Location: Underway to Marquesas
Hey all! Today was an early start with watch at 0400-0800. It was a late night studying for the nav master exam late last night, and Mac and Claire were amazing to give assistance with it before today. However, it did make it a little harder to get up for watch. It was like a washing machine throughout the night, everyone rolling around in their bunks. Waves have gotten bigger, and more swells brought rain. I did make coffee last night in an attempt to get some work done, but I ended up failing yet again with my coffee-making skills, and I swear, you would not like my coffee. I poured 3 inches of the bag into the French press and then kept my cup in the sink. After I poured the coffee into the mug, a wave came and spilled it, leaving me with half a cup. It also had the opposite effect and did not wake me up, and I eventually headed to bed at 12 after getting a few more questions done for review, But watch surely made up for it. We had some funny conversations and jokes, as usual, and a beautiful sunrise. We also saw some birds which was quite interesting since we are out in the middle of the Pacific. It rained a little bit on watch, but not for long. As I helmed, we saw a triple rainbow! It was super bright, and we went right into the middle of it. Mac was so excited about it, and so was everyone else. It was like we were in a real fairytale. After watch, we either napped, studied some nav, or found some breakfast while the first group got started on their exam (there were four groups that took their exams throughout the day). I napped for a little and then studied a bit in the hallway, For lunch, Melina made delicious homemade bagels, bacon, sausage, eggs and potatoes which was definitely a crowd favorite. We then cleaned up, and I helped with gophering, which Penelope refused to hand me dishes because she claimed I shouldn’t have to do extra, but I wanted to anyway. Molly snuck me dishes to hand to the pit, and I held the bowls and plates so they didn’t slide around. Afterwards Penelope and I went over stuff in the hallway for a bit, Chance thankfully explained some things we were stuck on. I then went to the cockpit and took over on helm for a bit.
Anna came to hang out with me, which I enjoyed. We took deep breaths, and she gave some advice and tips for Nav since my time was coming up at 3:30, and I was a little nervous about it. Helm was taken over. I grabbed my things and settled in the salon. It was a difficult one, but luckily, we got the opportunity to retake it in the Marquesas. I finished up and went back to the cockpit and chat more with Anna and Mac then took over for the helm again because I love the helm so much. It is my favorite watch task, i even did it for 3 1/2 hours a couple nights ago, it just puts me in a good mood. Dinner was gophered and was another amazing meal yet again, beef chili and cinnamon rolls. Peter and I had a debate because I ate the cinnamon roll first, he thinks that dessert comes after dinner not before. Others around me agreed with my point that it should definitely come first, and they also ate theirs before chili. He gave me one icy cold shoulder.
I think Peter might have rethought our friendship after that one. He was so disappointed. Squeeze was appreciation, and “Who is the hottest animated character?” there were a variety of answers, such as Flynn Ryder and Judy Hops and Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid. Announcements were made; yesterday, we were closest to Chile (Easter Islands), and tomorrow, we will most likely cross our halfway point, which will put us closer to French Polynesia! Approximately eight days until we arrive in the Marquesas. Jack and I were goofing around with Alexandra because improper grammar is her pet peeve, so we decided it would be fun to start saying things improperly. I cannot wait to jump into the water that we have been in for the past nine days yet not able to swim in. It was another fun and eventful day, sadly this trip has flown by but it has sure been the best. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings us and take in the last few weeks that we have.