Position: 46.05 S, 171.18 E @23:00 UTC
I’m low on power today because of all the cloudy weather and not enough wind to charge the batteries and as a result I have many restrictions on board.
I sailed 45 miles yesterday and then the reefing lines jammed. I was up early to sort that out and after a bit of work I managed to free them. We just got underway for the first time since 9:30 pm last night. This morning when I plotted my course I was only 6 miles from where I was at 10 am yesterday. Ouch! The good thing is it was a lovely sail past the Otago Peninsula yesterday afternoon. Brought back lots of memories.
It’s a chilly 10 C here today. My hands are still cold from being on deck this morning. Just have to make another cup of tea. Must go on deck now as we have had another wind shift.
It’s 9:45 am and I’m still nine miles back from where I was at 8:30 last night. Progress is slow and I sometimes think I’ll be out here forever … that would not be good. We’re moving in the right direction which is important. I am back from some work on deck, a short nap, and a few graham crackers with peanut butter – the latest craze in the food department. The wind is building though so I’ll put a reef in to settle things down. Turns out it was the vane that needed adjusting, but no doubt I will back up there soon as conditions are very “fluid” this morning.
The wound on my elbow seems to be healing. Infection is the worst thing that could happen and so far so good. I change the bandage every day. I used some butterfly band aids and that seems to be working. It’s my left hand so I’ve been using my right as much as possible. The motion of the boat makes it difficult. I have full movement of my fingers and hand so no problem there. I get some little notices if I do something it doesn’t like. Turns out I’m a good first aid attendant.
Still trying to connect to Globalstar’s satellites and hoping beyond hope I get a connection soon.
Course 200T Speed $knots Wind E 10kt Waves E 1m Cloud 100% Temp 13 C Baro 1023 Miles in last 24 hrs:81 (in a circle)
Glenn,
For us non sailors, can you elobrate a bit more on the basics of sailing. i.e. when you put a reef in or adjust the vane, what are you doing and why are you doing it. It may help us understand you adventure a bit more.
Thx
I just read that you’ve turned the corner and heading into the Tasman Sea. Way to go, Glen!
Glenn – I looked at Globalstar’s website and from what I can see, most of New Zealand is in a yellow area that indicates a reduced service area and calls may be intermittent. The strong signal (Orange colour) appears on the opposite side of New Zealand from your location. There is no “Fringe” area that they talk about except around South America. If you were to round New Zealand and go North some distance, you should be in a strong area. No guess at what distance. There is nothing after New Zealand at all until South America. Their map may not be totally accurate. I did find a telephone number for them that says “for those in Carib. or outside of North America.” 1 985 327 7500. Possibly someone could make that call for you. Their hours of operation end about 8 PM EST. (A Canadian Website) I am home around 5 PM each day. If I can help by getting info, let me know. Assuming map is correct, I think you have next to no coverage. Another site said to use the portable units outside. Sorry, but I have no knowledge of those things.
Follow up.. Tasmania and south are quite strong areas according to the map. You might think about cutting accross the top of Stewart Island and that would put you into a strong area. Looking at the google map, it appears easy enough but that may not be the case in reality. The Globalstar Map shows a strong signal quite far south. If accurate, I think it is your only hope to get into that area before any furthur sourthern cruising. I think it is the angle of the low level Satt. that won’t get the signal over the mountains on the otherside of New Zealand and that is causing the weak signal. Again, I know nothing of these matters but sometimes the ingnorant find the answer in simpleton mode. That would be me.
Thanks for your interest Ron. We’re in touch with the Globalstar rep on a daily basis and they are looking into possible causes. At this point, all we know is that there are issues with the ‘gateway’ in Australia which is causing connection problems. MaryLou
Hi Glen
You sound a little frustrated. But you are still moving! You knew there would be days like this. Hang in there and enjoy the scenery. We had snow yesterday, none of this balmy 10C. Peanut butter and crackers sounds delightful, because I’m on a strict consume, tea and apple juice diet this week! (Ah, but I know next week’s coming!) The journey, not the destination, right?
DB
God speed Glenn ..your always in our thoughts and prayers! your task is a truly defined inspiration. As I am a new follower to your voyage… here is a quote for ya..The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
Glenn.Spot any of the Royal albatrosses from the colony as you passed Dunedin?-Gaelic for Edinburgh-my old town..Nearly time to turn West! Enjoy your logs.
Keith Morrison.