Hello team,
Great to see you, how have you been? Seems an age since the North Pacific chat. Itching to get some warmth on the jog down to Panama? I can assure you so are we. At the time of writing, my leg is jammed into the spares and tools cave locker next to #1’s bunk while I half lay on the Nav Station storage box that doubles as a seat, while we beat into a southerly wind.
The stopover was so good. We knew we were going to have a fantastic time in Seattle, as our transit from the North Pacific through the straits and Puget Sound was stunning. The snow-covered mountains on either side teasing us as they emerged mystically out of the low-lying clouds, and a pod of Orca accompanying us, the first of many great welcomes. After a long challenging Leg 6, which was more mentally demanding than physically on this occasion, the beautiful scenic setting of this city, with its great food, hospitality and cultural venues, was just the place to recharge the batteries. I for one having a lovely couple of days in Gig Harbour. I am very tempted to return and further explore some of the lovely outlying villages in many of the wooded inlets around Puget Sound. It was also great to catch up with Tom, Arvin and Dave, crew from CV22 on the Clipper 2019-20 Race, and the large jar of M&M’s much appreciated. Also, the jar of marmite left by Gilley of Leg 1 fame. Oh and of course Hilary and Colin, who made a surprise visit to see #1.
Currently we are beating into a fair breeze of head wind, about 30kts of true wind, on the Yankee 2 and 2 reefs in the main and waiting for the front to go over head. Hopefully, that will create a nice veer on the wind so we can crack off the sheet and start reaching down the coast to warmer climes. At the moment it has a definite North Pacific feel to it which has been a bit of a shock for those who weren’t with us on Leg 6. The headwinds have certainly caused the ‘green monster’ to visit and cause an outbreak of ‘settling in’ sickness, but fortunately in a fairly low-level manner.
I am going to sign off now, as I am already late with submitting my blog, not a great way to start the week, being late with the homework. I’ll be on the naughty step if I am not careful.
Having been wearing my Seattle Seahawks beanie around on deck, and I thought this might go down well – why did the coach yell at the vending machine? Because they wanted their Quarterback.
Think that's all for now, standing by this channel.
David, Maisie and the Bekezela Crew.