The wind had died out soon yesterday. We said it was harder to be becalmed than to be in gale force winds, now we see it differently.

Being becalmed turned into one of lives most rewarding and magical experiences. After a huge amount of effort we finally gave into “the way it is” and surrendered into a state of being rather than doing. As the day came to an end, with the sea becoming calmer and  even more beautiful, with small fish swimming around us the night unfolded into the most fantastic jewelled canopy above us.

 Coming on watch around two in the morning was utter magic. The Milky Way stretched from horizon to horizon  above us and was reflected on the sea along with billions of stars and constellations,  so clear,  with shooting stars falling every 10 minutes or so. In all this stillness and serenity.  We both felt a deep connection to all of creation feeling even more contented and at home on our small floating island.

Having finally reread Joshua Slocum and his life at sea, I relate much more to sailing on an ocean.

Sensing a small stirring with the return of the wind , felt at first as a brushing against my skin, my senses awakened once again to activity and sailing.

Little by little we began to move with the gentle sound of water rippling along the hull. Easing the sheets to free the sails we started to pick up speed, as we did so a feeling of appreciation for the beauty of the experienced solitude as well as anticipation came over me on leaving this magical spot on the ocean now named Starvana

The stillness being replaced now with practical adjustments and finally hoisting of the  mainsail ,quietly so as  not to wake Catherine who was well into the `Land of Nod`. By the time she came on watch we were in a different world of movement and progress of only 2 to 3 knots, which was now deeply appreciated. We were once again heading towards the mainland, family and friends, changed in our relationship with the ocean and ourselves .

Catherine says, it was a profound birthday celebration, a truly special day. Time was not lost, time was intensified by the experience.