The sea is still over 4m which isn't particularly huge, but the waves are a bit messy and really rolling through with a lot of punch behind them, so Ella's Pink Lady is being knocked around a little.
The wind went up and down just as expected and with everything ready well beforehand, there wasn't much to do other than hold on and roll with it. Now that we've been through a few gales out here, handling 40knots of wind has become pretty routine, just like the way tacking, gybing or reefing has almost become an automatic reflex too. But if anything, it's only made me more cautious than ever. Knowing that everything has been double-checked is the only way to get any peace of mind.
Before the wind started coming up I was treated to a visit from some dolphins (see pic below), actually hundreds of dolphins! There were dolphins everywhere, in every direction right off to the horizon. Long lines of dolphins leaping out of waves, dolphins shooting off down the swell, dolphins playing on Ella's Pink Lady's bow and dolphins quietly swimming along chatting away to each other in small squeals and squeaks. I didn't know where to look and their visit came just at the right time too, as I'd been feeling a little bit mopey and frustrated, but the dolphins sure put the smile back on my face!
The dolphins haven't been my only company lately, I've also been seeing a bit of shipping lately. By that I mean three ships in the last two days, which is a lot by my standards.
When doing a galley re-stock from the stores in the bow the other day, I discovered that I'm running short on Pringles (I'm down to my last pack!), getting low on tomato sauce and fast running out of tinned fruit. On the positive, I did come across a hidden stash of Nutella (chocolate spread)!
So just over 1500nm to go till the Cape of Good Hope, but we'll be passing well south and clear of land.
Jesse
Pic: Some of the many dolphins that joined me!
328 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 328 of 328Hey Jess,
Been work’n on my Jessication…
Jess-e-ca-tion (noun)
Jess-e-ca tion [Jèssê káysh’n]
From Latin Ĵēssicātiō (a pinkafying, Bloginating, Jess-i-holic)
(Jess-e-cations)
1. Education in all things Jessica
2. Knowledge of all things Jessica
3. Instruction in all things Jessica
4. Study of all things Jessica
5. System for Jessecating people
A good Jesse is essential for a good Jessecation
I know… I’m lame :-\
BTW, the S.S. Never Sail (see picture) is flying Australia’s colors in your honor.
.
Hi Jessica
You are still going strong Jesse, never get sick of seeing Dolphins, will always cheer you up if you need it or not.
Went out fishing today, but will fill you in tomorrow how we went. Just a short message today, glad all is going great.
Keep having fun and keep safe.
Cheers George
I noticed today that on your Tracker screen you can now see your position and the eastern edge of Austraila! Hang in There!!
WJA, Philadelphia, PA. USA
Hi Captain Jesse, The dolphins were
having quite a conversation about
the big pink (EPL) fish and the lovely sailor riding on it.I Bet they were thrilled to see you. The
word was out and hundreds came to see for themselves. What a wonderful way to brighten your day!
Not to mention the chocolate spread
that mysteriously appeared.
Be Safe! Stay Happy! Sail With The Dophins! Godspeed!
Proverbs 3:5-8
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Jesse, good Sunday morn to you! I was sitting here having a little quiet time to read and ponder your post and I recalled the comment made by Cheryl of San Diego a couple of days ago where she listed this set of verses among her favorites. You were a little mopey and frustrated and not one or two, but hundreds of God's good creatures showed up unannounced, playful, energetic, and included you in their conversations! How cool is that?! Healing to your flesh and refreshing to your bones indeed!
Jesse, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will indeed make straight your path.
Today as I try to dig out of an historic snowstorm I will have time to spend praying a prayer of thanks that you are well and encouraged, and I will ask that in this week ahead you be energized, get good rest, and make continued good progress. I am glad EPL continues to serve you well, and will pray for continued reliability. I will also pray for your parents and family awaiting your arrival at home, anxious to hear many stories of all you've learned while away.
Dolphins - just another indication that you are not alone out there all alone on the open sea!
We're with you as well!
Ed
Dear Jess and Co,
What a chord you struck when you mentioned Pringles and Nutella! I'd say almost 100 percent of The Company You Keep chimed in with delight and watery mouths. I'd guess that, as sweet Barry Clements said about Mothers and Just In Time Hidden Treats, you'll find Something Delicious to make you deliriously happy and LAUGH OUT LOUD, not to mention feed your tummy!!
Allow me to add a few side comments to our blogging family?
Salty Dog, what should you do about the Canadian/American dilemna? LOVE BOTH TEAMS but root for the best team effort and game.YAY. After all, we are ONE and it's all about LOVE, right? Have fun with your quandry anyway.
Go, Jony the Pony, Go!
Hezakiah299, glad I made you laugh. I'm thinking about having my first Whoopie Pie in Jess's Honor!!
Let's see....I'll divide it into portions and hide the little bite-sized morsels in food bags, hidden throughout my freezer. Silly me, it'll be like playing Jessica and Julie!! tee hee
Susan Oregon, I LOVE your poetry....I'll sing you the song of the wind....
I, too, lost my best blog ever, a couple of months ago. It was kind of a philosophical writing about the Jessica Affect.
The bird/dolphin communication in the form of Twilight Tweet made me laugh but also made me wonder and sparked my primal imagination. I'd never thought seriously about the creatures communicating with each other but maybe they really do......
Richie Paris, I'm Amazed by You, just like I'm amazed by Paula who is Amazed By You. BAH!!!
Bluefin Annie, I'm grateful that you taught me/reminded us all of the Firestorm of last year. It's so important to remember and share love and hugs with everyone affected by such a traumatic event.
Dear Jessica, I hold you and your shore team in an oceanic blessing, for extra alertness and safe sailing as you near the Cape.
With deep respect and love,
Mary, Maine, USA
Hi Jessica!
I'm constantly thinking of you and of your 'state of mind'. I can hardly imagine the deprivation you suffer. No other person to touch an feel, no stretching legs, bumpy and bouncy all the day - it's quite normal to feel a littel bit mopey and frustrated.
But hey! - it's part of the task you're challenged to, and we believe you'll have the power and resilience to hold on.
Time for a new countdown, isn't it?? Remember how you and all of your blog friends looked forward to the crossing of cape horn?!
I think we should do that again with the next cape. It's well-named for re-settling a frustrated sailors mind, isn't it? There shall be always a lot of Good Hope on board of EPL, especially for some miracles like "refilled fruit-tins and bottles of tomato sauce".
Maybe you can apply some witchcraft on those nutella cans to transform some of them into fruit and pringles?!!
Did anyone tell you before how pretty you look with this long hair? On the other hand it seems to be an unpleasant thing to handle the haircare with that rare showers in unconvenient situations like yours!
Hey, be sure we're standing right behind you (virtually), keep you in our prayers and cheering you on.
Also watched the video of Bob in NZ talking of your voyage. What a funny, yet impressing guy he is!
So keep up the good work, Jesse, stay safe and sound!
Best wishes,
Stefan (Germany, freezed by a cold winter!)
@Bloggers who complain about losing their comments:
After a certain time the word verification is no longer valuable. The system has then set up a new word and you have to re-send your text.
It'll be very useful to save the text (with "copy") before pressing "publish" in case it gets lost.
@ Bloggers who mention some more direct replies on repeated questions:
I think it cannot be a high priority for a long-distance-sailor to scan the pile of comments for random questions aiming to please the readers nor can it be a task for the shore team.
The huge crowd of fans and even "addicted" followers showing up here can throw a scary pressure on a single person - even more if she's alone and somewhat exhausted in the middle of the ocean. It takes me at least one hour to get through all comments for only one post - you can't expect Jessica doin' that in her situation. She has to keep her attention on the real daily tasks onboard.
It may sound funny and desirable for the masses to become a worldwide celebrity but it wouldn't be funny for the person affected by this pressure. (This may become a real distress after her return in australia).
The (somehow comprehensible) fans interest can turn into phenomenons close to "stalking" (no personal offensive!).
I simply wanna say if we put ourselfes in the position of Jessica Watson we would be aware of the impossibibilty to keep up with the requests of (so to say) unfamiliar people all over the world.
Sometimes you're simply not in the mood for that even if in mundane homestay life...I suppose.
I hope I could clarify my point here as I am not a native english speaker.
Cheers to the fellow Jessaholics, you're a great bunch of people!
Hi Jessica,
The dolphins must sense how you are feeling and returned to cheer you up as well as see that you are safe.
I read somewhere that when it comes to the intelligence of beings, dolphins are second only to humans.
Looks like rounding the Cape will be another real challenge, with storms and shipping to watch for. PW shows a rather nasty looking storm on Feb 10-11 moving around the Cape, hope you are far away from that.
We know you will be aware and prepared, Jessica.
=============
To Jonie the Pony:
"Keep them dodgers up"...come on back regardless of other opinions.
A question a wannabe to any new/old salts...what is the difference between a dodger and a bimini ? are they both used together or ?
Lastly, to Andrew from Caves Beach:
Check the ice putting quiz,
https://whiteicechallenge.curling.ca/home.asp
Be safe.
Ozca,
from the great Bras d'Or Lakes.
Wow Jess Hope you are not overeating! Got to ration it out and make it home. You don't want to fall short of your goal because you ate all your food.
Happy Cooking
@Tom, Brisbane
@RichieParis
The minimum required distance is 21,600 nm (40,000 km), the circumference of the earth around the poles.
The value 23,000 nm is the distance estimated before the departure for Jessica's journey.
However it now seems that Jessica will only sail about 22,000 nm.
The theoretical distance, if going in a motor ship the shortest way past Jessica's waypoints, is about 20,000 nm. But a sailboat is affected by the wind and must adjust its course according to the wind, especially in upwind.
Also a solo sailor using a wind vane might see the boat going in wrong direction when the wind changes.
But Jessica has made a better performance than most people including the project management assumed.
The ETA Sydney according to my Excel sheet is now April 26. Jessica lost a day because she avoided the storm on Tuesday.
P.S. I today I took part in a 2 hour spinning class, and was thinking about you Jessica. You are inspiring! If nothing is impossible or too hard for you, why should it for me? I also bicycled to the gym and back which was not a hit since it is snow on ice on the bike paths here.
Ben Larsson, Sweden
WOW! I can't imagine that many dolphins. What a sight they must have been. Lucky You!
Steve,
Melbourne
"There's no thrill in easy sailing, when the skies are clear and blue.
There's no joy in merely doing this which anyone can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you thought you couldn't make."
This was written on the inside front page of an RCAF course guide which belonged to a dear friend who finished his 25 yrs. career in the airforce as an instructor; many years ago. He always had his nose in a book figuring out something before he did it. His 25 yrs. in the RCAF was only one of the many many things he accomplished in his 92 yrs.
The folks who "get somewhere" are always in "school" Jessica. Don't let anyone tell you differently!
Hold on and sail on and keep your guard up.
My heart soars following along.
Maybe we are all "dolphins" following Capt. Jess.
Ray in Red Deer, Canada
Hi Jesse
What a magical experience. I look forward to reading about and seeing more pictures of those dolpins in your book.
I just can't get enough....
Glad you are well.
Gillian, France
@ Sally... FAQs...
Great idea... I suppose it could be set up as a separate blog like Samurai's "Artwork" or the "Jessaholics".
@ hezakiah299...
P.E.P.I.R.B Personal Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon.... aka PLB - Personal Locator beacon.
http://www.acrelectronics.com/
http://www.acrelectronics.com/product3.aspx
You may recognise the white object above Jesse's head in "schoolwork" photo.
@ Susan in Oregon...
loosing posts... either type your post in Notepad and copy/paste into "comments" or simply do a "select all" [ctrl+A] followed by copy [ctrl+C] before submitting... if you lose your post "paste" [ctrl+V] will retrieve it from "the clipboard" (as long as you haven't "copied" anything else. You can even "save" a copy of your post in Notepad if you feel your post is being lost in cyberspace. It is more likely the verification process is at fault. I never get mine to go through first time and have to re-enter another verification word. Always check at the top of the page for text in green background confirming your post has been accepted.
@ Jury Rigged Anemometers...
Interesting & creative guys, but the only two backups that work would be a handheld instrument (see links below) or a "Jess-timate" using the Beaufort Scale.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale
http://www.testandmeasure.com.au/images/uploads/417%282%29.jpg
http://www.weathershack.com/handheld-wind-meters.html
Absolutely amazing!! I agree with Monte, we need another video when you get a minute. My family and I are all watching your amazing adventure. Good luck, God speed.
John, Elizabeth, Johnny, Isaac, and Keith.
Las Vegas NV. USA
Absolutely amazing!! My family and I are all watching your epic adventure around the world. It is so awesome to be able to watch you sail around the world from the Las Vegas desert. Keep up the god work and my God speed.
John, Liz, Johnny, Isaac, Keith
Las Vegas NV. USA
@ Jony the Pony...
Please come back, we miss you...
I never meant to have a go at you.
My comments were supposed to be "tongue in cheek". I forgot to put a smile after... so here...
:) ;) :))
"Keep up them Dodgers"
I am going to crawl back under my rock now!
G'Day Jess:
Nice to see u relax and just cruising along, but being careful at the same time. It's amazing how one becomes use of 40 knots of wind and 4m of seas, as normal. Checking your gear/rigging constantly, is always the right the thing to do. When I solo I am almost neurotic about this issue, but it always pays off and makes one prepare for the unexpected.
Seeing dolphins does make the day more pleasant, especially when they are chatting with ea other. Maybe they were also trying to talk to u.
Take care and enjoy the ride!! :-D
Robert
Jessica,
Your never alone in the ocean! Those dolphins are your Angels! They're making sure you don't get lonely and making sure your handling everything just perfectly! Keep up the good sailing!!
Denise and family
South Dakota, USA
Hi, Jess! I have been following but not very communicative for a couple of days. Almost had a 'puter crash' this morning but somehow it magically recovered! Must be built by the same folks that made Ella's Pink Lady!:)
Love those Dolphins! What a treat that must have been.
Glad to see that the trip has become more interesting with a bit of bounce, too, but I hope not too much.
I see you will soon be encountering the Greenwich Meridian (0)in a day or so. As a member of one her former colonies you might consider offering a toast to the Mother Country as you pass over it!
Fair winds and following seas the rest of your journey.
Bruce de Mich
I got it! That bloke called Bob is a dolphin also!
Keep on enjoying living the present at full in the ocean! You are making history Jess....What you are experiencing is for sure one of the most important events of your entire life!
Enjoy everything, even the drawbacks!! and remember we are all sailing with you!
I havent been on in over a week - its been crazy here with sick kids and such. But I finally got to update my self on what I have missed and what you have been up to. Sounds like your doing great - and keep going strong. As for us we have to dig ourselves out of 3 plus feet of snow - crazy storm here. take care.
Jessica
Virginia USA
Hey Jesse!
What a wonderful picture! Must be very exciting, to have so much dolphins around you!
I haven't seen any dolphins in nature so far, but I'm sure they have the power to make you happy, even when you feel a bit down and tired.
I hope, the sunshine will return soon, and you make a good progress to arrive soon at the next cape.
All the best for you, lovely girl!
This is what I like to send to you, in the middle of the wide Atlantic Ocean!
Randy / Hamburg, Germany
Hey Jesse!
Make sure and include some of your photos in each chapter of your book! I imagine you have MANY we have not seen. I bet there are some great ones!
Jolli
Somebody told the dauphins where you were. They traveled from around the world to see you. Tell them hello for me. Wish I could bring you some pringles. I don't know how you're going to sail without them. Tell your mum to have you some waiting when you arrive in Sidney.
Ron - Alabama USA
Dolfins are good (people) to have around.
they can keep you safe. You were saying some stocks are running low. Now you can get even more adventurous in cooking. You are going to become a great cook because you try things even if they don't turn out just right you tried. All great cooks have failures because they tried something new. If you run out of something substitute, trial and error. Remember the rule "in the oven measure, on top of the stove use your own judgement." Sorry I rambled on so much about cooking. I guess I know more about that than sailing. But it is on my bucket list. Take care, good sailing and tell the dolfins squeek squeek from me. Grandpa Bob in Tucson
Wow Jessica your posts are always full of excitement! How wonderful to see that many dolphins around you... you have had a great display of wildlife following around the world!! - That's good luck!
BE SAFE!! I can't scream that enough.... I'm sure you are but I'm a mom...
I not only check on you each day, but now thanks to some posters here, I also check the passage weather site AND that ship & bouy site was awesome!! I even zoomed in to a ship outside the coal port where I am in Vancouver!! very cool - I'm learning lots here.
Thanks to the shore team for always posting so much extra info and the videos too!
Barb
Vancouver BC
Hey Jesse,
40 knots of wind is not to be laughed at. That's more than most people ever want to go out in. Your becoming quite the adventurer.
Sorry to hear about the pringles, but think whats going to be in store for you when you get home. Think of all the mail.
The dolphins must of been a sight for sore eyes, they seem to want to communicate with you.
Well enjoy the nutella. So long for now.
Fair winds and following seas.
Angus.
Good morning Jess
OMG your first serious setback...low on tomato sauce! If you are anything like me that is a complete disaster. I have it virtually with every meal. Pringles not quite so bad. OK glad the dophind got you out of the dumps..happens to all of us now and then and that you are coping with the 40 knots winds. You are fantastic you know to be able to ride the bumps photo things and keep the galley and the whole boat ship shape....sail on you good thing.
Sea ya
Dusty from Dubbo
I have all the proof and confidence I need to know that you and your team will be a success!!!!
Staffan
Sweden
.
Hi Jesse......
Great words and photos in your last. These latter give a touch of 'being there' to all the serried rankers.... Thanks for those.
As for "Being"....as in Buddhist "Mindfulness"...... For those that 'know' about this, you sure are an envy -- 'corz your _Are_ "there". Such shines increasingly through your words. It's not 'lucky'... You've worked at it, on the 'peak'. Money can't buy this!!
.... Congratulations Jesse !
Your 'voyage' track is showing 'light at the end of the tunnel' , now..... Geez--What are the serried rankers going to do for their 'Jessica-fix' !!! ~ When the pink dots finish at Sydney :)
All the more reason to keep filling out your source note file for your ( first) book on sailing ( around the world with untold photos)..... _this_ trip !!:)
---- & so good to be back on line after a few computer probs..... "How will I follow Jessica" Hehheh - was part of my high motivation to get it sorted. It's still not right ( graphics accelerator failure amongst other stuff )..... as well as upgrading to ADSL2+ _without_ replacing in line filters to handle the higher frequencies---- How was I to know this !.. It took ages to sort the requirements out.... and phoning the ISP is useless because I get to a 'call center' thousands of kms away where "English" interchange is not on the menu. !!!! This 'outsourcing' is sometimes a real pain !! ( And they close down the Townsville and Brisbane Oz-call centers for this!!! Insanity ! .........These are some of the 'little', meaningless activities that go on against the backdrop of your admirable and enthralling Quest.........
~~ sail safe and well--
... catchya later, Jesse...
.... Ooc
Jess, your my inspiration. I read every new post on your blog. Keep goin, your almost home. P.S. If I could, I'll send you some Pringles lolll
Anne-So xxx...
Jess, your my inspiration. I read every new post on your blog. Keep goin, your almost home. P.S. If I could, I'll send you some Pringles lolll
Anne-Sophy, Quebec, Canada
Hello Jesse,
hope today is going one of good progress for you and Pink Lady.
Lets get round the cape of good hope so you can head home.
There are millions waiting for you.
Keco.....xxxxx
Jeepers, you're going to be turning SE pretty close to the coast of South Africa. I hope EPL is equipped with lighting that you can turn on at night, so that freighters sailing to/from South African ports on the west coast can see you clearly.
Sounds to me like you're between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand of course you needed to avoid being in the centre of that storm, if being on the edge of it gave you 40 knot winds and rough waves, but on the other hand, now you're going to be sailing perpendicular to the freight traffic, in order to round the Cape of Good Hope.
I hope the dolphins will stay close and protect you. I'm sure they'll send up a great cry if you're in any danger, to warn you.
Pay attention to them, little sister.
Deborah, BC, Canada
The shot of the dolphins is real cool. Glad they cheered you up. Hang in there Jessica you are homeward bound. duane
Hi,Jessica;
Great update and dolphins pics,I told you God was sending escorts to you,they are God's creatures,they stop by to brighten your day's.
I would take dolphins running along my bow over two feet of snow,with snow drifts over the top of my sports car I discovered last evening when I went to start to shovel a space around,I figure we will be out of our parking lot by SPRING, the way the property is being looked after,two major airports are still closed.The good news the storm is out to sea with cold and sunny day.Other good news our ''team'' was able to ''stand down'' late last night,so glad that ''HAITI MISSION'' took a toll on a lot of us in the team,but like I said many a time I would go back tomorrow if called upon.
Glad to hear your seas are not too bad ,just sloppy,doesn't help for sea sickness ,but I guess you are so used to it by now.
Jessica,it's good ships are around,because they let you know you are not really alone out in that big ocean after all.
Did you notice if ''Flipper's'' relatives where among the group of kids playing.
Anyway,that's all from me on a cold and sunny Sunday here in a snow recovery Maryland,got the ''SUPER BOWL'' on this evening,having a ''get over cabin fever football/super bowl get together in our ''club room'' downstairs this evening and knocking down a couple of cold ''Foster'' oil cans,with a bunch a finger food.Rooting for the ''New Orleans Saints team,because that city has been through much since Hurricane Katrina.
Stay warm,safe,hooked-on,be positive young lady,you are accomplishing an adventure of a life time that only us regular folk can imagine.
Bye for now,much love and hugs to all.
''HI'' family member's,especially the ''regular's'',you all know who you are,too many to name,proud as all way's to part of your ''great adventure''.
Stephen M.,
Transplanted ''Aussie'',
Maryland,USA.,
[ let the ''GREAT DIG OUT'' begin]
PS ''Dolphins talking'','hey mate is that that young girl we have been hearing about???
Yes,I believe she is ,lets go and say HI,so she knows she is not alone,pretty boat..,Yea,they call it ''Pink lady'',well,it sure is fine.By the way,she has a crew called ''The Stuffies'',what are they?Heard it was her crew,what do they do?Not sure,heard they where cute and cuddle,what's ''cuddly''?
I explain later,watch out, you almost hit the side of the yacht,What's a yacht??Too many questions young one,pay attention to were you are going...
Morning Jesse
Incredible! Thanks for the photo. What a lovely experience for you and your crew having so many dolphins frolicking along side of EPL. That would certainly put a smile on anyone's dial and I am so glad that they brought you out of your doldrums. They are gorgeous creatures playful and I think that they must have KNOWN that you needed some cheering up. Everyone is looking out for you Jesse !!
I have expected to hear that you are coming across some traffic as you are nearing the cape. This will keep you busier.
Glad to hear that you are coping with the wind and the rolly seas and your experiences have taught you to be super cautious. But running out of Pringles - Oh No! I can understand that because once you start eating them it's very difficult to stop. So you will have to ration out that last pack -as well as your tomato sauce and tinned fruit. Make Nutella Pizza's or muffins. Our local Italian Restaurant gives you a Nutella Pizza if you have a celebration dinner there. They are VERY decadent! And a bit sickly and messy!
A rainy weekend in Sydney Jesse and it's still going. Got the leak fixed in our Cellar - it just smells even more mustier now! Everything is so green our grass is growing in leaps and bounds.
Hope you have a lovely day and the weather stays with you. Take care and stay safe.
'Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do' Norman Vincent Peale
'Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before' James Buckham
Sally In Sydney
Hi Jessica: SUPER BLOGS..
Thanks for taking us all along...
Your journey is taking many fantastic turns....I hope you are enjoying it as much as we are...
Stay safe...follow the plan..
and dont eat so much nutella..
The pics are great...keep them coming...
Joe Springfield VA USA
Hey Jess,
Hi Mopey !...the dolphins are a nice sign and the Nutella is always good to lift your spirits..
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart and keep the dream alive.
If you feel like your coming to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. !
You're a Legend
Mick
MNC NSW
@Bengt, thank you for the answer and for the details. I am a little interrogative about your Excel sheets.
If I look Jessica's milles from Sydney up to now, I find a daily average of 102,5 nm. With 10,500 milles to go, she should need about 102 days, so her ETA would be around May 19th. I know that she shouldn't meet the equatorial calms, but she could have to slalom again to avoid a possible big storm. Even sailing 5% faster, her ETA would be in the first half of May. Aren't you too optimistic about April? I am no expert, it is just common sense feeling and guessing.
Great! I like to read your blog, and I was laughing about your picture with schoolbooks. Sailing 13 000 sm for making schoolwork... Don't stop telling us of your trip.
Sincerly Axel
Hi Jesse,
Thank you so much for that great photo of the dolphins. I love it. I think they must be enjoying having you with them.
Thanks also for all your wonderful updates. When I'm hungry I always open up the fridge to 'see what's there'. It's so silly because I know what's in there. What do I expect to find? ... that someone has filled it with gourmet platters? Maybe you can just imagine what beaut goodies are in your cupboards to eat - I do it all the time.
Take care and stay safe.
Cheers for now.
Ailsa
from Melbourne
Ahoy Jesse,
You sound good and really on top of everything. That's very reassuring to this armchair uncle.
Nothing like dolphins to bring on the smiles.
Now I'm remembering the Mango Madness in the Pacific tropics--the logic you presented us of eating tropical fruit at tropical latitudes. We didn't have the benefit of an inventory then.
How are you planning to stave off scurvy during the last half of your trip? Dried bananas, maybe? (I don't think there's much Vitamin C in Chocolate!)
Well, I'm sure there's a way. You still have almost half the world to round, but the tough places are over, it seems, and you are handling the voyage like the champion that you are.
Fair winds,
Richard Lathrop
We are reading a book about a boy sailing around the world and our teachers showed us your website. You are amazing. We admire your courage a lot.
Save your Pringles for an emergency feed!!
Good Luck
Year 4 students Masada College Sydney Australia
Hi Jesse
Know what you mean - mopey and frustrated!
Human nature, just means you are like the rest of humanity.
My 16 year daughter plays field hockey at international level, gives 110% and leaves the pitch with bumps and bruises. She is sooooo self critical.
In victory or defeat, I give her a hug.
Jesse, for all you have achieved up to now and to encourage you along your voyage, may I offer you, along with every parent on this website, one great big hug from us all
God bless
John N
Good morning Jesse, you have been at sea long enough now to know that whatever you are faced with, you can deal with!That's not complacency it is simply a fact!You have proven to be a fast learner,in that you really show the ocean the respect it deserves.The dolphins are one of natures beautiful "gifts"and the more you see of them, the more "human" they become.You & EPL are making good time, and the Cape of Good Hope is not too faraway.Keep on keeping on Jesse, you are an inspiring individual, you are in our prayers & thoughts, Godbless you Jesse, have a great day , Dougal
Hi Jess,
I see the great Parisian producer "RichieParis" has you lined up as his guest of honour - well, as soon as this is posted I best be rushing off to book me a front seat & then then there's the decision of what to wear? Being a Melburnian I need to wow all with the latest fashion ... hmmm, shrimps in hot pink, octopi in blue & dolphins in grey ... what colour for me?????
Lotsaluv, barbs xx
Hi Jesse
Thanks for all the photos. Some great action shots of dolphins and sea-birds and nice pics of sunsets, sea-spray and swells. But the photo that captures your true spirit (in my mind) is the one showing you doing some school home-work and seemingly enjoying it! That should gladden the hearts of your teachers (and parents). With that diligence, devotion and determination surely you will get some bonus marks on their continual assessment score-card. If not, they get my 'damp squid' award for 2010.
Keep smiling,
Mike (Canberra)
I am sure you do not need a hand with your home work Jesse however i could not help my self :
What is the quickest way to double your money ?
Fold it in half !
What is hail ?
Hard boiled rain !
What is Cheddar Gorge ?
A large cheese sandwich !
What language do they speak in Cuba ?
Cubic !
What is a myth ?
A female moth !
What is an archaeologist ?
Someone who's career is in ruins !
What is the noisiest game ?
Squash - because you can't play it without raising a racquet !
Why do birds fly south in the winter ?
Because it's too far to walk !
How many balls of string would it take to reach the moon ?
Just one if it's long enough !
What holds the sun up in the sky ?
Sunbeams !
Have a great day.
E&C
Hello to all,
Tonight on ABC TV 6.30pm (programme Talking Heads) Jesse Martin is being interviewed re his solo and unassisted trip around the world plus what he is up to now. Will be very interesting.
To Sails (Feb.7 10.55am) I want to repeat your quote of the day it is so great!
"Courage, sacrifice,
determination, commitment,
toughness, heart, talent, guts.
That's what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice!"
Bethany Hamilton - greatest female surfer of our time. Thanks E & C.
To Hezakiah299 - loved your comment re Aussie toughness, appreciated that.
To Jony the Pony - please come back, your fun, non-offensive, positive, quirky, happy and joyous little blog was always highly appreciated and enjoyed by me. I miss you greatly and the blog is just not the same without your input. It is the above qualities that make you popular.
To Andrew and the shore crew, you are in my thoughts often, keep up the great work.
Well, it looks as though my detailed comment has been lost in cyberspace. I hope this one will survive.
I just wanted to send you all best wishes.
Ian from Brisbane
Incredible!!I can't imagine but I hope you got some video of that huge pod..or whatever you term that many in one place. Looks like theres a Albatross flying overhead too..
Am hoping you are out of the rough waters now..and smoother safer sailing..
Thanks for sharing your journey with us..we are so appreciative and thankful..I know its been said before but you have been so kind and generous to take time out of your voyage and share with us your ups and downs..the fun and the embarassed bruises..
Have a great evening..
Gary & Jan
Savannah,Ga
Hang in there, Kiddo! Australia is proud of you! When you have those "down" moments, just remember that! You're doing well.
The Vancouver Olympics.
Aerial photographs. Use your curser to navigate. Thought the bloggers & Jesse may be interested.
http://www.aerialphotoimage.com/panoramas/GreaterVancouver/OlympicVillageVancouver.html
Best wishes...Russ/Calgary
Hello again Jesse,
I was just looking at a picture of an ocean with hundreds of dolphins swimming and leaping in it this morning, and I thought of you, and now I have just read your blog!
It sounds like a really sloppy sea. I hope you (and EPL) aren't getting any bruises as a result of it. I really never enjoyed that kind of thing when I was sailing.
Pity about the Pringles and the tomato sauce. I don't know how you're going to manage. Count out the crisps and ration them over the next two months - and then ask mum and dad to meet you with some when you get back to Sydney!
I hope you were able to concentrate on your school work - don't know how you do it at all - I wouldn't be able to! It does seem rather a contrast with the rest of your life at the moment!
Time for me to go and do stuff, so wishing you all the wind you can manage,
Toni
Hello Jessica. It's Grandma Viv from Auckland New Zealand here again. I've been up North on a camping holiday, tenting & using long drops Hmmmmm. I could not take my computer on holiday with me & could not see how you were getting on. Before I left on holiday, I was watching your site everyday. I was so pleased to get back home & turn on my computer to see how things were. You are doing so well. Loved the photos of the dolphins. Thinking of you all the time. I said to my friends that I wanted to go to Sydney to see you sail in, how AMAZING that will be. I hope they put it on our T.V. here in N.Z. THEY had BETTER other wise I will be really cross. Take care Grandma Viv.
Dear Jessica,Sounding like an old(young) salt Great about the dolphins; they've decided to go a
way with you...chattering and laughing..they have lifted your spirits up too...it never fails.
Good on you silver girl, Sail on.
Lesley
Ahoy Sailor Girlie!
I have been off line due to the massive, massive snow here in our neck of the woods.
31 hours with no power.
Life is better with the lights on.
Enough said.
I love the dolphin picture.
So nice to see that The Sea Spirits have sent you some more company.
It was a smile to check in here and see that you are continuing to forge on, no matter what the circumstances.
I'll take a page from your book, since I'm feeling a bit defeated by the forces of nature these days.
As always, sending blessings your way.
Molly
Maryland USA
Great news abou the dolphins - I assume you were 'chatting' back? I guess they found you as much as a pleasant surprise as you did them. You know, it must be possible to jury-rig some kind of home made anenometer. Getting something to spin in the wind should be possible - but how to measure the speed? I was thinking maybe something either like the lost one ie cups stuck on sticks and twirling around. The stick and cups you should be able to make, but what to hold it as it spins? An alternative would be to make a fan shape, ie like a propeller. You could guage some relative measure of the wind say by attaching a piece of cardboard or the like that flicked against the stem as it spun - like a bit of plastic or cardboard attached to the spokes of a wheel. The faster it spins, the more clicks, and the higher the pitch or tone once it starts to whirr away. Last bit - and this beats me - you need at least one reference speed. OK - there's a whole home science experiment here! I have some ideas to get reference speeds, but I figure by this stage, it's like "whatever!" so I'll desist! Still, maybe sometime when you're feelin' mopey? Sorry about the Pringles. Be strong - save some for later. Much later. Much much later - no, really!
cheers
MikeC
Wollongong
@Cape Breton (Ozca): Depending on who you’re talking to, there sometimes is a fine line between a dodger and a bimini. Either can be made of hard or soft material. I consider a bimini as mainly a source of shade. They are essentially a canopy open on all sides so therefore offer little protection from wind or spray. I consider a dodger as protection from wind and spray off of waves and therefore closed in the front and usually at least partially closed on the sides. A dodger usually extends back from just above the companionway, so it not only provides protection to the cockpit but also helps to keep rain and spray from entering the cabin. A bimini and dodger can in fact be used together. It’s possible to have a dodger that extends from just above the companionway back to meet a bimini that sets farther aft.
That’s my very “un-professional” explanation. I’m sure there are others who could provide a much better description. Hope that helps a little though.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
@ Dear hezakiah299
She's a 16 year old that's out at sea and almost out of Pringles, so yeah, I reckon she's capable of anything. I'm not sure what she'll do when there all gone. They should have invented Pringle patches for such emergencies!
I've only been to the snow once with my dog and it was so funny trying to run with her and watching her jumping out of the snow like a Kangaroo! I think she spent more time in the air than on the snow. lol
I have to count things every day but I can't imagine how one of them would be to dig my car out of the snow. lol That's funny! (Probably not for you though)
Like every true sole on this site I love and enjoy reading what you say as it comes from your heart! It wouldn't be the same without you hezakiah, or without others.
@ Stephen! Well done mate! You know why!
@ Richi Paris! Love your words!
@ hahaha Elvis!
@ JESSICA WATSON! (TIGER OF THE OCEAN) I think that every one who has embraced you reflect from you.
I have never laughed and cried this much from when I read the funny, warm and different comments that come from what you say and how you feel!
What an awesome young woman and what an awesome extended family you have here!
Please be careful Jess!
You're holding our hearts lil one!
Billy!
Hi Jessica,
Now we know the dolphins were heading to New Orleans.
Good to see ♣Transplanted ''Aussie'' got his wish. As he mentioned earlier, he'll be "knocking down a couple of cold ''Foster'' oil cans,with a bunch of finger food. Rooting for the ''New Orleans Saints team,because that city has been through much since Hurricane Katrina."
Well you better get that team 'standing up' and get down to New Orleans! They're gunna tear the place down that you probably helped put up a few years back, lol. Oh...and take ♣Richie Paris with you he's an expert for the French Quarter. Enjoy at last ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺
Funny that number 87 dropped the last Touchdown chance for the Colts. That number's bad luck in Australia because it's 13 off a century in our sport of cricket.
☺☺☺Hoo Roo☺☺☺
Hi Jessica
I hope All is going great with you today Jesse. With a bit of luck you will making a lot more ground to the east.
It certainly is fantastic when a large prod of Dolphins come over for a visit, you can watch there antics for hours, great fun.
Don't wont to get you jealous Jesse, but we went out fishing yesterday and caught 8 nice Nor-west Snapper, lots of Trevally and other types of fish. Release all but not the Snapper, great eating. Had lots of sharks around the boat trying to steal our fish, but they were successful on a few occasions though.
To stefan: I agree fully with what you are saying, but it's obvious Jessica wouldn't have time to read all the bloggs. When Jesse has a problem it is only human nature people are going to give advice and ask questions. Lots of the question will get answered by fellow bloggers, it's all a little bit of fun, we certainly don't wont to put any pressure on Jessica.
So Jesse keep having fun and KEEP SAFE.
Cheers George Simmons
Lots of love
Exmouth WA Australia
Hi Jessica
A note for RichieParis
Richie, you have become involved in the ultimate quest of all armchair sailors – guesstimating the time of arrival of a yacht at the end of its journey.
However, basing your calculation on 10,500nm to go seems out of step with the statement in 6 February ‘Latest News’ that Jess had 9,000nm to go. Using 9,000nm and your average of 102.5 would calculate to an arrival in 87 days – approximately May 4.
Unfortunately even averaging a yacht’s speed based on past readings is never reliable because a yacht’s progress (speed over the ground, or speed made good) is affected by the strength of the wind, the sea state and the presence of helpful or unhelpful ocean currents. So variations on a daily basis become one of the few things that remains constant throughout the voyage. Ella’s Pink Lady’s speed is consequently consistently inconsistent!
Another aspect to this is that when Jessica excitedly tells us she has been flying along at 6-7 knots on the clock she is referring to speed through the water measured by the speed wheel under Ella’s keel, not speed over the ground, which she would be aware of from the GPS readings on her laptop computer.
In my opinion Bengt has based his calculations on an average which is too high and which does not take into account the possibilities Jessica has to sail extra mileage around adverse weather systems or through systems of calm or very little wind. I think we won’t have any real idea of her arrival until she turns onto the home straight from Tassie to Sydney.
Jessica, no doubt you will prove all of us wrong in our guesstimations. Any way enjoy the company of the dolphins and all your other friends out there and continue to fly along home.
Tony L (Mt Martha VIC)
Dear Jess,
We are so proud of you!
Congratulations on you journey, so far. My guy Dave and I are to be married this friday, and we may not be able to keep in touch. We want you you to know that you are in our prayers, and God's speed! Be safe & we will check back with in you in a few days. So Sad about the pringles... do you at least have microwave popcorn?
You are such an inspiration. I hope you know that there are millions of people out here praying for you to succeed.
We love you, too!
David and Sandy
Laguna Vista, Texas USA
Keep up the good work Jess, we are all pulling for you. All the best wishes from us here in Ontario, Canada.
02-07-10 @ 23:09
Hi Jessica,
I was over at P/W and where you’re going looks good, It looks like Bob is keeping you out of the nasty stuff, thankfully, damn he’s good. I enjoy watching these charts, now that I know a little bit more about them, but I’m still an armchair sailor, no doubt. Lol….
Just looked at all the little pink ladies sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, and their now starting to head due East, for now. I like to watch you’re progress on that screen.
I never got my globe, the first one they sent me was damaged, and the second one they sent me was also damaged, so I quit. It was a beautiful hand crafted globe, but the ones I got, the people had slippery fingers, nothing lined up. Patience and perseverance and I shall have my globe someday.
@ Ailsa from Melbourne: Had to laugh at that one, opening the fridge door hoping to see what you already know isn’t in there. I’ve done it a thousand times, hoping I’d see something good that I’d forgotten, but it was always the same old stuff. Time to go shopping.
@ Susan in Oregon: A very good explanation of ‘Silly’ and the Dolphins, nicely done. I enjoyed that.
@ Stefan February 8, 2010 1:20 AM:
Re: Bloggers who mention some more direct replies on repeated questions. Very worthwhile and nicely done, I hope many bloggers read that.
Well Jessica, it’s time to cook dinner and do some more planning. You take care of yourself and be safe. Keep smiling and keep the chin up!!!
Loads of love and hugs, your faithful friend, fan and follower.
May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full, and I, I will keep you in my prayers.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
Hi Jess
I have put together a first pass map of your international admirers taken from 14 of your recent posts (7140 comments). I couldn't cover Australia since your fans are just too many too count but o/s I have listed 776 bloggers from 67 countries (including 53 of the States and territories in the USA). There is so much pink on the map that you now have the biggest empire the world has ever known and without a single battle! We should get you to hold classes for a few of the politicians and generals on how to do this miraculous feat.
I will try to catch up on the rest of your posts from New Year's day onwards and those from now on. You might be able to use the info in a later edition of your wall poster? I'll keep working on improving the map and will post updates from time to time.
Its really nice to be able to give back something for all the pleasure you bring to so many people.
Keep ahead of that stormy weather.
cheers
Mike_trrac (Avoca Beach, NSW)
For BruceS....
Lat/Long to show on GoogleEarth.
On the top bar select'View'
Click 'Toolbar' & 'Grid'.
In TOOLS you can select 'RULER' this gives you shortest distance between 2 given points.
theStatus bar shews the co-ordinates/Elev.at bottom of screen.
Have a fly around in the Flight Sim also.
BrYan Perth.W.A
You've got company again Jesse. Abby's back with more batteries, more fuel and fishing advice from the locals of Cabo San Lucas. I told her she only has to catch two to beat you (hope my knowledge is accurate) so if you don't want to come in second on the fishing contest, drop that line!
Hi Jessie,
Where's my favorite Aussie tonight?
We do need another video just see what's happening in your dreams
Richie Rich (bay area, cal, usa)
Hey Jess,
Just loving your positive outlook and your blog and the photos, those amazing Dolphins, how lucky are you and how lucky are we to have you describe in such detail i swear i can almost see them from here. Thank You Jess
Stay Safe
Berlin Red
Wow! What an amazing experience, just you and a few hundred dolphins! You are awesome Jessica! I've been following your blog for a while now and am so envious that you are out there following your dreams! Good luck with the rest of the journey xoxo
Lauren, Sydney
Squeek!!....Squeek!!...........Squeek!!.
Heyl Jess, its me, that cute grey dolphin that hung around the pointy bit of your boat......Squeeek!.....Squeeek!!....Its such fun to have company like yours in these beautiful waters.....Squeeek!!!.......Squeek!!.....Squeeek!...a few of my buddies accross the globe have heard about you coming their way too.....Squeek!....Squeek!......They will be waiting with smiles on their faces and laughter in their jumps!!!........Cherio.....Squeek....to the depths once more!!....Squeek Squeek
AKA Dion perth
Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 12:55 AM (EST)
Message to:
THE GRIFF'S OF HILLARY'S PERTH WA.
Someone may have already answered this by now, but I'll send it any how. In your last blog you wrote:
"By the way to my fellow bloggers. Does anyone remember the address in Sydney that Jess once gave as a place we could write to. I want my Year 1's to send a letter to an address rather than just to the blog. Education dep wont let them access the site directly at school as it is deemed a email type site."
The address I copied down (just in case I couldn't find it again) is:
Jessica Watson
c/o 5 Ocean's Media
220 West Street
Crows Nest NSW 2065
Australia
I hope this is the one you were looking for. It's great to see you are continuing to keep your students involved in this worthwhile project! It would be interesting to be able to follow-up on them, and see how many are motivated by Jesse's journey, and go on to set their own goal, and then make their dream a reality!!
Keep up the good work!!
'
* * * * * * * *
HI, TO JESSE, TOO!
HOPE YOU DIDN'T MIND MY USING YOUR BLOG TO GET "MAIL" TO ONE OF YOUR GLOBAL FAMILY!!!
STAY CLIPPED ON, AND, IF YOU TAKE SUGGESTION
MADE BY:
"FAY FROM THE GOLD COAST" TO 'BANG ON THE SIDE OF EPL'S HULL" TO GET YOUR DOLPHIN'S ATTENTION. PLEASE DON'T HANG OVER THE SIDE TO DO IT, JUST BANG ON THE INSIDE OF YOUR CABIN, THEY'LL STILL BE ABLE TO HEAR IT.
ALSO, THEY MIGHT REALLY "DIG" THE MUSIC YOU'VE BEEN PLAYING, SO MAYBE YOU CAN LURE THEM BACK THAT WAY!!! (Even clipped on, I'd hate to think of you hanging over the side to bang on Ella's hull, even if you were securely tethered!)
Love ya, Jesse!
Carol Florida U.S.A.
Ive been following your journey and I think your inspiring. I wish I had had your guts at that age.
Good luck Jessica and have fun!
Bronwyn
NSW, Australia
Hi Jess,
Glad to see your still enjoying yourself out there. Caroline from 92.7fm on the sunny coast spoke about you and your amazing adventure this morning so you will probably have a few more sunny coasters logging on. Congrats on making it so far and enduring what looked like a nasty storm the other week. Can't wait to see you when you get back here.
Rhonda Maroochydore
Very cool dolphin pic Jess! That squeeky entourage would brighten anyone's day for sure! Dolphins have always seemed like a sign of good luck, so I reckon this lot will make your good fortune last the rest of the voyage! Keep a sharp eye out for shipping, mate, and try to stay chipper. Your pictures brighten our days, our lives as well. Keep up the good work Capitan. Fair winds and seas!
Pipefish, California Usa
Jess you have to come home soon (your bloggers are going batty!)theyre not going to last the distance without serious issues.They are rewriting history in your favour and creating a Jesseculture of popular music,poetry,tales of epic courage and challenging hardships tales also of Life and Being on the Edge, and of communications with other Lifeforms (of marine variety as well as avian creatures,all acting in concert as spirit guides and happy mediums)
Now new languages are starting to arise, your culture is strengthened
New art forms are born from the keyboards of your acolytes and the new generations already take note of your school of" I can do itism" philosophy and your policy of positive thinking (in the face of all obstacles even)
well on second thought maybe they are on to something ..
Jesseculture...? yes I like it
Cheers
Steve P
Hello, from Ben in Kentucky, USA. Been enjoying reading your blogs and your story on your web site. Between keeping up with you and Abbey Sunderland on the same quest, it makes for some interesting reading. Be safe, take care, have fun!
Getting down to studies is hard enough without trying to hold a tiller and stop (encourage?)the pages blowing into the drink. Well done giving it a go though. Can't imagine you'll get terribly far with it all, but getting through to Year 12 a little late won't matter.
You'll be thinking of getting a degree, but I wonder if you'll have too much wind under your wings sit to still long enough. Four years with your sun-nipped nose in dusty books, droning lectures, and wild dorms... Would it really help you, the you that you are now realising ?. With a world of water under your belt and probably other excursions in mind maybe you're just going to be a free spirit. Another Roald Amundsun, Steve Irwin, (or my latest hero Bear Grylls...
Whatever you do just note that a degree is super easier to do when you are still that free spirit, and not burdened with kids and working for the Albatross-round-the-neck mortgage, and striving against endless housework ad-infinitum. I want to buy a robot to do housework, can't wait until they are reliable enough to look like an Avatar. Maybe I still got a long wait.
Keep up the pressure Student Jesse.
David
Hi Jessica,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sex/index_cookie.shtml
Try this BBC brain test. It is quite good and tells you how you think.Not gospel but good.
Dilip has latched onto the tail of a system and is flying across. Hope it lasts long.
Take Care,
Regards,
Subir
Hey Jess
Thats awesome to have all the dolphins around! There were a heap in Wellington harbour yesterday too, not that I saw them, but I heard all about them! My friend Mike is finally off to do Cook Strait tomorrow so I will be in the support boat alongside him - very excited! The weather wasnt quite right over the weekend so tomorrow is the last day to go. So hopefully I will be bakc tomorrow night with a report of a successful crossing! Take care and keep safe.
Kirsten
Jess, best wishes from a harbour-sailing kiwi in Christchurch NZ. Have a wonderful second half of your voyage.
Jess, best wishes from a harbour-sailing kiwi in Christchurch NZ. Have a wonderful second half of your voyage.
Hi Jesse
We are a bit worried about your food stocks: no way you would run out (we are sure the prep. by your land team would never allow this) but we are worried about the "goodies" disappearing: what with pringles and can fruit in short supply, can an emergency air drop be organised!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The last half of the trip on baked beans is not an option! We think your crew might rebell !!!!!!!!!!!
Anyhow, just keep aiming at Australia: there will be a bazzillion people there to treat you to anything you want, including us!!!
Be good
The Leask Family, Forbes, NSW
@RichieParis
The shore crew writes that she has about 9,000 miles to go. It will not be a total of 23,000 nm, more like 22,000 nm. My Excel sheet shows 8405 nm purely theoretical shortest distance to go (on last Saturday), but 10 % should be added, because so far this is what she has done, meaning about 9,200 nm. Jessica’s real distance was 12,500 nm on Wednesday the 3rd, on day 109. This is 114 nm real distance per day. This gives 80 more days, with ETA Sydney 24 April, although my more advanced Excel calculation shows 27 April (added 1 day since last forecast because she had 34 degree north eastern course on Saturday).
Then I must admit that the last few days she has made a little odd routing. Maybe weather-Bob is more cautious now. He was probably more scared than Jessica after the knockdown. I consider reducing my calculation speed by 5 nm/day, which would add 4 days, so that my ETA would be 1 May.
Shall we make bets?
Bengt Larsson, Sweden
Hi Jessica (Beverly here in Tassie) Won't type much today because, like you, I'm feeling a bit "down" today. Don't wanna talk to anyone. I do think it is HORRIBLE you are almost out of Pringles. and Tomato Sauce (Ketchup in my world, LOL).
I've been trying like heck to determine when about you will be coming into port. I read Ben in Sweden's blog; then Richie's; and I'm soooo confused.
I do want to say to all the bloggers that I LOVE all the blogs and of course, there are certain ones that I can't go a day without (Jesse's of course is #1).
I don't know who said what to poor "Jony the Pony" but like a few others out there, I sure MISS HER. So, PLEASE COME BACK JONY!!!
Stefan - you write a beautiful blog. I always enjoy reading it. Your English is superb. As is all our non-English speaking "family's".
Jesse, just remember God is with you throughout this journey and His Legions of Angels are surrounding you and EPL guiding you safely towards the Cape of GOOD HOPE!
@You might want to read Dilip's new blog. He has a really funny example of wind speed, I think it's Beauforts or something. Anyway, will make you laugh like crazy as will Attil's blog towards the bottom, he added a #12 in it.
Bye for now, Beverly & Andrew Penney, Tasmania
BEGIN AGAIN IN 2010!!
Dolphins always bring pleasure. They are great. I was surprised that you missed St Helena by so much. Do you get radio contact as you go by??
Tony
Hi Jess
It is good that you reassured us you are planning to go well South of the cape. Looking at the tracker one wonders if you are going to cross the equator again or come around Africa via the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. For a moment I thought you had lost GPS, sextant and compass in that storm.
May God keep sending those dolphins to keep you company all the way home.
What a great surprise for you, so many dolphins playing with you should be really exciting.
all the best from Italy,
Andy
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠 龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
ConFuseUs says:
Girl who sail with Dolphins,
Must be in her own Ella-ment
ConFuseUs, PLANET HYDEN WA AUSTRALIA.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠龠
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
GO Jesse GO!
Cheers!,
H.
Amsterdam
Netherlands
@Bengt... I don't know how, but I thought that the 9,000 nm were the distance between Good Hope and Sydney, and should be added to the 1,500 nm she has yet to eat before the Cape. I guess that our difference is there. When she was halfway, the voyage was said to be 22,000. When she started, 23,000.
I think you must be right. The 9,000 nm are from now, or even from Saturday, 6th.
So I agree with you on the 1st of May. Good on you!
Hey Jess.
I haven't written in a while as I have been watching the progress of Abby Sunderland. I'm sure you are aware by now that she is underway once again making a new start from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sorry to hear about the Pringles. I was just wondering if you could get one of those dolphins to swim to shore and pick you up another bag. lol. (Or would that be considered and assist?)
I see you are nearing the cape. After that a straight shot home. Bet you'll be excited then. So hold on tight. You’re almost there.
Hi Jess!
Thanks for the beautiful picture! You had a wonderful experience with all the dolphins around EPL.
Im really thinking to make a celebration when you arrive in Sidney, im very proud of you.
Hopefully Hachette will sell your book by internet so it can be purchased online! Will it be translated to other languages?
...too soon to ask probably!
Best wishes!
Marina from Turin
It's wonderful you've got so many friends here on your blog, Jessica. We're all so interested in your progress during this remarkable voyage you've undertaken...and wish you well. We'll all have to get together and hire a seaplane so we can drop off a new supply of Pringles to you! :)
Jesse Martin was guest on "Talking Heads" this evening on the ABC.
I live at Mount Tamborine. I spent my teenage years at the beaches of Noosa, Alex and Mooloolaba. My brother was a lifesaver at the Noosa Heads club. We both grew up in Gympie. I've spent time on a couple of island and always welcomed visiting yachties, all of whom had a story or three to tell. I think you'll beat them all on that score!
Cheers again from a fellow Queenslander!
Hiya Jesse,
Thought I would check in to see if you are ok and things are all well. Will see ya tomorrow. Take care. Turn the music up...!!
Nigh Night/Good morning.
(Hope you had a 100 smiles from the Dolphins again today).
@Elvis...do not leave the building. Sang it and loved it.
@Jony the Pony...I have got no idea what is going on, but came back anyway please...where did you go? Cya soon.
@DAVID, you silent reader you..
Hi Jesse,
Just checking in on you this morning.
I'm jealous of you, for several reasons, but now that you have dolphins with you I am again. I love dolphins. I've had a lot of fun watching them when I was in the Navy. Once , we threw them a lantern at night and they play with it for 10 mins, throwing it back and forth, flinging it out of the water, etc. Looked pretty cool in the dark. And btw, the other day as you sat on deck with bare feet, we here were shoveling 8 inches of fresh, wet, heavy snow. Yuck! I wanted to post a pic to you but didn't see how to do it.
So, take care, good sailing, (40kts, eh..?)and enjoy.
I'll be looking for you again later.
IndyMike
39*50'19"N, 86*9'20"W
Hi Jessica,
This is a bit late, but sitting out under your dodger looks to be a the perfect place to catch up on homework.
@SaltyDog,
Thanks for your outline on dodgers vs biminis.
So, Jessica has a hard fibreglass dodger, no bimini but has a targa. It appears to me that Abby's boat has a hard dodger with vinyl curtains that can be unrolled which does the job I guess. Jessica's dodger has proven to be well constructed...as per recent ocean testing.
Be safe.
Remember, double check everything.
Ozca,
from the great Bras d'Or Lakes.
Hey Jess,
@ Barry Clements
@ Jony the Pony
Your commentaries on Jessica’s Blog are nothing less than enthusiastic and I for one would miss them (and anyone else’s who may be feeling underappreciated.)
It’s inspirational to come here and read such a wide array of upbeat and diverse observations. If someone doesn’t appreciate certain blog comments (like mine) they can (if inclined to) just scroll on by, or make a report to the management; leaving Andrew to be the Blogmaster and decide for Jessica what is and is not worthy of posting.
It can be difficult to come up with interesting bits and pieces sometimes (except for Jess it seems), but we all do our best and we all have a voice to be heard, so... Keep them comments coming! The more idiosyncratic, the better!
To all...
Now kiss and make nice ;-) lol
Hello Captain Jess,
What an adventure! I hope there is a fresh canister of Pringles awaiting you at the home dock. You could be in their next commercial: "I sailed all the way around the world for this crunch!".
Safe travels. Glad you enjoyed the company of some friends who helped you find your smile.
Steve Gamlin
Hey Jess
I haven't checked in for awhile. This makes it even more incredible; i have been doing other things but your still out there challenging yourself with the elements. I am keen to head to Sydney to see you home. I am heading back to Uni to study Sociology this year.
I am in your thoughts m8 keep going and take care
Tony B
Hi Jess -- So glad to read your latest posts. It is good to know that you are safe, well, and happy, and that you are having enough winds to keep you on your toes. Those dolphins must have been a magnificent sight! THX for the pic!
You have such precious memories being stored up every day......savor every moment and recall them with joy. These are things that only you will ever know and they will bring many smiles to you over your lifetime.
Enjoy the ride!
YOU GO GIRL!
Janell in Oklahoma, USA
Hey Jesse,
I love the pictures of the dolphins !
They are really such good company and so much fun.Humans can really learn a lot from these beautiful creatures if we could only forget now and then how much more"superior and intelligent"we think we really are.
Imagine how intelligent or smart one would have to be to navigate and survive in a big vast ocean on nothing but ones natural senses,body strength,brain power and intellect.
All the technoligy we humans know about,was discovered by studying and copying nature.There is still so much we have to learn and do not know about.
Looking at animals in nature versus humans I often wonder,who are the real masters and who are the students?
Who is living in harmony with the environment and who is trying hard just to survive in their group while trying to make some sense of it all,if we are not too busy exploiting and destroying our environment or fighting each other in futile high tech wars ?
Imagine what it must feel like to be free like a dolphin or a bird and then look at our human lifestyle throughout history.
house,car,tv,job,life in a box.
we all dream of being free like a dolphin.
Only some of us will try to make those dreams come true.
But none of us will ever stop dreaming.
Just a quick note to let you know a fellow sailor from Texas is following your journey. Great job with the posts. Good Luck!
Jesse, are you serious ? It sounds like you are on your LAST PRINGLES AT ALL (!) And Tomato Sauce low from the TOTAL SUPPLY ?
Before you dive head on first into Nutella, ask yourself how far it is to the closest Dentist.
Are we going to be treated to a reenactment of Charlie Chaplin's Classic number of eating your own shoe, regarding the lace as spaghetti ?
Enjoy...
(Or start severe rationing.)
Kenny
Jessica,
Kodiak 5th graders say Hi!
It would be neat to see a dolphin in person! Eric
It's fun checking your blog each day and seeing how you're doing. Elin
If you ever get 'mopey', just know that we are cheering you on! Leah
I want to read your book. Cassidy
If you ever come to Kodiak, can you stop by? Isaac
I wish we could airdrop more Pringles to you. You should also try the cheeseburger flavored Doritos. Johnny
I like your 'chick with attitude' stuffed animal. How are they surviving the trip? Hannah
Do you know what kind of dolphins you saw? Adelheid
Have a splendid day! Keep your chin up!
Mr. J's 5th Grade
Hi Jesse, After the last three plus months it must be hard for you to remember when you were this 16 year old teenager with very few worries back in Oz. Once you round the Cape of Good Hope you'll almost be able to see Australia dead ahead at least in your mind's eye anyway. Jessica, you are going to do it girl!!! You are going to realize your life long dream. Not many people can make that statement. The work for my handyman business has been a little slow lately so I been able to cook the evening meal for my wife when she comes home at 5PM. I love to cook but I need a recipe to follow otherwise I'm useless. My father was a good cook so maybe I got those genes. A real cook to me is someone who without a recipe can take food add the right herbs and spices and produce a meal that just about blows your socks off!! You will be having your socks blown off by good meals when you return to Sydney real soon. So Jesse I'll stop bending your ear for now and I write again sometime after your next blog. Sail safe Jessica and keep heading East. Your long distant friend Larry (guamgranite@myfairpoint.net)
Ben Larsson, 8 Feb., 1:52AM:
If your calculations for ETA are right, it would be the worst day possible. Background Info for Non-Australians: April 25 is ANZAC Day, the Day our troops landed at Gallipolli in 1915. In dawn services we remember our fallen soldiers of World Wars and other conflicts. And in the tradition of Trade Unions running this country, Public Holidays falling on non Working Days such as Saturday and Sunday will be compansated with a Public Holiday in lieu on the following Monday, creating a LONG WEEKEND. 2010 is such a year again. If Jess is on time, Sydney will be chaotic, her epic journey blending into the ANZAC Mythos. Opportunistic Sydneysiders will make up the Basic and the rest of the Jessaholics jamming the airport via sending the "Airbus Companies" to the limit.
And in the other tradition of Australian behaviour we will have a Snap Federal Election in May and a Baby Boom by the end of January 2011...
Mark my words.
Mel
Jessica,
At around 32 deg. south you're in a pleasant weather area and the forecast looks great for the next week or two. That you can handle 40 knot winds as a routine thing shows your confidence as a skipper. Just keep EPL checked out real well.
You can do it.
Fair winds,
Steve from SCalifornia
Hi Jesse,
Glad to hear the that the porpoises lifted your spirits.It must be magical out there at times.
You say that you were feeling a bit down and frustrated. If the frustration has to do with studying something and trying to really understand it and hitting a brick wall, a good trick is to stop and do something else.
After a while the the answer
to the first thing that you were trying to figure out will just pop into your mind. Your subconscious mind will have been working on it.
It is probable that your irregular sleep cycles are playing havoc on your learning processes. Once you get back to land and regular sleeping patterns, you will feel like a different person, so don't be so hard on yourself while you are on your voyage. You are doing a fantastic job.
Sail On Special One!
Richard W
Jesse,
I bet the dolphins were fun to see. I don't know that i'd ever get tired of them swimming along with me. Good job keeping up on the school work. If I was out there I wouldn't be able to make myself do it. I hope you are only running out of things you like and not of things you need!
Rob
Columbia, Missouri, USA
P.S. How are the stars treating you?
Skip'Ohoy.Captain Jessica.Cute with those Dolphins.Steady going and before you know it your home.All the best.Herman.Hampstead.NH.USA.
G'day Jess,
I've just spent a week up your way at Cotton Tree on the Maroochy River. Rained a bit and no fish. We had some nice battered flathead at a couple of the clubs while we were there. Nice to be home at Esk finally. Now I have to mow the lawn. Something you don't need to worry about, eh.
I'm pleased to see that you're continuing to make Easting progress in my absence. Your comments about going around again and giving Sydney a miss, reminded me of that Frenchman who continued on to Tahiti instead of crossing the finish line in a "round the world" race a few years before your time. Can't remember his name though. Was it Moitissier ?
Poor old Donald Crowhurst would not get away with his ruse these days. What with satelite tracking and whatever.
Well, enough for today. God speed and fair winds to you. I must say I'm enjoying sailing with you. Particularly as I don't stand watches or to wash up the dishes.
Regards Whyalla Jack from Esk.
Hi Jess,
yes, a pitty them albertos are gone for now...
Anyways, keep up them dodgers!
:o)))
Jony the Pony
Hi Jess,
The dolphin escort must be the most heartwarming sight when you are all alone out there. Glad you have things to keep you ever watchful and alert.
I shouldn't image there is ever room for complacency and you will probably not realize the enormous weight of responsibility you are enduring 24/7 until you are tucked up in your own little bed at home once again!
Great stuff Jess and thank you for taking us on your exceptional and thrilling journey.
I shall be in New Zealand for the next few weeks visiting my grand children so will try to follow you whenever I can.
In the meantime, stay safe, and be well. May the rounding of the Cape of Good Hope go smoothly and your homeward journey the joyous completion of a truly amazing and inspirational quest that has captured our hearts, and been the catalyst for change of people the world over.
I am sure we will hear for some in years to come..... how their turn around came whilst being inspired and challenged by one young woman in one small pink yacht who said "Yes I can!!" and proved it.
Love as always and prayerfully in my heart for your safe return.
Susan in Melbourne
Hi Jesse,
Thought that I would drop in to let you know you are still in our thoughts.
I hope that you are still concentrating on being strong and, most importantly, enjoying yourself.
Remember that we are all behind you and are waiting patiently for your safe return.
Find the kind winds brave lady.
June and Richard Thorn
Jess,
We had Lots of snow this past weekend in Washington DC, almost a meter, leading to a bit of "cabin fever." I hope the same isn't true for you. Have fun. Sail safe!
Welcome back Jony the Pony!! Those dodgers were not being kept up! :-D
Yeah!
Bluefin Annie, Buderim, Queensland.
Good morning Jess
A wonderful clear Tuesday morning in AUS. I forgot to mention that you received a very nice comment from Peter Fitzsimmons sports columnist for the Sun Hearld Sydney at the weekend...so more press support which is great. I hope you have ratted around and found more goodies in the emergence food supplies. More later LOL(oud)
Sea ya
Dusty from Dubbo
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"Today is not yesterday: we ourselves change; how can our
works and thoughts, if they are always to be the fittest,
continue always the same? Change indeed is painful; yet ever
needful; and if Memory have its force and worth, so also has
Hope."
-- Thomas Carlyle
LoL Low on pringles. Technology certainly has shrunk the planet to the size of a walnut.
Hi,Jessica;
Hope your feeling more upbeat today,I know and understand what you are saying,my day's in ''Haiti'' I had those,but I stayed focused at the positive things of the day,which included the ''smiles'' of the young.
Stay busy,which I know you are with your ''school work'',a good book and some ear banging music takes away the blues.
We here in Maryland are still digging out of over two feet of snow and now we hear another is on the way Tuesday night into Wednesday,our ''team'' has been placed back on ''stand by'' for the next 72 hours due to possible ''roof'' collapses due to snow weight.So I maybe out of touch in the next day or so,depending on the severity of the next storm,I AM ALREADY PULLING OUT THE ''WHITE FLAG'' TO OLD MAN WINTER...
HEY,Richard,Molly and rest of the mid-Atlantic family YOU ALL STILL DIGGING OUT,Molly sorry to hear you have been out of power,no fun,take care of yourself,stay warm,make sure your ''surge protector's are hooked to your important electric items, a surge can do serious damage.
''Magpie'',thank you for your kind remarks,also Carol/Florida[send us some warm weather,we are sick of winter up here...
MY ''DOWN UNDER'' family send us some of your ''summer ''PLEASE...
Saw a ''Snow man'' drinking a Foster's,he is also tired of it too.
Jessica,I continue to be in full admiration of you,you have brought the ''Aussie spirit '' back to my mind,I so so miss you all ''down under'',your hearts are all ways full of joy and I am proud to have that blood flowing threw me,last night was probably a little to many ''oil cans'',just kidding all,was a great ''Super Bowl''[USA version of the Grand Final].
Young lady you stay POSITIVE DAILY,remember when day's are ''down'',think of how much you have accomplished already in your young life,STAY STRONG,your finish line is in sight.Think of all the good times when you reach your conclusion and BOY WHAT A SMILE THAT WOULD BRING TO YOUR FACE.
The ''world family'' LOVES YOU,SUPPORTS YOU,and GREAT AMOUNT OF PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU EVERYDAY.
So,young lady that's not a sermon,just my true believe of you and your inner strength.
That's all for me,hey Richie,Bourbon Street needs are help,HA,HA,keep up your great ''pros'',I so much enjoyed Paris when I was a young lad,great people.
''WorkerBeu'',you keep up your spirits, I remember one of my Grand Father's words,''you woke up and saw the day....''.
Take care all,proud to be part of this sincere''world family'',hope to stay in touch with all of you these next few day's,if I am not,out doing what I've been trained to do,God willing no more tragedies to deal with,much LOVE to all.
Love,hugs to you and your land crew.
Stephen M.,
Transplanted ''Aussie'',
Maryland,USA.,
[snow bound,blizzard pending AGAIN]
PS,''Samauri'' miss you, love your profile.Was going to email you,but didn't want to startle you..
Hi,Jessica,
FORGOT on my recent post;
''Blue Finn'',THANK YOU FOR YOUR REMINDER OF ''Black Saturday''anniversary,had a mate in Queensland who was their,he thought he was going to see me in ''Haiti'',but he didn't get deployed,but the stories where unimaginable,HOPE THEY FIND THE ARSON'S WHO WHERE INVOLVED IN.
My heart goes out still of those who suffered,but the ''Aussie Spirit '' came through at the end,still have all the articles of that time,especially ''Sam the Koala''.
That's it for now,
THANKS ''BLUE FINN'' for the reminder,special people like you are is what keeps us grounded.
Stephen M.,
Transplanted ''Aussie'',
Maryland, USA.
PS, Hey Mary/Maine send you some of our ''white stuff '' if you like...love your posts.
Post a Comment