Wednesday, July 15, 2009

from s/v Circadia

Morning: We are at 37 degrees, 49 minutes north and 151 degrees 53 minutes west at 11 a.m. The wind has come around to westerly but is as yet only 7 knots so we continue to motor sail. Within the next 100 miles we should come into sailable wind. I got a reassuring email from Kevin (*our navigator friend, who is expert at Pacific weather) that they may not have to bury our desiccated bones after we expire floating gently around in the North Pacific High. The sea temperature is now 21 degrees and it is fairly cold at night so a person wears long underwear, trousers and rainpants just to stay warm on watch. Last fresh food is disappearing - it was Pork Chops, mashed potatoes and caramelized carrots last night.

Afternoon: Now broad reaching at 7 knots with engine off in 12 to 14 knots of wind. Wind will likely come ahead of the beam within the next 24 hours. The hydrovane doesn't keep up with this situation like it did upwind so we are using the electric pilot. Neither crew is interested in steering and there is no sun. I think the fridge is going to have to go. It is 1400 miles to Victoria.
Kim

3 comments:

Colene said...

Alison - I've loved following this journey via your lovely writings. I enjoy Kim's postings, too, so nautical and matter-of-fact but funny. He made the passing of the last fresh food sound devastating, like Day n of the Scott expedition!

Karen McLaughlin said...

Oh Alison, the last two lines about the fridge and 1400...seems so bereft...I imagine you as if from the wrong end of a telescope, but I'll try to keep an eye on you from here, until you get safely, sanely, home...

Alison Watt said...

Colene
yes, Kim is a master of the under-stated. Home now, will do a blog on home in the next few days. And of course one on the return of the mothership. Thanks for travelling along with us...
hope you and Bill are having a good summer

Karen
Actually, I'm home (see above), so stop worrying. Kim is bringing the boat home from Hawaii. Hope to see you soon