The wind's whispers have swelled throughout the night. Morning shrieks have replaced the soothing murmurs. We have cut off Vincent's ear and he appears to be duly disgruntled with the gale. If we had not already decided to stay here until Sunday AM the weather would force that decision. Amidst 30-40 MPH winds little Dante and I walked to the yacht club and discovered a hammock at dock's edge. The view was majestic and as I swung my few cares away, he played inside a dinghy next to me. Then, returning with already glad and soaring hearts, I allowed him to stompjump in every puddle that his little heart desired. Pants, socks, and sneakers soaked through, he returned exalted back to our bobbing vessel.
We all ventured out again to the post office...pecans and fellow sailors blowing down everywhere!
Stopping by chance at the Village Food Emporium where we bought seafood chowder (heaven in the form of talapia, scallop,shrimp, butter, cream,and herbs), a fresh baguette and whole wheat boule we were happier by far than royalty!
I had promised in one of my first blogs to get to the bottom (pun intended) of why the toilet on our boat is called the head. Leave it to Wickopedia to explain all. The term originates from sailing ships in which the toilet area for regular sailors was placed at the head or bow of the ship. This was for two reasons.
1. Since most vessels of the era couldn't sail into the wind, winds came mostly from the rear. The head was downwind!
2. If placed above the water line, vents or slots cut near the floor level would allow normal wave action to wash out facility.
Hmmmm. Only the captain had his own private toilet near his quarters, located, of course, below the poop deck. What is a poop deck you ask? A poop deck is a deck that also forms the roof of a cabin built in the aft (rear) part of the ship. The name originated from the French word for the stern (rear), la poupe. To be pooped means to have a wave come over the stern from abaft (behind).
O.K. Now you know.
Incidentally, actually, mainly, our head has been a nightmare. I wont go into gory details but, every time I see a toilet on land I am in awe. I have always thought, being female, that bathroom humor was in very bad taste. Now, however, having humor about the bathroom is neccesary for sane survival! On that cheeky note I bid you avoir until next time.
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I knew this would be educational...but talk of the head? I can only imagine the nightmare problems that can arise there.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca and family. So happy I can follow your inspiring travels!
I had a difficult time deciding whether to catch up with you blog from its beginning or end. Now I've read a little of both. I'll get to the middle of this thing lickety split! Miss you guys.
Great posting and photos for the last two entries! More than I want to know about the "head" but, being an "odd bucket" man from the North Woods, I can well relate to what you must be encountering. Very sad to read about the heads-over-heels episode when you hit a snag in the chanel! You must promise to lash yourself, the boys, and captain down when underway. The voyage is full of adventure enough without that to complicate matters.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a treat to hear all your voices on M's birthday. It was all the more poignant and meaningful not only because of the special day, but because you had been incommunicado for awhile. The video of you guys under sail is phenomenal! Something about hearing the wind beat the sails and seeing the bow cut the water was exhilerating. And, of course, all images of the boys (and cats) are always wonderful.
You have to let us know by e-mail or phone where we can send mail to you. Would Savannah be a possibility, say "care of" the Harbormaster? Think about it and let us know. Look forward to the next chapter in your saga and hope the wind, weather, and sea are agreeable to smooth sailing. We love you all and miss you, but are excited with the adventure and knowledge that you are living your dream. Take care. D & M