It is midnight and Im on watch. Cap’t K is below in the cabin sleeping and I am curled up in the cockpit with a blanket and a thermos of tea, trying to stay awake. At around sunset we were flying along at well over 7 knots, now we are creeping along at a sleepy 3-4 knots. All is calm. We have about 70 more miles to go before we make it to Norfolk.
The stars are keeping me company, as they have for thousands of other sailors before me. Im watching the constellations track across the huge sky and have seen an unusual number of shooting stars. It is a very dark night with no moon. The night feels endless and deep, the kind that makes you long for dreamless sleep.
–
Lala
Location:Off the coast of Maryland
Hi,
I just started reading your blog today and I’m not one to usually post a comment, but I just wanted to let you know about the shooting stars you’re seeing. We are currently passing through the Orionids, an annual meteor shower that occurs as the earth passes through a trail of debris left by Halley’s comet. The meteors should appear as if they are coming from the constellation Orion – giving them their name. Also, if you see a particularly large and bright one that could be pieces of a German satellite that are reentering around now… (10/23/11 GMT 0400)
I also wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog and hope to follow a similar path someday.
Cheers,
Josh
Thank you for that info!! I figured we must be going through some meteor shower but I just hadn’t managed to look up the information yet. Glad you are enjoying the blog, thanks again for posting that!!
I was also looking at the stars and swaying in my hammock that hangs from the plum tree in our backyard…and feeling like I, too was on your boat and catching up…
May the seas stay calm for you and guide you safely.
Xoxo,
A