Ship’s Log

Dear F&F, June 20, 2009 Below is an email I received from my sister, who knew it would be hard on me to not be able to visit our Dad, Bert on Father\’s Day. He is 92 and has dementia. He still knows us and lives in his own home with part time care. Alberta […]

Dear F&F, June 19-20, 2009 June 19 We got all checked in with the Gendarme today. It was rather anti-climactic after the reams of forms & documents we had to submit with French translations (merci beaucoup to Clark & Vincent in Paris!). As it turned out, our timing was impeccable. We turned in our application

Dear F&F, June 17-18, 2009 Yesterday (June 16) was a good day. Scott & I have had some nice times while Mike was off watch in his cabin. We are so used to being alone together, we have been a bit restrained from our usual playfulness with crew onboard. We would usually play a lot

Dear F&F, June 15, 2009 I got several great responses to my raw & low-down email sent to my shoreside support group. I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends & loving family. Hearing how much people are with me in spirit really helps me feel connected & not go completely round the bend.

Dear F&F, Galapagos to Marquesas Passage Flying Fish Scott describes flying fish as the \”flies of the sea\”. That seems appropriate. The first few days we had them non-stop. We still see them frequently. Out here they are about 6-8 inches long with a 6-8 inch wing span. A whole flock will rise up out

Dear F&F, June 14, 2009 When I took over for Mike at midnight we had good wind strength from a good direction & it was fairly easy to fly the spinnaker. Those lovely conditions lasted for 1 hour of my 4 hour watch. At hour 2 the wind dwindles to below spinnaker flying parameters. I

Dear F&F, June 13, 2009 The wind gods had pity on me during my dog watch yesterday evening. With just 2 knots more wind, our speed was better and managing the helm easier. I was worn out from wallowing in negativity so slept quite well from 8:30 pm until 3:00 a.m. I could tell the

Dear F&F, June 2009 – Passage to the Marquesas In response to my complaints about sleep deprivation and seasickness, I received this in an email from my sister Alberta: \”I think you are amazing even tolerating it at all. I probably would have quit by now.\” I know she is not the only one thinking

Dear F&F, June 12, 2009 After my eloquent but self-righteous piece \”Quitting is Not An Option\” Mother Nature decided to test and humble me. Getting off easy during the past few night shifts by motoring, the day shifts have been more trying than ever. Just when I think \”I\’ve got it\” something changes and new

Dear F&F, June 11, 2009 Passage Report – Day #12 We have had no wind in about 24 hours. Zippity doo dah. Nada. Nyet. So onward we motor to the Marquesas. Scott desperately seeks weather reports that show when & where the next breath of air will appear, but it does not look hopeful. The