Sorry I didn't update you all yesterday. I've been catching up on a bit of sleep. I've certainly had an interesting few days.The wind started picking up pretty much right after I'd sent Tuesday's blog and topped at 44knots mid-morning yesterday. Which makes for my first Southern Ocean gale.
Ella's Pink Lady and I came through beautifully and I learned a lot about how she handles when the sea's up. There's a good chance that we'll see worse somewhere along the line, but apart from a bit of fast surfing (a bit too fast for comfort!), everything went really smoothly this time. After a while, some of the waves started to knock us around a bit which got just a little hard on the nerves. But one thing I'm really happy with, is what a good job Parker did keeping us on course!
The sea was really quite something. My best guess would be conservatively 5 metres and far more amazing than any of the pictures or how I'd imagined it! The ocean in a state like that is downright spectacular and fascinating to watch, but I think it's really one of those things you have to experience first hand. I'm not sure I can really describe it and pictures really don't do it any justice.
But the most amazing thing of all was the dolphin that swam along next to Ella's Pink Lady for over 6 hours while the wind was the strongest, just as if he was keeping an eye out for us! Every time I'd glance out the porthole I'd get another little flash of fin or tail just as if he was reassuring me that he was still there. I haven't seen a dolphin for weeks, so to have one see us through the gale like that was something special and very comforting!
The wind and sea kept dying off today, so we're making good ground with nice 15 to 20 knots of wind and 3m of sea. It's currently the middle of the night for me but it hardly seems dark as for the first time in weeks I got a sky full of stars and a brilliant full moon! It's such a novelty that I've spent the last few hours bundled up in more layers that I would have thought possible braving the cold and sitting out in the cockpit taking it all in.
With my mind on other things for the last few days, New Years Eve has crept upon me a lot faster than I'd realized, so I think I'll save my New Year's party for tomorrow in my own time zone. But I would like to wish Happy New Year to everyone out there celebrating tonight. Looks like I'm going to miss the fireworks so make the most of them for me!
Jesse
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Better Wind
I'm pretty thrilled to have made good progress to the east over the last two days. We've finally had 15-20 knots of steady breeze and Ella's Pink Lady has been surfing along nicely. The wind is also expected to keep increasing, so you never know, it might start getting a bit more like the Southern Ocean down here after all!
The light drizzly rain has become a constant and the temperature seems to drop a little lower each day. At least the fog seems to have disappeared now (see pic below). There's still plenty of birds around, but I'm not doing so well at getting pictures of them as they just won't sit still for me. I'll post some pictures just as soon as I manage to get some half decent shots!
When I venture up on deck these days, I feel a bit like a clumsy elephant with all the gear that I have to wear. First there's all the thermals and various different layers, then boots and wet-weather gear, hat, life jacket and what feels like half the hardware stashed in the pockets of my overalls. I'm always carrying my knife, PLB (personal EPIRB), shifter and more often than not a selection of various other tools. It's far easier to just take most of the spanner set with you, when picking the wrong size means an extra round of clipping and un-clipping tethers and opening and replacing washboards.
I'm still having the time of my life, doing a lot of reading keeping up a constant stream of hot drinks, having fun with my cooking (my chocolate pudding was a great hit with the crew yesterday!) and today I've a had few little jobs to do when shackles on the vang (which holds the boom down) andwindvane decided to give up the go. But a bit of improvising and we were all good again.
So just 1500 nm to Cape Horn and 2009 almost over. I can't believe where this year has gone. It's nearly 2010 already!
Jesse
The light drizzly rain has become a constant and the temperature seems to drop a little lower each day. At least the fog seems to have disappeared now (see pic below). There's still plenty of birds around, but I'm not doing so well at getting pictures of them as they just won't sit still for me. I'll post some pictures just as soon as I manage to get some half decent shots!
When I venture up on deck these days, I feel a bit like a clumsy elephant with all the gear that I have to wear. First there's all the thermals and various different layers, then boots and wet-weather gear, hat, life jacket and what feels like half the hardware stashed in the pockets of my overalls. I'm always carrying my knife, PLB (personal EPIRB), shifter and more often than not a selection of various other tools. It's far easier to just take most of the spanner set with you, when picking the wrong size means an extra round of clipping and un-clipping tethers and opening and replacing washboards.
I'm still having the time of my life, doing a lot of reading keeping up a constant stream of hot drinks, having fun with my cooking (my chocolate pudding was a great hit with the crew yesterday!) and today I've a had few little jobs to do when shackles on the vang (which holds the boom down) andwindvane decided to give up the go. But a bit of improvising and we were all good again.
So just 1500 nm to Cape Horn and 2009 almost over. I can't believe where this year has gone. It's nearly 2010 already!
Jesse
Pic: A foggy few days over Christmas!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Not So Fearsome 50's!
It's been a bit of a slow day with only a little wind and drizzly rain. You wouldn't guess that this is the Southern Ocean! Well, that is apart from the long swell and Albrotross, oh and of course the cold.
I've been finding the light winds and slow progress a little frustrating, but I shouldn't complain because life is so much more comfortable in the light conditions and the wind chill is going to be quite something when it does eventually pick up. Thank goodness for all my warm Musto gear and the protection of the dodger!
One thing that's really cool (that wasn't meant to be a joke!) about being so far south is how few hours of dark there are.
Lately I've been keeping in touch with another solo sailor Dilip Donde who is from India (http://sagarparikrama.blogspot.com/) and part way through his own circumnavigation. It's been great to talk to him and compare conditions as he's not far to the west of us and also heading for Cape Horn. Dilip's boat Mhadei is quite a bit bigger than Ella's Pink Lady at 47ft so he's catching us up pretty fast!
That's all for today.
Jessica
I've been finding the light winds and slow progress a little frustrating, but I shouldn't complain because life is so much more comfortable in the light conditions and the wind chill is going to be quite something when it does eventually pick up. Thank goodness for all my warm Musto gear and the protection of the dodger!
One thing that's really cool (that wasn't meant to be a joke!) about being so far south is how few hours of dark there are.
Lately I've been keeping in touch with another solo sailor Dilip Donde who is from India (http://sagarparikrama.blogspot.com/) and part way through his own circumnavigation. It's been great to talk to him and compare conditions as he's not far to the west of us and also heading for Cape Horn. Dilip's boat Mhadei is quite a bit bigger than Ella's Pink Lady at 47ft so he's catching us up pretty fast!
That's all for today.
Jessica
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.
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!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Video
Hello everyone
As promised, Jessica's Christmas video has just been loaded on to her website. To view, click on the link below:
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/videos
On behalf of everyone in Jessica's team, we would like to thank you all for your wonderful support on her blog. It has just been amazing. Jessica loves reading all your messages of support, but as you can appreciate, it is impossible to reply to them all. So please keep them coming.
Wishing you all a safe and Happy Christmas. Go Jess!
'Blogmaster Andrew'
As promised, Jessica's Christmas video has just been loaded on to her website. To view, click on the link below:
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/videos
On behalf of everyone in Jessica's team, we would like to thank you all for your wonderful support on her blog. It has just been amazing. Jessica loves reading all your messages of support, but as you can appreciate, it is impossible to reply to them all. So please keep them coming.
Wishing you all a safe and Happy Christmas. Go Jess!
'Blogmaster Andrew'
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas in the Middle of Nowhere!
It's still been pretty foggy and gray out here but we've been able to make good progress with 15 knots of wind from the west. Both the air and sea temperatures have dropped a few more degrees and this morning we pretty much sailed right over Point Nemo, which is known for being the point of ocean furthest from any land. You really could say that I'll be spending Christmas in the middle of nowhere!
With pretty steady conditions and a reasonable forecast for the next few days I took the Christmas decorations in the cabin to the next level, there's now tinsel and little bauble-balls everywhere swinging in time to Ella's Pink Lady's motion.
Well that's it from me as it's getting late and I'd better get going to bed or Santa might catch me awake, I really hope he can find me out here!
Till tomorrow!
Jesse
With pretty steady conditions and a reasonable forecast for the next few days I took the Christmas decorations in the cabin to the next level, there's now tinsel and little bauble-balls everywhere swinging in time to Ella's Pink Lady's motion.
Well that's it from me as it's getting late and I'd better get going to bed or Santa might catch me awake, I really hope he can find me out here!
Till tomorrow!
Jesse
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Foggy
We didn't exactly get anywhere today with very little wind. This morning was misty and overcast again, but this afternoon has been pretty special with a really thick fog closing in. It feels like there's a great big grey moist blanket draped over the world and just before it got dark the fog got so thick that I could hardly see 50 metres ahead. It's really a pretty amazing sight, but along with the almost complete silence, it's not far off feeling downright eerie.
I've been working hard not to let my imagination run away from itself, but it just feels so surreal sitting almost motionless with a big rolly swell passing undereath and the white swirling fog surrounding us. Now that it is dark Ella's Pink Lady'snavigation lights at the top of the mast are lighting up big rays of red and green fog. It feels like something out of a movie!
I think I've got the complete opposite to the sunshine, heat and the craziness of the last minute Christmas shopping that everyone's experiencing back home. Out here in my own little world things couldn't be any more different!
I have to say I've been feeling a bit homesick on and off today but I refuse to let it stop me from appreciating every moment out here.
I've been carefully planning out my Christmas dinner and the light winds mean that I'm almost constantly on my toes adjusting Parker's course. It's not exactly the most difficult task. I can normally correct Parker without even leaving the cabin by reaching out and adjusting the windvane line on the tiller, but the constant adjustments get a bit tedious when trying to get some down time.
Less than 2300nm to Cape Horn now, so despite all this slow progress we are slowly getting there. If this fog keeps up I'll be having a white Christmas of sorts!
Jesse
I've been working hard not to let my imagination run away from itself, but it just feels so surreal sitting almost motionless with a big rolly swell passing undereath and the white swirling fog surrounding us. Now that it is dark Ella's Pink Lady'snavigation lights at the top of the mast are lighting up big rays of red and green fog. It feels like something out of a movie!
I think I've got the complete opposite to the sunshine, heat and the craziness of the last minute Christmas shopping that everyone's experiencing back home. Out here in my own little world things couldn't be any more different!
I have to say I've been feeling a bit homesick on and off today but I refuse to let it stop me from appreciating every moment out here.
I've been carefully planning out my Christmas dinner and the light winds mean that I'm almost constantly on my toes adjusting Parker's course. It's not exactly the most difficult task. I can normally correct Parker without even leaving the cabin by reaching out and adjusting the windvane line on the tiller, but the constant adjustments get a bit tedious when trying to get some down time.
Less than 2300nm to Cape Horn now, so despite all this slow progress we are slowly getting there. If this fog keeps up I'll be having a white Christmas of sorts!
Jesse
Monday, December 21, 2009
Grey and Misty
I've just come inside from sitting out in the wind, with a cup of hot chocolate and watching the light fade. No sunset as I've got heavy cloud and poor visibility, but the light misty rain and big rolly grey swell is just as lovely as any sunset.
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!
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!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Quick Update
Glad you all liked the pic from the mast yesterday. It's been an overcast day today and the wind has been pretty light, but we've been able to make reasonable progress with the big light-wind reaching sail up. That was the one sail that I didn't expect to be using at this latitude!
It's cooler again with the temperature down to 17c and over the next few days I'm expected to see a low of 12c.
I spent the afternoon tackling a little electrical problem. The battery monitor (a gauge which tells me the condition of the batteries and all my ins and outs of my power) had stopped working. I thought it was well and truly a 'goner' (Aussie slang for finished!) and that I'd have to go without, but thanks to some really detailed and helpful instructions from Neil our astute electrician, combined with an afternoons hard work, I'm very happy to report that I had a win! With all the tricky little details involved, I can't say that I was that confident that it was going to function. So you should have seen how thrilled I was after replacing the last fuse to see it fire up again!
That's it from me, it's past midnight local time and I'm feeling a little overdue for some shut eye.
Good night!
Jesse
It's cooler again with the temperature down to 17c and over the next few days I'm expected to see a low of 12c.
I spent the afternoon tackling a little electrical problem. The battery monitor (a gauge which tells me the condition of the batteries and all my ins and outs of my power) had stopped working. I thought it was well and truly a 'goner' (Aussie slang for finished!) and that I'd have to go without, but thanks to some really detailed and helpful instructions from Neil our astute electrician, combined with an afternoons hard work, I'm very happy to report that I had a win! With all the tricky little details involved, I can't say that I was that confident that it was going to function. So you should have seen how thrilled I was after replacing the last fuse to see it fire up again!
That's it from me, it's past midnight local time and I'm feeling a little overdue for some shut eye.
Good night!
Jesse
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Up The Mast and Into The Roaring 40's
Yesterday was a nice calm day so I decided it was time to have a go at climbing the mast. Down came the mainsail, on went the main electric auto pilot, on went my dorky helmet and up I went. Ella's Pink Lady hasn't got the tallest mast and there wasn't much of a sea, but I certainly felt every little roll up there!
It was good to have a look around up top after being at sea for so long and before we hit the bumpy stuff. I'm happy to report that everything looks to be in perfect condition. The view was definitely great and it was really cool to see Ella's Pink Lady sailing along from another angle (see pic below). If I can say so myself, what a cute little boat! The trip back down was the most interesting part because I didn't manage to give myself a very smooth ride, ouch!
Typically, while I was swinging around at the top of the mast, the wind, which had been steady all morning, started knocking us about (changing direction to come from the direction we were headed). Luckily I had my remote commander (a gadget that controls the main auto pilot and displays information like our heading, the wind strength and etc.) with me and was able to bring us around to a better course. It wasn't exactly a high drama situation as there was only a light breeze. Worst case scenario would have been an even more uncomfortable trip back down, but I got a thrill out of the fact that here I was swinging around at the top of the mast sailing Ella's Pink Lady like a remote control car. Pretty amazing!
It wasn't till yesterday morning that I noticed that my adventure up the mast didn't leave me completely untouched. I'm just a little stiff all over and have a few extra bruises. But all good.
We've had great progress lately with the wind a steady 14 knots. Ella's Pink Lady loves reaching in conditions like this and yesterday I hardly saw our speed drop below 6 knots. I love this sort of sailing too because the motion and heal is nice and comfortable. It's a treat being able to move around the cabin without doing the arms and legs everywhere (spider impersonation!) that it often takes to stop myself being thrown about.
Also, yesterday we sailed into the 40's. The wind didn't suddenly start roaring or anything but I'm sure that part comes later. Today's been a pretty average day. Not average as in bad, as everyday's great! Just nothing much new or out of the ordinary.
I dug out all my Christmas music today (my favorites would have to be snoopy at Christmas and Christmas with the Wiggles!) and have been singing along very loudly and very, very badly! 
It was good to have a look around up top after being at sea for so long and before we hit the bumpy stuff. I'm happy to report that everything looks to be in perfect condition. The view was definitely great and it was really cool to see Ella's Pink Lady sailing along from another angle (see pic below). If I can say so myself, what a cute little boat! The trip back down was the most interesting part because I didn't manage to give myself a very smooth ride, ouch!
Typically, while I was swinging around at the top of the mast, the wind, which had been steady all morning, started knocking us about (changing direction to come from the direction we were headed). Luckily I had my remote commander (a gadget that controls the main auto pilot and displays information like our heading, the wind strength and etc.) with me and was able to bring us around to a better course. It wasn't exactly a high drama situation as there was only a light breeze. Worst case scenario would have been an even more uncomfortable trip back down, but I got a thrill out of the fact that here I was swinging around at the top of the mast sailing Ella's Pink Lady like a remote control car. Pretty amazing!
It wasn't till yesterday morning that I noticed that my adventure up the mast didn't leave me completely untouched. I'm just a little stiff all over and have a few extra bruises. But all good.
We've had great progress lately with the wind a steady 14 knots. Ella's Pink Lady loves reaching in conditions like this and yesterday I hardly saw our speed drop below 6 knots. I love this sort of sailing too because the motion and heal is nice and comfortable. It's a treat being able to move around the cabin without doing the arms and legs everywhere (spider impersonation!) that it often takes to stop myself being thrown about.
Also, yesterday we sailed into the 40's. The wind didn't suddenly start roaring or anything but I'm sure that part comes later. Today's been a pretty average day. Not average as in bad, as everyday's great! Just nothing much new or out of the ordinary.
I dug out all my Christmas music today (my favorites would have to be snoopy at Christmas and Christmas with the Wiggles!) and have been singing along very loudly and very, very badly!
Jesse
Pic: View of Ella's Pink Lady from the top of the mast!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Amazing Sunset
Mostly it's just been a normal day out here, not a lot of wind but just enough to keep us moving on a gentle sea at a steady 5 knots.
Tonight's sunset was far from normal though, it was amazing! I thought it was good to start with, but then the colours just kept getting better and better as the sun disappeared. And yes I captured some pics (below) to capture the moment and colours. Hope you like them.
Well it's just going to be a quick update for today as my tummy is telling me I'm way overdue for some food!
Jesse
Pic 1: An amazing sunset in the background
Pic 2: Ella's Pink Lady also enjoyed the sunset!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Lucky Not Lonely!
For the first time in over two weeks I saw something man made other than Ella's Pink Lady (drum roll please!). It was a small white piece of plastic that floated by this morning while we were becalmed for a short while. Not all that exciting, but it made me think about just how completely in the middle of nowhere I really am and about how every mile is taking us further into a pretty much empty stretch of ocean. It's still strange to think that I'm probably hundreds of miles from the nearest person, in fact it's now almost two months since I've seen anyone. Sure I've seen other boats but none of them have come close enough toactually make out the crew.
Maybe stranger still, I can honestly say that I've not once felt lonely out here. Homesick sure and I've missed everyone since the moment I sailed outof Sydney, but not lonely. Lonely is the word for a Friday night with nowhere to go, sitting at home feeling sorry for yourself. The difference is that I choose to be out here. For some crazy reason I chose to be on a little boat in the middle of the ocean. Maybe the dictionary puts it better than I do (yup, I'm actually quoting a dictionary!). 'Lonely; a depressed feeling of being alone'. I might be about as physically alone as you can get, but I'm not depressed about it at all. How can I feel lonely with people all over the world thinking of me, talking about me (my nose just doesn't stop itching!), some probably still hotly debating whether or not I should be out here. And with my family and friends waiting for me back home. Lonely no, that's not the word. Actually. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!
Another first for today was a little blue sky, it's been 4 days since I've had any sunshine and I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it. Living on the Sunshine Coast with its often endless stretches of perfect weather, I used to love a rainy or overcast day just to break up the monotony, but out here nothing makes me smile faster than a little sunshine. I've even got a fewstars tonight. How spoiled am I?
So other than that patch of practically no wind this morning that left Ella'sPink Lady rolling uncomfortably in the swell, we've been able to make goodground to the east, just plodding along one day at a time!
Jessica
Maybe stranger still, I can honestly say that I've not once felt lonely out here. Homesick sure and I've missed everyone since the moment I sailed outof Sydney, but not lonely. Lonely is the word for a Friday night with nowhere to go, sitting at home feeling sorry for yourself. The difference is that I choose to be out here. For some crazy reason I chose to be on a little boat in the middle of the ocean. Maybe the dictionary puts it better than I do (yup, I'm actually quoting a dictionary!). 'Lonely; a depressed feeling of being alone'. I might be about as physically alone as you can get, but I'm not depressed about it at all. How can I feel lonely with people all over the world thinking of me, talking about me (my nose just doesn't stop itching!), some probably still hotly debating whether or not I should be out here. And with my family and friends waiting for me back home. Lonely no, that's not the word. Actually. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!
Another first for today was a little blue sky, it's been 4 days since I've had any sunshine and I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it. Living on the Sunshine Coast with its often endless stretches of perfect weather, I used to love a rainy or overcast day just to break up the monotony, but out here nothing makes me smile faster than a little sunshine. I've even got a fewstars tonight. How spoiled am I?
So other than that patch of practically no wind this morning that left Ella'sPink Lady rolling uncomfortably in the swell, we've been able to make goodground to the east, just plodding along one day at a time!
Jessica
Friday, December 11, 2009
Banana Muffins and Watching the World Go By
For the last few days we've had a dark and slightly eerie sky and a building sea. The wind picked up for a while and was expected to hit about 40 knots and I have been waiting for some action. But it looks like we've missed out this time as we've just sailed clear of the squash zone (an area where two weather systems come together). Oh well, there's always next time. I can't see there being any shortage of strong winds further south. Call this one a practice run!
My favorite pastime lately has become standing in the companionway, under the dodger, sheltered from the wind, watching the world go by. You could say that I'm entertained by small things but I still find watching each wave roll under Ella's Pink Lady, with the occasional one dumping over us, just fascinating.
The weather really hasn't been anything special with the heavy overcast skies and occasional rain giving us pretty poor visibility, but in its own way it is just as spectacular as some of the stunning cloudless days.
Climbing into my cozy sleeping bag is already becoming something I look forward to. The getting out again part is more of a challenge though. I even pulled on a set of thermals today, probably over-reacting really, as the temperature is only down to 20c, but for now the cooler weather is still a bit of a novelty.
As always I'm good spirits but couldn't help thinking this morning of how nice it would be to be able to take a few days off, to think of something other than sailing and to be able to let down my guard for a while - just wishful thinking really and after all, its just part of the challenge!
I discovered something this morning that I can see becoming a favorite, hot custard for breakfast! And talking of food, in an effort to get rid of some of the banana chips that Mum must have packed for me (on the off chance that I actually might start liking them!) I had a go at making banana muffins this afternoon. Everyone present voted that they turned out perfect! They must have been pretty good as I'm eating the last one now!
As you've probably noticed on the tracking map on the website, we've finally been able to make a little progress to the east lately and the outlook for the next while is for conditions to calm down a little more.
And for everyone asking where they can send letters to, the best snail-mail address to reach me on is via my management company in Sydney;
Jessica Watson
c/o 5 Oceans Media
220 West Street
Crows Nest NSW 2065, Australia
All that mail waiting for me when I get back to Australia will be another thing to look forward to!
As always, thanks for all the support!
Jesse
My favorite pastime lately has become standing in the companionway, under the dodger, sheltered from the wind, watching the world go by. You could say that I'm entertained by small things but I still find watching each wave roll under Ella's Pink Lady, with the occasional one dumping over us, just fascinating.
The weather really hasn't been anything special with the heavy overcast skies and occasional rain giving us pretty poor visibility, but in its own way it is just as spectacular as some of the stunning cloudless days.
Climbing into my cozy sleeping bag is already becoming something I look forward to. The getting out again part is more of a challenge though. I even pulled on a set of thermals today, probably over-reacting really, as the temperature is only down to 20c, but for now the cooler weather is still a bit of a novelty.
As always I'm good spirits but couldn't help thinking this morning of how nice it would be to be able to take a few days off, to think of something other than sailing and to be able to let down my guard for a while - just wishful thinking really and after all, its just part of the challenge!
I discovered something this morning that I can see becoming a favorite, hot custard for breakfast! And talking of food, in an effort to get rid of some of the banana chips that Mum must have packed for me (on the off chance that I actually might start liking them!) I had a go at making banana muffins this afternoon. Everyone present voted that they turned out perfect! They must have been pretty good as I'm eating the last one now!
As you've probably noticed on the tracking map on the website, we've finally been able to make a little progress to the east lately and the outlook for the next while is for conditions to calm down a little more.
And for everyone asking where they can send letters to, the best snail-mail address to reach me on is via my management company in Sydney;
Jessica Watson
c/o 5 Oceans Media
220 West Street
Crows Nest NSW 2065, Australia
All that mail waiting for me when I get back to Australia will be another thing to look forward to!
As always, thanks for all the support!
Jesse
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Ready For Some Wind!
I've been having a busy few days doing jobs and double checking everything before we get too far south, all the while flying along in great sailing conditions. Of course possibly the most important job of all had to be the installation of a safety strap for the crew, my stuffed toys! Hope you liked yesterday's pic.
The cabin has copped a full re-arrange, with everything properly secured, light wind sails shuffled to the bottom of the pile to be replaced with the storm sails, all my warm clothing has been dug out along with wet weather gear ready for easy access. Sorting out the bow area had been something I'd been dreading as it had become a bit of a dumping ground, a lot like the way I've always shoved stuff under my bed at home! But it turned out to be good fun as I discovered all sorts of things that I'd forgotten were there, including all my Christmas presents! Don't worry I managed to restrain myself and save them for Christmas.
Turns out to be good timing as it looks like I'm going to be in for some pretty strong weather tomorrow. Although the wind has been nothing severe today, the clouds have slowly been rolling in and the wind is expected to start picking up any time soon. Chances are that things are going to get pretty bumpy for me tomorrow. Call me crazy but hearing that Ella's Pink Lady and I are finally going to get some rough stuff was in one way a big relief, as it's been keeping me in suspense waiting!
I'm a tad nervous but mostly just excited knowing that I've done everything that I can. Well that's it for me, I'm off to have something good to eat and to try and catch some sleep while the going is good.
Jesse
The cabin has copped a full re-arrange, with everything properly secured, light wind sails shuffled to the bottom of the pile to be replaced with the storm sails, all my warm clothing has been dug out along with wet weather gear ready for easy access. Sorting out the bow area had been something I'd been dreading as it had become a bit of a dumping ground, a lot like the way I've always shoved stuff under my bed at home! But it turned out to be good fun as I discovered all sorts of things that I'd forgotten were there, including all my Christmas presents! Don't worry I managed to restrain myself and save them for Christmas.
Turns out to be good timing as it looks like I'm going to be in for some pretty strong weather tomorrow. Although the wind has been nothing severe today, the clouds have slowly been rolling in and the wind is expected to start picking up any time soon. Chances are that things are going to get pretty bumpy for me tomorrow. Call me crazy but hearing that Ella's Pink Lady and I are finally going to get some rough stuff was in one way a big relief, as it's been keeping me in suspense waiting!
I'm a tad nervous but mostly just excited knowing that I've done everything that I can. Well that's it for me, I'm off to have something good to eat and to try and catch some sleep while the going is good.
Jesse
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Pics!
Pic 1: Tonight's sunset, lots of pastel colours
Pic 2: All ready for the Southern Ocean. My crew with their newly installed seat belt!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Quiet Sunday
It's been a nice and pretty uneventful day, what with being so far from land and home it must seem a bit strange but it felt just like a Sunday out here today, don't ask me to explain exactly how a Sunday feels but that's just how it felt!
Ella's Pink Lady still flying south and its definitely starting to get cooler, sitting outside in the breeze, I actually had to put a jumper on this evening. It's not exactly cool yet with the air temperature down to 28C (I recorded a top of 38C in the cabin above Kiritimati Island) but what did surprise me was the change in water temperature today. It jumped from 26C earlier today to 24.5C and compared with the 30C we've had for so long that felt just a little cool when I had a scrub down this afternoon, brrrr!
With the sea flattening out even more I've been doing the typical Sunday thing and catching some extra sleep and generally not getting up to much. I spent most of the day buried in a book which turned out to be just what I needed, it was so nice to completely put my head in another place for the day and I feel like I'm all recharged and ready for another week!
That's it for me tonight,
Jesse
Ella's Pink Lady still flying south and its definitely starting to get cooler, sitting outside in the breeze, I actually had to put a jumper on this evening. It's not exactly cool yet with the air temperature down to 28C (I recorded a top of 38C in the cabin above Kiritimati Island) but what did surprise me was the change in water temperature today. It jumped from 26C earlier today to 24.5C and compared with the 30C we've had for so long that felt just a little cool when I had a scrub down this afternoon, brrrr!
With the sea flattening out even more I've been doing the typical Sunday thing and catching some extra sleep and generally not getting up to much. I spent most of the day buried in a book which turned out to be just what I needed, it was so nice to completely put my head in another place for the day and I feel like I'm all recharged and ready for another week!
That's it for me tonight,
Jesse
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Doesn't Get Much Better!
We've had that messy sea and squally conditions for the last few days but the clouds and squalls have well and truly cleared out today, leaving Ella's Pink Lady to fly along in picture perfect trade wind conditions. The trade winds are the name given to the band of steady south easterly winds in this part of the world but what the books don't say is how lovely the sunshine is, how nice it is to have a steady breeze and how amazingly blue the water looks speckled with whitecaps. Maybe it's just that I'm just in a particularly good mood and seeing everything through happy glasses but I don't think it gets much better than this!
On the down side the south easterly trade winds are also a bit of a pain, because south east is exactly where I'd like to be going! We've been able to make some great progress south but we're not getting anywhere when it comes to making ground to the east. Still nothing to worry about because as we go further south the wind will drop off and probably come from a bit of everywhere (this areas known as the variables or subtropics) before settling in from the west when we get down south to the roaring 40's. Bob's latest forecast gives us around another week on this course with similar conditions before we're able to turn on to a more direct line to Cape Horn.
We're now well clear of French Polynesia, actually with the wind we ended up getting, it turned out that we avoided most of the islands and reefs anyway. Other than a few little islands that we are set to pass tomorrow it's just open water between us and Cape Horn, 4380nm of it!
Oh and one thing that I'm sure everyone is quietly wondering, no I'm not at all sick of the pink yet! Ella's Pink Lady's slightly 'out there' color scheme still gives me endless smiles and turned out to be a pretty good colour for the tropics, keeping the cabin cool and making a nice change to the blues and grays which is just about all I see out here! Still I've got quite a while out here yet so I'll keep you posted on just how I feel about pink as time goes on!
Well I'm off to heat up my current favorite Easyfood meal, beef stroganoff for an early dinner and after yesterdays success with some scones I think I might have a go at making some more, maybe with cheese this time.
I'd apologize to all my worried adopted parents for the lack of updates over the last few days but from what I've seen of the latest comments I'd probably get a telling off for that too so I'm just going to keep my trap shut!
Jesse
On the down side the south easterly trade winds are also a bit of a pain, because south east is exactly where I'd like to be going! We've been able to make some great progress south but we're not getting anywhere when it comes to making ground to the east. Still nothing to worry about because as we go further south the wind will drop off and probably come from a bit of everywhere (this areas known as the variables or subtropics) before settling in from the west when we get down south to the roaring 40's. Bob's latest forecast gives us around another week on this course with similar conditions before we're able to turn on to a more direct line to Cape Horn.
We're now well clear of French Polynesia, actually with the wind we ended up getting, it turned out that we avoided most of the islands and reefs anyway. Other than a few little islands that we are set to pass tomorrow it's just open water between us and Cape Horn, 4380nm of it!
Oh and one thing that I'm sure everyone is quietly wondering, no I'm not at all sick of the pink yet! Ella's Pink Lady's slightly 'out there' color scheme still gives me endless smiles and turned out to be a pretty good colour for the tropics, keeping the cabin cool and making a nice change to the blues and grays which is just about all I see out here! Still I've got quite a while out here yet so I'll keep you posted on just how I feel about pink as time goes on!
Well I'm off to heat up my current favorite Easyfood meal, beef stroganoff for an early dinner and after yesterdays success with some scones I think I might have a go at making some more, maybe with cheese this time.
I'd apologize to all my worried adopted parents for the lack of updates over the last few days but from what I've seen of the latest comments I'd probably get a telling off for that too so I'm just going to keep my trap shut!
Jesse
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Just Briefly
Just a quick update, it's been another squally overcast day and tonight's become a bit bouncy with the wind gusting to 30 knots and the seas standing up as we pass over a shallow patch. The winds been very shifty, every time I put my head on the pillow to catch some sleep something always seems to happen and back on deck I go, it's a pity that Parker cant also trim the sails and navigate! No complaints though and we're still making great time south!
The clouds have finally parted a little just now and the moon light shining down on the messy sea makes it look like seriously scrunched up tin foil, only far more shiny and of course moving!
Jesse
The clouds have finally parted a little just now and the moon light shining down on the messy sea makes it look like seriously scrunched up tin foil, only far more shiny and of course moving!
Jesse
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Cooler Weather, Rubbish and New Food Bag
Still good progress south but the big news for today is that I actually turned one of my little Hella cabin fans off this morning for the first time in weeks! Two little fans probably don't sound like anything to write home about but believe me they've been a total lifeline, running constantly and doing a great job of helping me keep cool. Maybe it's too soon to start hoping, but it finally feels like it's started getting cooler over the last few days. You can be sure that it will be no time at all and I'll be complaining about the cold!
It’s still been very squally out here, with the squalls leaving behind a messy chop on the swell and making a mockery of anything I'd like to call sleeping patterns. I've been cat napping all afternoon to try and make up for lost sleep. Ella's Pink Lady's still making good ground south at the moment. Then sometime tomorrow morning we'll be tacking over to make some ground to the east to hopefully pick up a more easterly wind. We passed back over the date-line today putting the local time zone at GMT-10, not that that means all that much to me. If anything I'm still running on Queensland time!
One of today's little jobs included my weekly attempt to compact and package up my rubbish for storage in the bow. Obviously anything that's degradable goes over the side and anything that's left, which is pretty much only plastic packaging, gets washed out if needed and carefully packaged up till I get home.
With nothing left in the last food bag but a tin of baked beans and a packet of banana chips (dinner wasn't looking very exciting!) today marked the start of a new food bag (see pic below), lots of exciting new treats, and there's even a present from Grandma in this one!
Jesse
It’s still been very squally out here, with the squalls leaving behind a messy chop on the swell and making a mockery of anything I'd like to call sleeping patterns. I've been cat napping all afternoon to try and make up for lost sleep. Ella's Pink Lady's still making good ground south at the moment. Then sometime tomorrow morning we'll be tacking over to make some ground to the east to hopefully pick up a more easterly wind. We passed back over the date-line today putting the local time zone at GMT-10, not that that means all that much to me. If anything I'm still running on Queensland time!
One of today's little jobs included my weekly attempt to compact and package up my rubbish for storage in the bow. Obviously anything that's degradable goes over the side and anything that's left, which is pretty much only plastic packaging, gets washed out if needed and carefully packaged up till I get home.
With nothing left in the last food bag but a tin of baked beans and a packet of banana chips (dinner wasn't looking very exciting!) today marked the start of a new food bag (see pic below), lots of exciting new treats, and there's even a present from Grandma in this one!
Jesse
Pic: Getting into the new food bag!
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