06 Jan Same as it ever was, Same as it ever was…
Same as it ever was, Same as it ever was…
Looks pretty much like yesterday except that we are almost dead downwind and, unbelievably, miraculously, incredibly on the final run to the ‘Big Turn’.
Along with my irrational fear of running out of things (The latest is .05mm HB pencil lead.), I’ve become superstitious about uttering out loud the name of the Cape of Capes, le fin du monde, the Big Turn, Old Capey.
It looks like I’ll have to earn it after all. There’s a final test of patience as the wind dies just west of the Cape that shall not be named and a vigorous low that looks to be developing at McMighty Cape just as I will be arriving. The problem is that this low blocks the exit to the Atlantic and effectively shuts down any reasonable plan to the south. Forecasts change so we’ll see.
Two days ago we were flying through the night time rain on 36 knot gusts. By comparison, last night and today are holidays even though the winds are pretty much like yesterday except that we are almost dead downwind and, unbelievably, miraculously, incredibly on the final run to the ‘Big Turn’.
Along with my irrational fear of running out of things (The latest is.05mm HB pencil lead.), of become superstitious about uttering out loud the name of the Cape of Capes, le fin du monde, the Big Turn, Old Capey.
It looks like the I’ll have to earn it after all. There’s a vigorous low forecast to develop just as I arrive at McMighty Cape. It effectively shuts down the exit to the Atlantic and any reasonable plan to the south. Forecasts change so the exit plan is not yet cast in stone. Fingers crossed…
For now, it’s a comparative holiday as the Solent is doing all the work while I laze about and exchange sideways glances with Sir Salty and Port and Starboard.
The Cape of Capes. Passed by all the great navigators and touchstone of sailors the world over. Who would have thought!
Follow my tracks in real-time:
https://bit.ly/svseaburban
BT
Posted at 10:41h, 02 JulyBert, you are amazing! Following you progress and posts with great admiration for you courage and wishing / willing you success. You are on the downhill run now. All the best from an Aussie follower BT ( 2 degrees of separation from your Uncle Joe).
Sandi Lyon
Posted at 03:20h, 06 JulyThat looks about right. When it’s hot out in the ocean, its foggy and wet on the Wet Coast. That means you’re on the right track, heading the right direction. Finally. Woohoo.
Anita Kuntz
Posted at 00:10h, 08 JulyFollowing you journey and am truly amazed.
Suzan Persons
Posted at 15:43h, 09 JulyWhat an amazing journey!!
Karin Hill
Posted at 15:27h, 13 JulyBeen following you for a couple of months now. What an amazing journey! Your blog is insightful and humorous. Almost home. Safe travels!
MountainJack
Posted at 19:52h, 14 JulyHas to be an amazing feeling to be so near home, Bert.
Have spent months at sea “steaming”, not sailing, gaining my sea legs with the constant motion just became second nature. Getting back to a stable platform at dockside or over on the beach left me wobbly for a day or two. Cannot imagine how you’ll feel after a year of hardly ever being stable. There is that other thing having been on your own for that long; the familiarity of constant aloneness , the feeling of approach avoidance, being forced back into humanity. Might feel as though you could just extend a little bit more and savor the experience just a little longer…naw, probably not.
Welcome back home, Bert. You’ve completed one heck of a feat.
Arthur Oliver
Posted at 04:33h, 15 JulyGetting oh so close. What’s the ETA?
estelle C whiddon
Posted at 02:58h, 16 JulyBert, your homecoming Saturday will be a joyous occasion! I have followed the voyage daily and hope your arrival home brings much joy.
Peter Jungschaffer
Posted at 07:19h, 18 JulyThis has been so great. Thank you!!!
BT
Posted at 09:50h, 18 JulyHi Bert, you are just a few hours away from home. We are cheering for your most successful journey. We are especially amazed at the sailing conditions below Australia and New Zealand, as we can have some very big polar blasts hit us at this time of the year. Cannot imagine what it was like to sail through that type of weather. Can only take of hats off to you I amazement. Hope that you make it to Oz for a visit. What a wonderful achievement you have accomplished. /bt
Antonio Corbelletta
Posted at 16:15h, 18 JulyCongratulations! What an adventure! Well done. I have enjoyed tracking your voyage everyday just wish I would have know about it earlier, from the beginning.
Suzan
Posted at 18:13h, 18 JulyYeahhhhhhhhh Bert!!! You have done it!!!
Happy Homecoming – And stay safe!!!
It isn’t the same world that you left!!
I’m going to miss reading your travels and your adventures!! But thrilled that you’re home (almost) safe and sound!!
Next trip around the world, hope that you’ll stop along the way and post your photos of the locals and the ports!!
Raegan Elford
Posted at 19:23h, 18 JulySoldier who has logged more sea time than this Navy sailor.
What an incredible accomplishment (the journey vice logging more sea time than I)
BZ
Marianne Scott
Posted at 18:25h, 19 JulyCongratulations on your accomplishment! I guess we will have to put up a plaque commemorating your voyage on the Victoria Harbour wall.
Hope to see you this week.
Marianne Scott
Tom Cory
Posted at 07:40h, 23 JulyCongradulations Bert from Annapolis MD. A Great Adventure.
Mark
Posted at 12:24h, 29 JulyI don’t think that anyone that attended Estevan Junior High could have imagined that this was in the future for one of it’s students. I checked in at different legs of the journey and was fascinated every time. Congrats!