Location: Atlantic Sea (2'06.19'N 45'09.09'W)
Ok, today started a bit differently. Early this morning, the engine needed to be turned off because it started smoking due to something regarding the oil. Since this morning, we’ve needed to use our sails solely, which has come to be a challenge as we are still coming out of the doldrums, and we mostly have minimal winds. Although we’ve been a bit delayed, and Calum and Eli have been working hard to fix the engine, there have still been memorable moments and lots of laughter: Bennie pissed himself laughing over one of Ben’s jokes, and I personally laughed so hard I couldn’t see over the helm, and the laughter continues as more people continue to cut their hair (I’m next up so wish me luck). So far, Eli, Isaac, Olympus, Ben, and Bennie have buzzed their hair, and then today, Zac joined by getting a good trimming. During leadership class today, we played a game involving us taking on a role and discussing who should be included on a spaceship headed to Mars, which got appropriately heated. Nini, a twelve-year-old boy, did not get taken on our spaceship because she/he did not contribute any form of labor and was too young. Bennie was a “smoking hot” 20-year-old female nursing student who surprisingly made it on the ship by flirting with their fellow passengers. Cecily was a 68-year-old male surgeon who made it on credit to her/his useful medical knowledge and hot dad energy. Maddy was close but ended up not making the cut as a 50-year-old science teacher because, as a group, we decided we could teach people ourselves. Kara was taken on the ship as a 30-year-old female therapist, which I think demonstrates good priorities in our group. Talia and I were taken on board as I was needed to pilot the vessel as a 35-year-old woman and Talia for her infrastructural background as an 18-year-old male. Zac was booted as a 30 year old female accountant because we decided we really don’t need an accountant when repopulating a new planet, it’s just less of a priority. Similarly, Eli was not accepted as a lawyer because the group did not want laws, and Olympus did not make the cut as a 70-year-old electrician due to excess age and lack of a valuable skill set. Kiki was invited onto the aircraft as a 16-year-old female robotics engineer because her youth will benefit the coming generations, and an engineer will serve useful. Sylver was let onto the craft as a 35-year-old male gardener because he argued that having fresh foods is vital, and we all heard about food and agreed. Now, I do not agree with or promote our choices, but it was a good game, and I made it on, which is what matters. For marine biology, we learned about the different types of corals and where they can be found geographically which was very fun since we have been seeing some of these already! Then, after classes, the weather went downhill, and it started raining buckets, so once again, we ate in the salon while poor watch team one had to finish sailing in the rain before eating their share. Then as the rain died down and dinner was eaten and cleaned, we all split off: atch team two switched for watch, watch team one dried off, and watch team three watched some television together. Although it was a hectic day with the engine not at right, we’ve been able to put up the sails and practice sail handling again! Also, a big benefit of today was that Olympus had made a chocolate cake for everyone with some frozen fruits and icing, which made everyone’s day, thanks Olympus and sous chefs (Cecily and Nini)!
Everyone sends love to their families and looks forward to calling from Barbados!
Big shout to my whole family, I love and miss you all loads but I am having too much fun so far to return just yet!
To my grandparents, I look forward to giving you my updates and to hearing from you! To my parents, can’t wait to call! To my siblings, stay sane, I love you loads! To my friends, buckle up. I’ve got plenty of fun stories to share!