We haven't actually been doing a lot of sailing over the last few days, more just sort of drifting and rolling, sometime backwards, not particularly exciting stuff. So we still haven't quite crossed over the Prime Meridian. We're sitting just a few nm away from the eastern hemisphere and not able to get there because there isn't any wind!
I've been spending my time either in the cockpit hand steering or buried in a book trying to ignore the rolling and it's pretty frustrating - very frustrating actually!
Not making any progress makes it feel like we're just wasting time out here. I've discovered that the best way to stop from pulling my hair out is to apply the 'refuse to let it get to me' strategy like I do for storms. Isn't it great that teenagers are good at being stubborn? Oh and
chocolate that helps too!
The good news is that the wind is forecast to start picking soon, so looking forward to that.
I was going to give you all a more detailed rundown on how Ella's Pink Lady
is holding up, all the wear and tear etc. But I'll save that for tomorrow.
Jesse
PS - Thanks for all the Happy Valentine's Day messages!
Monday, February 15, 2010
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258 comments:
1 – 200 of 258 Newer› Newest»gong xi fatt choi - Happy Chinese New Year, Jess. I know the year of the tiger will usher in good luck for you - maybe some wind to get you out of those doldrums.
Fair winds coming you way soon i'm sure Jess! Just think in a few months you'll be home and wishing you were back out there so enjoy!
Your discipline of mind, determination, fun spirit, and positive attitude is truly inspirational. Greetings from Everett, WA USA.
Thanks Jessica
Catch up on school work,
But have fun, too.
Luv u
Richard (QLD)
Hey Jesse,
I'm a huffin and a puffin trying to send you some wind!!
Hope it picks up for you soon.
Take care
JJ
Hi Jesse,
regardless of your lack of wind and slow progress, i think you would be alot more frustrated if you were on land as opposed to EPL!
It is so lovely to be back home and read up on what you have been doing and see your 'blog family' are still 100% behind you. I am really excited for you about your book deal as well. I suppose though there are plenty of other things on your mind (like sailing home) before you can think too much about that.
I think too that i must say that it's not only teenagers that can be so stubborn!
So as the forecast picks up, i wish you good winds and safe sailing.
jo
Jess ure the best, talk about prime meridians, none be bettera n u yo
whoo hoo....first to comment!!
Hang in there Jess....I'm sure before you know it, the wind will be blowing you towards home!
I can't believe you still have chocolate left.....if that were me, I would have been out of chocolate first thing!!!
Look forward to your next blog
Cheers
Jen
Warragul, Vic, Australia
Hi Jesse
Yep, a bit of patience needed for sure. Look on the bright side, you are still looking great to round Africa soon and then the home leg. This might just be the time for a little R and R before the roaring 40's bring you home!!!!
Saw the video of the dolphins: amazing that so mant turned up to see you.
Keep your chin up and the wind will return soon.
Cya
The Leask Family, Forbes, NSW
Hi Jesse,
Pleased to see the comments are open again, though have started back at uni and really don't have the time to keep up with all the chit chat. Hope the wind picks up and you start moving again, must be very frustrating. Keep smiling, stay safe ....
Bron Central West NSW
Thanks Jess!
No wind. Great time for maintenance, huh Jess? I know you would rather have wind right about now. It's got to be extremely frustrating to not be able to get back into your home hemisphere.
This situation is going to end very soon though, and you'll be in the Indian Ocean before you know it.
Then just point EPL's bow toward the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, and you'll be home in no time.
Stay safe girl.
Hoping for full sails and calm seas. God speed.
Jim
Phoenix
Atta girl Jesse,
Just can't stop that positive energy can you! You're pretty special to be able to do that, there's not much else you can do, so best to keep with that attitude. Actually I'm experiencing much the same, trying to do a spring clean and each time I clear out one cupboard there begins another pile of stuff I have to get rid of which then becomes a bigger mess than when I started. Not sure if I'm making progress either. Oh well, I'll get there soon I suppose.
I'm glad to hear you still have a chocolate supply, I could do with some now, however I'm on a health kick and it's killing me I'm sure.
Here's hoping the wind picks up soon for you.
Always in our thoughts,
The McGraths, Nowra NSW
Hi Jess,
Just like to say a big thank you to all the bloggers who have responded so positively to song and film no 3. If you have'nt seen it :
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrQWPsC2i-A
Hi to everyone and thanks. i hope you're hearing these songs Jess, I'm loving it!
Aagh! I'm sorry. I forgot to include a Valentine's Day message. I hope you treated yourself to a huge helping of chocolate. Any of that Toblerone left?
Just drifting, huh! Would you like one of your Brazilian pals to cause a butterfly to flap its wings? Chaos theory would have it that it could cause a massive storm on the other side of the Earth. Maybe you wouldn't want that.
Enjoy your time adrift from the rat-race.
Ian from Brisbane
Glad to hear from you but sorry you are basically out there bobbing around in the water. Makes you wonder why you've come all this way to do that, doesn't it? ....Never fear, what goes around comes around. The wind will blow again before too long!
But, it IS good that you still have chocolate on board as chocolate is a good remedy for lots of things. Eat up! :)
Take care of yourself, hope you get good winds soon, and enjoy the chocolate!
YOU GO GIRL
Hugs and prayers,
Janell in Oklahoma, USA
All the best! Safe travels from Canada.
Jessica, over the centuries of sailing history, the area of the doldrums was renowned for frustrated sailors giving up and jumping overboard after weeks or even months of no winds and stationary progress.
But this was because they saw no future in their lives, had no knowledge that the winds would ever blow again 'eventually', and possessed none of your modern sailing technology.
You'll know that all your fast days will be tempered by the slow ones and the no-go days as well. Your patience here is the key that will award you eventual victory.
As always, my best wishes
Hi Jesse,
That's the way Jesse :-), keep that attitude up. I love it how you are "refusing not to let things get to you". I know you have itchy feet and you just want to get going but before you know it you will be away again. Just enjoy the moment and your book and maybe a little school work. LOL :-)
Take care my dear, keep safe and I'll look forward to hearing about all the little things you have been doing to EPL.
Big hugs to a mighty little sailor. Jan Pace (Auckland, New Zealand)
Good to hear that you're hitting the books. I assume by this that you mean school books? Or did I just say something unpleasant? :) After all, the mid-semester exams are coming up shortly - it's nearly Easter! As a matter of interest, are you getting any distance correspondence lessons while you are away?
On a happier note, I totally approve of chocolate munching as a time filler. Sun, sea, chocolate ... sounds idyllic.
Cool i can't wait to see if you finish your journey jesse we looked at your last post in class today im gonna try and put a post on your blog whenever i get a chance to! i love your ambition to sail around the world solo it would be a BIG achicement and you would break the record and prove that girls rule how did you get the name ellas pink lady?
Jesse,
Wishing you wind to blow you over that meridien and to speed you home!
Kay from Sydney
Hi Jesse,
Hope the wind picks up for you soon and puts you further on your way to Cape of Good Hope and how many nm is it to the Cape now? How's the cooking going. Tried any new recipes lately? From the comfort of my armchair read the blogs with much interest.
Good sailing all the way to the Cape.
Anonymous NZ
Hi Jesse, It must be very frustrating for you, but the chocolate will really help, but try to save some, as you still have a way to go. I know once I start on chocolate thats the end of it, cant help myself. Hope the wind picks up, but not too much, Still hot and humid here on the Sunny Coast. I bet you got more Valentines messages than anyone else? God speed Jess, Maxine and Colin Maroochydore
Hi Jessica
Don't worry about not getting anywhere fast - enjoy it whilst you can. You have the Cape of Good Hope and the Southern Ocean ahead of you where you'll get your fair share of action!
You are doing so incredibly well...
Fiona in Tassie
I hope the wind picks up a bit for you. Not stormy of course, but a nice steady breeze. The USA took the Americas Cup yesteday and in the process their trimaran hit 33 knots on a broad reach in 7-8 knots of wind. Now that's performance! I know Ella's Pink Lady won't go that fast, but I'll try to send you 10 knots or so from here in Angola. That should help. Enjoy!
Hi Jessie!,
Its great to hear from you again but frustrating as well! Going nowhere, I can just imagine how annoying! I just wanted to say how much I love reading your blog and everyday I always check to see if there is any news!! Good luck for the rest of the journey
xx Bella
Hi Jessica
Please don't get too downhearted about lack of wind, it will pick up soon and you will on your way south and round the Cape and on your way back to Oz. Yipee!!!
Hope you had a very special Valentines day, probably plenty of "boys" out there in the ocean, the kind you want to avoid bumping into. I notice you've already had some marriage proposals,plenty of time for all that later.
Great to see the latest videos, all those dolphins, WOW! you sure are loved out there.
Jim
Perth, Western Australia
Happy Valentine's day yesterday.
Hallo Jessica Watson
Bist ein Tapferes Fleisiges Mädchen
..........*.*........*.*
.........*..*.......*...*
..........*......*......*
............*..........*
...............*....*
..................*
Die Delphine sind deine Treue Begleitung
Bist bald in Sichtweite Kap der Guten Hoffnung
Bestimmt Schönes Wetter und Sonne
Wünsch dir alles Gute
und eine Gute Heimfahrt
Grüße von Markus aus Germany
Happy valentines Jesse. Great to hear from you even though you are just rolling back and forth. Hope for a better sailing conditions soon. So how do you keep your mind occupied when nothing is happening? Me, i'd go crazy. Really admire you for your toughness.
Till next post.
Stay safe.
Francis
hope u had lots of chokkies from valentines haha hope you get some kms under way soon. have a good one
macca
yeaiii, I am first to comment :)
It is Monday morning here in Denmark. And I am going to have a busy day - but it still feels like I am drifting around too... waiting for things to pick up. They will soon :) so I am trying to enjoy a not so eventfull working day. There will be plenty of action later. Happy to be in the same boat as you nevertheless. Happy drifting while it lasts.
Eva from Dk
Hi Jessica,
Hair and chocolate. Who else but a female would blog this in the middle(ish) of the Atlantic, lol.
☺☺☺ Hoo Roo ☺☺☺
Hi Jessica,
It's really good that you maintain a positive attitude, even when things aren't going the way you want them to. You focus on the things you can control, not on what you can't. This is the same attitude I have when it comes to dealing with my spinal disease. I focus on what I do have, not on what I don’t; I focus on what I can do, not on what I can't.
So it is extremely mature of you to have such a good attitude even when things aren't happening the way you want. Unfortunately we do not control Mother Nature, but we can control how we respond, the same thing goes for when dealing with others or with life in general, because we can only control ourselves and what we do. But it is still very normal to feel frustrated while working through it, but at the same time, knowing that you'll come out the other side, just like you do those storms, which will serve you well when dealing with the storms of life.
But I sure do hope your wind picks up soon and you can finally get moving along. It seems this happened to you just before you got to the other cape too. Mmmm, maybe there's something to that, I don't know.
But I agree with you, Chocolate can make any situation feel better. I don't know what I would do without having some form of chocolate every day. In fact I'm having some right now. So Cheers to ya as we eat our chocolate.
Take Care and God Bless,
Debbie in Tampa, FL
Its really a mixed bag..you can relax catch up on sleep do your nails a crossword puzzle or watch a film...there will be plenty of time 4 sailing....so just hang in there I am sure so wind will turn up soon...lol Bernie777
G'day Jess
Enjoy doing nothing things will change soon enough, stay safe
Regards Brian
Hi Jess, Great job out there. Following your progress with enthusiasm. Some questions tho, How long are the tacks you're on? Do you need to gybe very often. and are you allowed to use the "iron tops'l"at all.
All the very best on your homeward journey. Praying for you. GW
To Michael, deploying for ME tour:
Thank you for serving in the Australian Defence Force. You will be in the hearts and prayers of many of us. Be of good courage and know you are appreciated for all you do to protect Freedom!
Janell in Oklahoma, USA
Hi Jess it is good to see you are having some good weather for a change, you are looking well judging by your last photo, the sailing life must agree with you,howcome you sailed so far north is it so you would,nt run in to the bad weather down south. How is the pink lady holding up and your crew, are they all still in one peace, well stay safe, god bless and good sailing cheers Greg from Townsville.
Thanks so much for keeping us in touch back here on land. I'm loving hearing about your great adventure - thank you!
you GO, girl!!!
Sending you supportive encouragement from Bathurst NSW :)
Cyalayta
Mal :)
hey jesse
chocolate is always good fixes almost everything. :-p
Hi Jess.
I'm following your voyage with great interest, sitting here with one meter snow outside my window in the very north of Sweden. I reckon you've never heard about the town of Luleå. With three more months to go before the ice has melted from the sea and it'll be time to launch our boat again, it's nice to read your blog - every day! - and as a Mum, be a bit worried. All the best, Jess.
Lena (51!)
Just thought I'd check before turning off the 'puter and going to bed, and so glad I did... another post...yay!
Way to go Jess... it's all in the attitude, and in having chocolate nearby! And being stubborn can be a great quality... look what it has done for you. :)
"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." Alphonse Karr
Blow wind blow for Jesse.
Susan in Oregon
Hi Jess,
only a few nanometers away from the prime meridian... I guess if you would swim you could push the boat across.
Next time maybe you can install a cycling system to power the propeller.
Keep up them dodgers!
Jony the Pony
Good to hear it, keep it up young one. I can't believe you're almost a year younger than me, and you're doing such things. Man, good luck. 8D
Hi Jesse,
Good on you for not allowing the doldrums to get to you. In this case, certainly stubborness is a welcome virtue.
Typically, Taureans (you, my dear) are essentially aware of their vulnerability, and consequently tend to 'dig in'.
So I'm glad you are a Taurus baby!
No fishies/birdies/dolphins??
How about that motley crew of yours??
Ella's Pink Lady, perhaps you might consider 'hanging ten' a little so as your Master may 'goofy foot' the swell.
Til next time,promise toasesse eat well andstay safe.
Go Jess!!
Hi Jesse,
Apparently Sailors of old use to "whistle up the wind"...maybe that's what you need to do, go and stand out on the bow and whistle up a tune you might be lucky...
I'll wish you a Happy Valentines Day just because I believe you are totally worth it...and if I could send you a beautiful deep Red Rose I would!...but I'm sorry Valentines Day is just another day to make heaps money irrespective of the real message, it's like Easter, you can walk right into the Supermarket right now and there it is, a beautiful display of Easter Eggs and Easter Buns, and here it is the 15 of Feb!
Anyway I hope that Prime Meridian catches up with you real soon!...maybe you should go for swim tie a rope around your waist and pull EPL across the PM...hehe, I wonder if that would that change your unassisted status..?
Well I'm heading out in an hour so I'll put this down, I look forward to your run down of EPL, I was interested in that bent out of shape Solar Panel, is that still working for you?....and your Anemometer was that totally wasted in the knock downs, as in gone missing...or do you still have them attached but just not sending any information to your weather station?...
Cya for now Jesse Girl.....and again a happy belated valentines day to you...xox....
Clint - Melbourne place.
P.S...Hi Richie, I agree that it would have been nice to have had a refuge where us Jesseholics could still chat, during that short blackout of communications a few days ago it really felt funny that all of a sudden the whole world was silenced...maybe in between blogs we just make use of Facebook...or something similar?
Hi Jesse,
good to see you are not letting it get you douwn. There are bound to be day's like that.
When the wind picks up you will go like a rocket and be round the south of S/africa like a grayhound.
chuck a line out and get a big one.
All the best Jesse.
Keco..xxx
Hi Andrew and team.
Thanks for being back on deack.
Cheers mate's
Keco.
Dear Jessica
Good to hear all about your journey so far, we are following it with great interest, and you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Keep up the good work.
Mavis, Robert & Lianne
(Your Mum's aunty & cousins in Auckland)
hi from canterbury nz, watched the americas cup race early hours of this morning,wow what amazing yachts, have you seen any footage of them? bring on the wind to sail you home jesse. cheers.
Jesse,
We forgot. Happy Valentines Day!!!
Now if you could just some wind behind you.
Play your music a little bit louder that might get the wind Gods working for you. Sail safe brave lady. Enjoy the rest while you can.
June and Richard Thorn
I can imagine how frustrating it's for you, Jess, with little or no breeze/wind to assist you on your way. Don't let it get you down, my dear - it'll soon pick up and you'll have crossed the Prime Meridian before you know it! In the meantime, just enjoy that chocolate! (I'm sitting here eating some at the moment)! I'll blame that on you because I've finished it all now!!
Mogul skier, Dale Begg-Smith has won a Silver Medal for Aus in the Winter Olympics.
It's hot here at present with rain forecast for tomorrow and Wednesday! I hope it comes to cool things down a bit.
Take care, Jess.
May the good winds blow soon, Jessica.
Best regards,
Jan, Waitara, NZ
Happy Belated Valentines Day.
Hi Jesse,
Wow....going backwards, that would be frustrating (and different)but with your positive 'teenage' attitude you will get through this patch easily.
I am sure the days are still flying by and before you know it you will be passed The Cape of Good Hope and on your way to Autralia and home.
I look forward to your next update and news on how EPL is holding up so far.
Take care our special girl.
Rob
Ingleburn NSW
hey jess,
we are all so pround of you mate.
are you going to come close enough to the west australian coastline so we can come and wave to you?
I hope so.
keep cruisin... love the attitude.
all the best from bushie
Hi Jessica,
Nice to start my Monday reading your news. I took a look in my atlas again to get an idea where you are. I can understand that you are eager to sail on faster. I like your comment about teenagers being stubborn, you are where you are just being that.
Keep on smiling Jessica, you'll soon pass the Prime Meridian.
Safe sailing.
Regards,
Ingrid, Tyreso, Stockholm
Morning Jesse
Oh that does sound frustrating for you both. I hope you get a nice puff of wind soon to stear you over that important "line" and get you well and truly on the home run!
Sending you some gently but firm wind!
- Helen (UK)
Dear Jessica
You really are a gem the way you write, and it's so funny to see you use the words "teenager" and "stubborn" in the same sentence. Don't worry about the slow progress, enjoy the rest while you can, things will hot up soon and you and EPL will be just flying along.
As we haven't been around for a couple of days, may we wish you a belated Happy Valentine's Day.
Stay safe Jesse dear and Go-Girl-Go.
Love from Faye and Max (Mulgrave Vic)
If anyone has the patience Jesse it's you - so hold in there and remember that you are a great insperation to so many followers around the world!
Good sailing and may the winds be helpful and kind to you.
Cheers, Kev, Forestville, Oz.
hang in there Jess,the adrenilan will be pumping again soon.stay safe, good luck.
Hey there Jess, I hope you're well.
I can't think of a better way to waste time. A bad day out there is still better than a good day at work. And what a day I've had today.I spent the last 3 hours of my shift with my head down and bum up catching up on paper work. I'll trade places with you any day. Having said all that, I do understand how frustrating it must be for you, rolling around and actually having to take the helm because of lack of wind and listening to those sails luffing and flapping around, watching for every puff of wind on the surface of the water. I have an idea, why don't you plug up your cockpit and fill it with seawater and have a bath? Or is it too cold for that? Oh well, at least if all else fails, you got chocolate.
Don't worry Jess, I'm sure the wind will pick up soon and hopefully from the right direction to get you back on your way again.
I'm looking forward to your detailed rundown of EPL's status. In the meantime, you take care and stay safe and please don't feel like you're wasting your time out there. Enjoy the moment for what it is because it will be only too soon before you look back and long for it again...all of it...the good, the bad and the not so pretty. Thanks for the update, it was lovely to hear from you after the "female canine" of a day I had today. Bye for now...Aunty Sam XX :-))
Hey Jess,
It might all seem a little slow at the moment but its not the destination that makes it special, it's the journey, so hang in there - it's a good time to catch up on your "School Work"? - Yeah ?
or bury your head in a good book.
"Don’t worry if it all seems uphill at the moment, the view from the top will be spectacular..!"
we're thinkin of ya
sorry but i missed blogging on Sunday so a belated Happy Valentines to you.
you're a legend
Mick
MNC NSW
Hey Jesse,
Let's hope that the wind picks up for you, it must be so frustrating to sit there & go nowhere. Oh well maybe that book will get finished & then the wind will pick up.
All that we can send you is rain....cause that's all Sydney is getting.
It's always good to hear from you, keep your chin up & don't forget to tell us about what's going on, we just love our updates...
As always stay safe & happy sailing.....
Sure hope that wind will pick up soon. Needto book my flight to Sydney to welcome back a hero.
Yeh, Happy Valentines Day for Sunday, the rolling around sure beats the knockdowns you and EPL went through, every day you are getting closer to home.
Have you been fishing lately, even at a very slow trawl you might still pick up a couple of tuna?
You should be ok for wind tomorrow on Passage weather.com there is a nice system to the South of your current location.
So hang in there girl, stay safe and keep the blogs coming.
Regards
Annie & Cam “H”
Don't let it get you down jess your doing so well and every Australian is with you in this monumental journey your on half way around the world there's not to many people can say they done what you have achived already, (YOU GO GIRL) and stay safe Mike from Redcliffe
Oh please Jessica,
don't tear your hair out! You look prettier with it!
Being stubborn and refusing to let it get to you, is a good strategy.
Start yelling and screaming at the sky, at Neptune, at the wind, that is elsewhere, at your situation, stomp your feet, anything to relieve the stress!
Rant and rave, it'll make you feel better and before
you know it, the wind is back, just in the right direction and strength!
It helps, to let off steam.
You can't very well go for a long walk...........
It must also be hard to get your mind onto something else, when you are constantly reminded of the way things are at the moment,
not moving forward.
So here is wishing that the wind picks up pronto and that you can speed on you way.
Keep well, keep smiling, be stubborn and above all else be safe,
Trudy, Austria/Australia
how many hours a day do you spend on the helm, on average?
Hi Jesse, good to hear from you again. I'm sure before too long the wind will pick up and you will be sailing along nicely. I'm sure we would all like to hear how EPL is holding up ...like a trooper by the sounds of things!! I will leave it to you to get all technical with the sailing jargon, as I wouldn't have a clue but I must say you have taught me a thing or two about sailing and it's all been very interesting!! Oh and what has been on the menu lately Jesse, besides chocolate? LOL Take care 'til next time.
Jo
Sydney
:) Hey, support from the Czech Republic! It's wonderful how far did you get! Especially to me who's never seen an ocean...
I wish you luck and wind, Jess :)
Tina
Hi Jessica
Just lets hope there's no leaks & i could tell you about a lot of wind but lets not go there ha ha ha
so happy sailing
Hello Captain Jesse,
Maybe you read what Commodore Dilip said about the welcoming Falkanders? Well, that's not a good enough reason to go backwards. You are not allowed to head for Stanley, just for a hot shower and some refills of Pringles and tomato sauce. Please stop drifting around and resume your eastern route!!! ;-)
You are right to apply the same strategy as you do for storms. After all, a zone with no wind at all is also an extreme meteorological phenomenon, just like too much violent wind. A hollow kind of storm?
Passage weather, though not totally precise nor accurate, shows that right now you should have picked up some wind. We hope you did, and that you are eating milles again.
We are much interested in Ella's Pink Lady condition! But we can wait until tomorrow, you are wise to save some subjects when things are too quiet.
We are all puffing for you
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Sail fast, sail safe, sail well, sail happy!
Hi Jess, hope you are moving forward by now. If the seas are like ours at the moment you would be racing along, Big waves, nearly 3 solid days of heavy rain, pleased you are not experiencing this. Enjoy the ride and look forward to your return Sydney. Christine - Tura Beach
Hi Jesse,
Yes that does sound frustrating - sailing solo, nonstop and unassisted is so much about mind control isn't it, learning to master self and not giving in to things you cannot control. You have proven many times that you are well equiped to deal with these trying times and chocolate definately helps!
I'm very glad some breeze is on its way for you tomorrow. It was so humid on the Sunshine Coast today, really horrible, we're hanging out for rain that is forecast for tomorrow just to cool the place off.
Keep enjoying your experience Jesse, you will be home before you know it. It seems like no time at all that you were about to round Cape Horn.
Enjoy those starry nights,
Bluefin Annie, Buderim, Queensland.
Jessica
Just have a good break. Walk around (clipped on), breath fresh air and be happy to be alive. Everything else is fairly insignificant.
Now remember Plan #2 - All school work is now on your computer, and it just might fall off the boat when you cross Sydney Heads. Oh gosh !! Sorry teacher, the waves ate my homework.
Sorry, but school is a preparation for adulthood. I think you've missed a class or two but gained a year or two. You are way above most of your peers.
Sail safe and for goodness sake, get out the oars and cross that Greenwich Mean Time longitude.
Best Regards Allen, H/Bay, Qld, AU
Hi Captain Jessica
I'm not a sailor but I can completely understand your frustration when there is no wind.
Hope it picks up soon ............enjoy your time what ever the weather is doing.
We are all enjoying reading about your adventure and will miss it when it is all over.
Ros (Sydney)
Hi Jessica
Drifter days are always frustrating, and more so when you want to reach a new milestone. In your case crossing the Prime Meridian.
If wind hasn’t returned when you read this you could try a windance. Bring Chick with attitude out, and if she can still dance turn up the music, set her up dancing on the dodger and join in doing the Tether Tango. All that should wake Huey out of his slumber! And don’t forget to hand the tiller to Parker when you begin dancing, or Parker might join in the dance and you could then go all over the place.
Try to enjoy the rest of the day.
Tony L (Mt Martha VIC)
@SaltyDog...That was a compliment, not an accusation.
I only meant that you are so sweet....as opposed to salty. It was very sweet of you to write that little peom to Jessica and it was very sweet of you to get all choked up by Grant's song.
You may be a tough old salt on the outside but very soft and sweet inside.
Kind regards as always...Sam :-))
Hi Jessica,
Don't mind the drifting. You'll catch the winds soon. Dilip is flying and I hope you will do the same.
Trudy - Gr8 you liked to brain test. The best way for this blog family to stay in touch is for Jessica (don't kill me for that) or someone else (not me for sure) continuing the adventures.
I liked the chocolate rules. I generally don't crave for chocolates but every time I indulge in it I can't seem to stop.
Wishing you fair winds.
Take Care Toughie,
Subir.
Mother nature has thrown evevrything she can at you, but to leave you without wind is a bit rude. But hang in their Jess, it will get better and soon you will be turning left around the cape and onwards to Oz. Sail on and sail safely Jess.
Bruce Watt
Rosebud (Vic)
Ahoy Sailor Girlie,
I think we are all given times when we think life is moving too fast, and times when we think life is moving too slow.
The key is to accept them both in equal stride.
For they both have their lessons.
I have no doubt that very soon you will be moving along at your usual brisk pace.
In the meanwhile, enjoy the "slow" until the "fast" returns.
Blessings and hoping your fair winds return to you soon,
Molly
Maryland USA
Hi Ho Jessica
love the
"refuse to let it get to me' strategy like I do for storms."
it is positively positve"
like too, the eat more chocolate ;o))
here is to favourable winds
Addicted
Bruce Stanley/Sydney
@QUEENLANDER ...
thanks for Lat/Long info on G/Earth
THE ELVIS OF OZ said...
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To the Queen of the Seven Seas,
A song about Drifting - Apart:
ARE YOU LONESOME TODAY
Are you lonesome today, do you miss me today?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a brighter sunny day
When you left me and called me sweetheart?
Do the seas off your starboard seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your wet seat and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, will you sail back again?
Tell me Jesse, Are You Lonesome Today?
I wonder if you're lonesome today?
You know someone said that the world's a sea
that each must sail upon.
Fate had me sailing in your wake, the day you sailed out on.
Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance
You trimmed your lines so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change your tack looked strange
And why I'll never know.
Jesse, you Cried when I said: I loved you
And I had no cause to doubt you.
But I'd rather go on hearing your cries
Than go on sailing without you.
Now the sea is bare and I'm sinking here
With empty plastic bags all around
And if you won't come back to me
Then I will just gulp and sink and drown.
Is your heart filled with pain, will you sail back again?
Tell me Jesse, Are You Lonesome Today?
♡♡♡♡♡♡."Thank You Very Much".♡♡♡♡♡♡
THE ELVIS OF OZ ,
Rabbit Proof Fence, HYDEN, WA 6359, AUSTRALIA
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There is a saying ' be careful what you wish for....'. The winds around the Cape can be hectic!. Cape Town is known as either 'The Fairest Cape in all the Land' or the 'Cape of Storms' - Mother Nature can be very bad tempered at times - bless her. I hope you get the 'Fairest' version! I will be so excited when you pass Cape Town!
Shirley Cape Town
Hi Jesse......
Thanks for the Drifting Around comments.
Here's hoping some wind will come your way.
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*******.........................
**********.............................
***********..........wind..................
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****V****.................wind...............wind.............
***********.....................................
************O..oooo.....wind.......oooooo
*************........wind........oooo....
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*******...............
**............
Wishing I could be of more help.
Cheer up things will change soon enough.
Sally in Melbourne by the Bay
All this lolling around, reading books, eating chocolate sounds fun but whilst the EPL is going backwards what about;
Dropping the sails, jump into a life jacket, firmly attach a good line or two to the jacket and yourself.
Come out from behind them dodgers, and get yourself a swim in the Atlantic, before the icy temperatures of the Benguella current take effect.
Or maybe the cold current is already there.
Take care Fred Woodford Queensland area.
Hi Jessica,
Just an observation or two,
♣Lee said...Mogul skier, Dale Begg-Smith has won a Silver Medal for Aus in the Winter Olympics. Just as well he let the Canadian win. He would've been lynched if he got the Gold, lol. I'm sure I could hear(insert snow insect here) when he finished his run.
♣Samurai said..."female canine" of a day. Hmmm, Reminds me of that ditty... I get buy with a little whelp from my friends. ☺ Hoo Roo ☺
Hi Jesse
FISHING,FISHING AND MORE FISHING
XXX
Mark Perth WA
Hi Jesse,
Hang in there - the wind will pick up soon. Try and enjoy the moment. A good book and chocolate works wonders! We all have days where we feel like we're going backwards but you're doing it literally! Let me tell you about my day. I'm an Aussie living in Seoul and Korea has been celebrating the Year of the Tiger. It snowed at the end of last week so the mountains near our home, and indeed our backyard, are still covered. We visited one of the palaces today to witness some Lunar New Year action. We ate traditional 'ddoh' cakes and saw amazing musical performances. The temperature was zero but with the wind chill - brrr. It beats the -18 celsius days we had a few weeks ago though! Keep enjoying every minute of your adventure - even the doldrums days. Happy Lunar New Year!
Elizabeth, Seoul
Hope the winds pick up for you soon Jessica. Glad you're not mentioning rubbish passing by you. Hope that means you're not seeing any. It's so awful hearing about the pollution of our wonderful oceans. Wish people didn't toss their stuff overboard. Anyway, happy sailing. From Erica (Brisbane)
Hi Jess,
Maturity beyond your years ! It takes a special person not to succumb to their emotions. It takes a very special person to rationalise their emotions and turn it around into something positive.
Many years ago, I had a boss who was very demanding and not very kind within working hours. He always demanded results. He was relentless in his pursuit for results. While I did not like him too much, I did learn a couple of things from him.
He always had this sense of urgency to stay ahead of the game and if you think about it, you already have this quality built in - you are always ahead of your game (for want of a better word).
One of his favourite sayings was "Convert Adversity to Advantage". This has turned out to be MY favourite saying as well and I do practice this principle in my life and it has given me heaps of lateral vision and a whole new way of thinking. Again, I sense that you have this built in. All the wallowing around in the world does not get you down. You KNOW that tomorrow is another day and the wisp of a wind will turn into a steady breeze and you will be back making progress.
What a lucky young lady - and heres where I say it again : Thanks to Mum and Dad. They had a pretty big part to play in shaping who you are today.
Good luck and fair winds
Jonathan
Melbourne
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ConFuseUs says:
Girl who drifts with words at sea,
Is like lady who live in state called tree.
One is keen-ager, one is keen-young
They both rich like Cedars of Lebanon.
ConFuseUs, PLANET HYDEN WA AUSTRALIA.
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Hi Jessica,
A frustrated teenager, on these words.
Safe Passage, will talk later.
Brian Riley
Hervey Bay, QLD.
Life's just say'in, "Let's see how tough this cookie really is!", Jessica. Hang in! Wishing you a bit of low atmospherics again! Er... school work maybe? Nahhhhh, Chocolate!
Bruce de Mich
Hiya Jesse,
Dang that going backwards part !! The 'refuse to let it get to me and stubborness' attitude is the go Jesse, keep up with that....!!
When all else fails...there is always chocolate !!
Was a little bit funny, from this side, not side splitting funny, but just a bit of a giggle when I realised how frustrating that must be with all that rolling and no progression. Thank goodness for chocolate.
Bring on that Prime Meridian line thingy, and with forcasts of the wind picking, up you will be there before you know it.
We can confidently look to the West now to see ya coming over the horizon. Fair bit of the blue never never to go yet, but you're getting there or should I say here.
So proud of your strenght and maturity of mind to know when and how to tackle your frustration, you deal with it very well. You really are the best. Take care, thanks for the update and will see ya tomorrow. Thinking of you heaps.
Eastern hem not far now !! Cheers Paula.
Hey Jesse,
how frustrating is that. Going backwards has got to be the absolute pits. So close to crossing the Prime Meridian too and another great milestone.
So apply the 'storm strategy' and don't pull ya hair out lest you really believe in those 'Ella Bache' products. Just kidding!
Dilip is debating whether to maintain 40deg longitude having sailed 170nm in a day, or to head further north. He's closing in on you pretty fast Jesse so don't bang into him :)
You are going so well and I know you will push on regardless of extremes. Just hope that wind picks up real soon to push one stubborn teenager closer to her goal, "cos she aint gonna give up 'Mother Nature'"...go Jesse!
Btw, lookin forward to your report on Ella's condition. Take care out there and keep the stamina up.
Ben (Qld)
There is another way of looking at it Jesse...
Think of these windless days as a Holiday....you have been sooo busy working hard the last couple of months...its good to take a break and just relax....
Now the one thing ive found about holidays is they always go way to fast and your back at work before you want to be.... Smile
I am sure you will have wind ( probably by the time you read these new blog comments...:))very soon
Keep eating those chocolates.....they will keep you sane!!!!
Enjoy, have fun and stay safe
Deb and the Guinea's ( PS: confirmed my Teddy girl is Pregnant....so new guinea babies on the way....probably be 6 weeks away :))
Hi Jess,
keep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Oh yeah! Stubborn teenagers are just wonderful, and so much fun to be around too.lol Can you remind me of this post when your like 25-30
Stubborn sits with crossed arms, makes things hard until what they want is given to them. Nothing is fair for stubborn and stubborn doesn't quite see who or where it is they could be.
I think difference between stubborn and determined is you Jess! Your a go getter and you made the greatest decision for you and you won't let your self be beaten. (One tough cookie) Not stubborn. Keep your guard up Jess and keep fit! Hope your not sleeping in or bludging too much just because it's ideal conditions for that.
@ God!
God God, can't you give Jess some fast and good winds? PLEASE!!! I reckon she'll be fine mate. It's just some of us that's pulling our hair out. I've been really good lately BTW! Thanks mate!
Billy!
Ps. hmmmmm, not even a whisper of school work this time Jesse!
I reckon I know what your up too!
Be safe sweetie!
The difference between being stubborn and being focused, tough and determined is about as far apart as, GO NUTS Jess, but keep it together!
Hey Jesse,
when you need wind you could hug the mast and talk to the sails.
Or, go to EPL's basement and change the wiring of the 'windmill' on EPL's stern, then it will generate wind and fill the sails...
I'm sure you will cross the prime meridian quite soon!
Take care,
Sven, Hamburg.
Hi Jesse
I got a card from your mum today on your behalf thankyou to you all for it very kind.
Now have you double checked everything, the laptop back in the cabin and locked down.
Have you been cooking while you have been attacking the chocolate goodies.
Only a few breathes of wind and you will be heading home.
I am already dreading the thought of not having our Jesse on line.
Take care Pet, rest up, you will be on the go again soon.
Love and hugs
Evie from Bendigo
@ Bruce S
:)
Congratulations on your first "Home Gold".
P.S. Are you laughing at us, with us or at those back in the frozen north ?
Hi Jesse
@Michael
Good luck in your deployment to the Middle East will have you in my thoughts.
Can you eat a whole bunch of chocolate for me Pet I have this enormous craving for some and can not have any as I have just been diagnosed with diabetes after 15 years of being on steroids. I am not a big chocolate eater but get the cravings every 6 months or so.
@Grant the song was great.
Again Jesse it wont be long before you are on the move again.
Evie from Bendigo
Cooeee Jesse!
Just a quick G'day from me for now. It's late and this old body needs some sleep, but I wanted to read your blog today and post a few words first. :)
Once the winds pick up you'll be headed homewards and before you know it, entering Sydney heads!
Stay safe and enjoy the ride and know many are right there with you in spirit at least.
Cheers from Soldier's Mum in SA.
Jesse,
Never, never, never "whistle up the wind".
Nearly all the boat's I have been on do not allow it.
It's not that we are superstitious, its just that we do not like to tempt fate (wait... is that a contradiction?).
Hughie just does not get it, that we only want 12-17 knots. He always sends way too much!
Jessica's next Blog!
"OUTDOOR OFFICE, SWELLS AND MORE DRAMAS"
Recently whilst I have been having some still days I have really been able to get ahead with my school work as I have found it so much easier to concentrate on certain difficult topics whilst being out side on the deck.
As I was moving everything outside, I placed my school work on the dodger then went back in to dish up my custard for brecky.
I didn't quite expect the sudden gust of 30 not winds and a 3 meter swell to hit us at the same time.
It's been hard to come to terms with the loss of all my school work after I had put that much time and effort into it and I was so ahead with it too. Opppps!!!
It's been a bit devostating really but I can't let that get me down out here and I don't even want to think about it anymore actually!
Well that's it for me as I have come across more hidden CHOLOCATE. :)
Haha, now you can't do it Jesse!lol
Billy!
Ps. Hope it picks up soon for you Jess. I'm sure it will. Hope you stop going backwards too!
Take care Jesse!
Hey Jesse,
Just a quick hello.
Stay Safe
Mick
you are absolutely right, keep on being positive, all will be well and the wind will pick up, you are just getting a chance to rest for what is ahead. keep smiling, we all do that for you as well.
Hi Jess!
the winds are on the way, cheer up!
love
Sundar
Dear Mcgraths,
Are you anyway related to the great Aussie fast bowler Glenn Mcgrath(pet name piegeon). He still has a lot of fan back in India.
Hi Jessica , Sorry to hear the wind wont blow ,I understand how that could frustrate you,it must be a real pain,You can handle that Jess ,just hang in there ,the winds will come soon ,and you will be on your way home again.Take care Jess and have fun, remember safety first always,. Terry and Patricia Melb Aust
Hey Jess!!!! Thank goodness for the comments section open again!!! I bet you missed getting your daily fix of contact with the bloggers comments....I have been unable to blog recently but it's great to hear you're well!! I can remember first blogging before you left Sydney although initially under a different profile and being concerned for your safety but certainly not sceptical I was and still am very much a believer in your capabilities you have really shown us what you are capable of handling under conditions that would terrify us "landlubbers" and even more seasoned seafarers too I imagine.I will be only one of many who will be in Sydney to welcome your return!
Take care and hopefully soon you will get some decent winds.
Melbourne
AHOY CAPT. JESSE
Hope the wind starts to cooperate, a nice steady breese to help push you to your goal.
Enjoy the doldrums while you can. it may be boring, but Mother Nature has a way of changing the menue with little or no notice. I am sure you'll be pushing along very soon.
We check in on you every day looking forward to your vivid reports. Keep up the good work.
OLSALT
You are tough Jessica you will out last the calm conditions. I wonder if everyone in South America looked to the East and in unison took a deep breath and exhaled at the same time if that would cause a wind to come up behind you and get you moving. hehe
Yea chocolate helps when things are not going as planned. And yes I guess at times being a stubborn teen helps too. Love your sense of humor. Go Jessica! duane
Hi Jesse, with everyone out here in virtual-land you certainly can't feel alone this Valentines, although it's a little hard for a guy to shower you with flowers and chocolate in desperate hope of winning any coy nonchalant OK for a date at the local fleapit.
I imagine you're keeping a journal to record your true hopes and fears, maybe aligned to your blogs, so you can conjour the physical and emotional roller-coaster you're going through when it comes to writing your book.
I admire the stoical stance you are taking in periods of no wind, it's a quality that will stand you in good stead. You are at the mercy of nature and sometimes you have to 'grin and bear it'.
I wonder how you're keeping fit, do you have day-to-day run-around chores that are enough or have you devised a keep-fit routine. I used to keep fit to Jane Fonda workout videos, and jest you may, but they really really worked. Now I zoom around the Adelaide Hills on the bike, but I am also getting increasingly interested in a fitness dance DVD called (don't laugh) "Zumba". I know latin-american dance and maybe this could be a fun way to keep fit...I told you not to laugh..
David
Hang in there, you'll be moving in no time!!! We look forward to each and every post from you...still!!!!
~Two in TX
THE LEGEND OF JESSICA
Chapter 8 THE ARMCHAIRS’ BLARK HOLE
One night, while Jessica, on her trustful Ella’s Pink Lady, was sailing on the South Atlantic Ocean, faithfully followed by her bandwagon bunch of singing supporters, on board their huge cruise ship, M/S Blogspot, under sparkling stars, a freaky phenomenon occured..
Quite suddenly, for the Blogspot’s passengers, the sea seemed to turn darker, and the sky became black. No stars, no moon left. The temperature dropped.
The motors stopped. Of course, they lost sight of Ella’s Pink Lady.
Some thought it was some thick fog, but it wasn’t.
The crew started working frantically on the motors, but they didn(t even give a hiccup.
Some started panicking, and a few left the ship on lifeboats.
Admiral Michael was trying to comfort the ladies. Jony was asking Albertos to fly far up above and check what had happened. Samurai organized self-control sessions. The Killer Whales were roaming in the Room 401. Caves Beach Andrew took his driver to throw some balls in the darkness and wait for the noise, in case one would touch another ship. Gustav, the pilot, was disoriented.
Most of the passengers were jessaholics, and the withdrawal symptoms were increasing. Many were yelling, many others were crying.
Salty, Rio and Wolfhound were fiercely barking, and Poppa Bear growling. Sally couldn’t draw. Elvis and Grant had lost their songs.
It was jeopardy... Later, it would be called the Blark Tuesday (for black, dark and bark).
Fortunately, they could still hear some news from Jessica, thanks to a still working radio. So they knew that she was all right and had not been hit by the black hole, that is now known as “the Blark Hole”.
Their ordeal lasted almost 4 days and 4 nights.
They were eventually rescued by M/S Jwcomau, Captain Frasern but after some care, the followers were reinstalled on board of M/S Blogspot and she resumed cruising and hanging after Jessica and Ella’s Pink Lady, who had, very politely, waited for them drifting around.
Hi Jessica
I was one of the 1st posts when you started in October and said that we were looking forward to your arrival in Cape Town. I feel like a bit of a wombat now as I didnt realize then that it was a non stop journey which has considerably deepened my admiration for what you doing.
I hope our ocean is kind to you as you pass by southwards.
Not long to go now
Best of luck
David
Jessie,
We've got plenty of wind here in Minnesota in the US that we wish we could send you. Some snow, too, that would cool you off!
Happy sailing!
Cher & Joe
Hi Jess,
Thank you for the post!
No wind up here either. Saw someone "motor-sailing" yesterday...sorta looks funny. Big sail...and motor going...hmmm.
Yes, chocolate! Yet another medical study came out over the weekend about the health benefits....never mind the deliciousness benefits! Dark chocolate and peanut butter??
The winds have been awkward this year up here, not the usual stuff. Hope the winds pick-up for you soon!
Keep going Jess, you are doing so great!!
EJ
US Virgin Islands
By now I'm sure you've breezed across the Prime Meridian and your doldrums are over.
You said: "I've discovered that the best way to stop from pulling my hair out is to apply the 'refuse to let it get to me' strategy like I do for storms. Isn't it great that teenagers are good at being stubborn?"
Now that's your poetic and personal take on it and it calls for more than a "Yes".
You are strong willed. You are perservering. Yes. These traits are admirable in a person of any age. In your case we ask: "What is Jessica strong-willed and perservering ABOUT?"
The answer to that question is what separates you from many others in your age group and in any age group. You have chosen an absolutely appropriate objective; you have sought and accepted excellent assistance; you have refused to let setbacks dissuade you.
This looks a lot more like perserverance than stubbornness to us.
Fair winds,
Richard Lathrop
Good on ya for not letting it get to you. This is just another test of your versatility and patience. All these tests are there to make you a better person and will serve you well in your life ahead.
Here's wishing you fair winds and smooth sailing.
Arnie in Canada
Oh, by the way, Canada's first gold medal came in "Mens Moguls" at the expense of an Aussie who is actually a displaced Canadian.
Go Canada.
It sounds like the forecast is for some favorable winds. Not much fun just rolling around and getting nowhere. You can rest assured you will get going again soon. Enjoy the respite and catch up on your sleep, reading etc. Looking forward to your next report where you will say I am on my way again. Best wishes, as always..Russ/Calgary
Hi Jesse, Anyway Jesse, 'you stubborn girl', your voyage tracker page shows Ella's Pink Lady into the long arc Rounding Cape Horn, A sight that says its really happening.
Now Captain Jesse start the beginning of your end run, connect the dots, go with the wind, Charley
Life lesson's come in so many different ways...this to shall pass!! You are amazing and have so many stories to tell. You will be home soon, sharing all that you have learned, so much more than sailing!!!
oxoxo
Kathie(NYC)
Hang tough, Jessica.
The wind will blow where it wills. You'll get there soon enough. Enjoy the moment!
Ed
Good to be able to post again, missed tha ability, thanks teckies.
Something I'm doing is studying the share market with a view to trading options, I came across a quote in regards to that the other day I think is good and also applicable to your situation Jessica.
Quote says "One has precious little control over the stockmarket! All one can do is, like a sailor at sea, ride the waves, and try not to drown"
I'm constructing my ship now (trading plan) which will evolve with the markets movement.
You have your EPL that I'm sure you maintain as well as you csn. Ride those waves until you can come on home. looking forward to seeing you on tv steering your litle ship through Sydney heads and up the harbour to her birth.
Willing to bet there will be a flotilla of other boats out on the water that day, hope they have the sense to stay out of your way.
(wanna put a $1.00 on it lol)
Kevmeister / Perth
Jessica
Hang in there - the wind will pick up soon. I've got heaps tonight - not the sort that would help you:)
Stay safe girl.
CU
Sarge
HAWKEYE
Hi Jesse - patience young one, patience indeed!! Jesse your hair is beautiful just leave it be and use some of that relaxation stuff I referred you to in a recent blog. It's got nothing to do with reading or listening to AC/DC but rather a few breathing and muscle tensing exercises; done on a daily basis (2 or 3 times for 15 mins)and in no time you will notice a decline in Jess's frustration meter. You will shape a new, more relaxed and content Jesse. You might say: that's not possible. Give it a go and be pleasantly surprised.
Despite the lull in progress you have come a long way since rounding the Horn. The eastern hemisphere is not far away and if that's the next goal then you will shortly have satisfied that one and then it's on to the next. As long as they are goals achievable short term, there will be less frustration and a greater sense of achievement. We humans are no much of a match for nature. Nature takes it's course in any event; today's lousy wind may turn nasty tomorrow. It changes it's mind and it's emotions without consultation and often catches us out and that's why you have to remain focused in the moment.
It will be interesting to get your report on the boats state of health
and I suspect given your disciplined maintenance regime it is holding up pretty well. This is one area where you can have some effect - while nature serves to batter EPL about a bit what you do in relation to keeping her in good running order obviates, to some extent, what might otherwise be more serious. And darl you need to be given a lot of credit for the amount of time you put into maintenance.
Jesse, tomorrow is another day and hopefully, nature will have a sympathetic change of heart overnight and you will wake to a strong wind (but not too strong I hope). Take care precious one, stay clipped on tightly, keep up the maintenance and get the relaxation exercises happening. Love ya Jesse and god bless.
HAWKEYE
Happy Valentine's Day. Hope the wind picks up, and you can continue your journey.
Jessica,
One of the things that's so admirable about you is your ability to adapt to the situation. Nobody else could manage to complete the voyage without Pringles but I'm sure you'll find a way. I know you're still having a marvelous time. You continue to have my prayers and best wishes.
Ron - Alabama USA
Bonjour Jessica & Ella's Pink Lady,
Want something new to think about?
How about 'The Jessica Watson & Ella's Pink Lady Center'? :-)
It might look something like this:
http://www.archdaily.com/48267/helsinki-seafarers-centre-ark-house-architects/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ArchDaily+%28Arch+Daily%29
Of course you would change the color scheme and transform the terrasse into a big atrium for Ella's Pink Lady.
Something to add to your shore crew load of work? :-)
Take care, be safe.
Thanks for the update
Ohai Jess!
There are so many lessons to be learned in life, and you're getting a crash course.
The many folks (millions, I am sure) who are rooting and praying for you are pleased far beyond the ability of words to convey, that you're dealing with the frustrations so sanguinely. You will doubtless inspire many people, young and not so young, to persist in their pursuit of their dreams.
God bless you, and may the wind be your friend.
Roger de Davis
Try rowing for starters.
( Sorry, couldn't resist ;) )
Hi Jess,
keep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Hey Jesse. Maybe this would be a good time for some exercise...push-ups, set-ups, jumping jacks and pull-ups using the main boom. You'll need to be in shape for the TV cameras when you return. Better get your passport in order too...'cause you're gonna be in high demand for appearances on TV shows around the world. Now, ready, begin...and one and two and three and four and one and two and three and four...now, repeat!
John, Colorado, USA
Jimmy, Kentucky, USA
No wind is part of your time table to do something else, so don't be frustrated. Maybe do a little fishing, how about that?
Enjoy the sea and safe sailing!
keep the Faith Jessica you are doing great!
I have been following you and I am sooooo jealous of your journey.
don
Dear Jessica
Happy valentine's day.
Young lady, you positively seem across the Prime Meridian by your last position. At least by google Earth sea floor reckoning. I have been plotting your posn. and Dilip's on my google Earth for a few days ( Learned it only for that long by hit and trial), Unless you have drifted back into western hemisphere, you should be in East by last reckoning, disclaimer notwithstanding.
While everyone seems to corus, Mhadei and EPL should catch up, I wish you get some wind up your sails and head home, Godspeed.
You know why, so that you can crash out on your bed with your fav soft toy after a hearty fresh meal.
Till then, sail hard and sail fast and don't let Dilip overtake you.
Whatever you do, Stay safe you toughie sailor girl.
Wish you Fair weather and BS Delight., or a notch or two up as you feel comfortable.
Lalit / Chandigarh
Jessica,
Flat calm and no wind; Sounds good to the rest of us who are 'fair weather sailors'. However, most of my class would rather be skiing down those faster waves with you!
Have you ever been snowboarding? Johnny
You're almost there! You can do it! Cassidy
Maybe when you cross the Prime Meridian, you should have a chocolate party! Leah
Are you going to dump your nutella overboard when you cross the Prime Meridian? Alex
What do you miss the most since you've been underway? Jacob
My sister Matilda, would love to be with you, but she would like more wind and action. Chloe
Keep your chin up!
Mr. J's 5th grade
Kodiak, AK
Hey Jessica how's it going?
I had a few things to ask you. Like you I plan on setting a record but mine is a bit different then yours. My goal is to do what you are doing but do it twice without stopping! Crazy huh, but what ever iv'e been taking sailing lessons and had a look on how they keep track of the weather on the oceans. So my main question right now is i have talked to sevral people and they said the best boat use is a Tide 28, which is made in England. But the boat you are using is a SS-34 is my other optoion. Could you give me opinion on this if you get a chance I know that your busy in all.
Thanks! Can't wait for you to get back in the eastern hemisphere!
Michael Rohrs (USA)
Hi Jess,
what kind of home work are you doing?
Keep up them dodgers!
Jony the Pony
Happy belated hearts day to you Jessica..I wish I could bring you some chocol ates and some wind but you are to faraway. Your comment about stubborness is so right but it has gotten you so far which is brillant! Enjoy this time because I am sure wind is on its way.
Happy sailing,
Jersey Shore Mom, USA
02-15-10 @ 14:29
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the post, it is good to hear from you, sorry that you’re going through this frustration that makes you want to pull your hair out. Call on that inner “Jessica” strength and talk to yourself, as you said, don’t let it get to me, and yes, it is wonderful that teenagers are so stubborn, now’s the time….. use it!!!
You have a tough constitution in the storms and you have to be just as tough in the doldrums.
Patience, patience, patience, I know it’s so easy for me to say “be patient” but you are the one sitting out there wanting to move. Do the best you can in a bad situation, as you said you’re reading a book, or hand steering, I’m sure you have thought of any preventive maintenance that you could do. You’re not the type of person that lets grass grow under her feet. Have a piece of chocolate, bake something or ‘Go Fish‘, the main thing is keeping your mind occupied…...Do not despair!!!!!
The funny thing about all of this is, by the time you read all this good advice that you will get from everyone, you’ll be past these ‘doldrums’, and you’ll have a good laugh over it.
You are probably very close to that wind you had mentioned earlier, but do remember this, we are with you, and our prayers are even closer!!!!
Looking forward to that “detailed” report as to how well EPL is holding up.
Keep the faith Jessica, and take good care of yourself and all them scallywags, very proud of you.
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
Row, row, row your boat...
Hi Jess,
Eating Chocolate doesn't solve the problem. Your supply team should have included raw Fodderbeet (not the sweet Sugarbeet)to your Foodbags. Consumed with coffee will create a fantastic amount of wind. Or is this violating the "unassisted" rules part ?
Werner, Kiel, Germany
4WD tip:
Shoot an anchor several nm forward. Activate your electric winch and pull EPL to the anchorspot.Pull device up. Shoot again. And again. And again. Until you reach a windy zone. Keeps your mind occupied. And yourself busy.
Kenny
Bugger. Come on bloggers, let's talk heaps of rubbish and consequently start arguing, creating a storm - which will get Jess going again.
So, considering YOU, yes Y O U there, why did YOU...
Hey Jess,
Hang in there - you know what happens. Its everything or nothing. So do all the chores now, its coming back soon! You'll be back on the roller-coaster and cruising again in no time. Meanwhile maybe start composing a song or a poem while you drift?
Question time - What is your favourite tinned vegetable or do you have de-hyrated veggies? Do you have a freezer onboard? Or does it use too much power?
Your wonderful attitude will pull you through. You're on your way home now, enjoy!
Ali In QLD
Hello Jessica,
I hope you are feeling better and you are on your way again.
With all that wind power that the blog family provides you should be sailing along at a terrific clip!
To Michael, Kingwood,
my comment was in reference to
02-11-10 @ 13:02
quote:
That’s the best that I could do on navigating, count the flags, and I know you are making progress, lol… Ran into a little trouble after ten flags and I had to take my shoes off, after twenty I had to get my cat. But I’m getting there…..lol….Cats not to happy though.
end quote:
So I thought, I offer a little assistance with my
fingers and toes!
Grant, another lovely song, congratulations.
Ooz
spot on, Being There, is what it's about any place any time!
Michael who is being deployed to the middle east for 6 months,
YOU KEEP SAFE.
Richie,
I am singing red roses for a pink lady! So cute.
Lovely poem, Susan from Oregon!
Where are you Worker Bev. Keep your chin up and be stubborn like Jessica. You can do it!
I have not only 'adopted' Jessica, but my blog family as well, you are all precious!
Keep on sailing Jessica, every nm brings you closer to home!
Keep well, happy and above all else be safe,
Trudy, Austria/Australia
Jessica,
I don’t think it’s a case of a teenager being stubborn. It’s just that teenagers and mothers don’t always see eye-to-eye. In this case, it’s Mother Nature who thinks that you should have the calm weather. And we all know that you can’t argue with Mother Nature. And whatever you do, don’t pull out your pretty hair or the top of your head will start looking like mine. That’s not good.
Have fun, stay safe and happy sailing
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
@Samurai: I know you weren’t making an accusation. That was just my poor attempt and a little tongue-in-cheek humor. I sincerely appreciate your kind words. By hanging around you nice people, a little bit of your sweetness might be rubbing off on me. You have a heart of gold, Sam, and you always add pleasure to everyone’s day. You certainly do for me. Thanks for your always positive comments.:-)
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
Hi Jessica!
Wish you some more wind soon. I once went by a hydrofoil between Sweden and Copenhagen when the engine suddenly stopped. I remember the rolling and that there was absolutely nothing to do... Well they managed to start the enginge again after some drifting around. Good to hear that you are expecting some wind soon again. Still winter and snow in south Sweden. It is a much colder winter than usual. Wishing you all luck.
Bo, South Sweden
Hi Jess!
I have an Idea for you: Spend your time for schoolwork (hihihi)
Every time can be used - your teacher will thank you later!
OK, it's really frustrating to stay still on sea, I know.
So I would like to send you a very well and constant wind, hear from the north of Germany!
Take it, can come soon to the next cape!
I think of you!
Randy / Hamburg, Germany
Jessica,
Our middle school students are following your journey each day via your website. We are in the middle of a 9 week unit called 'The Dove Adventure,' based on my personal friend, Robin Lee Graham's historic journey in 1965-1970. Our students are plotting your course, calculating speed and direction and following your challenges and victories! We will produce the new musical based on world sailing journies next year. Our 600 students wish you the best...you are teaching all of us and we hope for a new sailing record for you in the days to come!
May the winds find you soon!!!
Dr. Richard Stafford
Pinckneyville Middle School
hello Jesse,
keco here.
hope the wind has picked up for you and EPL. Ese, me hartees.your dolphin friends are just regrouping to push you and EPL over the line then it is home ocean lady.
Have a great day and satay safe.
Keco..xxx
Yes I can imagian the frustration
But thats the life of a salor. So many folks have so much to say but have they endured the sea. With temp -75 below and waves highter then the radar mask on a tin can.
Just imagine how Captain Cook would have felt if he had all the modern day gadgetery in communications? Some of us live in a lucky world, safe, warm and dry, but Jessica is out there all alone in the Southern Atlantic Ocean and we can all live her dream day by day, roll by roll via one of our man made satellites and modern day communications.
Keep Blogging Jess
So much easier to hear news on the sea vine when the waters are still, thus "drifting time" allows your friends of the deep to gather together, to make plans for your safe passage round the Cape ... indeed, your friends of the deep know only too well of the wrath of the ol'Cape Doctor SO whilst they prepare, you enjoy the time out ... sunbake, eat chocolate, a school assignment? Perhaps, some fishing ... red romans taste great!!!!!
Hi Jesse,
This is when being in a sailboat is rough, no wind, and rolling motion.
( For non sailing bloggers; when a sailboat has wind, the boat's motion is damped out and more comfortable than a powerboat in the same conditions ).
I'm glad your employing your tried and true "positive and rational thoughts policy".
1.) I am circumnavigating the globe!
2.) Sometimes I must go backwards to go forwards
May the Winds Blow, Special One!
Richard W
@ Anonymous Said on :
February 16, 2010 5:44 AM
Bugger. Come on bloggers, let's talk heaps of rubbish and consequently start arguing, creating a storm - which will get Jess going again.
So, considering YOU, yes Y O U there, why did YOU...
Dirty Harry reply:
1) Are YOU looking at me?
2) Are YOU talking to me?
3) Are YOU looking for trouble, punk, well are you?
4) Or are YOU just feeling lucky?
Love
Dirty
(:000XXX000xxx000XXX000:)
Hi Jesse
Hope the wind has picked up and you've crossed from West to East.
Just a long shot -
I know you have satcom, do you ever use HF for position reports?
If so, any chance you could let us know which freqs, sideband and times (UTC) you check in at?
Believe it or not, can sometimes receive Mumbai, India here in Dublin!
Best wishes
John N
Dear Jesse
G'day and cheer up where there's a wind there's a way...sorry! Great attitude you have to make the best of a bad situation. Books music and reading blogs what a great way to pass the time. I don't think I told you that you got a great wrap in the Sun Hearld recently from the Fitz File ...Peter Fitzsimons ex rugby international now journalist...he is not known for handing out good stories ...so well done hope that makes your day.
Sea ya...more later flat chat here
Dusty form Dubbo
Hi Jess
Good to know that you are going well. Safe sailing girl - Soooooooo good to read comments from all the other bloggers - you are a real wow!! girl.
Remember: slow but sure will win the race and you are a winner already.
love you to bits
Vijay T. Brisbane
Hope you had a happy Valentine's Day. I really enjoy your blogs as you circle the world. All the best, with a good following wind. G-d speed, Jesse.
B.C. Hofeld,
Grand Terrace, California
Hi Jessica, just catching up on your travels. Hope you get some wind soon and enjoy that book.
Semper Fi,
Swanny, Amelia, Shashe and Mimi
Hey Jess! I hope u had a good valentines day I did. I hope u pick up some wind soon.I like ur videos. I love to go on ur website. I like reading alot to. I even go to the Library just to go on ur website it's really fun just to read what ur doing. I can't wait until u get back.
Taneesha
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold
two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain
the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to
see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make
them otherwise."
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald
HELLO JESSE - Just read your "Drifting Around." It must be very frustrating and uncomfortable. Just think of the time when you were knocked around so badly during the storm. That would be worse. This will not last long. Maybe as I write you are sailing along a little faster. Have not read all your friends blogs yet, have to go into town but will do when I get home. Sorry nothing interesting to say today but just wanted to say "HI."
Also, keep safe.
Lynne (Picton, NZ)
Hey Jess
Hello Jessica,
I think you are doing wonderful, and not only are you very brave travelling around the world on your own in a little boat, but also your writing is great!
Good luck!
Cindy, from The Netherlands
thanks Jessica
Sorry for the lack of Wind I guess it goes with the 0 deg meridian. looking forward to your updat on EPL should be interesting
The advantage of stubborness! ;-) Go for it!
Greetings from Irene, Switzerland
Hello Jessica have not text u for a while I am sending u a belated happy valentines wish also u can catch up with some school work now that the sea is calm all the best from Barry(Watsonia Victoria Australia)
I hadn't noticed, but the blog is finally back on blogspot... So the technical issue remained unsolved?
Good night, Captain Jesse! We are hoping for a... WINDY blog tomorrow! Back to surf!
In case the wind would be late, here is a funny story about fishing and reading, but you may know it already:
A couple goes on vacation to a fishing resort in northern Minnesota. The husband likes to fish at the crack of dawn. The wife likes to read.
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and continues to read her book.
Along comes a game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning Ma'am. What are you doing?"
"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking "isn't that obvious?")
"You're in a restricted fishing area," he informs her.
"I'm sorry officer, but I'm not fishing, I'm reading."
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman. "But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."
"Have a nice day ma'am", and he left.............
MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.
Good reading, fishing and sailing, Captain!
hey Jess....relax and take it all in while you can...soon the roaring 40's will rip in and fly you home...you are our Aussie of the year Jess.....amidst all the sad news,specially with 2 boys fighting in schoolyards with knives and one has died in Bris...you are our beacon of light for the next generation....go girl
Sue (Buderim)
ahoy capt!
your soooo close yet sooo far! crank some music, get any maintenance out of the way and try to enjoy every moment. (easier said than done,i know..) by now i'm sure the winds picked up and you are making some head way.
jesse,you are appreciated by many and i am sure loved by all! just your determination, drive and maturity alone sets you apart from people twice your age and your task at hand puts you over the top in my book!!! thank you for allowing us to come along.
@ richie paris-just want to let you know i am one of those "jessaholics" and i passed my time on board, not crying,kicking or screaming but...making choco chip cookies patiently waiting for our capt with whom i very much missed!(i was hiding out in the galley) gee, no one ever remembers the chef!!!
jesse, fair winds to ya matie!! thanks for the update!!!
susan H NY (long island):>
ahoy capt!
your soooo close yet sooo far! crank some music, get any maintenance out of the way and try to enjoy every moment. (easier said than done,i know..) by now i'm sure the winds picked up and you are making some head way.
jesse,you are appreciated by many and i am sure loved by all! just your determination, drive and maturity alone sets you apart from people twice your age and your task at hand puts you over the top in my book!!! thank you for allowing us to come along.
@ richie paris-just want to let you know i am one of those "jessaholics" and i passed my time on board, not crying,kicking or screaming but...making choco chip cookies patiently waiting for our capt with whom i very much missed!(i was hiding out in the galley) gee, no one ever remembers the chef!!!
jesse, fair winds to ya matie!! thanks for the update!!!
susan H NY (long island):>
G'day Jesse
Hope you cross that eastern meridiem soon and get back into the home hemisphere. We loke your computer lab better than ours. We have no windows or natural light.
the blue fish sound greatr little friends, maybe you can invite them to dinner each day to keep Ella clean.
Keep on sailing Jesse
Hi Jess
Despite you not moving very fast you are still out there. Still doing want you set out to do. Still having fun. And still avoiding school and prepacked homework! On top of all that, despite mother nature's best efforts (or maybe she is a bloke?) you and EPL are still in one piece. A bit bent and worn, but still keeping it all together. So now is the time to relax because I get the feeling that when the wind comes rest time will be over once more.
So sail safe and when the wind comes, sail fast. And if all else fails, refocus on fishing!
I love your work.
Bruce
Jesse,great to hear that you have finally attracted a "breeze" to do some serious sailing!Cape of Good Hope is only 800nm's away, so keep on keeping on Jesse.Thoughts & Prayers are with you,take care sail safely, Dougal
Hi Jesse,
Keep hanging in there. Perfect time for a spot of fishing perhaps while youre out there bobbing around.
Would it count if you were to go backwards and come back the same way you came from... if you covered the same distance would it still count as going around the World solo - or would it still only be half way? Things to ponder on. Perhaps you could be the first person to travel half way around the World and then back again - I dont think anyone has done that either. :-)
Keeps your spirits up - safe travels and all that.
Kind regards,
Joanne Blair
Sydney, Australia
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ConFuseUs says:
Girl who sail boat on sea with no wind,
Is like man who ride motorcycle on road
with no corners.
Both have very little Leanway.
ConFuseUs, PLANET HYDEN WA AUSTRALIA.
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ConFuseUs says:
Girl who sail pink boat at sea with no wind,
Is like circus without lion or tamer.
ConFuseUs, PLANET HYDEN WA AUSTRALIA.
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Hi Jessica
Must really feel like you are “going nowhere pretty fast”. This is one of the lulls you will encounter and time to pamper yourself once again with all your lovely products on board.
Totally understand the frustration … keep on steering and reading. This is NOT a “waste of time” just a minor irritating interlude!
Anyway, by now you probably have some wind and things could change quickly.
Looking forward to your rundown on how Ella’s Pink Lady is bearing up … good little girl that she is.
Stay safe, and …
Go Girl!
Fay from the Gold Coast
@PWB – LOVED your Elvis song – Are you lonesome tonight!
@ All you talented and great bloggers out there – you sure are keeping us entertained.
Hi Jesse,
It looks like you are on your way again and it won't be long before you are down and around the cape. That will be something - to get to the Indian Ocean and have that next big continent be your home.
I know you have a ways to go yet but you have come so far. We are all still out here, checking on you daily, wishing you well and admiring your courage & talent.
Sharon
San Diego
Teenage stubbornness is definitely in your favor!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Bethlehem Ga, USA
Thanks Shore-team for the update,
Woo hoo Jesse, 30 knot winds, just what you wanted and now in the Prime Meridian as well.
800nm from Cape of Good Hope, so close....
Also amazing to think that Thursday will be four months. It only seems like yesterday that you left.
Chat soon, have fun Jess,
The McGraths, Nowra NSW
Hang in there Jess, I'm blowing as hard as I can from NZ to give you a breeze!
Meredith, NZ
Jesse, You sound like you need a pick me up quote:
"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop".
Confucius
Howdy Jesse!
I promise, you are NOT WASTING any time out there! Stay safe and always mindful. Bet your teachers are wishing they'd sent you with much harder homework! Wind will come when it's meant to. We are appreciative of your spirit! Just take it as it comes....even Parker knows that!
Also, we are sworn off of plastic bags. Been trying for years, but now it's for real. Thank you for all you are.
Love and prayers,
Kim & Bill
Wyoming, USA
Hi Jesse,
Congrats on crossing the Prime Meridian and I'm glad the breeze has picked up to 30 knots. Just how you like it!
Four months at sea this Thursday and only 800nm's to the Cape of Good Hope and you are looking good! I am soooooooooo proud of you!
@RichieParis - The Legend of Jessica Chapter 8 -
Hee, hee I can certaily relate to that, very well said.
@Trudy Austria/Australia thanks for your kind thoughts re adopting the blog family, I think we can all relate to that also!
Well we have severe storms heading toward Buderim this afternoon, I can hear some rattling around the ridges already, time to make sure my little doggy is safely inside.
Have fun out there Jesse!
Bluefin Annie, Buderim, Queensland.
Hi Jessica
I got a lovely surprise in the mail today - a card from your mum, on your behalf, thanking me for the Christmas card I sent you! I love snail mail!
Smooth sailing, Jess
Joolz (South Australia)
Thats the way it is sometimes... Feast of Famine. Too much wind.. or not enough wind..
Richard Rumble
Dana Point, CA USA
hi Jess....a nothing day here as well. no wind just rain rain rain...and some more rain. Dont go pulling out your lovely hair....just chill...must be frustrating tho...not like you can do much else tho hey. The wind will arrive and soon you will be on your way again...do you paint or sketch or anything like that?...guess you wouldnt need many colours hey....just blue blue and blue...except for the odd bit of grey and then the pretty sunset coulours. Ho hum. Hang in there chicken. Just another challenge for you, meet it like all the others.,..untill the next one comes along.
Thinking of you often
Liz:-)xox
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