Day 21 – Another Day in the Southern Ocean

Hi Everyone,                  Welcome to day 21 of our voyage. Despite the normal things that I talk about in the log like distance travelled, weather, sail plans and food a number of other things do occur onboard. So tonight when we asked for a volunteer to write the log we gave specific instructions not to mention any of the normal things but to focus on some of the abnormal and sometimes comical things that have happened during the day. I think tonight\’s Log reflects this and well done Rose for doing such a great job. Enjoy!!  Until tomorrow, take care  Yours Aye  Captain Gav       Day 21 – Saturday 10thAs the days on the ocean begin to blend into one another, what marks one day from another is the antics of our staffies and world voyage crew.  For White Watch, our day began with the mystery of Rusty’s coffee mug. Back in Wellington, he and a couple of the other guys on White Watch each bought a travel mug to bring up hot brews from the galley to the bridge on cold nights. Rusty’s mug had been missing for two watches, and it was brought to our attention this morning that this was due to the mischievous influence of the Red Watch. “Landsmen look down, seamen look up” was the clue we received. The mug was located hoisted atop the halyard on the starboard side of the bridge, amidst much laughter.  Then later, we had a session of “Stretches with Lauren”, which has been a regular feature of our watches when the weather is agreeable enough (and the angle of the ship level enough). Lauren is our assistant Watch Leader, Medic, and former Recruit Trainer, and runs us through many stretches and exercises to often hilarious encouragement such as “Are you listening, or are your ears painted on?” in recruit ground voice. Today’s session was followed a bit later by Lauren appearing with a guilty look and chocolate mousse smeared around her mouth. Clearly this is the reason for her insistence in continuing in the stretching program!  The bridge also became a stage again today, with musical instruments making a regular appearance. Our Watch Leader Sandy is becoming known as a man of ever increasing talents. Previously we have had a guitar, violin and ukulele make an appearance in our regular music sessions, and today Sandy surprised us all by bringing out a harmonica as well.  Another recurring theme of our watch is the talk of Karri’s barefeet and consistent lack of pants. From the outset of our voyage, Karri stated that he was bound and determined to remain in shorts for the entire voyage, no matter how cold the weather. With the nights becoming ever icier, Karri has grudgingly given in and now dons shoes and socks, and admitted last night that the pants may make an appearance shortly. This is at a point when most are in at least three layers of warm clothing. So far, the shorts remain, but White Watch is an avid audience to Karri’s state of pants. (Small things sustain us on this long voyage!!)  We are still motorsailing, but remain ever hopeful that tonight will be the night that fickle Mother Nature will bless us with fair wind and following seas.  Yours aye, Rose (White Watch)”