I've been seeing quite a few birds around and I love watching them fly low over the waves and around Ella's Pink Lady. I'm pretty annoyed with myself for not bringing a bird book, but I think I'm mostly seeing big petrels and I spotted my first albatross for the trip this morning.
It's been a pretty uneventful day, just giving the cabin a tidy up. I also put up a few more Christmas decorations in the cabin. We've been keeping up a nice speed but the motion has been a little rolly, as downwind sailing isn't Pink Lady's strong point. I'm just going to have to get use to rolly though, as a pretty big percentage of the voyage from here on is likely to be downwind - fast downwind sailing!
My best guess is 20 days to Cape Horn and just 4 more sleeps to Christmas!
Jesse
PS. Don't worry, it's not as cold as it looks in the picture (see below). I'm wearing the hat mostly because it saves having to brush my hair!
Pic: Me and my woolen hat preparing for the colder weather!
316 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 316 of 316Hey Jess,
You have got the Europeon young lady look happening the the hat and scarf and that smile, yes very Europeon for an Aussie chick that is lol.
Stay Safe
Berlin Red
You look fit and strong and all smiles in the photo. It sounds like you are enjoying your Christmas decorating. Best wishes to you for all good things!!
Morning Jess
A great shot, you have such a lovely beaming smile in that piccy. It does look very grey & misty out there...You certainly are rugged up and ready for the cooler weather, which is about to be thrown at you. Love the hat and the logic behind it. Who cares about the hair, you will have plenty of time and the rest of your life to battle with it - as we women do...
So we are on the countdown to Cape Horn, and with all that fast down wind sailing you reckon we have roughly 20 days to go. It's all very exciting...Look forward to hearing about these adventures in the rolly seas.
Hope the feathered visitors keep dropping by.
Hey - we want to see a photo of the Christmas decorations and see how pretty Ella's Pink Lady looks. Do you have a Christmas cake also?
Well we have pizza for lunch in the office today, it's a tradition that we do each year. Just before everyone darts off for their respective Christmas Holidays the company provides us with a pizza lunch and some Christmas Cheer. I finally finished my Christmas shopping last night and bought myself a gorgeous dress as a reward!
Have a great day Jess - stay safe
"There's no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue, there's no joy in merely doing things which any one can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you never thought you'd make”
Sally In Sydney
hi Jesse.. it's great to have another blog from you!! I have been wondering how cold you are getting out there.. and as usual you look like you are having a ball!! we are thinking of you as always and will have a special toast to you on Christmas day :) have a great Christmas Jesse and I hope you get all the presents you want and LOTS of chocolate!!
hugsz
Hey Jessica. Keep up the great work and Merry Christmas to you. I hope you and Ella' Pink Lady can enjoy some turkey and christmas pudding. Cheers and safe journey to Cape Horn and beyond. We are all thinking of you.. Mel (Sydney)
Dear Jesse
Good morning, well what a different look, all rugged up for the next few weeks...you won't have a white Christmas but certainly a mild one temperature wise. Christmas is a madhouse here grandchildren running around, bikes,scooters skateboards and skinned knees already with tears of course.
Really good to see you looking well and sounding strong.
Still some nice press "rolling" around for you in NSW
Stay clipped, smiling and go the crissy music
lol(oud)
Sea ya
Dusty from Dubbo
Go well sweet Jess
Merry Christmas!!
YOU R SUPER GIRL :)))))
YOU R SUPER GIRL :)))))
hey jessica,
i wish you all the best from germany. i just listened to a song and everytime when I go sailing this song is with me:
it is from rogue wave called "own your own home"
for now I will be thinking of you, whenever I hear this song!
good luck and happy christmas by the way
Andi
12-21-09 @ 15:21
Hi Jessica,
I just wanted to comment on the picture of yourself at the tiller with the open sea behind you. You can see the angle of the boat compared to the water. I didn’t see it the first time since I couldn’t get past that smiley, happy face in the foreground. But isn’t that the drain spout right above your head??? You’ll need an umbrella. LOL…….
Keep going and enjoy yourself, and remember, you and ELP are #1 everything else can wait. Please do not worry about grammatical errors, everybody makes them, even the complainant. Had to laugh at that one.
Make sure you get some more “Jessica Time” before you hit the cape.
For SaltyDog, From Seattle, WA, USA
Amen to that. Great Post
Take care of yourself and all the scallywags.
Love from another one of your adoptive great grandparents!!
Always proud of you and always thinking of you.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full, and I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (74) from Kingwood, WV
Hi Jesse,
scrolling through all the comments I saw but one mentioning the mysterious disappearance of "the other girl", 14 year old Laura Dekker from the Netherlands who was trying to do the same thing last August you're doing right now and was stopped by the dutch authorities.
She disappeared from home last thursday, and as it turns out somehow she has managed to get into Caribbean, concrete intention unknown. She was found on St. Martin I think and in the radio they said they would carry her back to the Netherlands now and probably put her under custody:
What a dreadful fate for someone loving freedom so much (even if I admit that I consider 14 as really a little too young for the trip), and what a sad story which yet shows the dimension of your achievement!
So this Christmas, my thoughts will be with you - but also with all the other young people who are not just average teenagers craving for the latest iphone or sneakers under their Christmas tree but who would do really great, fabulous, touching things if only they were allowed to!
As this is probably my last message to you before Christmas, I wish you some fine holidays with just the right amount of wind, and of cause some time to enjoy the calls to your family and friends, not to forget all the packages mysteriously droped on Ella Pink Lady by a special Santa Claus water sleigh dispatch! :D
Nico
Frankfurt, Germany
Hi jessica :-) love to read your blog, i think you are great :-) as for cool weather, i`m from far north from where you are, norway, and from here i can report of 20 cm of snow and from -10 to -25 Celsius, so i think you are lucky down south ;-) Hope you take some pictures of pink lady in full xmas-decoration :-) As for birds down in the south pacific, you probably are spot on about petrels, but i would guess that you also are seeing some skua`s down there :-) Happy sailing and a merry xmas to you, keep posting! BEst wishes from Asgeir in Norway :-)
Cheryl, Melbourne - following your journey closely, Jesse and wishing you EVERY BEST OUTCOME. Go well, friend.
An Albatros! I don't think they are sea birds any more than Eagles are, but I have read about the distances they can fly in a day, just by gliding on their extradorinary wings. What a treat to see one! Good luck with the downwinds, and have a very happy Christmas.
Maybe if you post some pictures of the birds you see, comment bloggers can tell you what they are and about them. :DDDD
Are you singing any carols for xmas yet???
-Tim B.
Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer
Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolf play in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas eve Santa came to say:
"Rudolf with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then all the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee: "Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer,you'll go down in history!"
:DDDDD Tim B
Hey Jessica! I'm from Norway, my dad showd me youre blog yesterday, I'm twelve yers old, and I have tried to sail some times. One time i startet get in my head that boats were gonna be my favorite subject, I didn't come so long with my "project" (if I can call it that) anyways. Well I just wanna wish you good luck and have fun! -Emilie Oshaug!
Jessica,
That is really cool seeing your first Albatross. Since you're seeing quite a few birds, I wonder what the chances are that you'll have one of Silly's relatives join you for a ride. One day when it was cold, windy and many miles from land, I had a small bird that appeared to be extremely tired land on my boat and before I knew it, he was inside of the cabin. I put out dinner for him and he rode along in the cabin for almost a day. When he was rested and had enough energy, off he went. It was nice to have his company. You never know, maybe you'll have a bird come into your cabin and cuddle up with Chick-With-Attitude.
You sure will be sailing downwind for much of the trip now. I imagine that Parker isn't real crazy about sailing downwind, or does he do O.K. with the apparent winds that you'll have? Not many days of light air ahead of you. Remember,Jess, no peeking at presents until Christmas.
Have fun, stay safe and happy sailing.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
Want bigger Pics?! Try this:
(1) Click on the photo. this should open it in its own window.
(2) Position your cursor on the photo, hold down the Ctrl key and (while holding it down) roll your mouse roller wheel.
This will enlarge and reduce the photo; at least it does for me.
Steve in California
(of which there appears to be two posting here!)
Best of Luck!!
Jim
Babylon, NY
Depending on where you are today or tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.
Jessica!
I am a working single mom and had no idea I was so out of the loop of things going on around the globe. I live in Charlotte, NC USA and having been following your blog for a few days and read all about you...
You are an amazing brave girl and I will keep you in my prayers daily. Good luck to you and safe travel and calm seas! Diane Roach
Hey Jess,
Just dropping in to wish you a happy and (especially!) safe Chrissy before we go on Holidays. You 100% rock!!!!
Still can't help worrying about you... but the further you go the less I worry.
All the best Ross Cleveland Brissy
Hey Jess,
Cool.... Very Cool,
"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."
Hang in there,
You're a legend
Mick
MNC NSW
Hi Jess
Nice pic - thanks for the update and you keep rolling down girl.
stay safe.
Vijay
Hi Jess, great to see your soaking it up ( so to speak ) must be having a blast. We're all thinking of you here at home and wishing you a safe voyage. Have a merry christmas out there on the big blue, lots of love from all of the Uptons, Ben
amazing to read the posts that go out to you on a daily basis, they seem to be from all over the world. I think you are sailing for a great many people Jessica and fulfilling a great many dreams of those of us who always wanted to do this but for whatever reason, have never attempted it. Be safe and fair winds to you.
A sailor in California
Hey Jesse
First time to blog but have been a regular reader of your exploits from the beginning and greatly entertained by your blogger family. They 'mostly' echo my thoughts and worries and I look forward to the regulars and their wonderful sense of humour. What are we all going to do after Jessica finishes her trip???
You are brilliant Jessica and I love the messy hair look, too many important things to do then brush ones hair - like drink hot choccy and admire the view, just shove a hat on it and relax. I worry about you every day but also rejoice in your accommplishments. Hang in there.
Love Aunty Chris - Tamworth NSW
Hi Jesse,
I just started following your blog and I think you're doing great! Thanks for sharing this amazing journey. My Dad and brother are at Puonce, Puerot Rico getting ready to set sail back to Oz in the New Year. They'll be sailing via Rio then across to Cape Town then across to Albany and over to Adelaide. Reading your blog gives me a better understanding of what they might experience but also I want to show my support for your awesome adventure too!
Have a very merry Christmas.
Cheers,
Sophia, Dysart, QLD
Hi Jess
Merry X Mas and stay safe...
Cheers
king-solo
Hello Jessica, just joined your blog. Reading about your exploits is an adventure for me. I'm 62, never done anything so adventurous but wish I would have (but I love life anyway). Was reminded about your trip when I went to Ella Bache Toowong (Brisbane). I have made your website my home page, so I'm going to be reading all your blogs from now on. I love the sea, grew up at the beach, and I can always hear the Pacific Ocean in my ears when I tune in to it. I love "grey and misty" too. Cheers, Erica, Brisbane
hi Jesse,
Another great blog. And isn't it amazing how we always manage to forget something, no matter how many lists we make! The bird book is probably sitting on the hall table by the front door. Now if you could only get one of those petrels to swoop down so you can tell it where your home is .... :-)
I like that you like the grey and misty days as much as the sunny days and the rosy sunsets. They're all beautiful in their own way.
And it sounds like you've been a good girl this year so don't forget to hang up your Christmas stocking so Santa can fill it for you. What brave and unselfish people your parents are. They will no doubt have a real mixed bag of emotions on Christmas day.
Love the fashion look. The fashionistas will all be envious of you. You could start a fashion house when you get back. :-)
I never really enjoyed downhill sailing, a good reach for me. Even pointing high was better than the wind on the tail I thought. Keeping the wind just on the starboard quarter or the port quarter was not my forte at all. So good luck with it.
Til next time, fair winds and not too much rolling. Well, I suppose any rolling is too much!
Cheers
Toni
Hello Jessica!
Downwind for a long distance must be awkward, I don't envy you. It's not the sort of motion a boat like EPL or any boat would enjoy, I guess. But at least albatrosses sounds like the wind is blowing you the right direction.
Wow, only three more weeks for Cape Horn - hard to believe but, yes, looks fair enough!
D'you know that every pic you take is a present? You do look well - which says more that lots of blogs.
Take care and look forward to a very special Christmas!
BavariaBlu
Great idea, Richard Lathrop, so Jess, I better hurry up and get a glass ready to toast because you're just about due south of us here in Northern Nevada at 121 degrees west long.! I'll have to locate a cool link. Here you go--tame for what you're about, though: http://www.albacore.org/
Jess, meeting your other commenters like Trev and Brian Welan whose ID is 'Dr. Swill' shows how deeply you resonate with us who have rediscovered 'Carpe diem'--seize the day, as you have. When my sailing-addicted father knew he had a short time left due to cancer, he sailed the trip he talked about for 30 years. He got into action, rented a boat and took all family willing and able to crew from Sidney, BC, through the Queen Charlotte Islands to Alaska and back. He was such a man of the sea. I am fixing up his neglected early 1960's, 15-foot Albacore day-sailer for my son because of you, Jessica, and hope to have 'Lia Fail' back in the water sailing by summer, even if just in a lake. I have a backlog of things that I've put off. The hubby is at work, and the 12-yr. old is visiting the aunt in San Francisco, so today can be 'bucket list' day. Congrats, Brian on 14 years not just surviving, but living, by the sounds of it!
You are cover girl gorgeous any day, Jess, any way, and my admiration also goes to you on tidying up your tiny space on "rolly" seas, pushed from the stern, as it were to the din of EPL and wind, worrying about a good many more things at once than I have. It's tough enough for me on level, still floor in the quiet! As anyone whose tried to accomplish anything below in even mild swells knows after the bow drops in with a thud and slide each time, keeping tidy is endless. Just a pepper shaker falling off a shelf can bean you in the head pretty good, let alone a tin of mangoes or a Christmas present, Hence the expression, "ship shape" I think! So your decorations are probably secured with velcro?
Good news that Miss Dekker was found safe. Abby Sunderland is to be underway soon it seems. Hopefully you won't be bogging down in any kelp beds. She's had some troubles.
Congrats to inspired commenter Richie Paris losing weight, and his practical idea: "Can't eat it if it's not on board." Sounds like a new diet book title.
My family admires Sally's computer art! She is so faithful at it.
Can someone who follows your blog, Jess, put up the link to see your mom's latest interview? or, perhaps she'll post it on the videos section?
Your grannie's gift is likely inspiring Santa to put Toblerone choc or tinned mangoes into many a stocking! Not banana chips, though, right?
I'm sure you're happy we are not your grammar or spelling teachers! We need a few lessons ourselves. You do have some gifted folks writing in, Jess: Guam Granite's info, Salty Dog's caring words, Mag[ie's humor, Charley's quoted poem and so many great links that reading the blog takes longer each day!
Today I started your blog at the time of the Winter Solstice Pacific Time--Happy Solstice, Jessica! We welcome the sun back into the Northern Hemisphere (but too soon for much warmth here).
With love and continued wishes of "Bon Voyage," One of Your North American Pink Fan Families :)
Go for it Jess,
I own Jesse Martins old boatLionheart and have been following your progress. I was talking to Jesse recently about your trip and we both are wishing you all the best.
Have a great Christmas and great sailing,
Geoff, Sandringham
Dead Jesse,
I have been following a bit of your great tour and I am thrilled about the fact that you are so cool, full of hope and selfconfidence!
I'll pray for your safety and that God will continue to have his angels around your small boat!
Merry Christmas from Germany!
Philipp
Hi Jessica
I have been away for a few days w/o a computer and missed your postings. When I got home immediately logged to read your latest postings. So glad your going well and safely as you approach Cape Horn. Go girl.
Maybe your support team can check your location map as something wrong.
Being on a boat that's moving through the water, it's so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what's important and what's not.
James Taylor
Another great pic and the biggest smile ever! Top pic from the mast a few days ago, just brilliant. Every post is so interesting.
Neil (Casino)
Google Goggles is supposed to let you take a picture of ANYTHING, and it will tell you what the picture is of.
So if a bird lands on your vessel and you snap a picture of it, then send it to google goggles, you will be told what kind of bird it is, allegedly anyways.
Google Goggles
Greetings from sunny Brazil. Amazing your trip!! Take care and keep enjoying! :-)
Dear Jess this will be my last post before Christmas. I just wanted to wish you a very Happy Christmas. Don't worry I will check in as often as possible though as I need to know you are safe. Love and best wishes from us both. Enjoy your Christmas and know there will be plenty of your friends joining you.
Keith & Anne Hervey Bay.
Hi Jessica
20 days to the Cape! WOW its really happening now I guess shipping is likely to get busy soon so get sleep when you can for when there is traffic about.
Bird books? You can can download bird books I wonder some enterprizing company wouldn't make a free copy available to you if they knew you want one.
In fact i'll make sure they know and forward that part of your post to amazon and a few other ebook sellers and reference it through facebook maybe one will come through for you.
Any way gota go
Stay shipshape
Don
from Adelaide
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"So whatever it is you want, need or desire or just like to
have, you better try to get it now, 'cause this is the only
time there is."
-- Della Reese
Hi Jesse,
You look happy! I'm glad to hear you are having some Avian visitors, good company I'm sure. Of course you really have thousands of people with you every day (virtually, anyway :o). I'll be thinking of you over the holidays and looking forward to more updates! Keep up the great work.
Stay safe and have fun,
~Deidre NC, USA
Dear Jess,
You could not look healthier or happier. Love the hat by the way. Sounds like everything is going well. I'm sure that you've gotten you cold weather gear laid out allready. Stay safe, clipped in, (Yeah I know, enough allready with the clipped in comments but hey I'm just one of the concerened adoptive grandparents.) We're all following you all around the world and love ya. Have a great time and Merry Christmas. Hope Santa brings you some great treats.
I am a new blogger. So pleased to see that all is going well. I check your Blog every night just before going to bed.
Your blogs are great. It must be amazing to see an albatross - I've never one.
I hope that you have a great Christmas day; I guess you have a special "menu" organised for the day. You have been so strong not opening your pressies early.
Have a great day, and continue to go safely Jesse.
Just adding another comment,
"Nico" has a point about the Laura Dekker story and I agree on all comments, Jess is setting a few records here I think!
And to "JiffyLube" we are going through the Summer Solstice which means the longest day for us and Jess...
Apart from that...GO JESS!
Clint - Melbourne Town
Typing from work - Tea Break!
Hey Jess, It's great to see your updates and clips here, you're an inspiring young lady! Have you put the Christmas lights up the mast yet?:-)
Rols, Sydney
Dear Jessica,
We love reading your blogs, thanks for the pix and keep the fine details coming.
Our best wishes to you for a safe and happy Christmas. We will be thinking of you as we enjoy our Christmas dinner.
Love from Faye and Max (Mulgrave)
PS nice hat !!
Hi Jesse, Firstly we want to wish you the Happiest Christmas you can have out there on your own, just remember we all love you and will be thinking of you as we celebrate here on land, God bless you Sweetheart, and to your Mum and Dad and family and all your crew that care for you and keep you going each day a Big Merry Christmas and thanks for the help you are giving your amazing daughter and friend, you are all wonderful, we watch every day and wait in anticipation for the blogs that you all help in getting to us out here, thank you and God Bless.Roger and Lou Dwyer
The Regard!!! My name is Alexey. The Good lad!!! Never thought that at such age possible to swim away one so far! I live in Siberia, near lake Baikal. Here this year much coldly!!! Will Tomorrow be a storm and promise the temperature -40С. This much coldly even for Russia. We Shall overcome the difficulties together! Happily!
This morning it was rosy pinks here in Savannah..and this evening it was..uh..rosy pinks..so I'm not sure if its reddish skies in morning and reddish skies at night what the weather is supposed to be!! Thankfully the weather is supposed to be nice for the next two days..then turn wet and..blustery..But Christmas is on the way..and Thankfully the Christmas program went well...yesterday morning...
So many things I intended to say..guess I'll say them later...It is good to see you smiling..and enjoying..even the grey days...I've shown several people your mast picture...I took a copy of it on my phone to work.
Keep your eyes open..you never know when those reindeer will slip by...Yesterday I saw of all things...a Waterproof Bible for..guess who?..uh..the sailor in your family...Who would have thought? I didn't know such things exsisted..otherwise I would have sent one of those...never the less..keep safe..remember why there is a Christmas..enjoy the stars..and..the birds...
Be Blessed Miss Jess.
Gary & Jan
Savannah,Ga
Hey, you look ready to weather one of our notorious New England blizzards! Your good cheer is quite inspirational. Fair winds and following seas to you, Jesse!
Bill in Boston, USA
Twenty days and counting- good for you! Be sure you uncover all your Christmas stash that's hidden away before the big day! Merry Christmas, Jesse, from our log cabin in the woods to your cabin in the southern ocean!
-Karyn, IN, US
Hi Jesse,
Great to hear your have the cabin decked out for crissy Love the hat and photo..keep up the good work..and above all be safe.
Whitu - Perth
Hi Jessie,
Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas a couple days early and thank you for what you’re doing. For many of us it's like we're all on an adventure that would have never had been possible without all your effort and perseverance. We know it is difficult for you at times and commend you for hanging in there. Best wishes to you and your team. Don't forget to hang a left at the cape!
Doug in Indiana USA
hi jess,
thanks for the post. i know we're not supposed to worry, but we do when we don't here from you for a day or two!
looks like all is well even though the weather is kinda lousy.
be safe. be well. have fun.
andrew
richmond, va
Hi,
Just another American (Southern Californian) tracking your voyage each day and wishing you the very best. Hoping for smooth sailing the whole way!
Tim
Hi jess good to see you in good spirit,20 days to the horn that will go fast and before you know it you will be around the horn and heading for Africa,and maybe the weather will change to sunny days instead of gray.Well have a great christmas and new year,stay safe and god bless. Greg from Townsville.
Hmmmm. I know you have e-mail, and I know you have something that plays DVD's...
Since you are blogging this, I'm going to guess that you DO have Internet access, but I recognize that you might be e-mailing your messages to the person monitoring your blog and that person could be doing the actual Internet post.
So IF you have Internet, you might try this site for looking up birds: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1189
I'm not sure, but I don't *think* it's restricted to North America Ornithology.
Otherwise you might try Googling South Pacific Birds and see what you get.
Take care...the warm clothes look great!!!
Blessings,
Tracie
Hi, Jess,
Just looked at Passage Weather and surmised that you might be riding some pretty hefty waves right about now.
Thinking of you and wishing you Godspeed all the way. With a clear mind and hot drinks to accompany you, sail on with my BEST wishes.
Mary, Maine, USA
hope the best for you :)
many luck and thumbs up
Had a sudden thought... were's Ms Watson got to? Better google her.Got a lot of nice pics of Emma Watson (Harry Potter) before I refined my search. Good to see you are cracking along and we will be thinking of you Christmas Day never fear!
Hey there Jess, I hope you're well.
My last comment appears to have double-dipped...sorry about that.
I wish you FWCS (air winds, calm seas) As far as I'm concerned, it goes without say that you're doing great so keep up the good work oh you capable one and enjoy every moment.
BTW...Someone suggested you make sure to turn your EPIRB on for Santa...:-)) I don't think so?!
Take care and bye for now...Sam
merry christmas jess, hope santa no's where to find you. take care and god bless pete, Cairns
Hi Jesse, here's a couple of clues with the bird ID thing. Good luck, John Simpson.
I've always wanted to stand on a beach and see the ocean. Never have, and being from the central U.S. I likely never will, but reading your blog and seeing your photos is almost as good. If you were my daughter I would be 2 things: #1 totally terrified and #2 very very proud. Good luck, God bless, and Merry Christmas.
Just so you know, putting your hair in a pony tail is the same thing as taking a shower. I have deemed this to be so since starting to work at home.
Good luck to you Jesse.
Christine
Goodday Jesse I dont know what is wrong with my blogger account but have not been able to get through to you, anyway, you still have alot of other cvompany. Your looking good, nice and relaxed 3 more sleeps till santa now. Maxine and Colin Maroochydore
Hey there Jess,
What a BEAUTIFUL photo!!! If I was your Mother I'd be bursting at the seems with pride right now! :)
You are the most amazing young lady (person) I've known of in a very long time and my husband and I talk about you almosty every day!
By the way that photo you took from the top of the mast ... simply breath taking!!!
You totally rock young lady! :)
Oh and is there any chance you could post a pic of your Chrissie decorations?? ... cause I'm sure we're not the only ones who would love to see them!
Well sweetie keep warm (love the hat by the way!) and dry and happy sailing!
Only 3 sleeps now till Christmas ... yaaa!! :)
Kyla
Gympie QLD
To ...
Steve in California
December 22, 2009 7:10 AM
Thanks so much for the info re enlarging Jess's photos, cause it worked for me too!
Cheers Kyla
Gympie Qld
Who is this young woman and what has she done with Jessica? Seems you are maturing before our very eyes! Keep on keeping on!
Merry Christmas!
Anon
you look much happier now the weather getting a bit serious ... i was wondering how u got up the mast too seeing my little boat has steps ... mighnt be cool but very functional when ure on ure own John, Starlight, TCBay
Good work Jess.We all at the Sunny Coast are proud of you.
Keep it real and be good at it.
All the best for the next leg and a big Merry Christmas to you.
So proud, proud, proud of you...
Merry Christmas Jessica!! Have a blessed trip, I've been keeping track of how you are doing and I'm sending good thoughts your way. You're in a great position to see Santa Clause fly over! :-) Best of luck always. Darla in Iowa, U.S.A.
Jessica You look ready for action,and Iam sure that you are!You are quite right, sailing downwind with the"big ones"coming from behind is a different kind of sailing, you rock'n roll a lot,and the bow if you have too much sail,wants to "dig in" and cause the boat to "broach"You will be fine,and in no time at all you will be at Cape Horn, and onto your next stage.The next 10 days sailing will be testing and exciting,enjoy the ride Jesse.You are in our thoughts and prayers as always,God Bless Dougal
Hi Jesse,
This is our first time reading your blog and quite inspiring to learn someone of your age, you've got the talent and the courage to pursue your dream. Whilst we prepare to celebrate Christmas in Sydney, we complain about the heat and the traffic jam we deal with however, in saying that, we will be mindful that we will keep you in our prayers and thoughts knowing that you'll be on your own. May God protect and guide you through the next leg of your voyage and good speed.
Tim, Irae & Raelyn
Sydney
First off... you look radiant and so happy! Definitely inyur element. Thanks for the pic.
I just read some of the comments to your fantastic blog, and oh my! All I could think of was "you can please some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time".
Your hair? Your fashion? Your grammar? Your missing a day of posting? C'mon Jesse...get with it! Or one might think you are out in the middle of the ocean, alone, with more important and significant things to attend to!!!
I'm wondering if you are going to round the cape without encountering the big winds and waves that others have written about. Time will tell.
Maybe of interest:
The lessons of the albatross (http://www.wildspeak.com/vilturj/totems/walbatross.html
Please remember that if this animal is contacting you, it will often be the best resource for teaching you what its lessons are. What I write is only intended to be a guide, it is not absolute, nor is it infallible.
- Albatross teaches us grace. It comes into our lives to show us how to use our bodies in ways that help us move fluidly through our lives in conditions that can seem even treacherous to our wellbeing.
- The albatross is a master at wandering. It often teaches us the value of simply finding new roads and pathways; path-working in order to find the road less traveled if it looks like it might yield more nourishment.
- Albatross comes into our life to teach us the value of monogamy. If we are already in a long-term relationship and are souring on it, albatross tells us that through flirting and gentle courtship we can revive the wonder of monogamy and find our way into what we liked about our partner in the first place.
- Albatross teaches many types of wisdom, the foremost being wind wisdom and ocean wisdom. Albatross is excellent for people who work frequently with or around the ocean, and will lend luck and grace to anyone involved here.
- Weather forecasting is a science, an art and a magic. Albatross energy addresses all aspects of weather forecasting and helps us to understand storms, rain, and all aspects of weather connected to water and wind.
- Albatross teaches the language of currents. This is a literal and metaphorical lesson. Sometimes we need to pay attention to the currents of movement and energy in our lives, sometimes we need to go with the flow, at other times we must learn how to use the wind to our advantage and cut across converse or harmful currents.
- Albatross is a messenger bird like the eagle, and can come into our lives to pass us messages from deities or the world around us. These messages, if we open our hearts, can have great impact on the direction of our lives.
- Albatross gives us the freedom to break through limits and self-imposed limitations. Albatross energy will reject conservatism, damaging belief-systems and philosophies, and dogmatic cultures that restrict freedom easily, and can help others to do it too.
WHO IS ELLA?????
Hi, Jessica and her support crew,
This post is inspired by Jessica always seeming to delight in whatever the ocean is doing at the moment, and (though I'd be glad to think she had the time to read it) is mostly addressed to her family.
There is an old joke which is actually a dig at the Air Force, and which I can't find online and can't remember exactly, but it goes about as follows. (I have a point, I promise.)
If you tell an Army private he has to hike 10 miles with a 20 pound pack, he says "What is this stuff?" (The original joke does not use the word "stuff," but I will.)
If you tell a Marine sergeant he has to hike 20 miles with a 40 pound pack, he says "I love this stuff."
If you tell an Army Ranger he has to hike 25 miles with a 50 pound pack and fight a simulated battle at the end of it, he says "Give me more of this stuff."
If you tell a Navy SEAL he has to parachute out of a plane, swim 2 miles, hike 30 miles uphill with a 60 pound pack and fight a simulated 3 day battle at the end of it, he says "I can't get enough of this stuff."
If you tell an Air Force pilot that the TV in the Officer's Lounge only gets Basic Cable, he says "What is this stuff?"
End of joke; my point being, Jessica must have been one of those "I can't get enough of this stuff" people. It occurs to me that I don't know much about her background. But after this long of hearing her delight in whatever a day of sailing brings, I finally realized, she must have been a fanatic sailor growing up. After all, she's doing something in the realm of sailing that almost no one else does. It must be a self-selecting elite. Only the people who are crazy about it do it.
So, am I right? When other kids were playing with toy boats in the bathtub, did she want to play with the real thing? Was she constantly asking "When can we go out again? When can we get back on a boat?" Did she drive you nuts until it became painfully obvious that this is something she was born loving to do, something she was made to do?
If it's something she just happened to casually get interested in 2 years ago at summer camp, I'd be very surprised.
But however she got here, she's here, and doing splendidly. Best of luck, Jessica.
Michael in Texas, USA
Hi, Jessica!
You are worthy of the name of their ancestors!
You live in the spirit of the pioneers!
Good luck for you!
Happy Cristmas!
Andrey - Biysk/Altai/Siberia/Russia
Go Jess, the hard work is still ahead of you, I check on your progress daily
Love the hat Jessie and the huge smile Have fun Xmas Day opening your pressies Stay Safe Little Traveller
Kiwi Gal
Hi Jess, looks like all is going great for you and your boat. keep safe and have a merry xmas!
The BOYLE clan
Woonona NSW
Jess
Keep up the great work mate and the blogs. I love them.
Merry Christmas - there will be a lot of people thinking of you mate, so don't feel alone - we're all there in spirit.
Good luck as you get closer to the Horn, then you'll almost be able to see the mainland ;-)
take care
Sharyn
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Wind driven ocean spray.
We all listen as Jesse tells,
Her courageous story each day.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Thank you Jesse for sharing.
We love reading about rolly swells,
And how your sails are wearing.
Remember, homework is prohibited
during the Christmas Holidays!
As the water keeps getting cooler, how are you bathing? Or is this the part of the trip where you're just glad no one else is around to smell or be smelled? Enjoy the grey days.
Scott, Denver, Colorado, USA
Hi Jess,
"You're off the edge of the map, mate. Here there be monsters. Yo Ho!... Jack Sparrow."
Jess, the dark clouds and mist you describe conjures up kind of a spooky realm. Since you left port, have you had any strange sightings out there? You know, ghosts, ufo's, the usual! Just curious! Great pic of you with your confident beaming smile! Keep her steady! Round that horn!
Sincerely,
Pipefish, California Usa
Hi Jess, Just like to say that it is good to hear that all is well. Sorry i am a bit late but would like to congratulate you on your passing through your 7000 N/M plus 2 months mile stone. Stay safe!!! Merry Xmas to you and your Family and to all the blogers on this site. Freddo
In NZ we don't hear anything about you. But I go on to your site every night and read all about you and your progress with great interest. I really admire you and I am with you all the way. I was sitting at my computer one night and I thought to myself,what ever happened to that girl that was going to sail around the world. I went to google and typed in 'round the world yacht' and there it was. I have given your site to several other people. I must say you are a very good writer and have a great way of putting things. I wish I could be there to see you arrive back
Hi Jess,
Remember to hang up your Santa sack on Christmas eve plus leave something for Santa and his reindeer's.
Merry Christmas
Hi Jesse,
great picture as usual, it's good to hear that only 20 days are left to the Horn Cape.
Here in Milan (North Italy) yesterday snowed a lot, more than 40 cm of snow upon the trees and in the streets.
It looks like a perfect Christmas scenario!
Greetings from the cold Italy!
Andy
No new update from Captain Jesse, yet... but a bunch of great comments! I'm becoming addicted to read the Jessica's inspired entries almost as well as hers!
All of them are heartwarming.
I would like to deliver special thanks -with Jessica's permission- to Richard Lathrop, excellent longitude celebration idea... to Geoff, nice to see that Lionheart's new owner is a follower too... to Michael in Texas, for his good joke and bathtub hypothesis, quite funny... to Susan and her brillaint Albatross lecture... and to AlbacoreLiaFail, very moving story about your Dad.
It seems that many of us, adopted and/or addicts, are so moved by Jessica's adventure and, even more, by her personality, that she inspires more and more followers to express their own memories, emotions, dreams.
She has been so kindly and directly sharing with us, that her spirit is spreading, and that we share between us. Or am I still dreaming?
Well... YOU GO, GIRL, don't lose too much time with your landlocked friends' divagations. Take care of EPL and hug your stuffed pals for us! You know you are already a legend.
Hi Jesse, woo hoo three days 'til Christmas!! I hope you have some Christmas music to play and sing along to!! :) After you open your presents, what do you plan to have for Chrissy dinner?? Wow what a very special way to spend Christmas out on the ocean. We'll all be thinking of you Jesse. I hope you have a few bird friends come visit you on Friday!! Thanks for the pic, you look great as always! Take care 'til next time.
Jo
Sydney
Jesse I wrote to you when you first began your courageous journey, and like all the respondents to your site; we wish you well and with Christmas about to fall no doubt you may be feeling somewhat homesick and alone stuck out there in the big pond..but are you really?? Just as your parents, boyfriend and friends in general are with you in spirit so are we all..total strangers you have never met uniting as one to adopt you or you us, and in doing so you KNOW you are not alone. No doubt on Christmas Day you will have your own little celebration on board, and indeed you should and think of those closest to you as if they are on board with you sharing the special day of Christmas...Look up not down, look out not in..life all around you breathe it right in...Have a wonderful Christmas as much as it can be, and safe seas and journey Jessica of Australia and the world. Think of Captain Cook and Sir Francis Chichester and what of Christopher Columbus...They never had the wizz bang technology to guide you and keep you safe or e burp tracking I think it's called. Im not sure if you are religious or not, but may the devine power of the big man shine upon you and your vessel and keep you safe young Jessica. I don't know who God is but I know he is out there somewhere, and if you study the ocean around you, the stars and galaxies above you which ancient mariners used for navigation with sextons; there has to be some higher power Jessica..Merry Christmas and wonderful journey in 2010..and if you berth in Fremantle I will be there to cheer you on. Kary Perth aged 62 kgp747@gmail.com
Great Blogging Jesse as usual and some excellent pics as well.
Ive had to catch up for the past few days, so was great to read a big chunk all at once....smile
Make sure you take a pic of your cabin decked out for chrissy...i hope you have big plans to celebrate.....hey i just had a thought.....with you being out there in the quiet....you just might hear santa's sleigh....i hope you have a landing pad on board Ella for him to land....Smile
As always its great to hear from you.
stay safe, warm and have fun
deb and the guinea's
Albatross ? DID I HEAR A L B A T R O S S ??
Hi,Jessica,
Missed a couple of days,digging out my car last few days from our snow storm last weekend,even the ''postie'' couldn't deliver his cards and stuff for two day's.It was pretty to watch and with your picture you would fit in real well.
Now as for the homesickness it's that time of year,but listen your entire ''world family'' is with you 24/7 so you remember that when you feel a little down,through on some of your music and ''rock out'',it makes good medicine.
Seeing some birds brings the world right to you and knowing your adventure will turn over a new sighting that you can add to your memories.You have never said are you keeping a ''daily dairy''????
Still awaiting Santa's reply,guess he is getting in the final preps.but I know in my heart he will do his best,I am sure Rudolph will find with his nose so bright.
Again don't forget to put some ''treats'',you might be surprised.
Keep up the great comments and pics and as for your hair,you are ''cute'' with any look young lady.
May my best holiday wishes find you and your ''stuffy crew '' in good spirits and may Santa brought you good tidings of joy.
Take care and remember your entire ''Adoptive world family'' loves you.
God speed Ms.Jessica and mat the winds keep Pink Lady true.
Happy Holiday's from a cold and snow covered Maryland,USA.
Stephen M.,
''Transplanted Aussie'',
Maryland,USA.
Hey Jess,
Oh, and finally...
A GREAT BIG SMILE! (referring to your latest pic) Well right back at you! :-D
You’re doing incredibly well!
Be Safe,
Mike :D
Landlocked in Philadelphia, Pa, USA
Awww, that's adorable!!
Well done lady were pullin for ya here in Texas, Merry Christmas !!!
Unbelieviable courage, all the best, love your blog.
Hi Jesse,
Burrrrrr...that makes me cold just looking at you all bundled up. Nice to see your big smile.
Keep on a sailing.
Safe Sailing...
Marion from Oklahoma City(USA)
jess> i am in nashville, Tennessee. i guess a world away. i check your blog twice a day. i have been at sea for only 2-3 days at a time. i cannot imagine what it must be like for you. but i am riding with you and sending you all the best.
Have a safe and merry christmas Jesse.Know that a lot of people are thinking of you and wishing you success.
Cheers from Rob Williams and family, Tasmania.
(You are in our lattitude now.....plenty of westerlies to speed you on your way!!!!!!!)
Well done Jessica. We will be thinking of you at turkey and ham time tonight. Stay safe and keep your bilges dry. Irene and Neill, Macleay Island
Dear Miss Jessica,
Wishing you God speed and safe passage around the horn.
The rum rations are at hand to celebrate that most glorious of seafaring milestones.
You have had many who doubted your abilities but you just keep at it and prove them wrong.
Wishing you a most joyous Christmas. And yes you are far from alone.
The Ragtag Crew.
Hey Jesse have a lovely and safe Christmas. Enjoy your day we are thinking of you. Lex and Gail qld
teruslah bersemangat...!
go jessica go jessica go....
Hi Jess,
You are a lovely bravy amazing young girl. Its hard to imagine how you got such matured & very responsible mentality. I wish you all the Good Luck to break the record.
Godspeed!
Chloe Qld Au
Happy New Year Jessica!
Have been following your adventure daily from Eagan, MN. What an adventurous brave young woman you are. Wishing you safe travels and God's blessings for your safe return home.
I have been watching your progress from the development stages with a huge amount of admiration, but this is my first blog, but I have to say,
what a great young woman you are! I have twins your age, boy and girl, and you are an inspiration, quite frankly. So many of us dream of doing things, but never do.
Jess, Happy New Year, and keep safe. Australian of the Year for me!
Hey Jess- Good to hear about your daring adventure, you are in peak of making a history in the world, my lots of wishes for you, Good luck:) God always with daring people, God bless cheers:)-Avi from India
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