One of the nice features of a long ocean passage is that it provides ample time and opportunity to observe the world around you. With a seemingly infinite space around you and a limited number of distractions, it’s possible to see things in a different light when compared to land-based life.
The moon phase is a perfect example. When we started our journey northwards, the moon was about half full and growing larger. Since then, each night on watch we’ve been able to see it grow larger and brighter until it lit the night sky so brightly that it was almost possible to read by moon glow.
Then, the full phase passed, and each subsequent night’s moonlight is a bit dimmer. But ithat is compensated by the increase in viability of the stars. The Milky Way is a clear white streak brushed against the sky, and its hard to imagine a better setting for stargazing.
It’s hard to imagine taking the time to watch a full lunar cycle if we weren’t up each night for watch anyway.
All’s well onboard.
Day Fifteen
149nm
27 03.7S 42 05.9W
