had winds directly from the direction we wanted to go all night. At 20 kts. So we motor sailed 30 degrees off all night anyway. He threw the swells right back at us. We found a good point to turn East. Looks like the winds will start pushing us back North a little by Monday as we are still barely to Tiajuana off-shore by thousands of miles. We are being paid back by swells that come ripping across the cockpit. At least it is sunny outside. As long as you put stuff on the starboard side it will dry out. It may be a little early to claim victory, but at least I can claim an even hand. AND AN EASTERN HEADING! YAY!
Position at Writing: 30.15.830N 155.33.996W @0835 28.6.13 (Heading 087T!)
Before dinner, and after the fish catching, I happened to be outside washing dishes. Apparently, Davey wanted a spoon to eat his fish. I am now down a small spoon that slipped right over. I told him that was fine, but if he ever tried taking my coffee press I would be jumping in to take it back. The horizon was nothing but a line of grey misty cloudiness, and rain. I volunteered to stay outside as I was already wet. That ended up being outside in the rain until 1830 dinner cooking time. Which, simultaneously with me trying to get to the galley, just happened to be when the wind chose to shift. Off the bow. Yep, when it rains...So, after engine starting, jib furling, main centering...Oh, I almost forgot. I sent g-ma to the wheel as Auto was already having issues. Steer into the wind is apparently a little more complex than I realized. As we were covering the mechanics of it, we lost our speed. So I reach back throw it in gear and give her some juice. Somehow, we still did not make it into the wind with 4kts of speed until after the sails were fixed. :p Ahh, I definitely don't miss the days of my Love having to explain everything to me that way. At least when I was learning, we had a smaller boat. Eight years will do a lot for your sailing skills. We will make at least a competent deck hand out of her yet.
"So there I was..." (typical Navy story beginning) on watch (another common Navy story) when I saw a shadow...(more common than you would think). The problem is flying fish shadows (Yes, we throw a couple out each morning that have the misfortune of landing topside over the night. Mysteriously, none hope on board in daylight.) do not climb back up. The shadow flitted down the speaker, and I thought "CRAB!," then gained some sense and went "Wow! Big flying fish." Right as I was debating on moving across the keeled over cockpit to toss it back. The shadow went UP the line. Note: Fish do not go up lines. No matter how cold, wet, bedraggled, or late on watch (0300) it is. By some stroke of genius, I managed to remember that I had my headlamp on, and quickly turned it on to stave of the approach of whatever foul, loathsome creature was attacking the cockpit under the cover of darkness. At that point, I screeched, "Ack!!! IT'S A MOUSE." Apparently I wasn't quite loud enough to wake the dead (or even the sleeping in the cabin), but G-ma woke with a start and screech. The mouse was terrified of the sudden light, and scrambling in a tangle of main sheet (almost glad I hadn't tidied it earlier like I should have) just past the foot of her bivy sack. I have never seen camouflage move so quickly. Her feet were at her ear about the same time the mouse saw the cubbyhole in the side. It darted in like its life depended on it. After I secured my light, it took all of three minutes for the mouse to dart back up under the dodger to the "garage." The place out the mid-hatch where we store gas cans and fenders and who knows what else...apparently mice nests. Now, we have to feed one more thing. Oh, and it was dubbed Fabian by my other half just for you Jolie. Before I could name it Noah. So help me, if I find another animal on this boat, I am going to name it Noah so it feels responsible for feeding everyone. :)
Speaking of animals, the baby lizard received a burial at sea with full honors. Ok. So I tossed him in when no one was looking. Quite honestly, I think his eye slits had just opened, so there wasn't much chance. That, and G-ma decided a rock would be nice in the terrarium (lidded box). But, hey, a girl can hope. Just in case you are worried, Murphy is apparently indestructible.
Oh, and for Davy Jones, apparently he does not like being told he will NEVER get something, such as my coffee press. We had winds directly from the direction we wanted to go all night. At 20 kts. So we motor sailed 30 degrees off all night anyway. He threw the swells right back at us. We found a good point to turn East. Looks like the winds will start pushing us back North a little by Monday as we are still barely to Tiajuana off-shore by thousands of miles. We are being paid back by swells that come ripping across the cockpit. At least it is sunny outside. As long as you put stuff on the starboard side it will dry out. It may be a little early to claim victory, but at least I can claim an even hand. AND AN EASTERN HEADING! YAY!
Position at Writing: 30.15.830N 155.33.996W @0835 28.6.13 (Heading 087T!)
28.6.13
Day 5 - Watch (Part 3 of 3)
I have the pictures: sunset, sunrise and everything in between. All I can say is, "Wow!" I love my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 phone. Now I just have to try to not lose it overboard like the first one. I tweeted not too long ago that have two would be fun. I meant in parallel, not in series. The first one is doing me no good sitting at the bottom of the Ko Olina Marina.
We had a turnover that there had been various contacts all night (fishing boats), and needed to keep our eyes peeled. We saw nothing. That is nothing but water, intermittent clouds and stars, and the waning moon. We chased some light winds, found some stern winds and ran a bit downwind. Relative winds were still on the beam, so no wing and wing sailing, but still exciting. I was pulling the preventer out at 3am or so. Then, right after taking my sunrise pictures we started getting 12kts on a port tack reaching to close hauled. I readjusted the lines over my snoring watchmate and removed the preventer. We left watch heading directly where the Nav Computer says we should be making 5-6kts. This is the life. Come on out!
Position at Writing: 29.21.021N 157.14.844W @1105 27.6.13
We had a turnover that there had been various contacts all night (fishing boats), and needed to keep our eyes peeled. We saw nothing. That is nothing but water, intermittent clouds and stars, and the waning moon. We chased some light winds, found some stern winds and ran a bit downwind. Relative winds were still on the beam, so no wing and wing sailing, but still exciting. I was pulling the preventer out at 3am or so. Then, right after taking my sunrise pictures we started getting 12kts on a port tack reaching to close hauled. I readjusted the lines over my snoring watchmate and removed the preventer. We left watch heading directly where the Nav Computer says we should be making 5-6kts. This is the life. Come on out!
Position at Writing: 29.21.021N 157.14.844W @1105 27.6.13
Day 5 - Cooking in the Galley (Part 2 of 3)
I spent most of the day watching Poseidon and Laralei from the galley. I was making dough in the breadmaker, pie crust on the counter, and started Coeur. Couer is our sour dough starter. She is quite active. In under two hours, she more than double in size and threatened to take over my counter. That means she is going to be yummy for pancakes. And, maybe even some sourdough bread. Why Coeur? Well, apparently, everything ends up having a name in this family. And, the boat is Heartstings. I will let you make the leap from there.
The mini pizzas were a hit with frozen fruit at lunch. As were the applesauce pouches at snack time. But, the coup de gras were the bacon wrapped sirloins with creamed corn from a can and THRIVE mashed garlic potatoes. We finally celebrated Scotty's birthday. Complete with the pumpkin pie chaser. And, it was a good pie, not my best, but the crust may have been. I adjusted my recipe a bit as it had been lacking in depth. Now, my crust recipe is perfect. I think tomorrow night will be THRIVE raspberry cobbler. mmmm
It was nice hanging out with the kiddos, taking the occasional lego and/or read a book break with the kiddos as I watched them play.
To the watch...
Position at Writing: 29.20.659N 157.15.352W @1058 27.6.13
The mini pizzas were a hit with frozen fruit at lunch. As were the applesauce pouches at snack time. But, the coup de gras were the bacon wrapped sirloins with creamed corn from a can and THRIVE mashed garlic potatoes. We finally celebrated Scotty's birthday. Complete with the pumpkin pie chaser. And, it was a good pie, not my best, but the crust may have been. I adjusted my recipe a bit as it had been lacking in depth. Now, my crust recipe is perfect. I think tomorrow night will be THRIVE raspberry cobbler. mmmm
It was nice hanging out with the kiddos, taking the occasional lego and/or read a book break with the kiddos as I watched them play.
To the watch...
Position at Writing: 29.20.659N 157.15.352W @1058 27.6.13
Day 5 - Sunrises and Retronasal Smelling (Part 1 of 3)
No. They have nothing in common.
I was up (0030-0530 watch) for sunrise, and will say this. Tommorow I am taking pictures for everyone. I don't care if I can't post them until landfall. The skies out here are too amazing not to share. Good sailing through the morning, and then the engine had to be turned on for a few hours. Mark made eggs for breakfast, as I napped early. I made pizza for lunch. Same breadmaker recipe we used at the HI-SEAS workshop. We threw on some THRIVE meats with mozzarella. It was extremely tasty, and I have a doughball for next week.
The retronasal smelling...(spell check doesn't like that word)
If you leave the hatch closed in a head, no matter how clean everyone is, it smells. So, one head we can leave open. One would get too much water, so only gets aired when it REALLY needs it. I had a couple of jelly beans left in my hand and, in a reminder of Ithica with the HI-SEAS crew, decided to conduct an experiment in retronasal smelling in the head. Yes. I did. And, yes, the head is surprisingly pleasant with a mouthful of jelly beans. I can now patently recommend it to anyone. I write this warily as I am afraid I may lose my jelly beans. That, my friends, would be a sad day. No, I am not defining retronasal, I am sure if you are reading this you have access to a dictionary. :)
Also, since I have mentioned them here, please check out http://www.hi-seas.org. That is the crew doing the Mars food study on Hawai'i that I am an alternate for. Cheers to you guys if you read this! Miss you and hope all is well in the hab! If you send me an email, I may share my new and improved pie crust recipe. ;)
Position at editing: N29.20.181N 157.16.031W @1049 27.6.13
I was up (0030-0530 watch) for sunrise, and will say this. Tommorow I am taking pictures for everyone. I don't care if I can't post them until landfall. The skies out here are too amazing not to share. Good sailing through the morning, and then the engine had to be turned on for a few hours. Mark made eggs for breakfast, as I napped early. I made pizza for lunch. Same breadmaker recipe we used at the HI-SEAS workshop. We threw on some THRIVE meats with mozzarella. It was extremely tasty, and I have a doughball for next week.
The retronasal smelling...(spell check doesn't like that word)
If you leave the hatch closed in a head, no matter how clean everyone is, it smells. So, one head we can leave open. One would get too much water, so only gets aired when it REALLY needs it. I had a couple of jelly beans left in my hand and, in a reminder of Ithica with the HI-SEAS crew, decided to conduct an experiment in retronasal smelling in the head. Yes. I did. And, yes, the head is surprisingly pleasant with a mouthful of jelly beans. I can now patently recommend it to anyone. I write this warily as I am afraid I may lose my jelly beans. That, my friends, would be a sad day. No, I am not defining retronasal, I am sure if you are reading this you have access to a dictionary. :)
Also, since I have mentioned them here, please check out http://www.hi-seas.org. That is the crew doing the Mars food study on Hawai'i that I am an alternate for. Cheers to you guys if you read this! Miss you and hope all is well in the hab! If you send me an email, I may share my new and improved pie crust recipe. ;)
Position at editing: N29.20.181N 157.16.031W @1049 27.6.13
26.6.13
Day 4 - Keeping Boat (Tuesday)
Even underway, housekeeping is still important, even more important in some ways. I am in the process of writing a book on it. Literally. While in port, you tend to have the usual household dust and detritus. The focus changes when underway. The start of my draft priorities are:
1. Water. If there is water or wetness anywhere. Remove it immediately, follow with a type of anti-bacterial cleanser, and then suitable cleaner/polish for the surface. (i.e. a clorox wipe followed by murphy's oil soap once the clorox dissipates.) If you don't use the suitable surface cleaner, the disinfectant may erode or visibly degrade the surface. If you don't use the disinfectant, you risk the change of molds, etc. Anything wet (clothing, etc.) needs to be dried before being placed in laundry. Hang it on the lifelines, or lay it out on the decks. If you can't dry it in inside, get it outside until you can. Outside will always have wet areas, that is ok. (I will explain later.)
2. Floor debris. The first few days in any underway are spent replacing things you thought were secure in new places they will be. This is only a second to water as dry is so important. Things rolling around can cause both damage to person and property. A pan falling can dent the floor. Over time, if not stored correctly, this can lead to a need to replace vice just resurface the floor once its integrity has been compromised. Anything rolling or falling can get underfoot leading to personal injury or even worse. You may lose a crew member in the extreme.
3. Galley....
So, you see where this is going. I have cross posted this to the Poseidon Marine blog as I want to let everyone know the book is in work. So, no real musings on Poseidon and Laralei today. As it was they were watched by the rest of the crew most of the day so I could get the boat cleaning done. (Note: Just remember no mopping while underway. Things get too slippery.)
1. Water. If there is water or wetness anywhere. Remove it immediately, follow with a type of anti-bacterial cleanser, and then suitable cleaner/polish for the surface. (i.e. a clorox wipe followed by murphy's oil soap once the clorox dissipates.) If you don't use the suitable surface cleaner, the disinfectant may erode or visibly degrade the surface. If you don't use the disinfectant, you risk the change of molds, etc. Anything wet (clothing, etc.) needs to be dried before being placed in laundry. Hang it on the lifelines, or lay it out on the decks. If you can't dry it in inside, get it outside until you can. Outside will always have wet areas, that is ok. (I will explain later.)
2. Floor debris. The first few days in any underway are spent replacing things you thought were secure in new places they will be. This is only a second to water as dry is so important. Things rolling around can cause both damage to person and property. A pan falling can dent the floor. Over time, if not stored correctly, this can lead to a need to replace vice just resurface the floor once its integrity has been compromised. Anything rolling or falling can get underfoot leading to personal injury or even worse. You may lose a crew member in the extreme.
3. Galley....
So, you see where this is going. I have cross posted this to the Poseidon Marine blog as I want to let everyone know the book is in work. So, no real musings on Poseidon and Laralei today. As it was they were watched by the rest of the crew most of the day so I could get the boat cleaning done. (Note: Just remember no mopping while underway. Things get too slippery.)
Day 3 - Drawing the Short Straw
G-ma and I on watch at 0230, enjoying the pretty stars and waiting for the wind to shift. The wind was refusing to comply with the weather map stating that it should really let us turn ENE. We finally got the break, and at 4.5kts in 8kts of wind, we tacked. G-ma has never done this before, but we made it look good. At least to anyone watching us in the middle of nowhere at 0230. We steady out, and I start in on my favorite part, trimming sails...the part that helped us win the San Diego beer cans two years in a row. (I had to do something while Mark was deployed years ago.) And then the wind decided to die...like 1.2kts die. To add to that it went all fluky and could not pick a direction. So, following our mesmerizing (tongue in cheek for those who don't know me) tack, we performed a stellar furling of the jib. Why the short straw? We were stuck turning on the engine. All night. At least it is running better than ever after our overhaul in Hawaii. It is just not quiet sailing. Oh, well. So, now that you have the night-time reindeer games...
Poseidon and Laralei had completely forgotten that they had been sick. They were everywhere, both inside and out. After a breakfast of clif bars, because Mark and I were hungry and no one else was up, so that is what everyone else got too, they sat around in the cockpit reading. Poseidon requested the "leaf man" book, which of course was the only one that is lost somewhere within 50 feet. Laralei settled for her fairy stories, and Poseidon listened in while requesting Ninjago. We made it to snack time that way, and then went in to play legos. Laralei has a card addiction. Any type. She collects them all. Her animal flash cards have been joined by Poseidon's addition cards, my old deck of playing cards and numerous other types that come with everything from Chima characters to Happy Meal toys. We spent the late afternoon going through them endlessly. Counting. Shapes. What color is that? etc. Only, she wanted to keep doing the same 15 again. And, she can sign again. So, she knows that you know what she wants. Yeah.
I did make it through 100 pages of Guns, Germs and Steel sitting watch alone out in the cockpit for most of the mid afternoon. I have a great tan, and wish I could keep it for my next competition. Anyone know of one in the San Diego area mid-July? About working out...getting from one end of the boat to the other is a workout. And, it takes a few days to acclimate. So, tomorrow will be my first day of structure. How do you think handstand pushups in the companionway sound? Back to the book, though, I think I may use it as the basis for the kiddos syllabus. It is a great linear view of history covering the world as a whole, with a scientific underpinning, and I can just branch off into the classics and time pieces as we hit them. I have been looking for a good consistent string to attach everything else to, and this may be it.
Well, back to my morning coffee and a work day you will have to wait until tomorrow to read about. Tuesday is housekeeping day. :)
Position at Writing: N26.48.192 W158.55.395 @0846 25.6.13
Poseidon and Laralei had completely forgotten that they had been sick. They were everywhere, both inside and out. After a breakfast of clif bars, because Mark and I were hungry and no one else was up, so that is what everyone else got too, they sat around in the cockpit reading. Poseidon requested the "leaf man" book, which of course was the only one that is lost somewhere within 50 feet. Laralei settled for her fairy stories, and Poseidon listened in while requesting Ninjago. We made it to snack time that way, and then went in to play legos. Laralei has a card addiction. Any type. She collects them all. Her animal flash cards have been joined by Poseidon's addition cards, my old deck of playing cards and numerous other types that come with everything from Chima characters to Happy Meal toys. We spent the late afternoon going through them endlessly. Counting. Shapes. What color is that? etc. Only, she wanted to keep doing the same 15 again. And, she can sign again. So, she knows that you know what she wants. Yeah.
I did make it through 100 pages of Guns, Germs and Steel sitting watch alone out in the cockpit for most of the mid afternoon. I have a great tan, and wish I could keep it for my next competition. Anyone know of one in the San Diego area mid-July? About working out...getting from one end of the boat to the other is a workout. And, it takes a few days to acclimate. So, tomorrow will be my first day of structure. How do you think handstand pushups in the companionway sound? Back to the book, though, I think I may use it as the basis for the kiddos syllabus. It is a great linear view of history covering the world as a whole, with a scientific underpinning, and I can just branch off into the classics and time pieces as we hit them. I have been looking for a good consistent string to attach everything else to, and this may be it.
Well, back to my morning coffee and a work day you will have to wait until tomorrow to read about. Tuesday is housekeeping day. :)
Position at Writing: N26.48.192 W158.55.395 @0846 25.6.13
25.6.13
Day 3 - Drawing the Short Straw
G-ma and I on watch at 0230, enjoying the pretty starts and waiting for the wind to shift. The wind was refusing to comply with the weather map stating that it should really let us turn ENE. We finally got the break, and at 4.5kts in 8kts of wind, we tacked. G-ma has never done this before, but we made it look good. At least to anyone watching us in the middle of nowhere at 0230. We steady out, and I start in on my favorite part, trimming sails...the part that helped us win the San Diego beer cans two years in a row. (I had to do something while Mark was deployed years ago.) And then the wind decided to die...like 1.2kts die. To add to that it went all fluky and could not pick a direction. So, following our mesmerizing (tongue in cheek for those who don't know me) tack, we performed a stellar furling of the jib. Why the short straw? We were stuck turning on the engine. All night. At least it is running better than ever after our overhaul in Hawaii. It is just not quiet sailing. Oh, well. So, now that you have the night-time reindeer games...
Poseidon and Laralei had completely forgotten that they had been sick. They were everywhere, both inside and out. After a breakfast of clif bars, because Mark and I were hungry and no one else was up, so that is what everyone else got too, they sat around in the cockpit reading. Poseidon requested the "leaf man" book, which of course was the only one that is lost somewhere within 50 feet. Laralei settled for her fairy stories, and Poseidon listened in while requesting Ninjago. We made it to snack time that way, and then went in to play legos. Laralei has a card addiction. Any type. She collects them all. Her animal flash cards have been joined by Poseidon's addition cards, my old deck of playing cards and numerous other types that come with everything from Chima characters to Happy Meal toys. We spent the late afternoon going through them endlessly. Counting. Shapes. What color is that? etc. Only, she wanted to keep doing the same 15 again. And, she can sign again. So, she knows that you know what she wants. Yeah.
I did make it through 100 pages of Guns, Germs and Steel sitting watch alone out in the cockpit for most of the mid afternoon. I have a great tan, and wish I could keep it for my next competition. Anyone know of one in the San Diego area mid-July? About working out...getting from one end of the boat to the other is a workout. And, it takes a few days to acclimate. So, tomorrow will be my first day of structure. How do you think handstand pushups in the companionway sound? Back to the book, though, I think I may use it as the basis for the kiddos syllabus. It is a great liner view of history covering the world as a whole, with a scientific underpinning, and I can just branch off into the classics and time pieces as we hit them. I have been looking for a good consistent string to attach everything else to, and this may be it.
Well, back to my morning coffee and a work day you will have to wait until tomorrow to read about. Tuesday is housekeeping day. :)
Position at Writing: N26.48.192 W158.55.395 @0846 25.6.13
Poseidon and Laralei had completely forgotten that they had been sick. They were everywhere, both inside and out. After a breakfast of clif bars, because Mark and I were hungry and no one else was up, so that is what everyone else got too, they sat around in the cockpit reading. Poseidon requested the "leaf man" book, which of course was the only one that is lost somewhere within 50 feet. Laralei settled for her fairy stories, and Poseidon listened in while requesting Ninjago. We made it to snack time that way, and then went in to play legos. Laralei has a card addiction. Any type. She collects them all. Her animal flash cards have been joined by Poseidon's addition cards, my old deck of playing cards and numerous other types that come with everything from Chima characters to Happy Meal toys. We spent the late afternoon going through them endlessly. Counting. Shapes. What color is that? etc. Only, she wanted to keep doing the same 15 again. And, she can sign again. So, she knows that you know what she wants. Yeah.
I did make it through 100 pages of Guns, Germs and Steel sitting watch alone out in the cockpit for most of the mid afternoon. I have a great tan, and wish I could keep it for my next competition. Anyone know of one in the San Diego area mid-July? About working out...getting from one end of the boat to the other is a workout. And, it takes a few days to acclimate. So, tomorrow will be my first day of structure. How do you think handstand pushups in the companionway sound? Back to the book, though, I think I may use it as the basis for the kiddos syllabus. It is a great liner view of history covering the world as a whole, with a scientific underpinning, and I can just branch off into the classics and time pieces as we hit them. I have been looking for a good consistent string to attach everything else to, and this may be it.
Well, back to my morning coffee and a work day you will have to wait until tomorrow to read about. Tuesday is housekeeping day. :)
Position at Writing: N26.48.192 W158.55.395 @0846 25.6.13
Day 2 - Calming Down (Sunday)
The swells calmed down, Poseidon and Laralei finished re-tasting their food, and I think the boat is clean again...for now.
We have all become a healthy brown shade, though some of the crew constantly worry about whether they will get too pink. Apparently, they do not find it humorous when I tell them they can go inside to get out of the sun at any time. :) The blankets in the cockpit are used more for face covers while napping right now. Laundry is strung up drying and I managed to finish off Winston Churchill a life by John Keegan in under 24 hours. It is a very good book. I am normally not a fan of autobiographies, as few cover a life without an agenda. But, other than a few mentions of how he was consistent in thought, it was just a good book with a deep yet quick reading historical review. Ok, so guessing you are not reading this for book reviews. The kiddos and I played with some legos and read some books inside for a few hours.
Laralei and Poseidon have found their favorite spot. They each hang onto a winch on the upwind side and watch the waves. Occasionally, they try to lean over, so it requires vigilant attention. Poseidon wants larger waves. Laralei just wants more water. I am not sure that she is correctly applying "more" in this case, but if you ask her questions, she will explain what more means. So, apparently we need to find a bigger body of water than the Pacific. If anyone knows of a shuttle to Europa, she may be ready in a few years. She is already trouble. Poseidon magically regained his sea legs the first day. Sick or not, he was a regular deck monkey. I had hoped that her size would keep her low for a while. No. She must do everything that Poseidon does. She can pull herself up on the upwind side, not just downwind, and balance until she gets to the edge of the cockpit to look at the water. No rest for the parents. But, so proud of her too. While Poseidon's love of legos may land him in engineering, there is no hope for Laralei to be less of a daredevil than me. For those of you who know me, yes, I believe she may be even worse. :) Yes, it is somehow possible.
I think I will wrap it there as it was a nice easy day of recouping. Regular Sunday routine of crepes for breakfast, forgoing the champagne as I didn't want to waste a bottle, and no one else was interested. Lunch was quesadillas. We ended with hotdogs, crackers and pickles to celebrate Scotty's birthday. He chose to save the steaks for a day next week when he is sure he can keep them down. Happy Birthday to our crewmate and to LaJune! I think Grandma is wishing she were with you instead right now. lol
Position at writing: N25.39.431 W158.56.002 @1321 24.6.13
P.S. Did I mention that I would not let the hubby get rid of the boogie boards? Just wait. He gave me a GoPro for Christmas. ;)
We have all become a healthy brown shade, though some of the crew constantly worry about whether they will get too pink. Apparently, they do not find it humorous when I tell them they can go inside to get out of the sun at any time. :) The blankets in the cockpit are used more for face covers while napping right now. Laundry is strung up drying and I managed to finish off Winston Churchill a life by John Keegan in under 24 hours. It is a very good book. I am normally not a fan of autobiographies, as few cover a life without an agenda. But, other than a few mentions of how he was consistent in thought, it was just a good book with a deep yet quick reading historical review. Ok, so guessing you are not reading this for book reviews. The kiddos and I played with some legos and read some books inside for a few hours.
Laralei and Poseidon have found their favorite spot. They each hang onto a winch on the upwind side and watch the waves. Occasionally, they try to lean over, so it requires vigilant attention. Poseidon wants larger waves. Laralei just wants more water. I am not sure that she is correctly applying "more" in this case, but if you ask her questions, she will explain what more means. So, apparently we need to find a bigger body of water than the Pacific. If anyone knows of a shuttle to Europa, she may be ready in a few years. She is already trouble. Poseidon magically regained his sea legs the first day. Sick or not, he was a regular deck monkey. I had hoped that her size would keep her low for a while. No. She must do everything that Poseidon does. She can pull herself up on the upwind side, not just downwind, and balance until she gets to the edge of the cockpit to look at the water. No rest for the parents. But, so proud of her too. While Poseidon's love of legos may land him in engineering, there is no hope for Laralei to be less of a daredevil than me. For those of you who know me, yes, I believe she may be even worse. :) Yes, it is somehow possible.
I think I will wrap it there as it was a nice easy day of recouping. Regular Sunday routine of crepes for breakfast, forgoing the champagne as I didn't want to waste a bottle, and no one else was interested. Lunch was quesadillas. We ended with hotdogs, crackers and pickles to celebrate Scotty's birthday. He chose to save the steaks for a day next week when he is sure he can keep them down. Happy Birthday to our crewmate and to LaJune! I think Grandma is wishing she were with you instead right now. lol
Position at writing: N25.39.431 W158.56.002 @1321 24.6.13
P.S. Did I mention that I would not let the hubby get rid of the boogie boards? Just wait. He gave me a GoPro for Christmas. ;)
23.6.13
Day 1 - Regurgitation and Cleaning (Saturday)
The breakfast cobbler apparently went everywhere in the kitchen last night. So, not only am I bagging up large amounts of soiled laundry, I get to scrub the kitchen floor. Yay! Ok, so yesterday was not all that bad...(I write these in the morning about the previous day.)
We are now running the jib half out and the mizzen. The seas are quite rough, but so blue and Poseidon and Laralei are watching them non-stop. We had 30+ knots and I saw one rail in the water with waves over the other. To me, it was beautiful. Then I get "You're not worried?" I guess I should be but we were running so smooth. The wind had started flattening the seas. I could have just raced on like that forever. Or, at least until we ended up sideways. Luckily, my better half turned on the engine and sent me to the helm to lower the main. But, it was one of those perfect moments at sea.
The little ones are still puking, but not every time they eat. And, they eat like ravenous, well, children at each meal or snack. Hopefully they can spend more time inside tomorrow. Uncle has managed to make it to the v-Berth. He just lays there...all day...not moving...at least he is done puking, I think. He came out and ate dinner last night but not tonight. Both Poseidon and I lost our chili. Laralei, the cracker eater, was probably the smartest of us. And, she was good all night. Yes, I puked. I know, I never get sea sick. These first two days are about the roughest seas we have seen, but at least we are able to keep the heading we want and we haven't had to turn on the engine yet except to reef.
Position at writing: N24.16.835 W158.39.045 @0947 23.6.13 (halfway between Oahu and the Musicians on our map!)
We are now running the jib half out and the mizzen. The seas are quite rough, but so blue and Poseidon and Laralei are watching them non-stop. We had 30+ knots and I saw one rail in the water with waves over the other. To me, it was beautiful. Then I get "You're not worried?" I guess I should be but we were running so smooth. The wind had started flattening the seas. I could have just raced on like that forever. Or, at least until we ended up sideways. Luckily, my better half turned on the engine and sent me to the helm to lower the main. But, it was one of those perfect moments at sea.
The little ones are still puking, but not every time they eat. And, they eat like ravenous, well, children at each meal or snack. Hopefully they can spend more time inside tomorrow. Uncle has managed to make it to the v-Berth. He just lays there...all day...not moving...at least he is done puking, I think. He came out and ate dinner last night but not tonight. Both Poseidon and I lost our chili. Laralei, the cracker eater, was probably the smartest of us. And, she was good all night. Yes, I puked. I know, I never get sea sick. These first two days are about the roughest seas we have seen, but at least we are able to keep the heading we want and we haven't had to turn on the engine yet except to reef.
Position at writing: N24.16.835 W158.39.045 @0947 23.6.13 (halfway between Oahu and the Musicians on our map!)
Day 0 - Murphy in a Box
Dad was referencing the infamous Murphy a number of times in the week before our departure. Apparently, Poseidon decided that was an acceptable name...for a snail. Yes, he and Grandma found a snail. They picked it up, and begged for a box. Murphy is now living in a box by the crew berth eating cabbage. Hopefully, this keeps him out of our hair for the voyage. If this works, however, I cannot vouch for the future safety of snails in Hawaii. They may just become a hot commodity. Need I mention that Poseidon also managed to get a baby lizard in his pocket? No clue how, but it has no tail and is keeping Murphy company. If it lives, I may name it Noah. These are in addition to our two fish Maunu the Second and Mahemahe. Their house lives in the sink when we sail. Apparently, swimming in the tank is hard work when sailing. They eat twice as much food as in port.
In other areas, we have a tear in a batten box, on the main sail, right by those reef points that tore last time...sigh...luckily (?) we have ridiculous enough winds to keep it reefed down until I can fix it. Which is good, as the children decided to spend the night praying to the porcelain god. I told Laralei (Sister just wasn't working for me) that I did not expect to be holding her over the toilet until at least college age. She just giggled. Yes, giggled. While puking her poor, little guts out. At least they are in good humor. The rest of the crew is outside puking, so at least I felt good to be in bed, until I had to strip it at 0300.
OH, and the Day 0 is because we got underway at dinnertime. Not much of a day. And, we left on a Friday, which is apparently not common. Good thing we have Murphy locked up.
In other areas, we have a tear in a batten box, on the main sail, right by those reef points that tore last time...sigh...luckily (?) we have ridiculous enough winds to keep it reefed down until I can fix it. Which is good, as the children decided to spend the night praying to the porcelain god. I told Laralei (Sister just wasn't working for me) that I did not expect to be holding her over the toilet until at least college age. She just giggled. Yes, giggled. While puking her poor, little guts out. At least they are in good humor. The rest of the crew is outside puking, so at least I felt good to be in bed, until I had to strip it at 0300.
OH, and the Day 0 is because we got underway at dinnertime. Not much of a day. And, we left on a Friday, which is apparently not common. Good thing we have Murphy locked up.
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