Here you will find tales of voyages past and present on our trusty Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, "Sockdolager," and our Bigfoot29 powerboat, "Raven," from Port Townsend, Washington, USA. In 2009 we sailed north from Puget Sound up the west coast of Vancouver Island to the Queen Charlotte Islands (now called Haida Gwaii.) In 2010 we went back to the west coast of Vancouver Island. In July 2011 we left the Northwest, sailed to Mexico, and in March 2012 we crossed the Pacific to French Polynesia, then on to the Cooks, Niue and Tonga. We spent several months in New Zealand, and in May 2013 loaded Sockdolager (and ourselves) on a container ship for San Francisco. In June and July 2013 we sailed north along the California, Oregon and Washington coasts, and in August we arrived home. In October 2016, Sockdolager found new owners, and we began cruising on Raven, a unique wooden 29' powerboat. In 2018 we cruised up to Glacier Bay, Alaska, and back. But in 2024 we had the chance to buy Sockdolager back (we missed her), so we sold Raven. We hope you enjoy reading about our adventures as much as we enjoy having them. (And there will be more.)



Monday, April 2, 2012

Becalmed in the Doldrums

Pacific Crossing, Day 21: We made 26 miles since yesterday, but only half a mile in the last four hours, and part of that backwards. A calm is so... anticlimactic. But you saw the evidence, we DID wish for it. To be honest, we are enjoying it a lot, and aren't feeling the least doldrum-y. The ITCZ passed over us to squall at a boat south of us, but those towering cumulus are now building on our horizon.

These few days of enforced idleness feel good because we were so busy before departure, and so engaged in running the boat in rough weather of late, that the contrast is welcome for awhile. Idleness should be sampled in small delicious chunks, like a piece of rich fudge. With idleness, like Brylcreem, a little dab'll do ya. We've read (total this week 5 novels.) We've snacked, slept, talked, and feasted on food that doesn't need chasing. And I've been writing, which feels good. Come to think of it, idleness may not apply if you're doing things you want to do rather than stuff you must do. Whatever you call it, this has been just what we needed.

Estrellita is down in the SE Trades on final approach to the Marquesas and Craig might already be in Hilo. With 927 miles to go, it's best to remain philosophical, unhurried and open to whatever each day brings.

Sent via Ham radio

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1 comment:

  1. You guys are great! Thanks so much for sharing your adventure... and keep up the writing... very talented. We'll be following along with you via your blog.. thanks for taking the time. All the best. Carolyn & Kathy SV Shannon

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