It’s Tuesday morning, we’ve been motoring eastward for 48 hours and we’re not yet halfway back to the Galapagos. As we come farther north the seas have mitigated a little so we’re not being tossed as violently as we were before but it’s still too rough to do any cooking. We’re both hungry but without appetite if that make sense. We force ourselves to eat what we can but it’s difficult.
I came out to the cockpit for my morning watch, looked forward and was shocked once again by the clear view over the deck. No mast, boom vang, sails, lines or wires obstruct our vision of the eastern horizon. East. Just the word makes me sad. We’ve been sailing westward for many months now and our minds were set on the “Faery Lands of the South Seas,” that cruisers’ mecca, the golden ring of sailing. Last night I watched the sun go down behind us and nearly cried that we are sailing away from the setting sun instead of toward it.
Jack and I can barely talk about it except for practical issues like compiling lists of what was lost and trying to figure out where we can get the work done, although without access to internet and a phone we can’t even begin to try and find a boat yard within range that can do the work. We had several emails from various people in the insurance company, some very kind and concerned, some officiously reminding us that we have a deductible and that replacement will be subject to “depreciation based on age.” What that means in real terms we will see. We hope this isn’t the end of our dream.
We received messages from our dear friends on Macushla and Flying Cloud who read about our misfortune and offered to help in any way they can. My family is behind us, too. We feel love and support and we appreciate it.
Marce, though I’ve never met you and Jack, I’ve felt very close to the two of you and feel lucky to be in on your great adventure. If there’s such a thing as a virtual family, you’re both in mine, and I wish you every success. If anyone can triumph over this ordeal, it’s you two. You’re in my thoughts. Thanks for the updates; I look forward to every one. Godspeed!
God Marce and Jack, Wess and I are following your travails and are shocked at your troubles. You were really doing your thing and still are. So remember to keep the faith and your dreams will still come true. Always thinking of you two. Nancy and Wess
You guys always manage to make lemonade out of lemons. Keep the faith. This might be a great time to visit Costa Rica.
Marce and Jack, I am so very sorry to hear of the difficult circumstances that you are facing. As two cruisers-to-be who will be setting sail this fall, my husband I empathize deeply with your ordeal – like all sailors, it represents one of our greatest fears. As your motto says, “Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” May your journey ahead be safe as you repair your boat and heal your hearts. My kindest thoughts as you continue to chase your dream. ~Jessie
This is heartbreaking! But so glad you’re safe. You’re such intrepid travelers, you’re sure to be heading west again very soon.
You have lots of extended family, too, Marce. You know that Gordon and Mary and I think about you a lot, follow your blog of course, too, and send you lots of love and prayers and positive energy.
I was so sorry to hear about your troubles! I’ll be reading what happens next – take care!