Location: Underway to Palau
Hi everyone!!! Checking in from the middle of the ocean! Today is just another day of us being underway to Palau. Passage is starting to feel less foreign and more routine, which is a win.
Everyone in the Foc’s ‘le woke up to hatches being open (more air = more comfy), and a decorated bunk for Drew’s 21st birthday!!!! HAPPY BDAY DREW! The day started with an 8 am-12 watch for my team. We had a great time. Ryan and Jason caught a fish on the rod, but it was a barracuda. Still super cool, but nothing we can keep, so we tossed it right back to its home. We played great music and played some fun word games, which made the four-hour watch fly by.
We rolled right into lunch, where our chef, Ben, made great spag bol (spaghetti Bolognese) for everyone. I love meal times. We get to be all together as a boat and hangout with people who we don’t see as much due to watch teams. I love getting to see my girl Ty!! After lunch, we had a seamanship class. Right now we’re doing a charting unit. It can be tricky at times, but it’s a good time, and super rewarding when we get the coordinates down exactly right. Then those who don’t have it yet had our EFR- emergency first responder- class.
In the afternoon, we raised the main sail and let out the staysails so we could get back to sailing. In the early hours of the morning, we had to switch to motoring due to a lack of wind, so it was great to get the sails back up and in the wind!
Class got out, and everyone headed up on deck when we saw the rod tugging in the water. Jason ran over and reeled in another barracuda that we tossed back in! Almost right after that, it was time for dinner. Ben cheffed up his classic peanut noodles, which hit the spot per usual. And because it is Drew’s birthday, we were treated to a birthday cake! Kayla made an insane Funfetti cake. Birthdays on Vela are such a fun time; we all love our sweet treats. Now we’re just doing a bit of cleanup before we roll into nighttime on the boat. I can hear the music from the dishy pit as I write this in the chart house. ” Nokia by Drake” has been on repeat throughout the passage.
Anyways, this is a wrap to another fun day on Vela in the middle of the Pacific. Bye everyone!
PS Hi to all of my family at home reading this! I love you all and miss you guys so much! I hope you’re having a great summer! Happy early birthday, Ma! And hi to my friends too! Char starts scoping out our next escape room! And Brannock keeps killing it in Dublin. I miss you all a ton! I’m having so much fun and can’t wait to fill you in on all my stories! Love you all