The Night Watch
Day: 14, Time: 23:32, 501 nm to destination Nuku Hiva
TWS 19, AWS 11, COG 256D, SOG 9.4kt, Position S 7D 53 W 131D 46
It is a moonless night. I sit at the helm station, staring into a void. Every twenty minutes, I go outside and look left, right, forward, and back. I can just make out the horizon where a steely gray sky meets the black ocean until I look up. The heavens are reassuring: galaxies strewn across the atmosphere. But it’s not peaceful. The wind and the water make too much noise. Inside, it’s not any quieter, just different. The sound of the ocean rushing along Gerty’s hulls is ferocious. Yes, that’s the correct word. Ferocious, like a mighty roar. Everything rattles and shakes from the force of the water. If I stand, I must hold onto something firm and place my feet just right so as not to lose my balance. Again and again, extreme gravity tries to pull me down under the sea. I’m surprised when we’re still afloat. We were just riding a wave, a massive wall-of-water wave.
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This sounds so scary, definitely not for me. I do hope the passage wasn’t too painful, but I know you were glad when it was over. Nevertheless, your writing is beautiful, and your choice of words is so vivid that I can feel the moment.
Thanks re the writing. Awesome that it feels like you were there with us! (Because you were:))
Wow. I agree with Mom. I’m in awe of you and Michael. #badass 😉
Thanks!
Sounds scary but also exhilarating. You two run on adrenaline.
Agree with Polly and Bonnie. Your writing makes us all feel like we’re there with you. Wish I could have seen all of those stars and galaxies, but I can do without the ferocious seas banging me about. Lots of love to you and hope the seas are a lot calmer now.
Thank you! You’re always with us:)