Location: Palau
Today, the 80-day students got to work in preparation for the new 40-day students to arrive. After a rainy breakfast, we started with our boat appreciation day to deep clean every surface and area on Vela. After lots of rearranging, sorting cans, and some dancing breaks, we all jumped in for an ocean shower. We had bean burgers for lunch prepared by Arden and Dan. Arden set aside seven dairy-free bean burger patties for me, thinking that I would save some for leftovers. Instead, I took it as an opportunity and a challenge to eat them all in one sitting. I successfully finished all seven, surpassing CaptMacks high score of eating six.
As some of the new students arrived, they unpacked and became familiar with their new home for the next 40 days. While this was happening, Jack was encouraging me to build the courage to try a backflip off the bowsprit. Unfortunately, I only jumped backwards and failed to do a full rotation- but Im committed to soon overcoming my fear. Although it was still raining, all of the new and 80-day students swam in the ocean for over an hour and got to know each other. As more students arrived on the dinghy in groups, I assisted Arden in the galley with seasoning the lentil soup for tonights dinner.
We ate in the rain and had our first squeeze with the new group by introducing ourselves, sharing our appreciation for the day, and what we are most looking forward to on this next adventure on Vela. Im excited to continue traveling this incredible part of the world with all my friends and with all the new friends to be made.
Its crazy that this trip is at the halfway point for many of us. I know we are all smiling back on the past 40 days of all of the memories made, and equally anticipating a new and exciting journey ahead.
-Luna