Really roaring 40s, South Pacific 18 April 2011 position at 4:45 p.m. Tahiti Time 40S34 148W08
We liked the 40s so much we crossed back over the line, but the prions were not there to meet us. We’re now due south of Tahiti, but we won’t be turning up to the Australes for about 24 hours if the GRIBs hold true (BTW GRIBS are the weather charts we get, they’ve been pretty accurate and we spend a lot of time looking at them, contemplating, dreaming, wishing, planning).
The corner of that low has arrived. Storm sails are up, 2 reefs in the main, we’re rocking and rolling, and slamming and bamming. The kids, unphased, are deep into their books. Frank equally unphased naps just fine. Only I stare out in awe at the water flying off our bow as we plow through the waves. We had 25 knots most of the day and it just pumped up to 30 plus, where it should stay for the next 24 hours. Earlier today I was feeling a little intimidated by 25, at 30 the intimidation grew correspondingly. Then I thought of something a friend had said after their very rough crossing from Chile to the Gambiers (where we met them*). She was talking about how relieved she was when the winds died down to 30 knots. So I’m taking a deep breath, and feeling that relief. It’s only 30 knots. It’s only 24 hours. The boat is fine. I’m cozy back under our trusty new dodger**, with it’s big clear windows. I can kick back and admire the beauty and power of the ocean spray as it flies off the bow, and drenches the windows in front of my face. That blue is back, and to see it airborne is a sight to behold. Yikes that was a big one.
xoxomo
*Thanks Brandy, we’re missing you guys out here.
**And thanks to Nelson Boatbuilders. Dan, Goldie, and Zander, we sing your praises every hour (sometimes more often right now).