Today, Sunday, we will be reaching the 1/2 way point on the longest single leg of the voyage, from the Galapagos to the Marquesas. It is time for reflection, and asking ourselves where the heck are we!
Here is a picture of where we have found ourselves.... The Galapagos are 1,500 miles behind, the Marquesas are 1,500 miles ahead, Due East, directly off our stern, where the sun rises each morning is Peru, 2,000 miles back. Hawaii is 2,900 miles to the NW. Los Angeles is 2,100 miles almost due north. Directly to our south, albeit beyond my charts limits is Antarctica.
Between Worlds: Halfway between the Galapagos and the Marquesas |
So why have we found ourselves here? Beginning with, and reaching far beyond the Marquesas, stretching westward across 4,200 miles of the Pacific Ocean, are the thousands of islands of the Southern Pacific. That is our final destination. That is where Sea Mercy is operating to bring health care to the remote islands. That is where we are heading.
Every day at 1800 Universal time, the time we left the Galapagos, I put a little x on the chart, circle the center, draw a line from yesterdays x, and add up the miles. We all guess at the days miles, and then share the joy of the feeling of putting the ocean miles behind us. We have done that for 10 days now. Our daily average is around 155 a day, the lowest around 120, and the highest to date 180. All are very good and we are pleased at the voyage so far. About this time, from past experience, and confirmed by current feelings, I start to crave a big juicy medium cooked, cheddar Cheeseburger with bacon, jalapenos, a dash of Tabasco, lettuce and tomato, washed down with a large ice cold beer.
It is interesting to watch the social environment develop over the days at sea. We enjoy the companionship, sharing tasks, odd projects, and rotations at the helm. But we all seem to enjoy finding time alone with ourselves, perhaps a book, in prayer, with guitar, or just looking out at the sea. Fortunately, the boat, being a catamaran, it has four corners. We all seem to find that spot to fully gain the total solitude in the place we are at.
We are blessed, safe, well, grateful, and doing fine. We are happy.
-DL
Sea Angel is sailing for a cause.
Sea Mercy is a benevolent program developed for disaster and critical care needs for remote islanders. Sea Mercy is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity with a simple vision and mission to "stand in the gap" with a service delivery vessel, trained health care volunteers, support equipment, and critical care services as island nations develop their "outer island" health care infrastructure, when critical health care need opportunities are present, or when disasters occur. We welcome you to consider donating on our behalf to Sea Mercy - they have several ways to get involved and are so grateful for your support.
Sea Mercy's Corporate "We Care" Program is designed to help organizations attract and engage clients, vendors, and employees in the spirit of social responsibility and provide a wonderfully enriching partnership. There are several ways to participate with "We Care". Visit Sea Mercy's website for additional information. If you know of an organization or would like to involve yours, please share this information forward.
Sea Mercy is now working to raise funds to assist with the sheer devastation from Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. You can learn more here, and please consider a donation or even a medical rotation if you're able. The people of Vanuatu can use help and prayers at this time.
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