Saturday, December 26, 2009

Fearsome 50's

Christmas wasn't just an exciting day for all the obvious reasons (presents and food!). But also because we passed into the Fearsome 50's and now have less than 2000nm to go till Cape Horn.

Also as many people pointed out, yes I did celebrate Christmas a day early for the time zone I'm currently in, but I figured that it would be far nicer to be celebrate with everyone back home rather than a day later and truly alone!

Christmas must have been my foggiest day yet and I have to admit I spent the day being pretty lazy, just doing the bare minimum to keep us moving vaguely in the right direction and staying out of the cold. Phone calls, eating all my favourite foods and opening the presents (see pic below) that had been stashed on Ella's Pink Lady, kept me busy all day. Down to the smallest, silliest thing, I enjoyed and treasured every present far more than I ever would have back home and believe me there were some silly ones, including a blow up Kiwi and a pink doll which expands in water (known as a 'grow your own best friend'!). Other then that there was also the normal collection of warm socks, books and other odds and ends.

No watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race or Boxing Day sales for me today but I'm pretty thrilled as I was treated to a few hours sunshine and an albatross doing a few close circles of Ella's Pink Lady. The albatross really is an amazing bird. No matter how long I watch them for, I never seem to see them flap their wings. They make flying look so effortless and seem completely relaxed weaving in and out of the swell, thousands of miles from land.
Jesse

Pic: Opening Christmas presents on my bunk bed!

208 comments:

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Unknown said...

Hallo Jesse,
herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Punkt
8000 sm.
Viel Gesundheit und immer eine Handbreit Wasser unter dem Kiel.
Auf Web.de in Deutschland war die obige Meldung mit einem Foto von Dir.
Herzliche Grüße
von Klaus

Anonymous said...

Hi! Jessica,

The Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been won by Alfa Romeo this year which no doubt you would have heard about by now.

I have been working over the Christmas period but will be taking some time out to visit my family up north which I haven’t seen for about a year which will be a nice break.

I was just looking for my own interest at the Google earth map on your site and thought once you sail past the Cape Horn point it’s almost a straight line to Australia from there.

You’re doing well so hang in there and prep yourself for the Cape Horn sector coming up.
Pete (Canberra).

Roger H. Werrner said...

We had our four children and five grandchildren over for Christmas. It's nice having our family live within 10 minutes of our home. I'm not sure how long that will last but no one seems anxious to move out of town. I did think of you on Christmas Day. You're a long way from anywhere and after two+ months I expect you must be feeling something akin to what sailing age sailors felt after being at sea for a long time. At least they had each other to talk with and a larger ship on which to walk. I wonder how you exercise...It's a comfort knowing that you can talk to friends and family using a satellite telephone but nevertheless, Christmas is a bitch of a time to be alone. When first got to California in 1974, I vividly recall that first Christmas alone. I made a trip to Yosemite National Park and spent the night camping in a tent. I wasn't really prepared for the cold and it was shivery night to be sure. Somehow being in a place like Yosemite (and being so damned cold) took my mind off of my aloneness. Over the years, I've become used to being alone and quite frankly, I've come to prefer the company of my animals to most people. Animals are rather less demanding and always forgiving of any transgressions. I of course pamper my critters excessively. I spent 4 hours with my horses today, feed them a little extra grain, and gave them many treats. My dogs got left over prime rib sauteed with carrots, garlic,m onions, and dry dog foods. Yea, they get treated pretty well. I'm very glad the weather is remaining reasonably calm. It;s been foggy in the Central Valley for the past few weeks...early AM, it's pea soup hick. Fog in my front yard is pretty eerie; it makes the world seem so quiet and becalmed. I can only imagine what it must be like 2,000 miles from land. Oh, a bit of new from Tierra del Fuego! The governor of the province broke with South American tradition and permitted the first gay marriage on the continent today (28 January). Funny that such a thing should happen at such a remote place but then perhaps that was the point of doing it. Anyway, hope you are staying warm and dry! Cheers!!

Anonymous said...

Jessica, I am very happy to find your blog today. You are a brilliant example. I am brazilian leaving in Melbourne, 49yo, mother of 2 son (23 and 18) and I am very proud of you as I am proud of my kids.
I wish what you are doing may give strength to others to follow their heart and also trust more on young people.
God bless you.
Ana (Melbourne)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jessica I have been following your progress as I also followed the Ken Gourlay voyage. I hope you continue to have a good and safe voyage around the Cape Happy New Year and safe travelling.
Ian.

Get Your Lens On said...

HI Jess, my daughter Caitlin is nearly 12 and she thinks you are awesome, for doing what you are doing. Would love to see those albatross ! You are an amazing young woman and although I would be too scared to do what you have I think it is fantastic that your parents have had the faith in you to let you stretch your wings. Keep on keeping on and we wish you safe and fair weather.
Adrienne & Caitlin ( 11) Catherall
BUDERIM QLD

jon smit said...

Jessica,thanks so much for all those entertaining blogs,i have not missed a single one and ive worn a track thru our carpet from here to my world map on the wall.And tomorrow the 11th is exciting, its my 70th birthday and i suspect you about to begin your rounding of Cape Horn.So i will raise a glass to you,a brave sailor an wish you fair winds thru that challenging Passage.The thoughts of thousands will be with you all the way. Take care, Jonn W

Robyn Duke said...

Wow you are one amazing girl! i would be scared and ,even though i am 14 i would cry for my parents! Keep going for your goal! your almost there!

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