Welcome to the doldrums.
Rhapsode
Fri 19 Nov 2010 12:57
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06 27 N 23 33 W
When I went on watch this morning (at 4:00) the sky
was black. Not grey black, not dark black but black black. We were underneath a
big convection cloud and it was tipping down with rain. Wisely, Michael had
taken the sails down and was motoring through it. The wind is unpredictable
under such clouds. It could become much stronger and it could very likely change
direction. No point in playing the hero - the motto of this voyage is 'to arrive
safely'.
Later, as we emerged from the cloud the sky became
clear from east to west through south. The stars shone with such brilliance and
clarity. There was no moon and of course no light pollution. Venus was rising
and the stars of Orion, Taurus, and The Twins were in the west. Those
of the southern hemisphere lay ahead. Yet, within an hour convection clouds were
bubbling up all around us. The sun began its rise and the sky took on hues of
orange and grey and even purple. Some of the 'bubble' clouds became sillouetted
against the backdrop of the rising sun. Black against orange.
A lovely, dramatic picture to start the
day.
Welcome to the doldrums.
The rain got to the cockpit cushions despite the
cockpit covers being up for a free fresh water wash from the rain. It's
uncomfortable to sit on damp cushions but, believe me, sitting on salt encrusted
damp cushions takes discomfort to a whole new level!
Happy sailing.
P, M & A
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