Location: Deshaies, Guadelopue
We had the most amazing day today. I started out with a bright, and early wakeup at 6 am, received with differing levels of enthusiasm. We got ready and headed out for a short motor around the corner into Bouillante. Last night we made the spontaneous decision to visit a geothermal vent that feeds into the ocean, getting the chance to swim in the warmest, bluest, smelliest current I have ever seen. Our plan was decided by a vote, which ended up with a tie broken by some of our very enthusiastic staff members, who joined me on the first dingy out about as soon as we dropped anchor. I still haven’t gotten the sulfur out of my hair, but I would do it again right now if I could. Our day just kept getting better with another two-hour passage back up Guadalupe into Deshaies. We had a wonderful oceanography class where we got to learn all about sand, silt, and clay (even less seasickness this time which was a plus). After class, we started prepping for our 24hr (longest yet!) sail down to St. Lucia in the morning. I got to hold the clipboard and tell everyone what to do, which is always fun. We got it done in record time and had some extra free time before seamanship class with Smash. Before dinner, I meant to write an essay but ended up taking a nap instead.
Ocean showers are always a highlight, but today was extra special. I was getting ready to jump in when Lizzie spotted some fins off the port side. We all ran over to look and realized there was a whole pod of dolphins feeding in the harbor. Issy, Ryan, Lizzy, and I took the chance to swim out a little further than we might have otherwise to get a little bit of a closer look. Calum ended up jumping in after us with the safety sausage to make sure we didn’t get run over. On the journey, we got stung by about 4 million little tiny sea jellies but decided it was worth the pain. We were joined by a group of overly friendly Germans and the dingy with a few more shipmates. Many thanks to Tom for being a responsible mama duck and keeping that other boat from killing us. I had never seen dolphins before this trip, so I was giddy by the time they swam over to us. Two came up under me, nearly close enough to touch, and I got to see a baby nursing from its mom. We finished the day with a beautiful sunset, a delicious dinner courtesy of Ellie and her sous chefs, and many stories about our favorite times on the ocean.
To everyone at home, I miss you guys, I love you, and I think about you every day. I am the happiest I have ever been here and wouldn’t change a minute of it for the world.
Much love, signing off,
Skipper Cora
Photos:
1+2: passage prep with Annika and Smash.
3: Any chance to sleep you can get.
4: Ocean showers in the sunset.
5: Captain Tom and his dingy skills.
6: Swimming with dolphins (!!!!).