10:48.416S 142:47.221E - The End of the Pacific Ocean
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Sat 10 Sep 2022 05:52
flanked by Intrepid on our port side and Seabird slightly behind us on our
starboard side. Our kite (spinnaker) is flying, only the third time since we
started the rally, and we are soaring. The boys, Louis, and Rob, are very
excited! Yelps of glee and “oh look now we are going 12.2 knots!” can be
heard resounding around the decks. In the distance we see the blindingly
white sands of the northern most tip of Queensland, as we approach the top
of Australia, the Cape York Peninsula, and our last days in the great
Pacific Ocean. Soon we will pass from the Pacific Ocean to the Arafura Sea
and beyond to the Indian Ocean.
Last night we hosted the crew of Seabird for a celebration of our successful
quest across the largest ocean and geographical feature on the planet.
George had, fittingly, caught another, slightly bigger, blue fin tuna for
the feast. Sashimi tuna, seared tuna with a mango, kiwi salsa, seasoned
rice, Asian salad, Rusty’s market tomatoes with Flavio’s mozzarella, tickled
our tongues, with cheeses, olive bread, watermelon, hummus and crudités as
well, all washed down with Australian wines of every hue, including mango
wine. The evening ended with coffees and teas and a delicious walnut cake
baked by Donna.
Today we honor queen Elizabeth II who reigned for decades. She has ruled
through many wars, economic conditions, social upheavals, glories, and
depressions. She made a graceful exit, befitting the way she lived her life,
always gracious, poised and measured.
Today also, we send love and prayers to our brother-in-law, Arnaud, who lost
his dear sister Ketty, after several grueling few months of waiting. Ketty
and her family have suffered too much, she was a vibrant woman a short while
ago, and it seems cruel that she be taken in such an untimely and painful
manner. Please join us in sending strength and fortitude to Arnaud and his
whole extended family.