Sunday, December 22
The sun is low behind heavy clouds and the afternoon has been low-key for the last few hours. No storms in a while, after being chased by monsters throwing lightning.
No birds or flying fish either, unless I’m just being impatient or inattentive in my gazing. We’re going to be very near a marine conservation district called Lang Bank as we pass east of St Croix, but it will be dark then. There’s so much famous snorkeling around this area that I’m surprised not to see more life, even this far out.
Where do dolphins hang out? It’s been a while.
I wondered about the weather band on the VHF radio and, sure enough, the US National Weather Service does broadcasts in both English and Spanish with a transmitter on St Thomas. I barely caught the end of the English language version and entertained myself through the Spanish by picking out words I know, like medianoche.
When it got back to English, it sounded dire! Thunderstorms, lightning, gusts to 30…but that was for Puerto Rico. Of course, it made me edgy though (forecasts are always right said no one never). I passed the edginess on to James.
My first long watch has turned out to be beautiful. We’re almost to the east end of St Croix so there’s been a little traffic, but nothing within 3 miles. The sky has been starry, mostly with a clear bright sparkle so not even light clouds. One dense cloud patch passed over and brought nothing. No worries.
Now. Here’s hoping it stays this way.
The forecast also has a 50% chance of rain, so it likely won’t. Still, a good watch is a good watch.
Monday, December 23
So far, no drama! No rain, no boats nearby, definitely no lightning. Also, we’re making good speed and it’s quite likely I’ll be within VHF range well before my scheduled interview. As long as I can get them a message, I’ll be satisfied.
Did it! Got a message through by tweaking the access point settings for cell towers we don’t have service from. Ha! Rescheduled for the tomorrow.
Mooring position: N 18° 19.503’ W 064° 50.633’
Distance: 90.2 NM
Average speed: 3.91 kn
Trip distance covered: 344.4 NM
Trip average speed : 3.68 kn
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