morning. Just before my watch we were blessed with a soft drizzle. The
sun is clearing the clouds a bit and we have slightly stronger winds
pushing us along. The last few days we have fallen just a little behind
our schedule with gentle winds, testing our faith somewhat, and now we
are busy making up for some lost time again. The natural ebb and flow of
things which one becomes acquainted with after years on the ocean. I
sometimes smile as the younger ones start asking questions about worst
case scenarious and ETA's when the going is a bit slow. I also used to
stress about these things, but everything happens in it's own good time.
As long as we do our best and keep at it the rewards will come. We have
about 1200nm to Fortaleza and it looks like we could still arrive there
on Wednesday next week.
Yesterday was Eduan's turn to prepare supper and asked for some
suggestions. I suggested rotis and it was eagerly accepted. It turned
out to be a team effort. Nick volunteered to help with some of the
ingredients and Steven took it on himself to show Eduan how to make
rotis. I gave them the recipy which is simply flour, water and a bit of
salt to make the dough. Make little balls and roll it flat and fry it
dry on a pan. We had a good chuckle as Eduan used maize meal instead of
flour to make the dough. I think this is where Steven realized he will
help Eduan more closely. Nick prepared some butternut and small blocks
of potato. We also had strips of carrots to add a bit of crunch and some
fresh tomato slices. As a main filling we prepared soya beans with a
tin of mixed veggies and cabbage. There was a lot of activity in the
galley as I am sure you can imagine. A little bit of everything topped
with mayonaise and/or chutney, then fold it nicely and Bob's your uncle.
The end results were delicious on all accounts. Steven managed four
rotis and the rest of us could only eat three. Afterwards Eduan had a
lot of cleaning up to do as just about every pot and pan was used but it
was worth it.
Now for a bit of soulfood. To recap and if I may make some comparisons,
body I would compare to earth, mind to water, spirit to air and soul I
would then compare to fire,in a way. Sunlight, moonlight and starlight.
That part of us that was there from the beginning of time and will be
there into infinity. That part that will never die and also binds
everything and everyone together. That little spark of life that makes a
seed buried in the ground reach out towards the light. As the journey we
are on proceeds I will share some of my ideas how it all works and fits
together, it is certainly not a linear process. Not A to Z or ABC, but
there are certain patterns that form, certain mechanics. And like a car it
all works together to stay in motion.
We haven't had a little original nautical term that has found it's way
into everyday speech for a while. Today it will be 'Colours'. The national
flag or ensign was known aboard ship as her colours - and a very important
issue when ships engaged in battle as the survival of so many of today's
expressions explain. True colours, false colours,show your colours,nail
your colours to the mast, go down with colours flying,come off with flying
colours, etc., etc.
Our current position is 08*10'S/019*15'W. Steven is making stirfry for
supper, Nick ois taking over watch in half an hour and Eduan is blissfully
asleep. We have both our lures out and once again the menu might change
depending on what Neptune may send our way.
Hope you have a marvelous day.
Captain Paul
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