I know that once we hit land we will all miss the sound of the waves, the rocking of the boat, and the beauty of the evening sky (did I just write that?).  I know I will miss the shooting stars that have been greeting me every night for the last 8 night shifts, I will miss the sight of the kites flying and I will miss the peacefulness of the sail with the kite.  But until we get on land, all I want to do is see land!

We had a pretty little bird fly into our cabin last night and she hung out by the navigation station for at least 6 hours – what a nice surprise and blessing.

We got up early today to fly the spinnaker and try to capture some boat speed that was lost last night during the evening shifts.  Hopefully we will get to fly her all day as I love seeing Betsy up in the sky!

The things I miss on this trip most are just plain ole being a girl, changing my clothes, doing my nails, plucking my brows, shaving, and general female hygiene.  It’s not that I am a girlie girl as I did not wear an once of make up since we left Gran Canarias, I have my hair in a pony tail and or cap all the time (except when it is drying from my shower) and have not done an ounce of my normal routine (lotion, shaving, creams, etc…) But I miss it, I miss feeling “pretty”

With that said, I had to have a talk with the boys today as I was fed up with being “pushed” out of the way. It was normal for them to feel that they have to do everything as they had to do everything for the first 6 weeks of the crossing.  But, once we got on the boat they still try to dance from the bow to the stern and from port to starboard during one sail change.  I laid down the law and said that we will have assigned duties during each sail trim – no more jumping from one position to the other.  The main reason is that we are all capable of doing each position so there is no need to act like a monkey with your head cut off.  The other reason is that when one person tries to do too much, each job is done ½ way and issues arise.  Matt backed me up and they all listened; now I have to ensure they actually act on what I said.

We saw another boat on the horizon (red spinnaker) and tried to reach them on the radio – but to no avail.  It would have been funny to have them respond to my call “Sailboat flying a red spinnaker heading toward St Lucia come in” J – Only 400 miles to go

Today was a beautiful day with smaller waves and lighter wind so the large kite went up – I decided to name her Big, Beautiful Betsy.  Not sure why, but my days seem so much nicer to chat with her.  I get up and greet her, tell her to stay full and thank her for carrying our boat miles across the ocean.  Now I see how Tom Hanks talked to “Wilson” while he was stuck on an island by himself – you have to create a friend that will help you through your days.  I promise I am not losing my mind, but must admit, it helps J

Today I decided to inventory the port side, which was limited as the boys were still housed there.  I went through our 75+ flags, 100+ charts, floor board storage, hall cupboards, and office.  I alphabetized everything (yes, I know I am a type A anal retentive nerd).

I keep adding to my donated list, must have list, items needed list, and want list each day. I am sure I will have to prioritize each list, but what fun is that.  My heart knows I will get some décor, even though not needed, plate ware, flat ware, and glasses (hopefully with our boat name on it).  After all, she is like a 2^nd home and as Matt said, “you have to have a couch in each home”. I am sure that does not apply to blow dryers, microwaves, or blenders J

It was a long day today, so I hit the hay early and tried to catch up on some much needed sleep – but alas, sleep eluded me.  Tonight was the first time in 18 nights that I did not want to get up for my night shift.  I struggled to get up, but I did it. I walked around a lot, snacked, drank a sprite & sang along to my songs – it was a long shift.  Only 539 miles to go