A Change of Nature S05 32 W114 40
Gryphon II
Chris and Lorraine Marchant
Sat 22 May 2010 11:17
|
21/05/2010
This ocean was named 'Pacifico' by Ferdinand Magellan
because of its peaceful nature on his first encounter. He was the first European
to cross it during part of his circumnavigation of the world between 1519 to
1522. Had he been with us at the start of our crossing he might well have named
it 'Tumultua' or 'Turbulanum' as he encountered with us the triple wave sets
that caused steep walls of water to rush at the boat slamming into its sides and
sending us skittering into its troughs, the annoyingly variable winds, the ever
grey cloud laden skies, the showers and downpours, pitch black nights and grim,
grey waters that have been more like October in the North Sea than May in the
trade wind belt. A surprise indeed that has made for a tiring week, as time goes
on the thrash and bash can be quite wearing; it has been difficult to sleep and
to move about as we have lurched from trough to trough wrestling with everyday
tasks.
The Pacific, though, is the world's
biggest ocean covering some 64 million square miles and together with its
adjoining seas comprises about one third of the earth's surface, more than all
the land masses put together. Not surprising then that half way through this
3,000 mile passage there has been a change of nature. For the previous two of
our ten days we have had a small moon as well as the stars at night
with a blinding flash of sun in the early morning for a couple of hours before
cloud cover. Today we have had continuous sun, blue skies trimmed with trade
wind cumulus, calmer deep blue seas and steady wind driving us on at 7+ knots
under twin jibs. Ahhh.....
Today has been a
day of changes. At 1700 hours we sloshed wine into our glasses to celebrate the
half way point en route to the Marquesas so we now have less miles before us
than behind us which feels very good. We started our third log book which feels
like some sort of a mile stone in the whole trip from UK to New Zealand. We are
enjoying the sailing instead of contending with the conditions and feeling
happier as we sway steadily under our goose winged foresails, no need for the
main. Sleep, we feel, will be a more peaceful affair. Pacific is a lovely name for an Ocean. |