We have had to go west, about 250 miles
out of our way to skirt the gale-force storm that has developed over the top of New Zealand. According to yesterday’s information, that was the prudent thing to do. Today, we find out that the storm has switched directions, and it is now in our area! It should pass over us tonight (Sunday) at about midnight. Gulp. It has been down-graded to carry winds of 35/40 knots, instead of the 60 knots that were predicted yesterday. A lot of boats just high-tailed it north, from where they came from, to try to avoid the storm altogether. We will continue on this westerly course until the winds switch, then we will finally head south towards New Zealand. This little excursion will make the trip about a twelve-day crossing instead of a seven-day one, although we are still making 6-7 knots with only a small headsail. I think of the Rard-ism: “I don’t know where we’re going, but we’re sure making good time!”
We were so proud of Ruby Slipper’s ability to heave-to. Lots of boats just don’t do that very well. It’s difficult for a boat to stick it’s nose into the wind and just stay there, without sailing like it was built to do. It is like putting a race horse on a track and saying to it, “Don’t turn your head, stand up straight, and walk - don’t trot, don’t gallop- at a pace of one mile per hour for the next twelve hours.” A lesser thoroughbred would rebel, but not our Ruby Slippers. She behaved like a champ.
It’s strange what becomes “normal” when it is a constant in your life. When I look outside, the wind is howling, the waves are up to our windows, and the boat is heeling and lurching. And I say to myself, “Well, things look pretty good out here.” Today Molly and Jessie and I played cards for a few hours. Every few waves, we had to grab all the cards and hang on for dear life while the boat twisted and heeled severely to starboard, then we would continue playing. Jessie played the guitar for a while, and we listened to a book on tape – rather loudly to cover the sound of the wind and waves splashing over the roof of the cabin. Just a normal day…
It has gotten very cold in these southern latitudes. It feels like Pacific Northwest sailing. We dug out our long underwear and heavy clothes. Jim looks pathetic in the jeans he used to wear – they are about 3 sizes too large for him! Molly and Jessie’s clothes, as expected, are way too small. Mine? Oh, about the same. It doesn’t become summer in New Zealand until about Christmas time, so we’ll be wearing our snuggly clothes for a while.
We might be down to canned tuna and rice by the time we get to New Zealand. I didn’t overstock with food for this trip, since the New Zealand Customs takes all food items when you get there – meat, breads, eggs, rice, noodles – everything. I guess they don’t like the bugs in these tropical islands. We played the alphabet game with foods we wanted when we reached land – artichoke, broccoli, cake, Doritos, etc., etc. So, what are you all having for dinner these days? ~ Jeanna