Bodhi's Camping Music
Location: Underway to Mauritius
Hello again; I can't believe it's already been 18 days since my last time as a skipper. Time has really flown by so fast. It seems like yesterday we were just leaving Bali and heading to Christmas. As we're approaching the halfway mark on the trip, it's insane to think about how much we've learned. On one of the first days of the program, I remember Gabe saying that one day, we would know every single line on Argo. I remember thinking to myself there was no possible way to remember all that, and it seemed like a maze. Well, yesterday, we had our lines test, and in fact, everyone was able to name all the lines. I feel like we're all starting to really understand and get the hang of sailing. When Gabe tells me to go to a line now, I no longer stand like a deer in headlights and have him point to every line on the pin rail before knowing where to go. I also feel like I'm finally getting the hang of helming (which I used to hate and would do anything to get out of…. I once did all four boat checks, so I didn't have to helm). Anyway, we recently switched watch teams, so I am now a member of watch team 2 with Ben, Kackie, Ali, Kiley, and Bodhi. It's been fun to spend more time with them since when we're in passage, we get into a routine dependent on our watch. Last night, we had the 6-8, where we saw the sunset and sang to Rihanna. After watch, Ben, Ava, Ali, Kackie, Bodhi and I finished the British movie "Inbetweeners" which we started a few nights ago. It was a hilarious movie, and I love how Ben introduced us to British culture. He's also gotten me into normal tea, so I have that most mornings now. After the movie, we all went to bed before getting up for our 4-8 am shift. The sunrise this morning was so beautiful. I love the mornings on Argo because they always feel so peaceful. I had aux, so everyone had to listen to Harry Styles and Taylor Swift (sorry, Ali). The watch went by super fast as we started to play a game of truth or dare, which then turned into just "out-of-pocket truth." Unfortunately, Kackie couldn't be there because she was battling our heads with Gabe. They are the true headmasters, as they have been working to fix it since dinner time last night. One of my dares last night was to go to Gabe while we were in the head bilge and hand him a wrench, saying, "Someone told me to give you this," but then not say who that someone is. Since we started the assassin game a while ago, he was quite paranoid I was trying to kill him again. Writing that out doesn't sound funny at all, but I can promise you at 4 am, that was very hysterical. After our watch was over, I decided to stay up and start my essay about how plastic affects marine animals. I was able to get a majority of it done, taking a few breaks here and there to watch Charlie, Ainsley, Allie, and Kackie crack the rotten eggs into a pitcher. It's pretty hilarious stuff. For lunch, Ben made some delicious lentil spaghetti bolognese, and then we had an hour and 45-minute PADI first aid video to watch. It took me back to our open water certification and the horrible acting. Also, the horrible wetsuit that I happen to own myself. Both Ava and I are already CPR and first aid certified, just so you know, so while also paying attention, we made drawings for Kackie and Allie named BooBaBa and Glumper croompy humpier… can you tell we are sleep deprived on a rocky boat? After the first aid video, we had a knowledge review, and then I had to watch while Ava and Bohdi did PSCT. Then, we had a delicious dinner, followed by taking down the flying jib. Tomorrow, I will give my leadership presentation on the "mind, body, and soul of a leader." The chapter I will be presenting goes into self-renewal, which basically means taking the time to reflect and recharge in order to be the best version of yourself. On passage, it's nonstop with classes, sailing, and watch, but there's also a lot of time to think and ponder, so I feel like the presentation is coming at a relevant time. Charlie's birthday is also coming up soon, so Ava and I have made a Charlie-specific family feud event, which I look forward to. Anyway, I think that's all I have for today. Also, for my mom, I'm sure it was mentioned in previous blogs, but in Cocos (think Whitehaven Beach), we got to dive with dolphins, and it was probably one of the best things that's ever happened in my life. I was literally crying underwater. They were so majestic and playful. It was actually the coolest thing ever, and I am forever grateful to be here. Also, Sabina, if you're reading this.. thanks for your email. At first, I thought there was a tragedy, but I am happy to hear the good news. To Ben's mum, can Ava and I come woofing on your farm? Please? Let Ben know in Mauritius To Ava's family "the waves are crazy out here man, I feel as though I am one with the boat. My arms are the sheets, and my hair is the sail. And I miss and love you guys." To Ainsley's sister, Ellie.. shout out To Ali's dad.. Papa prepare toi parce’que tu vas avoir plusieurs commandes de planches, bob et t-shirts des qu’on arrive a l’ile Maurice. To Charlie's dad… happy late birthday! "I can't wait to sail with you when im home." To Disco.. ruff ruff arf! PS As I'm writing this, I'm hearing screams that the oven just turned on (a wave did crash onto it a few days ago, and it's been out of commission), but it seems as though Thanksgiving has been saved!!