It hasn't been the most amazing out here today, overcast, squally and the sea has been a bit of a mess, it must be a lot like the inside of a washing machine! Bob predicted that the swell would become a little uncomfortable with an east going current clashing with the south easterly wind and believe me, he was right! I have to admit my mood was reflecting the grey sky for a while this afternoon so I had to give myself a good talking to, it didn't take much and I'm right back to feeling 100% positive again. No point in wasting a single minute of my time out here feeling miserable! I really don't have anything to complain about because even though the sun hasn't been shining we've made great (and slightly bouncy!) progress south. Oh and even when things were looking a little blue I still couldn't think of anything I'd rather be doing. I'm sure that there's not many people who can say that, so I'm a pretty lucky girl!
It's still such a long way off but I've already started counting down the miles to Cape Horn (5450 nm to go!) it gives me something to stay focused on. Can't wait to see Albatross again and to see what those huge southern ocean swells are really like!
Sounds like there is already Christmas decorations going up on land so there's another thing to look forward to!
Should be plenty more fast sailing over the next few days and plenty of lovely sea room, apart from when we pass quite close to a little island called Starbuck Island. If I wasn't doing this unassisted, I'd put in a stop for coffee!
Time to go find out something for dinner again, I'm thinking something along the lines of Spaghetti Bolognese and then maybe having a good dig in the goodies locker to see what I can find.
Jesse
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
284 comments:
1 – 200 of 284 Newer› Newest»Hi Jess
Well done for refocussing so quickly. I think that you always new that the hardest part of the trip may be overcoming stuff that goes on in your head. And you have proven over and over again that you have the right stuff. I am proud of you!!
A pity you can't get that washing machine of an ocean to do your washing for you.
Keep up the great job you are doing. Go Jess Go!
Bruce
Hi Jessica,
I'm amazed you can eat in seas like that. Sounds like you've had a pretty lively day. I guess that's just to remind you it won't be all plain sailing. I guess you haven't had a bad run overall. Pleased to hear you're making progress southwards at least, if not eastwards. Must only be about 5440 nm by now! What a big count down. Starbucks coffee isn't that good so stay well clear!
Hope the bounciness settles down soon and you get to make a bit more headway in an easterly direction.
Cheers
Toni
Hey Jess... I came 7th outta 20 at CYCA tonight in the twilight race (Division D). Spent the arvo in the bar so had to sober up but then had a wicked sail in a 15 to 20 kt N/Easter. Lottas fun. Manuel, my Columbian grinder fell in love with a Dental Surgeon on board so I have volunteered to take the two of em sailing on Sunday. blew up my winch and my bilge pump broke BUT I had a terrific night!!!!
Captain Kelly
Go Girl, Remember: #Grey skies are going to clear up so put on a happy face.............#
Your Mum will tell you the rest of the words as she'll no doubt know what I mean.
71 year Old Gramps
Bert of Springwood Qld
Hi Jesse,
Great to read your blog tonight. I am sure you are so committed to this journey nothing will get you down for very long.
Your positive can do attitude will see you through any issues that may come up.
I am glad you are there and not me when you describe the washing machine affect. I get see sick just going out through Sydney heads. I am no sea farer.
Always in my thoughts.
Keep safe and watch the sunburn.
Rob
Ingleburn NSW (currently in Singapore)
Hey Jesse,
Yes, keep it up! =D And there's nothing like some choc to get a girl's spirit up! lol. Hopefully it's not too uncomfy.
Cheers,
Emm
Melbourne
Hi Jessica
You stay happy girl.
Funny - I have made a couple of email friends from around the world because of you.
Get another fish - that will fix you up!
Ta for your blog - it is great. It has inspired my daughter who is alone in Amsterdam looking after 3 kds.
CU
Sarge
happy hunting Jesse I think you should stay focused and keep fishing...enjoy the sweeties ok cheers Bernie 777
Hi Jesse,
Go the goodies locker !! I love goodies locker's. Tim tams, mars bars, chocolate coating anything...mmmmm.
So the sea was a bit of a washing machine today. So glad you made your lemons of the day into lemonaide.
Love your positive attitude.
There is no point in renting space in your brain for free, for the annoying things. Blame Bob for being right, that will make you feel much better. te he ha ha .. Just kiddin Bob.
You are doing so well, 5450nm till the Cape.
I can see that you are hanging out for some action/extreme sailing and I am excited for you. talk to you soon. Cheers.
hey jess congrats on the first rounding mark. it must be easy sailing downwards than upwards on the the earths globe.
your positive attitude and the clear goals you have will pull you through any obstacle you have before you reach home to OZ
kepp having fun
cheers Anthony sydney
Confused seas, and a confused sailor for a while,different days different conditions, that's sailing, your ability to turn it around so quickly is very good you are indeed a very lucky girl, 100% true.
Dinner sounds great, I will be putting up some Christmas lights with a friend next week, there will be a shining star in the window just for you.
Safe Passage,will talk later.
Brian
Hervey Bay. QLD
Gday Jess,
Glad you made it back into the southern hemisphere. By any chance did you check if the water flushed down the toilet in the opposite direction while you were above the line?
Ron.
Nothing else to think about while driving a bus.
Spag Bol, Living Your Dream, 100% Positive....jeez our day wasn't that good. I hope you found something nice in the goodies locker. Stay Focused, Stay Safe, Stay Having Fun, Stay Living The Moment. God Bless and I hope you know how many people you are inspiring in this world. Nite Jesse
Gary & Kerryn, Traralgon VIC
Hi Jess!
Hope you have some awesome christmas music to listen to so you can enjoy the spirit ;)
Keep up the great job! ;)
Hugs from sweden!
Hi Jessica,
I know you have heard the phrase "YOU ROCK" but I believe it was meant for something other than being rocked and bounced around like inside a washing machine.
As for your grey sky mood, hey we all have those from time to time for that's just a part of being.
Here in the states, Thanksgiving Holiday is tomorrow and I too am looking for some sunshine. I'd imagine that our weather of late has been a lot like your weather except for the temperature difference. Our's has been cold and grey and it sounds like yours has been hot and grey.
But the sun will shine and as you indicated, it doesn't take long to break the blahs and put on a different face.
You amaze me and I imagine thousands of others following your journey.
Safe sailing and Godspeed
Georgia Guy
USA
Hallo Jessica.Good Luck from Sweden. tommy
Hi Jesse,
if you feel being inside a washing machine, I hope this metaphor doesn't extend itself to the tumbling gear!
I've been following your blog and path since the beginning, and besides keeping track of you and your endeavor it starts giving me a second cause: I learn a lot about the area your sailing through (e.g. the facts about Kiritimati I recently copied here or where exactly all those islands are which until now I knew only by name). So your round trip will also be a very intense geographic course to me and all those who follow it regularly!
Wishing you some nice sunny days to relax from the washing machine!
Nico
Germany
I think when you mood starts to sink, you should get out the "Chick With Attitude".
That would sure make me smile. :)
Glad to hear you turned your mood around.
That's what it's all about.
Yes, the "silly season" is here.
And it's going to make all of us wish we were somewhere peaceful and quiet, like you.
Wishing you sunny skies and smooth sailing,
Molly
Maryland USA
Way to go jesse, you're doing a great job. I have a question I was hoping you, or some one could answer. It says on your web page you want to be the youngest person to sail non-stop and un-assisted around the world. When you talk about all the people helping you with weather updates and info about swells and whatever, does all that count as being assisted or does assistance only count in the physical sense.
Personally I don't care, you are amazing and have more guts than me, but I'm just curious.
Cheers for that and
stay safe
Mick
After the sunny northern hemisphere, here come th clouds and the southern swell. Great job refocusing, Captain Jesse! That's the most essential quality, never to let the morales go passive.
It's a long way to the Cape Horn, though less than to Tipperary, and Ella P. Lady is a great nm chewer. You go, girl, you shall do it!
By the way, about spaghetti, do you know the meaning of that italian word? In italian, "spago" is a thread. So a spaghetto is a small thread, i.e. a string; plural makes spaghetti. Eating strings is less poetic, huh? So have good spaghetti bolognese, lucky one!
I am in Burgundy for a few days (central France) and I can tell you that even here, where english is not much spoken and Australia looks really far, most of the people I meet are aware of your adventure and admire you.
What would you like Santa Claus to bring you (at home of course, you have no chimney on board, from what we see on the pictures)? On Ella's Pink Lady, the choice is not wide... you may receive an albatross, some fishes, good winds, dolphins?
Your blog is once again a bubble of true and of fresh air, making people all around the world feeling happier. No wonder so many are loving you and following your epic journey.
We wish you many milles, no worries, bon appetit and all the best of course.
Richie and family, Paris, France
HI Jess
Congrats on your milestones - equator and rounding Kiribati islands -- Its great to read your blog and see your positive attitude! I grew up sailing the seas round the south-east of Tassie - so Im a bit of an ol' salt myself. Lovely to see you enjoying your journey so much!! Take care and God bless, you are in our thoughts!
Go Jess!!!
Daphne
Hey Jesse,
We had Spaghetti Bolognese tonight only because it was quick to prepare as I was going out, but I do love a hot spicy source with my Spaghetti...yummm
I read something today, it goes a little like this:-
"Time is really the only capital that any human being has and the thing that he can least afford to waste or lose"
I thought of you following your dream out on the open sea and thinking that here's a young girl who at a tender age is already in control of her life the future beckons the spirit is willing this kind of certainty comes but once in a life time...
Keep moving forward Jess, never look back...
Clint - Dandenong Town
P.S. "Lionheart" the book arrived today, more reading coming up..."The world is, indeed, a funny place...."
Hi Jesse,
I'm very impressed and happy for you (and to be perfectly honest, relieved too) that you have got the ability to re-focus on things after a short self talking-to like that.
Very impressed indeed!
Good on you, lass! Go on, Jessica! Don't you forget that you are a self-made Shellback now.
Make the most of what comes your way.
All the best
emgb1 from South Wales, UK (GMT+0)
Did you bring any decorations along with you to celebrate Christmas?
Even though you and EPL are by yourselves out there, remember you're only a Sat call away from Santa!
Hi Jessica
That's my girl, when things get a little nasty, you must keep 100% focused. I think you will be going through this a lot on this adventure, all the different moods, the different conditions of the ocean. They all have own beauty in a way, it would be very boring if the sea was dead flat all the time (sounds nice though).
I totally agree, you are the luckiest person in the world at the moment.
Very few people get to live there dreams, are you living yours big time.
What another little gem Starbuck Island is, another one to put in the little black book, going to be a big black book by the time you finish this adventure.
My guess you should be rounding cape Horn about the 10th of January. I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself.
So keep having fun and keep safe.
Cheers George Simmons
Lots of love from Exmouth WA Australia
Hey Jesse,
You are allowed to have moods, after all, you are a girl and a girl just doesn't survive without moods - especially the bad ones. I think it comes in a girl's makeup. But at least you talked your way out of it.
When you get on these downers, you must stay focussed on the positive aspects of your current life (like you could be back here in school instead of doing what you love). Positive self-talk and re-assurance is everything and you will probably be needing plenty of it throughout the next 6-7 months.
To be good at anything, you have to have a lot of positive self-talk and emotions. So when you get to a point during your adventure where your emotions are a bit of a mess, you have to take a step back, think positively and say encouraging words to yourself to keep focussed. And one of the most important aspects of this is to actually mutter the positive words to yourself, don't just think them. By muttering them, you will not only be thinking of them, but also hearing the words, bit of a double-shot and much more effective.
So are you putting up any Chrissy deccies up on Ella? Have your parents packed you any Chrissy gifts that you are not allowed to open until Chrissy Day, that can be stowed on Ella that is!
Keep up the good progress, take advantage of the fast sailing to get ahead of schedule again as this will give you the opportunity to put your feet up a bit on more of the quiet days.
Take care gorgeous girl!
Andrew
Caves Beach, Newcastle
(another one of your adopted dads!)
XXX right on the cheek to put a smile on your face!
hi jess,
only 5400nm to go...that's a piece of cake for you.
don't let the weather or the hard times get you down; stay focused on the prize and everything else will fall into place.
be well. be safe. have fun.
andrew
richmond, VA
Hey Jess. You are going great guns = three cheers for you !! albeit a bit bouncy today, hope that settles down a little and you get a good sleep tonight. You are amazing like Bruce said the way you are able to re-focus and re-group when you need to. I guess its a natural part of human nature, sometimes we are up and other times a bit down. Keep your spirits up if you feel them slipping, look upwards and smile. Then put the music on and sing. Sing your heart out....real loud... you are one lucky girl doing what you love, and what so many others would love to be doing right now but are stuck on the 9am-5pm roundabout. Wow you have reached some fabulous milestones this past month. Hope you found some goodies in the bag for supper and the spag bol was good. I cant wait each night to log on and see your blog, its funny if you keep us waiting an extra day it adds more to the excitement. Yes Albatros are the most beautiful birds, their wingspan is incredible. Keep checking your gear for wear and your preventative maintenance when you are able to Jess. You and EPL are a great team. If and only if you get a chance take some piccies of the swell for us to see what its like out there. Hope you have an easy night. You rock Jess ! PS my cat Malibu was sitting on the table next to the computer when I logged onto your blog. She was tilting her head sideways looking very interested - it was sooo cute !
Cheers
Carole (Mackay, QLD)
Hey Jess
Felt the same the other day going out from Hillarys. Sitting in the cabin, it felt like we were moving up/down, straight/back and round and round. Almost reached for the sea sick tablets. No wonder you were feeling blah.
Good to hear you're able to pick yourself up. The local school is going to put your blog address in the schools newsletter because I told them about the little family of Jess Watson devoted followers who follow you each day.
From my perspective I like to see the comments from various people who comment most days. Makes me feel part of something special. Also love the fact you are getting comments from all over the world.
This must rate as the first round the world trips that has been documented in such a popular forum. Well done for the forsight you and your team have used to pull this altogether.
Fair sailing til then
The Griff of Hillarys Perth WA.
Hi Captain Jesse, Nice work dealing with the difficult
conditions. Just think of it as an opportunity to test your skills. Easier said than done. You are an amazing
young woman! Be safe! Be happy! Stay positive!
Godspeed!
Love the descriptions of the sea you offer...do you realize you're "painting a picture" for all of us to absorb and enjoy?! While you may take a day or so off from your daily blog, know that we'll miss it and will still be w/ you!
You can only see a cloudy, grey sky, but remember above all that cloud there is a beautiful blue sky and a very bright sun!
Keep at it super-girl
Di - UK
spreading the word daily about you to my friends & acquantances and you are becoming a major daily discussion! Now my 85 year old uncle is on board since he spent a couple of years sailing the same waters you are now in. He does not use a computer so he asked me to print your blog which was tedious but reading it should keep him busy for a while. Stay on the good foot! Smooth sailing!!
Your positiveness and outlook are very refreshing to read about. Wonderful! Keep up the good work and great spirits...and this trip will be done before you know it!
Thanks for sharing your journey with the world! :)
Carol from Ohio USA
Ever thought of being an astronaut? It take a special person to be an adventurer and sister, you have the right stuff! You could be the first person to make it to Mars.
I admire your approach to finding the positive in not so pleasant circumstances. Not a lot of fun being tossed around inside a washing machine, but the positive?... the clothes get clean. :)
We all have every confidence you will master every new challenge that Mother Nature congers up. You may have a few trying moments from time to time, but when you look back on the challenges you overcame, they will being a smile and they do warm the heart.
Do your parents record your Skypes? It would be fun to have a look at that tumbling sea.
Way to go Jess! Keep the keel side down and the wind in yer sails mate! The Cape is just over that next ridge.
Blessings,
See Ya Sailor!
Way to keep a positive attitude. You're right, it's great being able to say you're doing what you love. Any thoughts of decorating EPL for Christmas?
Scott, Denver, Colorado, USA
Jess
Just saw a story about you In the online Sail magazine that came to my email this morning. It's titled Circumnavigating, YouTube style http://www.sailmagazine.com/news/circumnavigation%5Fyoutube%2Dstyle/ you are famous!!!..LOL
Keep up the great work.
Dan
Portland Oregon
Hi Jesse, I don't think Starbuck Island would be much for having a coffee. It is a barren, treeless atoll, with nothing but guano and sea birds. You are making great progress and hopefully the seas and winds will improve for your journey south. Keep up the great work. Safe sailing. Tight lines. Best wishes.Russ Byron Bay/ Calgary.
Hi Jess
Trust me you'll do well have Bob doing your weather, he guided Team New Zealand to victory in the America's cup and I believe also help Sir Peter Blake.
God speed
11-25-09 @ 09:51
Hi Jessica,
Love your attitude!!! Definitely a "take charge lady".
That's the way to do it though, always count your blessings. In this case, your "bouncy" progress south.
I loved this paragraph: “Oh and even when things were looking a little blue I still couldn't think of anything I'd rather be doing, I'm sure that there's not many people who can say that so I'm a pretty lucky girl!”
You're doing just fine Jessica. You are the lady in charge.
I had a number of questions for you but after a run through the previous posts, I found all the answers. Going back to the beginning, you pretty much covered everything. Sometimes the answer is in a picture or on a video.
Sailing does look pretty good for you in the next few days, nice wind and a fairly smooth sea.
When you get down around Starbuck Island maybe you could call ahead and see if they have a sail-thru window. (Oooohh, that was a bad one).
Well Jessica, enjoy yourself and be safe and stay alert. How’s the thumb?
Take good care of Ella and yourself and enjoy. Always thinking of you. Anxiously awaiting your next, when you get a chance.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full. I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (74) from Kingwood, WV
Never met you, probably never will but we share a passion for open water sailing! There are so many people tracking your progress - Keep up the excellent work you and Ella are doing.
Thanks for taking the challenge and taking us along!
Cheers
Railspud
Hey, Jesse, please join us as a virtual guest for our Thanksgiving here in 'The States'. We will offer thanks for your past and continued fair winds and pleasant sail. Nice work with the psyche on your part, stay focused and stay positive, Gal.
Bruce, Michigan
Hey there Jess, I hope you're well.
Sorry to hear about your bouncy conditions but glad you're happy with the progress you're making. I think you're doing a great job.
I loved how you described your mood as reflecting the grey sky. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that so cut yourself some slack, ok?. Grey or blue, I personally can't think of anything I'd rather be doing than what you're doing right now so you are indeed a very lucky girl.
Besides the obvious importance of preparing yourself and the boat for whatever is to come, try not to focus too much on the 5450nm to go and enjoy the moment, each and every one. Que serra, serra (what will be, will be). Trust that you are a very capable young lady and your tenacity will prevail.
I don't want to go on about these blogs but I really must say that at the end of the day, making an effort to write these journals as often as possible will surely serve to remind you of what you've experienced and accomplished. It's not as much about us out here and the pressure we seem to put on you as it is for your own long term benefit. You will regret it if you don't put everything down on paper. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. I was so slack about writing in my journal everyday that I took up recording on my little pocket tape recorder instead and that worked for me. The memory can be as unreliable as the weather is unpredictable. We should not take them foregranted, no matter at what age.
Bring on the empty sea!!! I wish you fair winds and calm seas. Take good care of yourself and stay safe...Sam
Checked with Starbuck Island Chamber of Commerce and the only take-out there is Duncan Donuts--so I guess you're out of luck on that one.
But you are a lucky girl all right, you are lucky to be who you are AND we are lucky to know you--even if it's only on ine.
You are writing the book on managing psychological matters from a day-by-day perspective. Thank you for that.
I hope we can all get together (in cyberspace, of course) for a great Christmas/New Year celebration in your honor.
But by then you'll probably be surfing around Cape Horn and won't have time to be baking cookies.
Here's hoping the goodie bag yields the treat you are looking for...
Fair winds.
Richard Lathrop
I read up on your EasyFoods, and they do sound yummy. Great strides in aseptically packaged food in the last few years, that's for sure.
I just bought Joshua Slocum's book about his 1895 solo circumnavigation and will start reading it soon. I guess he had to put in for provisions pretty often. It'll be fun to compare his experiences with yours! He left from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, not Sydney, Australia, so it was different from the beginning.
I'm glad you're resourceful enough to kick yourself in the rear and brighten up when the skies are gray. Just know that thousands of people around the globe are rooting for you and drawing inspiration from you, every single day. No pressure! :-)
Paula,
Larchmont, NY
USA
Ms. Jessica in the words of the song "Mum said there would be days like this Mum said" oh well you quickly dealt with the gloom and dispenced it with positive thoughts !Starbucks is good but not worth losing your non-stop status for lol ! Read in the news that there has been some very large icebergs breaking lose from the ice shelf and drifting in the Southern Ocean but a long ways fron the Horn ! hope you enjoy you Spagetti and find some tasty treats Enjoy !
Good luck!
Greetings from Holland(were there are a lot of squalls also today).
Hey Jess, your doing fine and love the attitude. You're a strong lady, like the "Ella's Pink Lady, no wonder u two get along so well. Yep, the beginning of the real test toward the Mt. Everest of sailing has started. Enjoy! :oD
Robert
Hi Jessica,
It really sounds that you had a rough sea and plenty to do, and probably it's like a washing machine still. It gives us on land a very good idea how life looks like at sea.
I saw Starbuck Island in my atlas yesterday, and I have an idea now how you will pass the next group of islands.
Keep your spirit high Jessica, and safe sailing.
Regards,
Ingrid, Tyreso, Sweden
HAWKEYE
Jesse, you've done well out there today. Although a little different than the challenge rounding the island the same principle applies - you are showing that you have the wherewithal to deal with novel situations and that has got to be re-assuring.
Secondly, your apparent heightened self-awareness is a wonderful asset. It's good to hear you talking about the frustrations etc and not keeping things bottled up. Your family and support crew will be of great assistance to you with any emotional bottlenecks you run into. Remember to make good use of them and I'm sure they want you to and expect you to. I'm proud of you darl, today appears to have been a challenging one and you found a way to cope and grow.
A small tip, mentally you might find it more rewarding to set yourself smaller goals along the way to the Horn. Try not to get to far ahead of yourself; it's always more meaningful to stay in the moment; particularly important from a safety point of view.
Hope the spaghetti bol was yummy. I was hoping you would get plenty of rest on the way down and I'm sure that will be the case - maybe a bit difficult today with the tricky current and the bounce but as soon as you can snap it up.
Always thinking of you out there Jesse. Take care, special one, safety first, remain clipped on and be happy.
HAWKEYE
We too have gray skies here in landlocked Montana, USA, but reading about your talk to yourself made my whole world sunny. You are a natural writer and your blog is irresistibly readable. I look forward to it every day and find myself thinking about you whatever I am doing. Walking to work, shopping for groceries, falling asleep at night, no matter what is happening, Jessica is still out there in her sturdy boat, heading south. I crave what you are experiencing and I thank you for sharing it with one who is so far away from the sea. --Robin
Hi Jess,
Been following your posts since you the main land. What an amazing adventure, thanks for keep us involved. Your equator crossing remained me of the time I crossed it in the Atlantic; of course, I had the company of 6000 other men on an US aircraft Carrier (CVN68). I am sure King Neptune was pleased with your offerings and rewarded you with the tuna.
Stormy seas and large swell have to be the best for keeping you focused on the journey and testing your skills. We have no doubt you are extremely accomplished at handling the Lady through the most trying of conditions. 5450 nm is not that far and besides it’s all down hill…
Good sailing,
rbh
The adventure begins anew!! The next chapter of your voyage has begun. Headidng to the Southern Ocean. We will hang a Christmas Decor on our tree in your honor!!
Go Jessica and Ella's Pink Lady Go!
Ah, wind against current, regular conditions in these here parts. The Elbe approach is well known for heaviest conditions in that case and yachts can become virtuously non-operable above 6 Bft. But I tell you, it is much better than a long swell pushing from the aft, when those waves roll through under your boat and leave you with no steering at all because for a moment you're going backwards through the water. Well, don't get bothered, just change your course by about 10 degrees and life may become much more bearable.
Dear Ms. Swellrider..
Glad to hear you are getting in some bouncy action training for the upcoming bout.
I was wondering what you meant in one of your prior entries about your mother being worried about all the boys.. since, if you were my teenage daughter and we were facing the age-old “boy problem”, honestly, I cannot think of a better way to curb that than to have you right where you are! However, I do happened to know a lot of teenage girls and, trust me, any form of worry coming from a parent of one is valid.. so try to cut her some slack for mother love’s sake. I am guessing that my advice on that will make more sense to you about 25 years from now. :-)
But wait! There’s more! That scenario does remind me of a joke! (of course it does)
A pretty teenage girl approached a very handsome young man in a large supermarket and asked, "You know, I seem to have lost my mother here in the supermarket. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?"
"Why?", asked the young man.
"Because every time I talk to a cute guy my mother appears out of nowhere!"
**********************************
And on we go. Hope your day smoothes out!
~Al yer pal~
Jessica,
To repeat my message from one of my previous comments, your positive attitude is really contagious. It has rubbed off on all of us and has lifted the collective spirit of thousands who are following your journey. When ever you're feeling a bit down, take time to read some of the comments on your blog, and you will feel the love and postive energy being radiated back at you.
And if you ever decide to stop off at Starbuck Island, it might be an appropriate place for you to visit because one of it's former names is Hero Island....
Have fun, stay safe and happy sailing.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
Hello Jessica, I did a slow rotate of google earth this afternoon ruffly following what I'd guess to be your intended course, It gave me some idea of the magnitude of the task ahead of you, Sheesh!
You have a long long way to go. It's going to be one nautical mile after another with us fans sitting on the stern of your little ship blowing onto the sails till you come safely home me thinks. Hope we can puff hard enough.
The next stage to the bottom of the Americas is far enough, from there all the way under Africa and then Australia through that southern ocean, that's the bit that got me amazed on google earth.
Trusting the maker of creation travels with you on your journey.
Kevmiester from Perth WA
Hi Jesse,
I'm sure you have your moments "What did I get myself into here, perhaps I'm a bit too clever for my own good!" But the fact is, people only grow if they seek out challenges, as you have done, and it isn't as though you and your team didn't undergo a huge amount of preparation. I think one of the hardest things you have done was to overcome the all the media circus before leaving the Sydney Heads. When I saw how you came right back after the "Prang with the Yang" as you Aussies would say, in the face of blistering criticism from ill informed people, I threw my full support to you, as I could see you were a person with a lot of grit and determination, and well deserving of the support of sailors everywhere.
Best of Luck Always
Richard W
Hi Jesse, you're ever the inspiration. I look forward to your blogs and to hear the optmism and encouragment that you have. 5450 nautical miles, wow. Can you tell us what kind of progress, speed I guess, you expect during this leg? Where does EPL like the wind best? If you're sailing due South and the wind is ESE, I'm guessing you're "close hauled" (?) which is usually a relatively fast set for most yachts (I'm giving away my ignorance of things sailing, but, with the chance to hear from an "old salt" (hah!) I'll take it!).
In any event, thanks for writing.
Hi Jess...I am enjoying very much following your progress. I wish, however, that when you write your blog you would not say "we" and "us". You are sailing alone aren't you? Best of luck on completing your trip.
Patrick in Florida, USA
Hi Jess, Keep up the good work and here's to sunny skies again. Great to see you staying focused!! We are all so proud of you. Enjoy your spag bol!! Take care 'til next time.
Jo
Sydney
File this under something fun to do?
Maybe once every couple of weeks you could do a message in a bottle.
Is it politically correct to leave a "message in a bottle" and toss it into the sea and see if someone finds it months from now, or would that be considered littering nowadays?
Pink bottles with messages in them from Jessica.
Then again, perhaps you need everyone one of your bottles?
Love your ability to overcome the blues. Hope you have favorable winds all the way to the cape. Safe sailing. duane
admiring your positive attitude !!! Hope your spaghetti bolognese were tasty and that you found some delicious goodies ;-)
Take care!
PS raining and raining in Luxembourg !
Everything seems to be going well. That's always good news. Keep it up.
-Dimitri, USA
Hi jess
So you do know about Starbucks ☺☺
Tim Hortons coffee is much better.
Have a good night.
♥♥♥
Test
If this is like a washing machine, then what r the roaring 40:s like? I envy u! :-)
Ok sounds like all is well with Ella.
Christmas lights on the way on my side in Florida USA.
Economy is bad so people are not buying as much stuff you know.
Average spending is about $97.00 per person in 2007. I am sure is about $25.00 this year. Broke.
Well,keep on sailing. Straight Ahead !!!
Hi, Jesse
You are one courageous young lady!!
Opening your blog is the first thing I do in the Morning and last at Night.
Limited experience with inland lake sailing ...22'O'day...in no way would prepare one for what you're doing..but the sense of self control is the same, I'd bet. The feeling of leaving land is the same, and learning the wind probably is too..the difference would be the distance.
You're gonna do it lady!! I'm proud of you and will follow you all the way. "Jessica Watson" is in a flashing box in the upper right corner of my computer and will be for your whole trip. Keep fishin and flyin!
David/Indianapolis Indiana, USA
I know it's not an Australian holiday but tomorrow is Thanksgiving day here in the states so I'm wishing you a happy thanksgiving, safe sailing, and maybe you'll catch a sea turkey (if there is such a thing) :-)
Jim
Have a Happy Thanksgiving !
Regards from Bavaria in germany
M. F.
Starbuck Island is a low, dry, coral limestone island with a steep beach backed by a 6-8 meter high bank composed of large coral fragments. Several highly saline lagoons form on the islands eastern side. These occasionally dry up, and are said to be dangerous to approach: one worker during the island's guano-mining days sank up to his neck in salty mud before being rescued.
There is no fresh water on the island, which is one of the drier atolls in the Line Island group.
(from wikipedia)
So looks like you wouldnt get that cup of coffee afterall Jesss.
G'Day Jessica,
You are doing an awesome job young lady and this American will be with you step by step since I found this website. You are an amazing AUssie Gal. I agree with Toni about Starbucks coffee. May the winds be plentiful and in the right direction for you.
Cheers TEK
First thing I do at work is to check your blog and progress...sending good vibes from Seattle!!
Brian
Keep it going Jess
Ahhh, gray skies, aggitatied ocean, and the news of festivity preparations at home---that sounds like enough to make anyone have a few moments of gloom (in fact most countries are knee deep in ice and snow at holiday time and I'm thinking that's why the holidays come at this time of year---to help cheer folks. OK, yeah, some will say Christmas comes in December because of the birth of Christ...but I think most people agree it wasn't actually Dec. 25th. But good for you talking yourself right out of that gloom! And you know you are a huge focus of the holiday fesitivities for your loved ones and you can bet you are first on the list of what they have to be thankful for...and thousands of other people are also thinking of you; making you a part of their holiday festivities and prayers. I wonder how many people will pull your blog up during their holiday parties to show their friends and loved ones who are so unforgivably out of touch that they aren't yet aware of your adventure (smile).
Best of luck there in the washing machine!
Blessings,
Tracie
Thanks, Jessica.
Keep smiling.
Luv u.
Richard (QLD)
Go Jessica, Don't let the grey skies & condition get to you. If it was a "breeze" to do what your doing, then it wouldn't be a challenge. Your doing just great.
Hey Jesse,
Haven't blogged for a few days since we're now in Hawaii, too much shopping & swimming to do. We're happy to read that things are going so well & even happier to read that you caught your first fish. Well done!
I had to laugh when I read about Starbuck Island, funny that, they're the only place to grab a decent coffee over here.
I will have lots of reading to catch up on when we return home, I can see lots of blogger comments. We will bid farewell now & be thinking of you. You're still very close in distance to us at the moment too.
Take care little one!
The McGraths, Nowra NSW
Jesse,
I love the way you handled your complains. Those complains dont go far spacially where you are. So dont let that thing get you down.
BTW, I hope you won't run out of chocolate coz I dont want to hear your complain when that comes, LOL.
My prayers are with you always,
fr@ncis
*
* *
* .
________ /|____*______
~ ~~*~~ ~/~|~~ ~~° ~~
~~~ ~~_/~~|\~_~~~ ~~
~~~~° ~\__°_°_/~~~~ ~
~~~~~~~~~~~ * ~~°~~~
~~~~°~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~*~~~
~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~
Jessica You Rock Them!
Not much you can do but accept what is thrown at you, better to expect it to be rough, and treat the good conditions as a bonus. Its going to be a lot more uncomfortable down south, better get use to it. I hope you didnt swear??? Enjoy the ride, the rough stuff lets you know you're alive.
Hi Jess,
I'm estimating you will be on this leg of the trip - that is, on your way to the Horn - for Christmas and New Year.
As you are east of the dateline - will you open your Christmas presents before us in Aussie land or after? Reminds me of the Y2K celebrations.
Sue
so...have you pulled out your sextant and practiced with it yet? It is a bit worrisome to me to see someone on an unsupported high tech sailing not practicing the basics in case all those high tech goodies crump. When we crossed the Atlantic by air using the sextant we had a 20-mile margin of error arriving with Scottish. Your gps should be accurate to within 3 meters, so how close can you get?
bab
Hi Jessica'
Starbuck, lol.
I'd be giving that Pitcairn island crowd a wide berth on your way to Horn. They sound like they're way too friendly in their boating shenanigans. Hoo Roo.
Great going, Jess, thanks for the blog :) ... chin north!
cheers
Tia
Captain Jesse, the Explorer
Hi, Jesse.
An old man from Texas sending you some cheer. Left Texas a couple of days ago, so I have missed a couple of days of blogs. Wonderful to see your successful turn-about at Kiribati, and the delicious fish you caught. Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving Day in the USA, so I will eat an extra portion for you!
Really in awe of you, Jesse. All that you are accomplishing, little by little, nautical mile by nauticle mile. Stay safe, young Captain, and know that you are in the daily prayers of thousands all over the world. Last night, I watched a sailing movie, Master and Commander, the Far Side of the World, staring Russel Crowe. There is a scene where the ships go around Cape Horn and all I could think of was "God watch over Jesse, God watch over Jesse". I pray you have fair weather when you get there, young Captain.
Love the video and photos. With thousands of others, I will keep watch, pray for you daily and write when I can.
Ben from Texas
Hey Jesse,
I'm glad your not getting tossed around too much. I cant seem to picture you with a grey attitude. You've achieved so much in such a short time.
Your right about doing the things you want to do in this life. Personally i"d prefer to be on a beach in Grand Cayman drinking anything , as long as it has an umbrella in it, but I'm here at work.
The one thing you cant stop is "time" and it wont be long before you round the horn and head east again.
Sometimes the southern ocean can be quite calm. Its not always like they say it is, from personal experience.
Only 4 weeks to Xmas, have you planned a special something for Xmas?
Take care. So long for now.
Fair winds and following seas.
Angus.
Hi Jess,
Sounds uncomfortable - but a whole lot better than being becalmed.
Progress is being made - so take the opportunity and speed on.
When it is calm - do repairs.
Go Girl GO.
Mark
Hi Jesse,
Enjoy your spag bowl!
Cya Jesse,
Gabi
G'day Jesse....
You wrote.."..Oh and even when things were looking a little blue I still couldn't think of anything I'd rather be doing, I'm sure that there's not many people who can say that so I'm a pretty lucky girl!.."
Wow... have you 'got it' !!! ~ Such an aside , yet again, affirms what an Exceptional person you are and why your increasing entourage are so awed with your philosophy and quest. You _are_ , So Special, JW. !!!
Only 5450 to get to 'the ( onetime) land of the fires'.... maybe there'll be some Christmas Lights there, eh!! :)))). I reckon that _any_ lights could never match those that you see above you on a clear night.
And 'spag. bol. ' for dinner. Yummmm- I love tons of garlic with this dish. Though I don't think eating in a 'washing machine' would help me not to spill my glass of Shiraz. Hehheh.
I guess it's a bit of a relief to be leaving the scattered islands and atolls behind you, too-- but never to be complacent ---- some stuff is just 'floating' around ( like wayward buoys :)) )
Thanks again for sharing some thoughts with the 'serried ranks'.
.... Good, safe speed, & best wishes, always--
~ Ooc.
On and on you will hike and I know you will hike far, and face up to your problems....whatever they are (Dr Seuss)
Would give just about anything to switch places with you...
What a trip :-)
Sgt Paul Lee
NZ Police
Good Morning Jess
Yes you are a very fortunate gal and you are also very human. You are bound to feel a little blue or slightly down every now and then, it's what we do. So glad that you can perk yourself up and refocus your thoughts into positive energy.
If it was plain sailing and beautiful sunny weather all the way you would be bored 'silly'! You thrive on challenge! Just remember Chocolate cures all! It's the eighth wonder of the world !!
Enjoy the bouncy seas Jess - do you get seas sick??? Hope the wind is with you today. Take care & Stay safe
It is not the ship so much as the skilled sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.
--George William Curtis (1817 - 1862)
Come, my friends,
T'is not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
--Alfred Lord Tennyson
Sally In Sydney
Developing a positive mindset is one of the most powerful life strategies there is. Using powerful positive thinking techniques, visualisations and positive affirmations, it is possible to achieve whatever you want.
G'day Jess
Come on kid your not turning into Captain Grumpy are you, don't keel haul or lash the crew, remember you are the crew.How long will the lumpy seas last & when will you be able to put some east into your course?
Keep up the great work, hurry home.
Brian
Jesse
We all have good days and some not so good days. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to know a good day when we have one.
Go with the flow, you're doing great. Good days are coming!
So now the list is getting longer, ice cream, chips and a flat white coffee.
You'll make good progress but it may be a bit bumpy for a while. Stay clipped on.
Sail safe
Allen, Hervey bay, Qld, AU
Hey Jess
Dont forget Starbucks went broke, there wont be any coffee there any way, so you may as well keep going, LOL.
take care , God speed
Peter and Sally on the Gold Coast
And yes we have the chrissy lights up
I'm quite amazed that you can have such seas to deal with (without a Starbucks coffee) and yet find time to write to us. You demonstrate tough-mindedness in your ability to get on top of circumstances that bother you. Soon you'll be talking about those big southern rollers.
Best wishes!
Ian from Brisbane
What a fantastic attitude you have. Great mind control role modelled for many. I always get through those days by saying "this too will pass"....and it always does.
At least you are getting a bit of challenge now :)
Karin
Hi Jess
I have held back writing a comment until now, although I read your blog every day... I am just truly amazed at your courage to take on this journey.
I was very sceptical at first, wondered how on earth your parents could let their little girl go on such a journey, but it is now that I realise, sometimes these journeys have to be taken to find ourselves.
I hope that over the coming months the seas are kind to you.
Stay focussed, have an awesome time and I will be at the finish line cheering as you come home.
Emma
Yeah xmas is getting closer,you'll have to make sure that ella's pink lady gets decked out for it as well.
Anth.
Hey Jess,
The sun will shine again. Yes, it's the Christmas season for sure. You just passed the Islands not too long ago for proof.
Best to you,
GolfBum
Hi Jesse,
Keep the chin up. If the blues come on just turn the music up a little bit louder. Only King Neptune will complain and I've been told that he's not too adverse to a little music every now and again.
Things are getting a little bit hot in Brisbane so I guess that must mean Christmas is just around the corner. Once that comes and goes you will be so much closer to getting back home.
Stay safe. Keep finding those kind winds.
June and Richard Thorn
Hi Jess,
Just finished reading your blog, and I have to admit I was one of those skeptics, but know you have actually inspired me to beleive more in myself and that our dreams are obtainable in this lifetime, you just have to stay focused & determined along with a bit of hardwork & love. Your blog is funny & I wish I was out on the ocean exploring this great wide world the way you are, my dad is a sailor so I understand the ocean bug you that you have.
I was skeptical only because this year I have become a mother for the first time & the worry that comes with this job is unbelievable & it seems to change the way you look at everything in your life (usually taking the less risky options!!).
Well I think i may have found my new pick me up when things are looking bleak, thanks for the inspiration & best of luck with this life changing journey of yours!! :D
Regards Salina
Wonderful writing. You have such an interesting, personal and compelling style. I hope you will never run out of things to report.
Hi Jesse, you surely have what it takes to go solo, well done on getting yourself out of the 'doldrums'. Sounds as though you continue to make good progress, 5000+ nm will fly by at the rate you are going. Stay safe, Godspeed
Bron C/West NSW
Hi Jess,
Love reading your journey, thank-you. I wonder if my daughter (17y) will have her drivers licence before you complete your challenge. She is half-way, I will keep you posted. I watched a doco once on 'Spotted Albatross'. It said they spend 9mths at sea (alone) and 3mths on land where they meet the same partner every year to breed. They can live as long as 25 years. It must be a nice greeting..."where have you been for the last 9 mths?" Keep rockin gal.
Jesse had to laugh, just typed in Starbuck Island on Google Earth, took me to the centre of New York City, don't think you wanna go there!!! not this trip anyway!!!
Bron C/west NSW
When you feel blue, treat yourself to some goodies like chocolate (if you have any left!) and play some music. Smooth seas won't be too far away and maybe Silly will come back to play!
Loving your blog..
Penny from Brisbane
Hey Jess you always knew the bumps were gettin bigger. Down a little an straight back up again. Focus on the unbelievably fantasstic journey, an how amazing you are doing.
Good speed, yummy food. I'm sure there's a spot for you on masterchef. x
Andrew
Portsea
Another day, another blog from you - best way to start my day !!
I didn't realize those 2 words "non-stop + unassisted" are so powerful - can't even stop off for a coffee.
I guess its that raw adventure that attracts all us "wanna-bees".
____________
I really enjoy your photos - even some of the washing-machine sea would be great!
-Bernard
PS I zoomed into Starbucks Island and not a sign of a coffee-shop anywhere - so you aren't missing out on anything :-))
Hi Jessica
You are one amazing young woman - I can't wait to follow your adventures you undertake in your "grown up" life.
I'm so impressed with your introspections and you good cheer - even when you're struggling.
Just goes to show that maturity has nothing to do with age.
You're certainly someone who will be held up a long time as an inspiration to young people, especially girls, well, everyone, really. Your parents must be SO proud of you.
Fondest thoughts,
Marlowe
Townsville
Hi again Jess.
I know you cant wait to see the big southern waves and we here are afraid for you,hummmmmmm.
my sailing lessons are comming up in a few months so one day i want to sail to cape horn and i will.
Im so happy for you girl,your still our lil HERO.
take care and be good.
your friends
Rober,Ellen,Alison and Autumn
Good morning Jesse
There is some old song with the words bouncy bouncy in it I think it was called Rubber Ball you may be able to download it for a bit of fun.
Busy day will try to get back to you later with a fun game ...mental stimulation.
Go for that long off goal down south
Dusty from Dubbo
Hi Jessica,
Keep positive. We have more rain today here in Ballarat good for the gardens but not so good for the farmers trying to do their harvest. Weather plays such a big part in everything we do. Hope things have settled down for you and today is smooth sailing.
Good luck.
Joy
Ballarat.
hi jess,
becoming a little dreary or down, is natural being that you are in dreary and dark and bouncy area. the amazing and wonderful thing is that you have the ability to see through that and change your mind, to be positive, is what you are to be commended for. try to pass it on , more people out there need that ability.
enjoy dinner.
cousin pete
Hi Jesse hang in there my Bible class said prayer for u
last night ,since u started u journey all of us have been praying for u ,so keep safe and listen through u heart for the Holy spirit ,have faith GOD bless u from (Barry from Watsonia Victoria )
Hi Jess,
Sounds like all is well, keep up the good work. Don't know is you ever got to see Dancing With the Stars in OZ but a fellow Aussie won the competition (Kym Johnson) Pro Dancer, along with Donnie Osmond. All the best Jess KBO
Jerry in Colorado
Hi Jessica,
Happy Thanksgiving !
Sorry you can't stop for a coffee, but don't worry, I'll have one on your behalf. In the meantime, don't worry about the ups and downs - life is just like the ocean, sometimes ! If we didn't feel the greys, or even the blue meanies, we wouldn't appreciate life so much.
Best of luck en route to Cape Horn. Onward and, I guess, downward, since you're heading south.
Best of luck,
Brian in NY.
Hi Jess,
Keep up the good work. I'm blown away by how quickly you recover from a touch of the 'blues'- you have a beautiful personality which shines through in your daily blogs and endears you to so many people around the world, I repeat, SO MANY people AROUND THE WORLD - it's incredible!!!
I confess, it brings tears to my eyes when I read some of the comments to your blog to think of the interest, the admiration, and the concern for your safety that you have generated in people from all walks of life.
Jess, when things really get tough out there, please remember that you are not alone. I, like many others it seems, 'fire up' the computer each morning and click into your web site with a prayer that you are still OK.
If you have time I'd love to know what your sail plan is to approach Cape Horn: sail due south as much as possible to pick up the westerlies around 40 degrees or go as far east as possible before getting into the rough stuff?
Stay healthy, stay happy and most of all stay safe - no slacking on the safety procedure!!
Mal (Queensland)
Hi miss Jess, Great to C U R back sailing the boat. Now practice your ruff weather skills over and over. Forget about coooking. Open a can of beans ans SAIL THE BOAT. Practice your survival skills. from the worried Maravale Home Skoolers 5. We will be on skool holidays from this Friday and yes we have already put up the Chrissie decos Stay safe and enjoy the running. Good luck from Skye, Liam, Jay, Emily, Josh
Hi Jess and Team,
I am a fan from germany!
Will you pass the Fiji Islands on the east or west side?
Regards
Ben.
Hey Jess
Perhaps that wishy washy sea is all the fish and Neptune dancing along to your music. Keep the rythm loose the blues. Best of luck
Robyn
Harden NSW 2587
Hey Jess
Take care out there in the big blue.
Thinking of you
The Griffs of Hillarys Perth WA
Hi Jess
Thought I would fill you in on some home news, not that you don't get filled on some.
1. Stan Walker won the Idols on Sunday - Yippppeee!!! he did great throughout the comp and well deserved.
2. Eamon Sullivan won the Celebrity Masterchef. Made lots of mistakes but the glam boy did it againl.I am sure Stephanie will have regrets on dumping her boy - he is great.
3. Brittney Spears concert is quite divided - with all tht lipsynching - a real mess I'd say.
4 Then the dramas and affairs in parliament - naw you don't need to know about that.
5.The first test at the Gabba against West Indies begins today
and last but now least
the shops are looking very Chrismassy - not long to go now - I am sure you carried your Christmas decorations for EPL. looking forward to hearing from you.
Signing off from my news desk.
Stay well & safe sailing
love u gal
Vijay
Hello again Miss Jesse, We r traking you on google erth ans we c you r under alot of cloud. Stabuck cooffe is below you and to port u c malden island. Send the spray the length of the boat and have fun getting in some great daily runs. Best of luck and good sailing. from Liam
Brilliant Jesse, the power of positive thinking is a wonderful thing. Rough with the smooth and I wonder how Starbuck Island got named. "Battlestar Gallactica" maybe :)
Hi Jess,
I've been checking in with your blog every day and, as a mother with a 16 year old, I must admit to holding my breath occasionally for you. I'm thrilled for you at your progress so far. However, for a girl who sounds so happy in your blogging, you always look so serious in photos. Can you post a picture or two with a smile?
I've only a few words to say young lady C'mon Aussie C'mon C'Mon proud as punch we are. stay safe
Hi Jess,
Having a great time following the blog. You are doing an amazing job, not just the sailing bit but keeping the people who don't have the balls to do something like this for themselves entertained with great writing.(Im at the top of that list by the way!)
Loving your work
Steve
Jess,
sounds about like the weather here. But with rough seas. Gray cold and windy. Our winter is starting to set in. Don't forget to hold on tight don't need to have you in the washing machine!! Any ideas on how many days it will take to get to the cape? Tomorrow is thanksgiving here in the US and I wish I could send you a big home cooked meal!! I'm going to get a dog soon! That's my big news. Don't forget to keep that fishing line in the water, it won't catch anything if it isn't wet! Stay safe, take care of Parker, and have a great day!!!
Rob
Columbia Missouri USA
Hey Patrick in Florida, for your information referring to "we & us" is perfectly acceptable for Jesse, it is a time honoured statement for solo sailors, so give the girl a break!!!! Do some research!!!!Bet you wouldn't have the courage to take on what Jesse and others before her have done!!!!!
Good morning Jessica,your comments today are 'brilliant'in that you have managed to convey in word,how you are really feeling.You have shown yet again Jesse that you recognise the whole 'solo' thing is about positivity,good thoughts,determination, persistence,and encouraging self-talk!!
Not a lot of fun when currents, tides and the winds are going against each other,however,you and EPL are making good progress.
You are inspiring a lot of people Jesse,with your winning attitude and focus on the job at hand.Have a great day, eat and rest well when you can, stay "clipped on" Godbless Dougal
Hi Jessica
We have been following your progress and are enjoying your blogs. Have to admit that the internet and blogs etc are all a bit foreign to us but we are enjoying reading your news.
It sounds like you have some amazing technology sailing with you and helping you keep safe.
What a great adventure. You go girl.Stay safe.
Mike and Donna
stormydaysaheads.....daysaheadsto
stormydaysah...............aysadstorm
stormydays...................headstorm
stormyday......#.........#......headst
stormyday..........................ahead
stormyda............................head
stormyday...*................*.......ead
stormydaysa....*...........*.....aheads
stormydaysah.........*......saheadstor
stormydaysaheadst...daysaheadstor
Great to hear that even though
there may be stormy days ahead
Jessica can still put on a smile and get on with the sailing!!!
What an attitude!!!!!
Stay strong Jesse
Sally in Melbourne
Only 29 more days till Christmas..depending upon where you are in the water. It reminds me of the old TV program.."Where in the World is Carmen San Deigo!" But of course the name has changed..Dreams of Cape Horn huh? Yeah, there is a bit of water between but keeping her steady as you have been and those will disappear so fast..like the days..its' your 39th day..I was just updating the Log and because I have it in colors as you pass through a day I color it light grey to distinguish it as days past..The Days ahead are Magenta..the closest I could get to pink..and I try to keep the log numbered about a month ahead!
11-25-09 @18:15
Hi Jessica,
Just a little reminder that you are in our hearts and minds. There's always some little reminder to bring my thoughts back to you.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. and I for one have a lot to be thankful for. I am very thankful that I came across your website and got to know you. I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again, “you are a very special lady”. I would love to see more young people use you as a role model. I find it very disheartening to read stories about young people (Hollywood starlets) who have the world at their feet and then go and blow it by ridiculous behavior just to call attention to themselves.
I am mainly thankful that you are doing well and that you are safe. You are very level headed and I appreciate your honesty and truthfulness in your sharing of your more personal private moments. I am thankful that you have such wonderful parents, that allowed you to take this voyage. You have been a big help to me, and I appreciate that.
Keep up the good work and I hope you get out of the “bouncy” stuff real soon.
Take good care of Ella and yourself and enjoy. Always thinking of you.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full. I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (74) from Kingwood, WV
You are a champion. Keep enjoying yourself. Not many of us can put our hand on our heart and say there is nowhere we would rather be...live the dream! :-)
God Bless.
Great blog again, Captain Jesse! Many thanks!
Congrats for having been able to tackle properly the little spleen attack you felt. It is a genuine champion's quality to react like that.
Ella P. Lady is a superb miles' chewer, and no doubt that your route will soon be more lefty (eastbound) to let you tickle Uncle Horn's beard for Christmas.
One word about spaghetti: do you know that their name come from the italian spago, meaning "thread". So a spaghetto (pl. spaghetti), is a string.
Buon appetito, Signorina!
You're our favorite sailor of all.
I am in Burgundy now, deep central France, and even here almost everyone heard of you and admires your bravery.
Fair winds and soft washing!
Jessica, you are the toughest, strongest young chickiebabe that Australia has seen for a very, very long time!
You rock.
Chris Akenfelds
Brisbane QLD
akenfelds @ lycos . com
Morning Jesse,
an early night for me last night so i am only just reading your post. I admire your tenacity...and your ability to listen to yourself when you gave yourself a good talking to.
Counting down the 5450nm to Cape Horn with you and thinking of you way back here in Perth and as always wishing you Good Winds and Safe Sailing,
jo
good day jesse,
hope you enjoyed your meal as much as i enjoy sailing with you.
your blogs are very descriptive and your attitude is very positive.
you have set your goal to sail around the world and i have set mine to monitor your adventure closely.
your agenda would have included rough times. i look forward to see how you handle them.
keep up the good work young lady, i look forward as always to the next chapter of our adventure.
take care young adventurer you have many supporters around the world.
rod
blackbutt
Hello Jess,
Your common sense attitude and your keen self awareness continues to inspire.
I am reading Jesse Martins book Lionheart at the moment and I can't put it down, it gives me a whole new understanding of what you are undertaking. You love a challenge, you understand that grey days and grey moods are normal and you are very conscientious about looking after Ella's Pink Lady - you've got it nailed! We are so proud of you.
Don't forget the sunscreen,
Bluefin, Buderim, Qld.
Jessica I have been enjoying your blog so so much. I am right behind you and you are incredibly inspiring!! I come on and read your adventure and feel as though I can do anything. Thinking of you and sending positive vibes. Can't wait to stand on the shore and and help welcome you back to Sydney. x
Hello Jesse,
Although I am sending you well wishes and the occasional bit of information about fishing and filleting fish, I do not see my messages listed. Let me try this one. Wish you well and don't bother stopping at Starbuck island. It is barren and uninviting. Smooth sailing. Best wishes...Russ ByronBay/Calgary
Hi Jesse
I am sorry pet that you had a few moments of feeling miserable being in a washing machine can do that to ones emotions.
Everyone has moments of feeling down its natural.
I figured that you prefer to hear more about what is happening in our lives than focus on praising you up not that you dont deserve every ounce of golden glory you do but by talking about us it will give you something else to focus on in the world. You have made a great number of blog friends from all over the world so maybe we can keep you entertained with antidotes from our lives.
Last night we had the most terrific electrical storm here the purple light lighting up the entire city was fantastic along with it a good dump of rain again. Unfortunately it is now muggy today instead of a clear heat. We are in an El Nino weather pattern but instead of drought conditions we are having unusual rain patterns here in the eastern states.
I start my next semester at OUA university on Monday and am looking forward to only one subject over Christmas. The 1st of December all my xmas cards go out.
Well pet chin up when you feel the doldrums come on read some of the wonderful blogs you get from your cyber friends.
love and hugs
Evie from Bendigo
Hello my name is Phil I'm 48 and I live in Marine City Michigan USA and I love the water.Today is the first time I looked at your website or read your blog. I'm glad I did. I think its amazing someone so young has the ability to attempt such an amazing journey. I'll be reading your blog as your journey progresses. May you have a safe and wonderful trip Phil.
Sounds like an eventful day on the water. Sometimes you just got's ta give yourself a stern talking to,refocus then belt on regardless. The life long stories you will tell of this voyage will be etched in everyones minds for years to come. I'm totally amazed with the fan following you have created. You are taking everyone of us on this journey with you, From the dreamers to the salties you are not alone.
Head up, plow on, keep loving it....
Hi Jessica
“Washing machine weather – but making great ‘slightly bouncy’ progress southwards!” You and ELP both have a great sense of humour. Glad to hear you are 100% positively enjoying your life at sea.
The map shows you might also pass close to the very beautiful islands of Tahiti and Moorea – but don’t even think about stopping there, not even for a cup of coffee. We could lose you forever!
I guess you really do have Christmas decorations – pink ones too – your mum and team Watson seem to have thought of everything.
Stay positive and focused – 1,000% - and enjoy the ride southwards.
Tony L (Mt Martha VIC)
It is Thanksgiving in America. We extend the joy of the holiday to you, and pray for the continued hand of Providence on your voyage. Ray, Indiana USA
Hey Jess,
You are doing great, keep that chin up we are all behind you in some little way. Our thoughts are always with you & we all look forward to your blog entries.
Stay safe, happy sailing.....l
Great job girl, keep up the good work, try the lure at dawn if you like fish, how close will you sail to the Horne? Keep safe and Go Girl.
Cam & Annie "H"
Hello Jessica,
No doubt about it, you are doing what is right for you!
Being a bit down for a few minutes and then having the realization that you are still doing what you love doing best!!!!!!!
Phenomenal, Jessica! This kind of attitude took me 55 years to implement into my life!
Now I am 62 and sometimes graze my knee, but pick myself up by the scruff of my neck and set myself on positive, grateful for my life and lovely again!
What power that is, and we as humans are the only ones that can do that for ourselves!!!!!!!
Imagine that, they don't teach that at school!
Ah, I delight in your response 'No point in wasting a single minute of my time out here feeling miserable!'
What a champ of a human being you are! And I mean this sincerely!
Good idea, to cross off the miles! I used to do that in boarding school (not miles but days), because I was so homesick. I wrote down the number of days back to front, when I could go home again and crossed off one each day! That made me feel better!
Wow, won't EPL look splendid in her Christmas decorations. Put up lots of angels!
Ah, sorry, no coffee stops! They probably don't have starbucks there anyway!
Bon appetite for your spaghetti!
Keep well, happy and save, good sailing,
Trudy, Austria, now Mackay
hi--jess---see you---at---FLINT--ISLAND---good--hope---GPS---from Germanys--navy --works --good--we have you on the--radar---kiss Ralf
Jessica,
I thought about sun screen, as you went above and then below the Neptune’s equator. You might have answered this before, but how much sun screen does it take to go around the world? :-)
Cape Horn is not far off!
Eric
Atl, GA, USA
Hi Jess,
You will have those moments..it would probably be more surprising if you didn't. They can be great tiems for reflection and perhaps it might be enough to literally find something to do to snap you out of it.
Keep up the good work!
Ash
Hi Jess your going great when you are feeling a bit down remember C'Mon AUSSIE C'Mon C'Mon your a great inspuration to a lot of young aussies so kick back and enjoy the ride Cheers and we make the best coffee on the QLD coast
Hi Jesse,
Looks like you've got some better stopover places coming up than Starbuck Island. Bora-Bora sounds like a great place for a little R&R - just keep blogging and no one will ever know...
Take it easy in the meantime - no point pushing too hard and getting tired and bashed about.
Hi Jesse,
You are an inspiration. You may feel a bit lonely sometimes but you must realise what good speed you are making with millions of people around the world on board with you. Wonder you can make headway at all!
You have motivated me to have my verandah on my new house finished before you return so we can sit out there and watch you on TV as you come through the heads. The race is on. I must go as I am just finishing the plan. Our prayers and best wishes are with you
Jessica, your mind set is so right on the ball. A saying goes; You have to have some bad things in life to make the good times better. You tell us you have a bad day, but reset your mind and get right back into the task at hand. You Go Girl, we have the right man at the helm (and the right man for this job is a woman). We are enjoying the ride with you and cheering you all the way. Love from us landlubbers.
Another Jessica Poem
Trident Wielding Angel
Take a look out yonder there
You see a blue horizon
Yes the waves are sharp and rough
Your little ship can size them
So bumping in the space below
Seems just a little troubling
But Ole Man Neptune’s just out there
To ensure you are maturing
He knows you are a plucky lass
One now the globe reveres
He’s taken on his favourite job
To teach young Tars their fears
So when you feel the goings tough
You wish you had a crew
Apart from all our prays aloft
King Neptune’s there with you
Brumbyy 2009
Hey Jess,
“Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a washing machine”
& i'm sure....
“All will come out in the washing.”
Take Care
You're a legend
Mick
MNC NSW
Captain Jessica:
Happy Thanksgiving!
We will make a toast to your succes!
Gayle
Hey Jess,
Jesse Martin also found (As I am sure you know) that it was difficult to come up again after passing a major milestone. Hope you can continue to cope and manage your expectaions in your own fantastic style!
I have not yet seen washing machine sea- would be turbulent I guess!
Our boys have been setting goals since we have talked about your voyage, and I quote "Mum, when I wake up tomorrow morning I am going to write a list of places we can go and stick it on the fridge"
I hope as a family to plan and maybe get one of those places one day!
Cheers, Sarah
Hi Jess,
We have followed your progress since you have left Sydney Harbour and we are inspired by your determination. School finishes in three weeks. We wonder where you will be by then. Besides finding out what you are having for dinner (which we must say sounds delicious)we are also learning about all the islands in the Pacific Ocean. We didn't know that there were two Christmas Islands!(Of course one of them is in the Indian Ocean)
One question we must ask you is: How are you coping without any cold drinks?(No refrigeration).
GOOD LUCK!
Year 4 Room 8 Shelley Primary School, WA, Australia
PS We love your videos! Can't wait for another one!
() ()
7
V
Hi Jessica,
Hope you're having a wonderful day!!!
My daughter Rachel (exactly your age) is awestruck by your adventure! She enjoys sailing off the Southern California Coast in our 28' sloop but always wants land in sight!
That fish you caught -- yes, looks like YF tuna. Makes good sushi!
Keep up the constant self-refocusing. You're an amazing young lady and this adventure will form you for life -- it will make you what you become. Have a great day sailing -- I check the blog every day and write when I have something to say. I love it!
Take care and be safe!
gh
Hi Jesse,
I hope the waves have settled down for you so you dont have to feel like you are in a washing machine and i hope you make more cupcakes for us to see.
Congratulations Jesse you crossed the equator the bucket of water must have been refreshing. The most thing i hate about the ocean is getting water in your eyes
take care and tell us if you see any more dolphins
Love J and S
Keep up the Good Work Jess!
I have sailed all my life including some ocean racing but will probably never go through what are doing now. You've got one major hurdle out of the way already.Focus on the next rounding at Cape Horn.Don't look too far ahead is all I can suggest.Look at the task in stages.
Hope you're getting a regular rest pattern happening.
We are all proud of you here in Auatralia!
Michael,
Sandringham,Melbourne
Seeing the 'washing machine' made me think, how do you wash your clothes out there?
I am about your age, and I enjoy reading your blog everyday! Except I coould never see myself doing what your doing. Keep up the good work!!!
Hi Jessica
You have an incredible level of strength and resilience which are essential life qualities.
J - (lat -12.4832°, long 130.8933)
Hi Jessica
I can not believe how courageous you are taking on this adventure... I was so worried for you setting out, but having been reading your blog, I'm quite amazed by your maturity, strength and positive outlook.
The mermaids are looking out for you and I have no doubt we will witness history when you sail back through the heads into Sydney Harbour... I can't wait!
Safe sailing sweetheart.
- Sharyn
wow Jess! you are such an inspiration! i sure do hope and pray that the rest of your trip will go without any complications or bad weather. blessings! court
Hi, Jessica, about Starbucks Island – not a good place to have coffee, even if you weren’t on a non-stop, non-assisted journey. Here is part of the official description:
The steep beach is surrounded by a fringing reef, which averages about 1,000 yards in width, a little wider at the eastern point. Near the west point a break has been blasted in the reef, making possible a rather difficult, and at times dangerous, landing. there is no safe anchorage. During the guano-digging period vessels tied up to two mooring buoys near the landing.
The appearance of this island is well described by John T. Arundel in an address before the Geographical Society of the Pacific, at San Francisco in March, 1885.
"At first nothing but a strong white glare in the western sky, painfully bright and shining, even at the distance of four miles or so; then, as the vessel rose on the tops of the waves, a long low line of white sand becomes visible; then, as we gradually got nearer, we could see wrecks of ships at intervals, strewn along the coast, and clusters of white sea-birds resting upon them; and, as we got to the western end, a few houses, of which we had come to take possession, and towering high above all, the remains of the French transport Euryale, which had been sailed ashore about twelve months previously, while on the passage from Tahiti to San Francisco."
Going ashore through the passage in the reef, Arundel stated that he narrowly escaped capsizing in passing the surf. He notes that for periods of as much as two weeks it was impossible to either land or leave the island, although the ship lay but an eighth of a mile away. On shore he could not sleep at first because of the noise made by the myriads of sea birds. The vegetation consisted of half a dozen species of herbs and a low shrub. So inconspicuous is the island, with strong current sweeping past it to the west-southwest, that many fine ships have piled up upon its reefs. Arundel counted seven wrecks when he landed.
G'day Jesse
Here's a thought for you on a starry night. One day in the future someone will write a song about you and your journey with EPL. It will be a bouncy song and will have lots of positive messages. With all your global fans it will be a hit I reckon.
Who would you like to sing it I wonder?
Mike (from Canberra)
Broaden your view a bit, Patrick in Florida, USA!
On Jess using "we": If any of us would be alone on a boat for nearly a year, personifying certain things would set up a "communal" insulation from the reality of being the only human for an enormous distance in any direction undertaking a feat very few in history have thought of for more than a few minutes.
If you go back and read Jessica's past blogs, you'll see she explained the "we" as the windvane (Parker) and her boat (Ella's Pink Lady or EPL, for short), not to mention Jessica could include any observer passengers (Silly, the tern, for example). Plus, she's including a few hundred thousand of us blog watchers! Jessica also has a large team of shore specialists and sponsors tied into the "we" as well.
Patrick, may your Thanksgiving include a sense of Community: your Team connected to your personal passion and milestones of life! Remarkable at any age. Jessica is a world leader already in amassing such a following, a happy following for the most part! Hats off to you, Jess!
Yo j..
we are the same spirit......
trying to push the envelop.......
seeing what life can bring....
going to the brink.......
fair thy well.........
my same spirit.......
fair thy well......
Jess,
According to Wikipedia, there's nobody on Starbuck Island, so, the next really good spot for coffee (and chocolate I suppose) would be Bora Bora although I expect you'll be heading East well North of there. Wikipedia also says that a former name for Starbuck Island was "Starve Island"; this clue to the wise should be sufficient. Besides, Starbuck Island looks ugly in the satellite image and Bora Bora looks fantastic.
BTW, I saw--in "The Latest News" section--what Bruce said about your skills in rounding Kiritimati Island. Everybody should go read this.
It's been a great pleasure to read your posts. Thanks!
Jess, I just love reading your blogs and finding out how you are going. I'm fascinated by the technology you have onboard and all the sailing technical bits and pieces - fascinating. I hope you are keeping a longer more detailed diary about these things and can put it in a book on your return.
Keep up your amazing effort mate.
Sharyn
Hi Jess,
My 75 yr old mum is visiting me and noticed you post card we got from you at the Sanctuary Cove boat show on my fridge and asked if I knew how you were going.
We decided to check your progress together.
We were amazed at how you could re focus yourself from the blues to a positive attitude so easily and quickly.
Gratitude can be an amazing thing if we could all use it at the most unlikely time, when we are feeling blue.
Well done and you go girl
from Norma and Doris
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock
long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake
up somebody."
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Hi, Jessica,
"Inside of a washing machine," that's an imaginative and grimly humorous comparison. You probably feel like one of those cats we sometimes see pictures of that crawled in the wash for a nap and then the machine was turned on. The inside surfaces of the cabin were playing the part of the agitator, and I can only hope you prevented their swatting you too hard.
When you started this leg I speculated you would be tacking, but so far you have headed due south. That made me think "Maybe she will continue south until a wind arises favorable to her heading east." After all, whether you tack once every five minutes, once a day, or once for the entire leg, you're still travelling an L shape because the wind won't allow you a straight line. I guess it doesn't matter how long the legs of the L are.
I hope the weather gives you a break soon.
Best wishes,
Michael from Texas, USA
Hey Jesse
Have a look in the goodies locker just to make sure you feel 100% positive.
Have a great day
Saraya :-)
Hi Jesse,
My three children aged 17, 15 and 11 all do a little giggle when I sit down to the computer each evening. They say that I now have an adopted daughter. I'm always talking about you to them and letting them know how you are going. Two of them have sent you blogs.
You are such an awesome role model to other young people out there Jesse.
You're doing great :-)
Have a great day and keep safe. Jan (Auckland, New Zealand)
Hey Jessica,
I love how you pick yourself up from a slump. You have the gift of positive attitude. It's an inspiration. Keep heading south!
Well done, enjoy the life you have chosen as you will always have the memories to cherish Lesley
Ha ha very funny with the starbucks joke Jesse. Here's one I heard a coupla days ago.
During a recent password audit, it was found that a blonde was using the following password:
MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofy.
When asked why such a long password, she replied "well it had to be 8 characters long". ;)
I'll send u another joke soon Jesse
Ps I'm a blondie too so have a laugh
Ian
Just north of Sydney
Wow Jesse, you keep amazing me with your ability to refocus when you might be feeling a little down and finding something to enjoy!! You are an example for us readers to follow!
Hope it doesn't get too uncomfortable out there and we'll be counting down the miles with you..Keep it up girl! God bless, xo.
Jess
Your worst day sailing will always be better than your best day slogging away at school....smile
Always remember that when conditions get a little rough....
Mind you....you sound a little like me....give me a cool non humid day any day compared to those days when everything is just damp and warm...thats enough to make anyone lose focus for a few seconds....or longer in my case....lol
You do us all proud with your attitude....keep up the good work.
Do you have christmas decorations?.....or the ability to make some out of paper.....you sound like a great cook....how about a ginger bread house??
Anyway...time for me to go check your map and see what progress you have made....i havnt looked for 2 days...say hi to Hannah and her guineas for me...smile
Deb and the guineas
I realized i do have a question; How do you wash your clothes?
I have been reading your blog daily amd i'm amazed at what you are achieving I live in New Zealand and we all here wish you plain sailing and may the heavens watch over you girl
Hi Jess,
just keep smiling girl, good days will certainly way out the bad.
Keep smiling,
At least it will make eating spag bowl in a whole new way!!!!
Kell :-)
It's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. today, and we're thankful for your fascinating and entertaining blog.
Happy Sailing from some followers in Everett, Washington!
Hi Jessica, We met you at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show & saw your boat before she was EPL. You won't remember us but we certainly remember meeting you! We first talked about "going sailing" 43 years ago and are just now at ages 64 & 68 getting ready to go!!! We have read lots of books, mags, articles etc but find that following your progress from the day you announced your plan is the most inspirational influence for us. We check on you first thing in the morning & last thing at night. I am intrigued with Easyfood. What cooking appliances do you have on board??? I am mastering the pressure cooker but haven't tried bread yet!!! You are truly an inspiration.
You don't drown your sorrow, you teach 'em how to swim. Isn't that right Jess?
Sorry about your sloppy conditions of late and hope you get some more favourable winds soon.
Hi Jessica,
Looking at your Globe tracker you are really making amazing miles.
If you feel a little down, as we all do when the sky is grey, a good self talk is the best medicine. Just look out for the inevitable rainbows and enjoy the wonders of the open ocean, its all yours.
I know you will be positive because you have set yourself such an amazing goal. As you are an inspiration to so many of us, you have to be inspired by YOU. Hopefully we, your admirers can say something that will inspire you in return when you need it most.
Warmest regards from
the Flynn's - Sunbury, Vic., Australia
Wanton C22/110
You are such a delightful young lady and I love reading of your days. It takes us to a world we could never imagine. Please take care and keep us informed when you have time. Christine - Tura Beach Australia
Hi Jesse
Starbucks went bust here in Adelaide never did get to try them.
Good on you for cheering up, you are an inspiration.
Did you take any Christmas pressies/decorations with you? I'll be sure to be here on Christmas Day and give you a cyber hug. x
Post a Comment