Day 138, Thursday November 7

Day 138, Thursday November 7^th.

We have now been out for 4 days and we are feeling its effect.  Everything is wet, salty, and we are getting a bit bruised from being tossed around.  Today the winds moderate a bit and we actually sit down to a dinner together in the cockpit.  We also have a herd of porpoises join us today.  It was cool.  This time we took some pictures.
 

Our shredded sheet is changed over by Rob by reversing it.   The sheet got shredded when we jived unexpectently.  
Every time someone goes on deck they come back soaked.  It is too warm to wear foulies, however between a bit of rain and the splash of waves, deckhands get soaked.

Boots drying (yes we got footwear on Dawson)

 

We are now out of the Gulf stream, but some nasty clouds are hanging around.  The "watch" is working out well and no one has been ill and everyones attitudes are great.  This is a very stressful situation so keeping everyone positive is important.  Fortunately we all are having a great time.  Dawson calls our weather guru and he says to look behind us and sure enough the front has caught up to us.  We reef our jib, and prepare for some nasty weather.

Nasty clouds

At one point, probably between 2 am and 4am we need to reef the jib in even more as the winds are whipping around.  Dawson needs to get vice grips to hold the furling in place while we get the line on the winch to bring in some cloth.  It is quite dramatic as we are just flying in our little tented cockpit.  No one can sleep.  In the front berth the mast which is beside the bunk is just chattering.  The boat is banging about every third wave.  Julie is a bit fearful, and more reassured on deck so comes up during her off watch.    There is probably 30 knot winds with gusts to 35 which is quite strong.  No one is sleeping in their cabins, only catnaps on the saloon settees.  It is challenging not to fall off too, so only light sleeping.  Dawson asked Rob which sunrise was the best and he said Friday mornings, as it was good to get through the night.  Did not matter, what it physically looked like, just nice to see it.  That said it all.

Cheers
Julie and Dawson
P.S. don't worry mom.  All is great.