Thursday, June 21, 2018

Thursday, June 21 - Day 8

33.46 N
146.39 W

81 NM made good - 1486 to go to Sitka

Although 81 miles doesn't seem like a very long way, we got a lot accomplished in the last 24 hours. To begin with, although we made 81 miles to our destination, we actually sailed a further distance as we wanted to make easting to get past that pesky front that was dogging us. And we did that! Yesterday at lunch we shut down the engine and were able to sail in light south east winds (about 10 knots) and relatively calm seas all through the afternoon and night. This morning the wind picked up another five knots and we are able to sail wing on wing directly on a track to Sitka. Long may it continue! Doug suggests that the weather predictions indicate we may be able to continue in this manner for the next few days. We aren't going fast - 4.5 knots - but we are going, and we are going in the right direction.

We both got good rest last night and are refreshed and positive today. A good washing up with hot water from the engine running was icing on the cake. We are enjoying sitting in the cockpit as the air is still warm, the sun is shining and the seas are still turquoise. Last night I watched a half moon set into the misty distant clouds and the stars were bright enough to sparkle across the water - very special moments.

Unfortunately, this spectacular natural beauty is marred by the amazing amount of plastic and trash we continue to see floating by. This morning Doug saw a mess of fishing lines, floats and plastic all balled up and almost the size of Ka'sala. Most of the time it is a continual progression of water bottles, jerry cans, plastic floats, bits and pieces of coloured plastic from who knows what origin. It is so terrible to see and makes me really question my use of any kind of plastic. I know it is a necessary evil - for example, Ka'sala is a plastic boat, our electronic equipment is made from plastic, etc. So maybe the point here is to be mindful of the plastic we use, how we use it and how we dispose of it. Okay, rant over, but I will be making my yoghurt in a crockpot when I get home! (Though I don't suppose I will tend a cow to avoid the plastic milk jug!)

Happy Solstice! May your summer be wonderful!

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