Distance to go: 2800+ miles
Conditions: close reaching in mostly 12-15 knots, comfortable 8' swells
Getting away can be the hardest part. It's the reason so many people dream of cruising, but never do it. It's just so easy to have a list of things that must be done, which never actually gets shorter. Perhaps then it's not terribly surprising that when we left yesterday, we weren't entirely ready. Our cabin was dramatically improved from the picture posted on Monday, but there were still more things loose than ought to be for a boat going to sea.
I probably shouldn't admit that. It's not terribly salty, and yes, and we should always be prepared. But within a couple of hours of the arrival of our crew, Ty, in the late afternoon on Thursday we untied the docklines. With good friends on hand to send us off, from Ceilydh, Third Day, Exit Strategy, Boomer, and even Natasha from Puppy came down the dock to wave goodbye until we meet again in the Marquesas.
But it was important to us to begin this next phase of our cruising journey, and we were definitely ready enough. Decks are cleared and gear stowed. Mainsail reinforced, rig checked, boat bottom scrubbed... at least 1,000 lbs of food added to every available space on board. Just a few minutes after our friends on Capaz untied their lines, we followed suit and at 6:15pm local time headed out towards the Pacific.
I got a little teary at the dock. Setting off on this significant crossing is a little overwhelming. It's also hard to have to say goodbye over and over to people we meet, and this time it was especially tough. We have had incredible support from Ceilydh this last month. as Jamie and I crunched through things to get done for the PPJ fleet and for our own boat, they helped with everything from keeping an eye on the children (they have seen more of the girls than I have lately) to loaning equipment (Jamie covets their sewing machine) to bringing that oh-so-timely, icy Bombay Sapphire and tonic (we chalked up some great memories). As we were a mile away from the marina, Siobhan broke down in tears over how much she misses Maia from Ceilydh already. My passionate baby, who wears her heart on her sleeve!
We had great conditions, and a beautiful departure. As we sailed past Punta de Mita, friends in the anchorage called on the VHF to wish us well- they could see the parade of running lights at dusk as Totem, Capaz, and our fellow travelers Oso Blanco and Mystery Ship all pointed their way past the Marietta islands toward the ocean.
Today has been about stowing and getting into a rhythm. Jamie and I are a little spent, physically and emotionally, but rapidly catching up on sleep and energy. We're headed for the Marquesas- we're getting back to sea.
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