[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Jackson just called from a diner -- an onshore diner -- where he ordered an egg, cheese and bacon croissant sandwich near Marina Bay. It's a couple of miles north of Berkely. He and Michael arrived in the predawn hours today. Near the end they had engine trouble and had to fight the current for a while but by the time they got to the Golden Gate Bridge the tide was flowing and they passed underneath going a very fast 9.5 knots. Jackson intends to catch an Amtrak train as soon as possible for Los Angeles. From there he'll go to the El Encuentro, which is docked in Orange County, where there is a berth reserved for him.
Thanks be to God.
About Me
- Jackson
- I'm an adventure seeking man of God. I love extreme sports, rock climbing, swimming at the wrong time and anything you can enjoy with a good group of people.
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Trip - Day 23
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Jackson called last night at around 8 pm to say he was close to the Golden Gate Bridge. He expected to sail under the bridge at night sometime and then pull the GoodNews into a slip some time today. He said he weather wasn't very good, wet and cold. He sounded quite good. We might have talked more but the signal kept cutting out.
Jackson called last night at around 8 pm to say he was close to the Golden Gate Bridge. He expected to sail under the bridge at night sometime and then pull the GoodNews into a slip some time today. He said he weather wasn't very good, wet and cold. He sounded quite good. We might have talked more but the signal kept cutting out.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Trip - Day 20
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Just got this email from Michael. He titles it "tues."
--------
Uggggh!
Rough seas, swell slapping from the side, cooolldd,wet, damp, winds veryvariable, 7 to 20 kts, lots of sail adjustments.
309 miles this morning.
38.48 n 128.58 w, we are going to 122, so knocking down those longitudes, almost 3 a day.
Trying to hold together without braking something, the other boats are slowing down and having same sloppy conditons., but want to get in before it gets worse!!
No cooking today!
--------------
Just got this email from Michael. He titles it "tues."
--------
Uggggh!
Rough seas, swell slapping from the side, cooolldd,wet, damp, winds veryvariable, 7 to 20 kts, lots of sail adjustments.
309 miles this morning.
38.48 n 128.58 w, we are going to 122, so knocking down those longitudes, almost 3 a day.
Trying to hold together without braking something, the other boats are slowing down and having same sloppy conditons., but want to get in before it gets worse!!
No cooking today!
--------------
Monday, September 24, 2012
The Trip - Day 19
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
here's the latest post from Michael, which is entitled "mon." it arrived at 3:36 pm East Coast time.
------------------------
We are at 39.06 n 131.50 w
We just got the NE winds at 11:00 last night, turned off the motor and are sailing straight along our rhumb line to SF, just 440 miles away!
we are getting about 10 kts and beam reaching at 5-6 kts, if we stay at 5 we will be in in 4 days, at 6 kts, 3 days.
We have 100 % overcast cold conditions.
We saw one of the other boats this morning, so we sailed over to each other and exchanged some treats!
Have never passed so close to another ship at sea before, really fun.
So, no matter what happens now, we can make it in, down to our last roll of toilet paper, last roll of paper towels, we have sufficient water, we are out of fresh fruit.
Don't really feel like cooking, but should be enough cooking gas, to keep hot tea and soups coming. Then plenty of canned goods toeat.
weatheer forecast call for good conditions all the way into the Bay, and we should beat any Gales coming down from the North.
OUr world is upside down, we went from Starbd tack since Hawaii, since Tahiti for me, and now our first Port tack, we are leaning the opposite side.
bye for now
here's the latest post from Michael, which is entitled "mon." it arrived at 3:36 pm East Coast time.
------------------------
We are at 39.06 n 131.50 w
We just got the NE winds at 11:00 last night, turned off the motor and are sailing straight along our rhumb line to SF, just 440 miles away!
we are getting about 10 kts and beam reaching at 5-6 kts, if we stay at 5 we will be in in 4 days, at 6 kts, 3 days.
We have 100 % overcast cold conditions.
We saw one of the other boats this morning, so we sailed over to each other and exchanged some treats!
Have never passed so close to another ship at sea before, really fun.
So, no matter what happens now, we can make it in, down to our last roll of toilet paper, last roll of paper towels, we have sufficient water, we are out of fresh fruit.
Don't really feel like cooking, but should be enough cooking gas, to keep hot tea and soups coming. Then plenty of canned goods toeat.
weatheer forecast call for good conditions all the way into the Bay, and we should beat any Gales coming down from the North.
OUr world is upside down, we went from Starbd tack since Hawaii, since Tahiti for me, and now our first Port tack, we are leaning the opposite side.
bye for now
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The Trip - Day 17
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
latest from Michael, headlined "sat"
--------------
We R AT
39.41 n 136.26 w
We are 660 miles away, this morning. Wow, it really feels like we are getting there.
We are going pretty much due east with some southing started.
Still have winds from ESE which is a reach for us, with some following seas, which is great, we are supposed to get the North, hopefully NW winds soon and then broad reach all the way down into SF.
The weather shows the wind light tonight and tomorrow and filling in Mon.
I am having a hard time with the drastic weather change. We have to wear shirts all day now, and don't even open the dodger windows during the day, it is too cold. I may have to start sleeping down below, because the cockpit is so damp at night.
I am not liking this, i miss the warm tropics. I have only worn a bathing suit for 4 1/2 yrs on the boat.
At least the sun is out, and is warm through the windows.
No sun might just put me over the edge! I need more time for acclimating . Of course we are late in the season, so it is colder than mid summer.
The repair on the boom is holding, but when the winds get light i probably will keep the main double reefed to avoid stress on it.
That will slow us down some, but hopefully not for long.
Making good time last night and today, 140 miles yesterday, 6 kts so far today.
ok for now
-----------
latest from Michael, headlined "sat"
--------------
We R AT
39.41 n 136.26 w
We are 660 miles away, this morning. Wow, it really feels like we are getting there.
We are going pretty much due east with some southing started.
Still have winds from ESE which is a reach for us, with some following seas, which is great, we are supposed to get the North, hopefully NW winds soon and then broad reach all the way down into SF.
The weather shows the wind light tonight and tomorrow and filling in Mon.
I am having a hard time with the drastic weather change. We have to wear shirts all day now, and don't even open the dodger windows during the day, it is too cold. I may have to start sleeping down below, because the cockpit is so damp at night.
I am not liking this, i miss the warm tropics. I have only worn a bathing suit for 4 1/2 yrs on the boat.
At least the sun is out, and is warm through the windows.
No sun might just put me over the edge! I need more time for acclimating . Of course we are late in the season, so it is colder than mid summer.
The repair on the boom is holding, but when the winds get light i probably will keep the main double reefed to avoid stress on it.
That will slow us down some, but hopefully not for long.
Making good time last night and today, 140 miles yesterday, 6 kts so far today.
ok for now
-----------
Friday, September 21, 2012
The Trip - Day 16
Here's Michael's latest post, which he entitles "ouch." This email arrived this afternoon.
-----------
39.43 n 139.27 w
We have made our turn to the coast, but we are getting a strong side swell, rolling us badly, so we are trying some course adjustments to easy up the swell affect.
We made 150 miles yesterday, our most in a long time, we have been going from 6 -7 knts all day and night.
We have 801 miles to go. If we keep this up for 2 days, we will really get closer fast, then we are supposed to have 2 days NO winds. But we have lots of fuel left, so we will motor to the coastal winds.
WE have a problem. Last night we noticed that the gooseneck of the boom is cracked 1/2 way through on the starbd side, so i made clamps and was able to pull it back together, and it has held through the night.
but we are using 2 reefs and keeping slow, about 6+ kts to ease the pressure.
So we need some extraa prayer for mechanical mercies.
If it fails completely, i have ways of rigging the main loose footed, so we will still get home, but just slower, unless we get very stormy conditions and then we drop the main and only use the storm sail.
So, we will be ok.
thank you for your prayers
michael s/v goodnews
-----------
In case anyone is not familiar with sailing terms, the following might help. The "boom" is that huge horizontal bar that runs perpendicular to the mast and along the bottom of the big sail or mainsail. It's called a "boom" because when you tack or jibe it swings around and can cause lots of damage if it smacks your head. The "gooseneck" is a heavy duty ring that clamps the front of the boom onto the mast. It is subject to lots and lots of tension. "Starboard" is the right side and "port" is the left side. When Michael says he is using "2 reefs" it means the mainsail is not completely unfurled; he is only using part of the mainsail. That reduces the amount of wind that hits the mainsail and slows the boat down. It also reduces pressure on the gooseneck. The bottom of the mainsail is called the "foot" of the sail, so to speak of "rigging the main loose footed" means that the bottom of the mainsail, which is normally linked to the boom, is no longer linked to the boom but rather is held in place with one or more lines. A "storm sail" is small sail made of heavy gauge cloth.
-----------
39.43 n 139.27 w
We have made our turn to the coast, but we are getting a strong side swell, rolling us badly, so we are trying some course adjustments to easy up the swell affect.
We made 150 miles yesterday, our most in a long time, we have been going from 6 -7 knts all day and night.
We have 801 miles to go. If we keep this up for 2 days, we will really get closer fast, then we are supposed to have 2 days NO winds. But we have lots of fuel left, so we will motor to the coastal winds.
WE have a problem. Last night we noticed that the gooseneck of the boom is cracked 1/2 way through on the starbd side, so i made clamps and was able to pull it back together, and it has held through the night.
but we are using 2 reefs and keeping slow, about 6+ kts to ease the pressure.
So we need some extraa prayer for mechanical mercies.
If it fails completely, i have ways of rigging the main loose footed, so we will still get home, but just slower, unless we get very stormy conditions and then we drop the main and only use the storm sail.
So, we will be ok.
thank you for your prayers
michael s/v goodnews
-----------
In case anyone is not familiar with sailing terms, the following might help. The "boom" is that huge horizontal bar that runs perpendicular to the mast and along the bottom of the big sail or mainsail. It's called a "boom" because when you tack or jibe it swings around and can cause lots of damage if it smacks your head. The "gooseneck" is a heavy duty ring that clamps the front of the boom onto the mast. It is subject to lots and lots of tension. "Starboard" is the right side and "port" is the left side. When Michael says he is using "2 reefs" it means the mainsail is not completely unfurled; he is only using part of the mainsail. That reduces the amount of wind that hits the mainsail and slows the boat down. It also reduces pressure on the gooseneck. The bottom of the mainsail is called the "foot" of the sail, so to speak of "rigging the main loose footed" means that the bottom of the mainsail, which is normally linked to the boom, is no longer linked to the boom but rather is held in place with one or more lines. A "storm sail" is small sail made of heavy gauge cloth.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Trip - Day 15
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
The following email from Michael arrived Thursday, Sept. 20, in my inbox around 3 pm East Coast time. Based on the coordinates he provides below and assuming the mouth of San Francisco Bay is 37.4 N 122.3 W, they had 945 miles to go.
-------------
Well
Happy birthday to me!!
AJ woke me up with a fresh cup of Kona coffee this morning for my birthday, and all the other boats sung a chores of "happy birhday' to me on the radio. Very fun.
I saved a can of spicy Spam for spam and eggs for breakfast, oh boy!
We are at
39.54 n 142.30 w.
the magic spot we were piloting to was 40 n and 140 w.
we are 6 miles from 40 North and 120 miles from 140, that has been the center of the H and we would turn there and go East to the coast/home.
WEll this morning we just turned due East, doing about 090 E going, 930 miles to San Fran.
We have a blessed wind from SE at 9 kts and we are doing 5-6 kts.
The gale is coming up behind us and should bring us winds to push us eastward home.
We are only 5 to 10 miles from MaloHia, one of the other cruising boats, we keep seeing each others mast light at night. They keep pulling ahead of us with the wind gusts, they have more sail area than us, so we are pretty close. It is fun to play off each other.
So, this will be a memorable birhtday 1000 miles at sea.
blessings
-------------
The following email from Michael arrived Thursday, Sept. 20, in my inbox around 3 pm East Coast time. Based on the coordinates he provides below and assuming the mouth of San Francisco Bay is 37.4 N 122.3 W, they had 945 miles to go.
-------------
Well
Happy birthday to me!!
AJ woke me up with a fresh cup of Kona coffee this morning for my birthday, and all the other boats sung a chores of "happy birhday' to me on the radio. Very fun.
I saved a can of spicy Spam for spam and eggs for breakfast, oh boy!
We are at
39.54 n 142.30 w.
the magic spot we were piloting to was 40 n and 140 w.
we are 6 miles from 40 North and 120 miles from 140, that has been the center of the H and we would turn there and go East to the coast/home.
WEll this morning we just turned due East, doing about 090 E going, 930 miles to San Fran.
We have a blessed wind from SE at 9 kts and we are doing 5-6 kts.
The gale is coming up behind us and should bring us winds to push us eastward home.
We are only 5 to 10 miles from MaloHia, one of the other cruising boats, we keep seeing each others mast light at night. They keep pulling ahead of us with the wind gusts, they have more sail area than us, so we are pretty close. It is fun to play off each other.
So, this will be a memorable birhtday 1000 miles at sea.
blessings
-------------
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Trip - Day 13
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Here is the latest from Michael. It was sent about an hour ago so it was sent on Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the afternoon.
---------------
tue 18th
at 38.36 N 145.59 W
We are in the High, and it is amazing that we have any wind at all, and we are having enough to go 4 - 5 kts, as fast as i can motor, so we are not having to motor, as planned, with following seas, and very flat, smooth, benign conditions.
Unfortunately, one of the weather reports shows us having no wind and then storms in front of us in 3-5 days, so one of the boats is going across south of here to try and avoid it, we hope to pass that area before it goes bad. It just changes so fast. The High is moving about 200 miles a day, all over the pl;ace, being pushed around by the Low storm systems coming in from NW Baring Sea area, and probably some affedt from two hurricans coming up from Mexico.
I feel like we have a real blessed covering over us, and some very special times with the Lord.
He shows His majesty to us everyday. It is so still and quiet, we can hear him so loudly. No phone, no texting, no internet, no radio, no tv,no car, no people, there are not even planes overhead.
Last night the stars literally went from very horizon to horizon, right to the waters edge, from North to South and East to West, and all night long you can watch the sky rotate and the constellations change.
blessings
michael
--------------
Here is the latest from Michael. It was sent about an hour ago so it was sent on Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the afternoon.
---------------
tue 18th
at 38.36 N 145.59 W
We are in the High, and it is amazing that we have any wind at all, and we are having enough to go 4 - 5 kts, as fast as i can motor, so we are not having to motor, as planned, with following seas, and very flat, smooth, benign conditions.
Unfortunately, one of the weather reports shows us having no wind and then storms in front of us in 3-5 days, so one of the boats is going across south of here to try and avoid it, we hope to pass that area before it goes bad. It just changes so fast. The High is moving about 200 miles a day, all over the pl;ace, being pushed around by the Low storm systems coming in from NW Baring Sea area, and probably some affedt from two hurricans coming up from Mexico.
I feel like we have a real blessed covering over us, and some very special times with the Lord.
He shows His majesty to us everyday. It is so still and quiet, we can hear him so loudly. No phone, no texting, no internet, no radio, no tv,no car, no people, there are not even planes overhead.
Last night the stars literally went from very horizon to horizon, right to the waters edge, from North to South and East to West, and all night long you can watch the sky rotate and the constellations change.
blessings
michael
--------------
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Trip - from Jackson on Sept. 15
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
The following was received two days ago, the first emails directly from Jackson.
-----------
life in the middle of nowhere
dad send this to mom also please
im good i am reading alot and sleeping a bunch i feel like a seal on the beach.
---------------
im learning so much it hurts my head and gives me headaches. life is pretty basic here we eat, sleep, and fiddle with sails most the time. and a bit of fishing, we caught a mahe mahe of dolphin fish for all you land lovers out there. the sunset and sunrise's are like forest fires burning in the distance with pink lemonade dumped in the upper atomosphere the star are so bright there almost blinding the water is the color of the blue dye u put in ur water or cloths or something. im eating well we have fresh sprouts almost everyday with apple's and other such fresh greens and fruit
as much as i wanna be on land i wanna be out here sailing the winds and riding the huge surf the we can incounter the pacific can seriously be no joke at times it say im gona chew u up and then spit u out and see if you wanna still be here but u just relax and lets it run its course and everything will be fine. other time everthing is in tune the ocean is like a lake the wind has gone for the holiday and the clouds dont exist. its funny cause as the day go by i find my self getting calmmer and more in tune with the boat and see if the boat is still i atomatically move its weird i
i love you all ill be home soon
------------------------
The following was received two days ago, the first emails directly from Jackson.
-----------
life in the middle of nowhere
dad send this to mom also please
im good i am reading alot and sleeping a bunch i feel like a seal on the beach.
---------------
im learning so much it hurts my head and gives me headaches. life is pretty basic here we eat, sleep, and fiddle with sails most the time. and a bit of fishing, we caught a mahe mahe of dolphin fish for all you land lovers out there. the sunset and sunrise's are like forest fires burning in the distance with pink lemonade dumped in the upper atomosphere the star are so bright there almost blinding the water is the color of the blue dye u put in ur water or cloths or something. im eating well we have fresh sprouts almost everyday with apple's and other such fresh greens and fruit
as much as i wanna be on land i wanna be out here sailing the winds and riding the huge surf the we can incounter the pacific can seriously be no joke at times it say im gona chew u up and then spit u out and see if you wanna still be here but u just relax and lets it run its course and everything will be fine. other time everthing is in tune the ocean is like a lake the wind has gone for the holiday and the clouds dont exist. its funny cause as the day go by i find my self getting calmmer and more in tune with the boat and see if the boat is still i atomatically move its weird i
i love you all ill be home soon
------------------------
The Trip - Day 11
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Here's the latest email from the S/V Goodnews, which was sent Sunday, Sept. 16:
--------------
Loc
37.18 n 150.22 w
Crossed 37 and the winds picked up and we are doing 5.5 and started our easting, the last big step!!!
So, it is very serious now, not to go too far north and hit another system, and not to go too far East and hit the High too soon. Soing about 45 deg NE. The center of the Hi is around 40 N 140 E.
WE are trying to skirt the edge of it, stay in the wind and get as far over as we can, then cut down and motor throught the center of it and come out the other side, ready for the Norhtern winds to reach down into SF.
---------------
I've stopped calculating distances from Hilo just because they are no longer heading due north and such calculations would understate the actual distance traveled.
Here's the latest email from the S/V Goodnews, which was sent Sunday, Sept. 16:
--------------
Loc
37.18 n 150.22 w
Crossed 37 and the winds picked up and we are doing 5.5 and started our easting, the last big step!!!
So, it is very serious now, not to go too far north and hit another system, and not to go too far East and hit the High too soon. Soing about 45 deg NE. The center of the Hi is around 40 N 140 E.
WE are trying to skirt the edge of it, stay in the wind and get as far over as we can, then cut down and motor throught the center of it and come out the other side, ready for the Norhtern winds to reach down into SF.
---------------
I've stopped calculating distances from Hilo just because they are no longer heading due north and such calculations would understate the actual distance traveled.
The Trip - Day 8 (more)
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
This is the second email today.
--------------------
sat loc
35.49 n 151.30 w
Like magic the predicted winds came up about 1:30 am.
Light from the South, so very difficult to steer dead down wind, we can't make anymore
easting until we get up to about 37, then we can steer NE and run up between the H below us and the Low coming in above us., too far Norht is a Gale, so we have been sailing since 1:30 not fast, 3-4 kts but saving our engine and fuel for the H and getting in.
Today is AJ,s birthday, started off with a good pot of coffee, our first since Hawaii, he has a few issues about birthdays, so we will do the emotional dance today.
bye all
------------------
This is the second email today.
--------------------
sat loc
35.49 n 151.30 w
Like magic the predicted winds came up about 1:30 am.
Light from the South, so very difficult to steer dead down wind, we can't make anymore
easting until we get up to about 37, then we can steer NE and run up between the H below us and the Low coming in above us., too far Norht is a Gale, so we have been sailing since 1:30 not fast, 3-4 kts but saving our engine and fuel for the H and getting in.
Today is AJ,s birthday, started off with a good pot of coffee, our first since Hawaii, he has a few issues about birthdays, so we will do the emotional dance today.
bye all
------------------
Saturday, September 15, 2012
The Trip - Day 8
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Yesterday, Sept. 14, was a big day for the guys. There are two emails below because, as Michael is typing they hook a big -- edible -- fish so he has to stop and haul in the fish. Then he resumes the communication with a second email.
-------------
To: "Gallaghergoodnews805" <gallaghergoodnews805@yahoo.com>
Subject: 60 miles yesterday
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:05:09 -0700
We motored about 1/2 the day, then a little wind came up , so we sailed at 2 kts for 1/2 the night, because the wind isn't coming in up North for a few days, so no need getting up there and sitting waiting for the wind.
But , thank you just got a fish got to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------
Wow
we got a big 4' Mahimahi, very similar to the Dorado in Mex, same irridescent colors in the wateer, this was the wildest fish yet, he was jumping 3 ft out of the wateer and flipping over, wild wild fish.
this was the most i've ever done, lots of great pictures.
We made sashimi, then cevichie and lots for barbecue and seared fish filets later.
We will eat well for a few days.
Then immediately, before we were done with the fish we saw a large green glass fishing ball/float, the ones from Japan/asia, so we picked that up, i heard that some other boats found some, so i really wanted one, fish and glass ball all at same time, wow, Papa provides.
So, the weather is changing, lots of maretails in the sky and the swell changed 180 from ENE,, to WNW, that is a good sign, so we can get the weather from the low storm system back behind and above us, i want to get up and out infront of it. It is supposed to be at 35 N, just 20 miles up.
-------------
A "maretail" is defined as "a long narrow cirrus cloud whose flowing appearance somewhat resembles a horse's tail.
Today is Jackson's 20th birthday. I'm going to send a short email, which is below.
-------------
Capt. Michael: Forgive me but I just have to wish my son a happy birthday. My only request is that you allow me to reimburse you for the cost of this transmission. Your emails of location, seastate and misc. details are SO appreciated; I post them to Jackson's blog.
Jackson: Happy birthday, son. You're not a teenager any more! And you're not a novice sailor any more either. Can't wait to sail with you, bud. Tons and tons of love, Dad.
Blessings to you both. Many prayers being said daily for you.
Yesterday, Sept. 14, was a big day for the guys. There are two emails below because, as Michael is typing they hook a big -- edible -- fish so he has to stop and haul in the fish. Then he resumes the communication with a second email.
-------------
To: "Gallaghergoodnews805" <gallaghergoodnews805@yahoo.com>
Subject: 60 miles yesterday
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:05:09 -0700
We motored about 1/2 the day, then a little wind came up , so we sailed at 2 kts for 1/2 the night, because the wind isn't coming in up North for a few days, so no need getting up there and sitting waiting for the wind.
But , thank you just got a fish got to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------
Wow
we got a big 4' Mahimahi, very similar to the Dorado in Mex, same irridescent colors in the wateer, this was the wildest fish yet, he was jumping 3 ft out of the wateer and flipping over, wild wild fish.
this was the most i've ever done, lots of great pictures.
We made sashimi, then cevichie and lots for barbecue and seared fish filets later.
We will eat well for a few days.
Then immediately, before we were done with the fish we saw a large green glass fishing ball/float, the ones from Japan/asia, so we picked that up, i heard that some other boats found some, so i really wanted one, fish and glass ball all at same time, wow, Papa provides.
So, the weather is changing, lots of maretails in the sky and the swell changed 180 from ENE,, to WNW, that is a good sign, so we can get the weather from the low storm system back behind and above us, i want to get up and out infront of it. It is supposed to be at 35 N, just 20 miles up.
-------------
A "maretail" is defined as "a long narrow cirrus cloud whose flowing appearance somewhat resembles a horse's tail.
Today is Jackson's 20th birthday. I'm going to send a short email, which is below.
-------------
Capt. Michael: Forgive me but I just have to wish my son a happy birthday. My only request is that you allow me to reimburse you for the cost of this transmission. Your emails of location, seastate and misc. details are SO appreciated; I post them to Jackson's blog.
Jackson: Happy birthday, son. You're not a teenager any more! And you're not a novice sailor any more either. Can't wait to sail with you, bud. Tons and tons of love, Dad.
Blessings to you both. Many prayers being said daily for you.
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Trip - Day 7
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Michael's latest satellite phone email was sent at 9:25 pm East Coast time last night (Sept. 13).
---------
We are at 33.53 N 152.24 W
Had to start motoring this morning, trying to get North to where the wind is, unfortunately the wind is being generated by a large Gale! Trying to get ahead of it so it does not clobber us, and push us across to the central High.
best
michael
---------
Based on these coordinates, it appears that since leaving Hilo on the night of Sept. 5, Michael and Jackson have sailed 863 miles, nearly all of it north. That calculation, however, assumes they are sailing in a straight line, which I think is probably the case since all they have had from the beginning is easterly winds and, thus, have not had to tack back and forth. Staying with comparisons in earlier posts of how far north they are getting, they have now reached the latitude of Los Angeles. In other words, they are now at roughtly the same latitude as El Encuentro, YWAM's beautiful new sail boat.
Maybe it's the hour (middle of the night) or maybe it's just that I miss Jackson but here, in honor of our beloved voyagers, is a poem. It's written by someone who used to live in Brooklyn, which is where I live, and also spent a fair bit of time on the open seas.
In Cabin'd Ships at Sea
by Walt Whitman
(1819-1892)
In cabin'd ships at sea,
The boundless blue on every side expanding,
With whistling winds and music of the waves, the large imperious waves,
Or some lone bark buoy'd on the dense marine,
Where joyous full of faith, spreading white sails,
She cleaves the ether mid the sparkle and the foam of day, or under
many a star at night,
By sailors young and old haply will I, a reminiscence of the land, be read,
In full rapport at last.
Michael's latest satellite phone email was sent at 9:25 pm East Coast time last night (Sept. 13).
---------
We are at 33.53 N 152.24 W
Had to start motoring this morning, trying to get North to where the wind is, unfortunately the wind is being generated by a large Gale! Trying to get ahead of it so it does not clobber us, and push us across to the central High.
best
michael
---------
Based on these coordinates, it appears that since leaving Hilo on the night of Sept. 5, Michael and Jackson have sailed 863 miles, nearly all of it north. That calculation, however, assumes they are sailing in a straight line, which I think is probably the case since all they have had from the beginning is easterly winds and, thus, have not had to tack back and forth. Staying with comparisons in earlier posts of how far north they are getting, they have now reached the latitude of Los Angeles. In other words, they are now at roughtly the same latitude as El Encuentro, YWAM's beautiful new sail boat.
Maybe it's the hour (middle of the night) or maybe it's just that I miss Jackson but here, in honor of our beloved voyagers, is a poem. It's written by someone who used to live in Brooklyn, which is where I live, and also spent a fair bit of time on the open seas.
(1819-1892)
In cabin'd ships at sea,
The boundless blue on every side expanding,
With whistling winds and music of the waves, the large imperious waves,
Or some lone bark buoy'd on the dense marine,
Where joyous full of faith, spreading white sails,
She cleaves the ether mid the sparkle and the foam of day, or under
many a star at night,
By sailors young and old haply will I, a reminiscence of the land, be read,
In full rapport at last.
Here are our thoughts, voyagers' thoughts,
Here not the land, firm land, alone appears, may then by them be said,
The sky o'erarches here, we feel the undulating deck beneath our feet,
We feel the long pulsation, ebb and flow of endless motion,
The tones of unseen mystery, the vague and vast suggestions of the
briny world, the liquid-flowing syllables,
The perfume, the faint creaking of the cordage, the melancholy rhythm,
The boundless vista and the horizon far and dim are all here,
And this is ocean's poem.
Here not the land, firm land, alone appears, may then by them be said,
The sky o'erarches here, we feel the undulating deck beneath our feet,
We feel the long pulsation, ebb and flow of endless motion,
The tones of unseen mystery, the vague and vast suggestions of the
briny world, the liquid-flowing syllables,
The perfume, the faint creaking of the cordage, the melancholy rhythm,
The boundless vista and the horizon far and dim are all here,
And this is ocean's poem.
Then falter not O book, fulfil your destiny,
You not a reminiscence of the land alone,
You too as a lone bark cleaving the ether, purpos'd I know not
whither, yet ever full of faith,
Consort to every ship that sails, sail you!
Bear forth to them folded my love, (dear mariners, for you I fold it
here in every leaf;)
Speed on my book! spread your white sails my little bark athwart the
imperious waves,
Chant on, sail on, bear o'er the boundless blue from me to every sea,
This song for mariners and all their ships.
You not a reminiscence of the land alone,
You too as a lone bark cleaving the ether, purpos'd I know not
whither, yet ever full of faith,
Consort to every ship that sails, sail you!
Bear forth to them folded my love, (dear mariners, for you I fold it
here in every leaf;)
Speed on my book! spread your white sails my little bark athwart the
imperious waves,
Chant on, sail on, bear o'er the boundless blue from me to every sea,
This song for mariners and all their ships.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Trip - Day 6
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
About three hours ago I got an email from Michael, which I've pasted below. Based on his latest communicated coordinates they have traveled 662 miles from Hilo. The subject header is "tues morn." I think "H" stands for "high," as in high pressure system.
------------
Seems we have a day or so before we have to make a change in routing.
We are waiting for this Low on top of us is supposed to sit there for 5 days, between me and the H we need to get across.
Luckily everyone is watching the weather real closely, so we can make an intelligent decision.
the worst for us is not having much wind for this time, we have to save our fuel for going across the H.
today
30.24 N 153 W
we are the farthest E, another boat is farther N, so we are scouting out the weather, the farthest boat is too far for the radio now, and can't change channel for a better frequency, so we don't know how he is doing?
------------
Here are some links that I am finding useful.
About three hours ago I got an email from Michael, which I've pasted below. Based on his latest communicated coordinates they have traveled 662 miles from Hilo. The subject header is "tues morn." I think "H" stands for "high," as in high pressure system.
------------
Seems we have a day or so before we have to make a change in routing.
We are waiting for this Low on top of us is supposed to sit there for 5 days, between me and the H we need to get across.
Luckily everyone is watching the weather real closely, so we can make an intelligent decision.
the worst for us is not having much wind for this time, we have to save our fuel for going across the H.
today
30.24 N 153 W
we are the farthest E, another boat is farther N, so we are scouting out the weather, the farthest boat is too far for the radio now, and can't change channel for a better frequency, so we don't know how he is doing?
------------
Here are some links that I am finding useful.
if you want to find the latitude and longitude of a place:
watch Jackson from outer space:
barometric pressure:
http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/
forecast:
wind direction:
to use when they get close to the West Coast:
how to gauge distances between coordinates (they started out at 19.43 N, 155.4 W):
Monday, September 10, 2012
The Trip - Day 5
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Here's the latest email from Michael:
==============
location
28.33' N 153.20 W
Pretty nice night, avg 5.5 knots, a few squalls this morning, trying to get past the edges of them if we can.
AJ is adapting better to the vagaries of a long ocean passage.
supposed to have mild weather for today with some changes by tomorrow.
===============
This is a great report. They've had five great days of sailing and covered 549 miles as of the time this email was sent. To stick with a geographic reference I used in an earlier post to illustrate northward progress, our guys have now traveled northward so they are at a latitude of Tampa, Fla. Based on what I understand Michael to have communicated earlier about how far north they will go, they aim to get to a latitude somewhere between Richmond, Va., and Washington, D.C., two cities with which Jackson (how, praytell, did he ever get the name "AJ"?) is familiar.
Time-lapse satellite photos show the skies basically clear, and other weather sites also indicate a mild seastate. The latest longitude shows they have adjusted their course slightly to the east, because they set off from 155 W and now they are 2 degrees to the east. That may be part of what Michael describes above as "trying to get past the edges of" those squalls.
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. -- Ps. 145:9
Here's the latest email from Michael:
==============
location
28.33' N 153.20 W
Pretty nice night, avg 5.5 knots, a few squalls this morning, trying to get past the edges of them if we can.
AJ is adapting better to the vagaries of a long ocean passage.
supposed to have mild weather for today with some changes by tomorrow.
===============
This is a great report. They've had five great days of sailing and covered 549 miles as of the time this email was sent. To stick with a geographic reference I used in an earlier post to illustrate northward progress, our guys have now traveled northward so they are at a latitude of Tampa, Fla. Based on what I understand Michael to have communicated earlier about how far north they will go, they aim to get to a latitude somewhere between Richmond, Va., and Washington, D.C., two cities with which Jackson (how, praytell, did he ever get the name "AJ"?) is familiar.
Time-lapse satellite photos show the skies basically clear, and other weather sites also indicate a mild seastate. The latest longitude shows they have adjusted their course slightly to the east, because they set off from 155 W and now they are 2 degrees to the east. That may be part of what Michael describes above as "trying to get past the edges of" those squalls.
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. -- Ps. 145:9
Saturday, September 8, 2012
The Trip - Day 4 [part 2] (Sept. 8)
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
I just got the following email from Michael. This means they have covered 307 miles so far. Go Jackson! Go Michael! And thanks be to God.
We are at 24.40 N 154.22 W
Heading 000 due North, moderate winds 15 kts, mild seas, 1 Meter, good sailing conditions yesterday, last night and today, should be good for next 2 days, then start building.
we are heading up to 37 38 North, and start turning east to the coast.
There are 6 other boats out heere, we are in radion contact with, checking locations and progress and exchanging weather and stratigies with each other.
Jackson is doing better with the swells, we are working on his math skills with navigation.
best to you
michael s/v goodnews
I just got the following email from Michael. This means they have covered 307 miles so far. Go Jackson! Go Michael! And thanks be to God.
We are at 24.40 N 154.22 W
Heading 000 due North, moderate winds 15 kts, mild seas, 1 Meter, good sailing conditions yesterday, last night and today, should be good for next 2 days, then start building.
we are heading up to 37 38 North, and start turning east to the coast.
There are 6 other boats out heere, we are in radion contact with, checking locations and progress and exchanging weather and stratigies with each other.
Jackson is doing better with the swells, we are working on his math skills with navigation.
best to you
michael s/v goodnews
The Trip - Day 4 (Sept. 8)
[this is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Time lapse photos from midnight East Coast time (Saturday, Sept. 8) to 7:30 am East Coast time show mostly clear skies. The marine forecast says "isolated thunderstorms" and seas eight feet or less. Winds continue from the east, at 20 knots or less, meaning they remain on a starboard tack.
All in all, pretty good weather for Jackson and Michael.
Based on a very rough estimate of where they might be, using the first day's progress of 114 miles from Hilo northward (355 degrees). I would guess they are generally at the latitude of Havana, Cuba, having progressed up from the latitude of somewhere around Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. In other words, it might be rather warm in the cabin of the boat. I found a website that calculates distances based on coordinates and in their first day they covered about 114 miles, or about 5 knots per hour. That's a decent pace.
No emails so far today.
Time lapse photos from midnight East Coast time (Saturday, Sept. 8) to 7:30 am East Coast time show mostly clear skies. The marine forecast says "isolated thunderstorms" and seas eight feet or less. Winds continue from the east, at 20 knots or less, meaning they remain on a starboard tack.
All in all, pretty good weather for Jackson and Michael.
Based on a very rough estimate of where they might be, using the first day's progress of 114 miles from Hilo northward (355 degrees). I would guess they are generally at the latitude of Havana, Cuba, having progressed up from the latitude of somewhere around Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. In other words, it might be rather warm in the cabin of the boat. I found a website that calculates distances based on coordinates and in their first day they covered about 114 miles, or about 5 knots per hour. That's a decent pace.
No emails so far today.
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Trip - Day 2 (Sept. 6)
[This is being written by Jackson's Dad]
At around 7 pm East Coast time I checked my email and -- to my immense delight -- found that I had received an email from Michael Gallagher, the owner of S/V Goodnews. "S/V" stands for "sailing vessel." The email was apparently sent at 10:43 pm or 22 hours ago. The tells me that sending email by satellite telephone must entail a considerable delay in transmission. Nevertheless I was thrilled to hear back from the guys. Here is what Michael wrote in his email:
-----------
we are currently at 21 deg 30' N , 155 deg W heading about 355 North
We are finishing up our first full day at sea and getting used to the waves and motion and the routine of rest and watches that we keep . 4 hrs during the day and 3 hrs. at night.
we'll keep in touch.
It is hard to write emails sometimes if the seas are big, but will do our best.
blessings
michael s/v Goodnews
Please Do NOT hit 'Reply', as this is an expensive satellite phone connection. Just send new responses and NO ATTACHMENTS. Thank You.
------------
Based on a very rough guess I would say they had gone somewhat more than 100 miles north of Hilo when this email was sent. I'm looking for a web site that lets me gauge precisely the distance between coordinates of latitude and longitude.
As near as I can tell from the weather and seastate web sites I'm using now, the waves are about 10 feet and winds of 20 knots or less. There are no bad weather warnings posted for their area at this time.
The time lapse satellite photos show mostly clear skies around their location.
At around 7 pm East Coast time I checked my email and -- to my immense delight -- found that I had received an email from Michael Gallagher, the owner of S/V Goodnews. "S/V" stands for "sailing vessel." The email was apparently sent at 10:43 pm or 22 hours ago. The tells me that sending email by satellite telephone must entail a considerable delay in transmission. Nevertheless I was thrilled to hear back from the guys. Here is what Michael wrote in his email:
-----------
we are currently at 21 deg 30' N , 155 deg W heading about 355 North
We are finishing up our first full day at sea and getting used to the waves and motion and the routine of rest and watches that we keep . 4 hrs during the day and 3 hrs. at night.
we'll keep in touch.
It is hard to write emails sometimes if the seas are big, but will do our best.
blessings
michael s/v Goodnews
Please Do NOT hit 'Reply', as this is an expensive satellite phone connection. Just send new responses and NO ATTACHMENTS. Thank You.
------------
Based on a very rough guess I would say they had gone somewhat more than 100 miles north of Hilo when this email was sent. I'm looking for a web site that lets me gauge precisely the distance between coordinates of latitude and longitude.
As near as I can tell from the weather and seastate web sites I'm using now, the waves are about 10 feet and winds of 20 knots or less. There are no bad weather warnings posted for their area at this time.
The time lapse satellite photos show mostly clear skies around their location.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
TheTrip - Day 1 (Sept 5)
[This is being written by Jackson's Dad]
Jackson and Mike Gallagher, the owner of Good News, weighed anchor during the evening of Sept. 5, 2012, and set sail from Hilo, which is on the northwest shore of the big island of Hawaii, for San Francisco. It had taken a long time to get the 44-foot cutter-rigged Cascade sloop ready.
For the previous seven days Jackson had been staying aboard the boat, helping load it up with food and supplies. Here's is the last IM I received from him: "We're off. I love you all. Talk to you all in three weeks."
A few days before that Jackson had sent me the following IM: "We are filling our water tank and about to set off in an hour or so. I miss you all terribly but I know that what I am doing is right. I'm so excited because this is just the beginning of the exciting life God has set forth for me. I love you all and hope that you guys and girls don't miss me too much because my captain really knows what he is doing. Talk to you all in 30 days, hopefully less."
Several times it seemed they were about to begin the voyage only to have to delay it for an assortment of reasons. A few days ago they actually did set sail but had to turn back because the engine was making troublesome sounds. My understanding is that it involved a problem with the oil pressure. But finally, on Thursday, Sept. 5, they set off for good.
At the moment the weather, as nearly as I can tell from the various weather websites I'm looking at (and without any training in meteorology) appears to be perfect. The waves are about eight feet, the winds are about 15 knots to 20 knots and the skies are mostly clear. With a steady easterly, I'm assuming they are heading north on a starboard tack. Within a few days -- Lord willing -- they will reach the prevailing westerlies that will take them to the U.S. West Coast.
Jackson and Mike Gallagher, the owner of Good News, weighed anchor during the evening of Sept. 5, 2012, and set sail from Hilo, which is on the northwest shore of the big island of Hawaii, for San Francisco. It had taken a long time to get the 44-foot cutter-rigged Cascade sloop ready.
For the previous seven days Jackson had been staying aboard the boat, helping load it up with food and supplies. Here's is the last IM I received from him: "We're off. I love you all. Talk to you all in three weeks."
A few days before that Jackson had sent me the following IM: "We are filling our water tank and about to set off in an hour or so. I miss you all terribly but I know that what I am doing is right. I'm so excited because this is just the beginning of the exciting life God has set forth for me. I love you all and hope that you guys and girls don't miss me too much because my captain really knows what he is doing. Talk to you all in 30 days, hopefully less."
Several times it seemed they were about to begin the voyage only to have to delay it for an assortment of reasons. A few days ago they actually did set sail but had to turn back because the engine was making troublesome sounds. My understanding is that it involved a problem with the oil pressure. But finally, on Thursday, Sept. 5, they set off for good.
At the moment the weather, as nearly as I can tell from the various weather websites I'm looking at (and without any training in meteorology) appears to be perfect. The waves are about eight feet, the winds are about 15 knots to 20 knots and the skies are mostly clear. With a steady easterly, I'm assuming they are heading north on a starboard tack. Within a few days -- Lord willing -- they will reach the prevailing westerlies that will take them to the U.S. West Coast.
Monday, July 16, 2012
CHANGE
In May 2012, leaders of YWAM-Richmond came to me and told me that they are proud of my progress and they don't think that I was being challenged there anymore. They released me from my two-year commitment to the Richmond Ropes Course and gave me three weeks to find a new base or school. They gave me a full recommendation and support and I graduated from DTS (Discipleship Training School). I found a secondary school. It is a four-phase program with the first phase in Hawaii, the second in Europe, the third in Australia and the fourth in New Zealand. The school, which is YWAM Ships, is designed to train staff to work on board ships or maritime missions that YWAM offers. The school is great. I've already learned a bunch. We are working on fixing up a 27=ft bay cruiser. It's in pretty bad shape. The steering is rusted. There are a bunch of parts missing from both of its six-cylinder diesel engines. But who knows? Maybe we'll get it in the water before I leave on Sept. 1 for the last part of this initial phase, which is in Orange County, Calif.
I will be uploading some photos and video soon my classes are really intense and I have to study a lot, but it will happen. I promise.
Thank you to all my supporters. I really appreciate it. I pray for all of you and thank God for all of you everyday for without you I could not have committed my life to God.
Jackson Meyer Obel
http://ywamships.net/train/school-of-navigation-and-seamanship-sons-2/sons-curriculum-phase-i-ii-iii-and-iv/
I will be uploading some photos and video soon my classes are really intense and I have to study a lot, but it will happen. I promise.
Thank you to all my supporters. I really appreciate it. I pray for all of you and thank God for all of you everyday for without you I could not have committed my life to God.
Jackson Meyer Obel
http://ywamships.net/train/school-of-navigation-and-seamanship-sons-2/sons-curriculum-phase-i-ii-iii-and-iv/
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
God has really blessed me with good friends and a job were I can share my faith freely. I think the next thing on my list will be a new laptop and a car.
There are a lot of Brazilian ESL (English as a second language) students here and we spoke Portuguese. It's fun. I didn't go to Rio, which is fine because the natives in the Amazon where I was are so amazing. They are so honest. When they say something you have to believe them. They taught me more about myself and my relationship with God than anyone I have known to this day. When I was down in Brazil God spoke to me to head in the aviation direction. I believe God wants me to become an mission aviation pilot.
In June or July YWAM-Va. will be opening up the front of the property with a new bridge and a new driveway. I am very excited along with everyone else here. We will also be building a car garage behind one of the houses we own.
Thank you again. If you guys have any questions give me a call or shoot me a email at obeljack@gmail.com.
Monday, March 5, 2012
lots of snakes, hot weather and great company
My roommate and I have arrived in Porto Velho, Brazil, safely and cleared customs. It could not have been easier. God is so good. In Brazil everyone is so friendly. We made so many friend in the Sao Paulo airport where we had a layover of 14 hours. To all my supporters: Thank you again so much. Videos and pictures will be uploaded soon
Jackson Meyer Obel
obeljack@gmail.com
Jackson Meyer Obel
obeljack@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
brazil
I have gotten my visa for Brazil. I will be leaving on March 3 and will be gone for a full month. I am very nervous and also very thankful that God has given me this opportunity to use the gifts that he has given me. My roommate and I have a lot of gear that we are taking down with us for the ropes course that we will be building in Porto Velho, Brazil. Our total flight time is about 36 hours.
By the way, I think I have once again gotten poison ivy, but I do not think it is as bad as the last time.
I am trying to buy a GoPro video camera so that I can show my supporters more details of my work as a missionary. It's a special camera because it can be mounted on a helmet. That means, for example, that I can go rock climbing with it, swimming with it, just about anything you can think of, and be video-taping the whole time. Further, this camera is fully high-definition so the video should be stunning.
Meanwhile, I have gotten two GED books so that I can study up and take that the test and get it over with. Here in Richmond at YWAM-Va. a lot is happening. We are building a maintenance and auto shop building behind one of our houses. The new facility should be finished by July. I am very excited.
4511 Government Rd.
Richmond VA
23231
I cannot thank you enough for supporting me and my mission. It's such an encouragement knowing that there are people out there praying for me.
Jackson Meyer Obel
P.S. If you need to reach me my email is obeljack@gmail.com.
By the way, I think I have once again gotten poison ivy, but I do not think it is as bad as the last time.
I am trying to buy a GoPro video camera so that I can show my supporters more details of my work as a missionary. It's a special camera because it can be mounted on a helmet. That means, for example, that I can go rock climbing with it, swimming with it, just about anything you can think of, and be video-taping the whole time. Further, this camera is fully high-definition so the video should be stunning.
Meanwhile, I have gotten two GED books so that I can study up and take that the test and get it over with. Here in Richmond at YWAM-Va. a lot is happening. We are building a maintenance and auto shop building behind one of our houses. The new facility should be finished by July. I am very excited.
4511 Government Rd.
Richmond VA
23231
I cannot thank you enough for supporting me and my mission. It's such an encouragement knowing that there are people out there praying for me.
Jackson Meyer Obel
P.S. If you need to reach me my email is obeljack@gmail.com.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
2011 christmas and new years photography
New York City 
Leaving New York City 
At the beach near Wellington, Fla. It was such a perfect day to be there. The water and sand were perfect.Thank you, God. 
Breakfast with Dad and Susan 
Leaving the South Palm Beach Airport. 
Shortly after arriving in New York City; 21degrees and I have no jacket 
I have more pictures on my Facebook page
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