Mission

YES!!!It finally happened!At 5:30 this morning we gave birth to two new
salty sea dogs.It was preceded by many worries about how it will be
done.But at the appointed time the equator loomed in front of us.My
watch started at 3am and with no wind we were motoring.Dark cloudy skies
with rain and lightning here and there on Brad's watch preceded mine.At
the speed we were motoring we were an hour away from crossing south to
north.The bioluminescence was floating around in big flashing blobs
of green under our keel.This is various forms of life and when a
predator approach they all light up to sow confusion.Amongst these
creatures are jellyfish,plankton and a myriad other species.Primordial
ooze,the stuff that life started from,according to Pieter,our resident
marine biologist.The same goodies that surfaces at 2am and dissapear
again a few hours later.I decided to slow down a little to give these
creatures time to do what they do before dissapear.

Pieter,when woken close to the equator,shared a dream with us he was
just having.A bridge with a crane to lift boats over a waterfall,which
was the equator.He came out looking for the bridge but no luck.Brad was
not getting in much sleep after his watch,awake every ten minutes or so
in anticipation for swimming across the line at night.No moonlight,no
starlights,no boat lights,pure pitch darkness surrounded us as we
approached.Pieter and Brad got ready and dropped the diving ladder into
the water.They got into the water while I was slowly motoring to the
line and started the countdown.10 9 8 and at seven Brad let go of the
ladder and started swimming for his life,Pieter holding on to the ladder
right next to him,ready to assist at anytime should the need arise.A few
strokes later we were in the northern hemisphere and big cheers all
around as they got out of the water.A quick rinse with fresh water from
our deck shower and they posed for their pictures,lights on the boat on
again.So well done Brad,you wanted to do it and you did it.Well done
Pieter for being right next to him in the water to assist.

So here we are today,all three of us and there is no wind,the sea at
times glassy,not even a ripple.Now and then a little patch of wind comes
dancing across the waters.It is hot and humid,but not unbearably
yet.Making slow progress,4 kts motoring at 2000rpms.The clouds have
progressively been getting bigger and darker the last few days and we
can expect some thunderstorms soon.We are ready with our auxilary anchor
chain to drop in the water to divert a possible strike on our mast into
the water and safe our instruments.Unlike to suffer a strike,but in case
it happens,we should be ok.Pieter serviced the one engine this
morning,Brad will service the other engine later on.Oil and oil filter
change,check fan belt,engine mounting bolts,coolant levels,transmission
oil.Done and dusted.

Tonight for supper tuna on top of potato bake in the oven.Sour cream and
chive potato bake so wondering how it will pan out.Served with
beetroot salad I hope it will be edible.Last night,our last supper in
the southern hemispere,Pieter treated us to lamb chops and spuds with a
lovely bean salad.

Wishing you pleasant rest of the weekend and will post again same time
tomorrow.

Paul