What do you do on long passages?

We've done six day passages but not like many who've crossed the Pacific and have been out 12 days to get to the Galapagos from Panama. What you do is really dependent on the seas and conditions. But you do have to figure out ways to spend the time when you are most definitely "boat bound."

On our passages we do all the regular things like chart work, boat maintenance, cooking and baking, laundry in buckets, boat cleaning and even some major projects like stainless polishing or sewing. We also spend time reading, chatting, writing or playing games. We are always fishing – rarely catching – but always trying.

After dark on watches you tend to just watch for other boats, nibble snacks and perhaps listen to an audio book or music. We try to have a nice dinner each night unless conditions forbid it. Sometimes, we play a game where we cast friends and relations as characters for a movie based on the books we're reading. We often reminisce about the great places we've seen and more importantly the folks we've met.

We mentioned in past blog entries about the friends Chris and Dave on a boat "Chrisandaver Dream" (shortened to CD) and Mike and Karen on Chapter Two. We had many a good time with these four Brits and sincerely enjoyed their company. They have headed to the Pacific, Chrissy, on CD, obviously must have been bored on their 12-day passage to the Galapagos and she crafted this lovely poem for us.

We thought we'd share her work...

Mike and Barbara aboard Astarte
When ever we meet we have a party
On remote island shore
You're never a bore

Always great fun
And when day is done
You light up the night,
Yes, you make it bright
Especially when there's a barby.

So whether with Chapter Two
Or may hap just you
With snorkeling most fine
Chocolate cake divine

We'll take memories of you
Which for now will have to do.
'til in some distant bay
Half a world or so away

We will be there
With wine and some beer
Which we'll gladly share
With friends so dear.

We're now in the pacific
And have to say you're terrific
So to a couple of yanks
We give YOU our thanks.

And we give them our thanks for the kind thoughts and good memories. So I guess we should add writing poems for friends to our list of "what do you do on long passages?"

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