[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
-------------
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.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
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.
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