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
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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!
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