exciting race finish in NYC, even if we were least(nearly) again. It
was warm just until we reached NYC Harbor- when the fog set in. We had
thick fog for over a day, which kept all eyes on the horizon, even if
that only meant a few metersoff the rail.
The deep blue Caribbean Sea turned to a steely gray. A few harbor
porpoises welcomed us in. As we reached the mouth of the Hudson, the
fog broke and a wonderful New York skyline and Lady Liberty greeted us
with sunshine, watm weather, and a few cold beers. I drug Guido to the
nearest smoothie counter for a green smoothie (he had a regular one)! I
was maybe a little bit to excited about it. We spent every possible
minute exploring the sites, sounds, and tastes of the City. Guido and I
even had the chance to see TRacy (my wonderful sister/best friend) and
her family for a Central PArk picnic. The visit was way too short. I
am not sure any of us actually caught up on sleep!
I stocked up on a few simple meal replacements to reduce the carbs and
imitation food products like top ramen and spam. I do miss my blender
and plant based diet and the gym.
THe race start was held a few hours out in the Atlantic, away from
shipping traffic. It was to be our last warm day of sailing. WInds
in the 30s with lumnpy saeas and wet decks. Just as we experienced
drastic temp changes sailing toward Panama, the same has happened here.I
have never been so cold in my life (well, except when during the feeder
race to Hull). I am wearing almost all of the clothes I possibly can
under my foulies. I am slightly immobilised from the bulk. I feel weak,
I feel tired. I have been constantly cold for the last 3 days. Even my
fluffyfurry OceanWear sleepingbag is not warming me up completely. I
don't think I'd be permitted to wear it on deck! Truly, not sure I will
survive the North Atlantic. Whatever Norweigian and Viking blood I have
from my ancestors has been so diluted (I think the Italians have won
this war), I should stick to warmer waters in the future.
We have been smack in the middle of a tight racing fleet. We lost our
second position when the guy snapped, calling for an emergency spinnaker
drop. We are back in fighting position - but we can see most of the
fleet all around us. At night, the horizon is lit up by the glow of
spinnakers(and deck lights).
Day 3 thankfully brought me a rest- motherwatch with Wolf. I am still
wearing many layers of merino wool and fleece but have finally warmed up
and my socks have dried. I feel human again.Dueto the cold and our
anticpated arrival in port in a few days, I am opting out on my shower.
A year ago, I never would have expected this to happen!
The ocean is now an icy green - think Deadliest Catch -- and filled with
small red jellyfish and plankton. I saw my first live Mola Mola (huge
sunfish)!-- They like to eat the jellies. We are also just entering a
Right Whale habitat. We have seen several pods of Atlantic white sided
dolphins.
We are anxious to reach CBI - Sydney has a population of 25,000 - the
largest 'urban'city on Cape Breton Island. I hope they are ready for
250 tired, smelly, and thirsty sailors!I do hope they have internet!
Peace Out, Bagley
42 26.18N 65 39.72 W
= officially in Canadian waters, off of Roseway Basin, currently NOT in
last place!
(PHOTO: JH, Bagley (Walnut Creek), Wolfie (San Jose), and Sheldon (Providence))
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