Presque Isle, MI. to Harrisville, MI.

July 10, 2012 Tuesday

It was a quiet departure from Presque Isle shortly after sunrise (0645).  We were underway for an hour and Terry suggested we should take turns napping.  I was just getting comfy down below when I heard Terry shuffling up on deck.  I can't sleep when he is not in the cockpit.  I yelled up to him, "what are you doing!".. a long pause..  if he doesn't answer I worry about "man over board"  ( I often rehearse my actions in case this ever happens).  He finally popped his head through the companionway and said "come up quickly!"   On our port bow were 2 Tall ships ( full sized replicas of the Nina, Pinta ) traveling north.  We were snapping photos like crazy and hope some will come out.  Adding to our excitement were 4 F18 military jets flying noisily overhead.  It was an entertaining morning.
The seas were calm and the sun was shining.  We have been so lucky to have this great weather pattern.  Winds were light from the north.
We have talked about the changes in ourselves, physically and mentally as the days have ticked on.  The aches and pains and "rubber" muscles are now gone.  Some people use stair steppers and physical trainers - living on a sailboat is doing the same for us.  Everything we do is physical training.  Keeping your balance in 2-4 foot waves works all of our muscles.  There is little sitting still living on a boat.  Our bodies have finally adjusted and are more fit then when we started.
Our minds are quieter now.  There are times for planning, chart-plotting,  and weather briefings. These are very focused activities.  It challenges our minds and adds to the anticipation and excitement on our adventure.  Then we get quiet, relaxed and in the moment.  The mindfulness required for this life style has proven to be healthy for us.
Sleeping is best on the water.  We fall asleep now when the sun sets, under stars and shining moon, and soft summer breezes flowing over us.  We wake just before sunrise most day (occasionally we sleep later).  We have slept through a night storm only to learn about it from other sailors the next morning.  We  never slept this deeply in our bed in what was once our "home".

One of the "Big Ships"

We love our lighthouses