Jer:
It’s day 3 of our passage. I’ve been going to bed directly after dinner (very early dinners) for a few hours, then it’s Tim’s turn, me back up until midnight or 1, then again for the sunrise shift. Tim takes more than his fair share of the watches and also keeps an eye on things (when he’s supposed to be sleeping) from an Ipad mounted on the wall in our berth that shows the navigation screen . Sometimes he changes the screen layout or adjusts course a bit while I’m on watch freaking me out, but I do have the ability to lock the screen up here.
There is not a lot to report. No news is good news unless we catch a fish. I can’t believe the magnitude of this ocean and how strange it is to be so isolated on the water in a catamaran. Everyday I admire astronauts a little more.
Obviously there is a lot of time for reflection and the cargo ship incident caused me to spend even more time thinking this whole plan through. The big question being – now why do I want to do this? I knew the initial part of this journey would be a challenge, but I spent most of my time planning what swim wear and craft projects to bring along while also imagining paddle boarding in the islands when my kids are visiting and eating Polynesian food in Tiki huts, so was caught by surprise when the challenge part started overriding the fun aspects. After a few days of soul searching, I’ve remembered that the fun never happens without the challenge. Typically, the harder it’s worked for, the more fun it is. So I have re-upped. But, boy, I can’t wait to get to Gambier! We’ll have friends waiting for us upon arrival making it even more sweet.
On a culinary note, I’ve re-discovered the joys of canned fruit thanks to Sven. There is nothing like a juicy sugar laden canned peach to improve any food item. Oatmeal, chicken, steak, rice, pasta, yogurt, fish, Mexican food, it’s limitless! I add the extra syrup to my water bottle as another taste treat.
I’m still reading Cadillac Desert and finished Silkworm by R. Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) this morning. It was pretty good, but I figured out what happened about 1/3 of the way through the book. I read my Kindle at night because I don’t like to turn the lights on in the boat. It’s easier for my eyes to adjust when checking out any potential action occurring on the water. I read Cadillac Desert when it’s light out and I’m able to focus more.
Great post, Jer! Love your sense of humor and philosophy.
Love the updates! Keep them coming. 🙂
You have inspired me to go buy canned fruit.
Jer and Tim,
Whew. Am so pleased your spirits are high and positive.
Miss you.
My best to JA and Greg.
Love, Klare
What would I do without canned food? Canned peaches r the best! I think of you often, and am envious of the challenge of cooking at sea,,,Love, #TINCANCHEF
When I can’t sleep at night, I will think of you and Tim taking turns at the helm, and I will appreciate not having to roll with the swells or look out to see what trouble or winds might be brewing. You are both amazing! But I’m glad I can still have fresh fruit!
Hey Jer,
Just coming back to the real world after a week of mourning my “dearly beloved” Prince! Figured I hadn’t checked in on your website lately. Sorry to hear about the boat problems. Some people are such a$%(^&*ls!!!! I am hoping that your passage has gone smoothly to your next destination. One of my best classes in college was also my most challenging — oh, I think you might remember it (or not!) it was Zubrow’s Econ class : )
xoxo, D