North Sea Passage - August 28 to 31

Adjusting to a life on the high seas is a challenge for a landlubber like myself.   Crossing the North Sea from Norway to Scotland sounded fairly easy coming from the Captain’s mouth.  The passage to our first destination in the United Kingdom would be a mere 290 nautical miles and should take approximately 48 hours if winds are favorable and all goes as planned.

Tending to the ordinary tasks of personal grooming, dressing, eating, and sleeping while staying optimistic and cheerful a on a rolling sailboat takes perseverance.  With wind gusts to 28 knots, swells of 12 foot waves, and frigid air temperatures, conditions on board warrant a new set of rules.  You quickly learn to set your priorities and make major adjustments to the routines of daily land living.  

Merely moving from bow to stern on the boat takes skill and use of muscles I didn’t realize existed.  Thank goodness for the strategically placed hand rails, the traction on the soles of my Keen water shoes, and the guidance and instruction of my salty dog companions, I have so far, not been badly bruised, or worse yet, broken a bone.  Moving around the cabin is like swinging on monkey bars, you never let go of one rail before grabbing the next.

I showered on board before we left Norway but don’t think I will attempt to shower again until we are safe and sound in the protected still water of our next marina, 2 to 3 days from now. This new level of hygiene (or should I say lack of hygiene) is very foreign to a city gal like myself who delights in floating in her jacuzzi bathtub once, and sometimes twice, a day.  I didn’t brush my teeth this morning either.  It wasn’t worth the risk of injury.  Sorry, Dr. Obeck, I promise to do better tomorrow.  I did, however, floss, since it didn’t require being upright and near a sink.

Clothes.  I wonder how many days I can get away wearing the same layers of clothing before the crew starts avoiding me because of B.O. or the fabrics start ingrowing to become one with my skin. 

Those who know me well will be very surprised to hear I’ve been preparing meals for the crew.  What is this, she’s cooking? I don’t believe it.  Suzie Q must be joking or high on salt water spray, you are probably saying to yourself.  So far I’ve heard no complaints and everyone cleans their plates, a very good sign.  While sailing though, cooking is impractical and potentially dangerous, one threat being projectile kitchen knives coming from the galley.  Breakfast today was a nectarine and a few cheese slices.  Lunch came in the form of delicious Swedish ginger cookies and a handful of cashews.  Hey, what can I say, the snack container was close by and it didn’t carry the risk of loss of life or limb trying to navigate the galley in rough seas.  Dinner will be left over chicken from two nights ago.

Sleeping.  Let’s just say I really, really miss my soft dry foam mattress, half dozen strategically placed pillows and my dog Charlotte’s rhymthymic snoring coming from the pillow next to me.  

All things considered, life aboard the Olydia II is good.  I’m learning to live outside my comfort zone, be a part of a team, pick up first hand knowledge of all things nautical and appreciate the little things back home I took for granted.

AIS Navigation - Our Guardian Angel

Leaving Norway for Scotland - The Calm Before the Storm

More to come....   Suzette