First day - April 26
Solis log: 32 54'48N 177 53'50W
Today is really the first day the ocean is this flat and no wind. It is totally calm out here. It is the first day for us to be in shorts and no shirts. We pulled up all the wet blankets, rugs, and other nastiness which was fermenting down below. Luke has the stereo going and the ocean is absolutely clear and beautiful. It is a nice break, but at the same time quite disappointing. We have been on the bottom side of a low for the last 6 days being carried at an average rate of about 170 miles per day. Now we are literally bobbing around. The sails are flopping and we are just sitting. Everyday of sitting enjoying the weather just means one more day of enjoying the weather on the boat, not on the nice beaches of Hawaii.
The weather forecast has changed a lot from yesterday. The low has shifted more abruptly north than predicted yesterday, leaving us to the mercy of the currents. Disappointing enough, I just check the report and it said it may be calm like this for the next 5 days. That would obviously just add another 5 days to our trip. Not looking forward to sitting here for days on end.
My personal feeling is that a lot of Dads sickness is mentally related. He says definitely not but Luke and I notice that whenever there is a phone call to the outside world that Dad is sicker than ever for at least a day or two. I think he misses being back on land with all his loved ones. But who knows, those are just my thoughts. It is so calm today, almost flat. I would think he would feel better in these conditions, but still not well.
Lets everyone pray for wind for us...and someone eat an avocado, ham and swiss cheese sandwich for me!!! Oh, that reminds me. When we were in Hachijo island. There is a great pub called Anchor Pub. If you ever go to the island, you've got to check it out. The owner is great. Extremely helpful with things to do on the island, etc. And they have a great burger! Check it out: http://www.hachijo.net
Today is really the first day the ocean is this flat and no wind. It is totally calm out here. It is the first day for us to be in shorts and no shirts. We pulled up all the wet blankets, rugs, and other nastiness which was fermenting down below. Luke has the stereo going and the ocean is absolutely clear and beautiful. It is a nice break, but at the same time quite disappointing. We have been on the bottom side of a low for the last 6 days being carried at an average rate of about 170 miles per day. Now we are literally bobbing around. The sails are flopping and we are just sitting. Everyday of sitting enjoying the weather just means one more day of enjoying the weather on the boat, not on the nice beaches of Hawaii.
The weather forecast has changed a lot from yesterday. The low has shifted more abruptly north than predicted yesterday, leaving us to the mercy of the currents. Disappointing enough, I just check the report and it said it may be calm like this for the next 5 days. That would obviously just add another 5 days to our trip. Not looking forward to sitting here for days on end.
My personal feeling is that a lot of Dads sickness is mentally related. He says definitely not but Luke and I notice that whenever there is a phone call to the outside world that Dad is sicker than ever for at least a day or two. I think he misses being back on land with all his loved ones. But who knows, those are just my thoughts. It is so calm today, almost flat. I would think he would feel better in these conditions, but still not well.
Lets everyone pray for wind for us...and someone eat an avocado, ham and swiss cheese sandwich for me!!! Oh, that reminds me. When we were in Hachijo island. There is a great pub called Anchor Pub. If you ever go to the island, you've got to check it out. The owner is great. Extremely helpful with things to do on the island, etc. And they have a great burger! Check it out: http://www.hachijo.net
Comments
Kathleen
Also, about Dad. Once on deck, throw on some Beatles or engage in a jam session of sorts. Drumming and chanting. Maybe a special dedication for wind in the sails, renewed health and strength and fish to bite! You're only a few days away from the best burgers and beaches in the world! (polehale beach, West Side of Kauai). Be there!
Think of the sponge trick you mastered on E. 13th Ron. I'm sure it will help.
Well, what I really feel is, I think you're all nuts.... and get right home!
So much love from us!
Be well and sail on!
(I wonder if Ron has aged semi-circular canals like mine that don't work so well any more; I can get nauseous just swimming sometimes, much less sailing.)
And the Anchor Pub... Nothing tastes better than a burger after a day of sailing or, for that matter, after surfing as well. The owner and his wife are great people. Please stop by when you visit the island.
It's absolutely clear - you guys need some good chow quickly. I'm praying for those winds you need.
As for fishing, Darshaun's good friend and fishing fanatic, Barracuda (You have to say his name like the Wilson sisters of Heart), said that the fish are in the warmer waters. I suspect as you drop down south and get closer to the islands and warmer waters that you will run into some good fishing.
As for Ron, hey dude, get out of that hole!
You know, every time I went sailing with Darshuan, I hated going down below to do anything. Why? because I got sick! If I did go down below, I would make a special effort to look out the window so I could see the horizon and the water line. That was the only thing that would keep me from throwing up. I even planned my bathroom maneuvers so that it wouldn't occur out at sea. What I am trying to say is that if you are feeling bad, taking refuge in that front berth is not the answer. Also, when Darshaun bought Solis, Ron helped sail the boat back to Shimoda from Yokosuka. That morning we departed was just after a storm. The seas were rough with big waves and strong winds. However, our boy Ron was at the helm the whole time and he was perfectly fine. In fact, he excelled out there. The wind was in his face blowing his hair back and he had one of those ear-to-ear grins usually reserved for children on Christmas' and birthdays. During that particular trip to Japan, Ron did a lot of sailing with absolutely no problem. Knowing that about him makes it really hard to figure out what's going on with him now and this seasickness. Whatever it is, the answer to it is not down in that cave.
At times like this, you need to call on the big guy for help: God, please help Ron out. Get him on deck, put the wind in his face, and bring that smile back. Oh yes, one more thing, please help our boys get to Hawaii safely and quickly, in record time, by May 7. Amen.
Praying for good winds and a safe journey. Remember to have fun, Gents.