07:39.70S 114:13.772W Lessons to be Learned
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Thu 24 Mar 2022 23:39
"Your life is teaching you something always if you are willing to look at it
that way"
Mel Robbins in the "High Five Habit"
We are all certainly learning something every day on this extraordinary
trip. We have visited some of the most far-flung places in the world, The
San Blas Islands of Panama, The Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, and now the
archipelagos of French Polynesia. This morning we are 1550nm from the
Marquesas, 1400nm from the Galapagos, 1200nm from Easter Island, 1350nm from
the Pitcairn islands and 1700nm from mainland Mexico. We are probably in the
most remote place on Earth, further away from civilization than even when in
the Artic or the Antarctic. We learn anew each morning; how lucky we are to
be on this voyage. Here traversing the largest geographic feature on Earth,
the Pacific Ocean, we are at one with the whims of the waves. We move around
the boat, using our core muscles in the dance that keeps us upright and
safe. Sudden jolts, at the whim of those waves, can send you or the
marinade, destined for a juicy filet of fish, crashing to the floor. Small
bruises and abrasions are part of the deal. Strengthening core muscles give
the excuse to eat scones, brownies, pineapple upside down cake, banana
bread, flapjacks and cheese in generous amounts.
John and Nick have been casting out a fishing line or two religiously at the
dawn of each day. They have studied the conditions, the reel, the fishing
line, the types of lures and hooks available, they have discussed this
possibility and that possibility, they have sought council, and have tried a
variety of complicated combinations. Day 9, and finally a bite, but sadly,
the beast escaped. They have learned the art of good humoured patience, even
though they are being baited (pun intended!) continuously by other crew
members.
Enda has learned that 6 crazy buffoons can get along against all odds.
Bouncing around in the Pacific Ocean in a tiny fibre glass bowl, pulled
along by gigantic bolts of canvas, covered at all times with crystals of
salt, surrounded by a view of blue/black water and bright blue sky, dotted
with fluffy white and grey clouds, at the mercy of the fickle wind.are yees
all mad? Necessity is the mother of invention, perseverance, determination,
discovery, and unmitigated foolhardiness.
Louis has learned that he likes to be the skipper of his own boat! He has
found his perfect first mate in Rob. When Louis is happy, we are all happy!
He has also learned, not for the first time, that his favourite pastime is
tinkering with machines and fixing things. So, never feel sorry for us when
something breaks, just picture Louis in his blissful place, fiddling and
tampering with his buddies, both animate and inanimate!
Rob has learned that, while riding a horse around an eventing course on
terra firma, has its pleasures, riding the waves at sea in lively company is
far superior.
We leave you now almost halfway to our Marquesan destination, champagne
chilling in the fridge ready for celebration, another glorious day at sea.