Sharry

24 Feb Sharry

Day 16
15-15.4N, 150-35E
2967nm from Hawaii, 366 nm to Guam

I got up at 0500 to relieve Sam. My watch starts at 0600.

I did the Engine room check going thru the same motions we do every 3 hours. While the check list is useful, even more so is to listen, smell and visually inspect. Thankfully, our engine room checks have not revealed many surprises.

After making a cup of coffee I say good night to Sam and make the log entrees.

I settle down to just thinking and listening to the waves rushing down the hull.  The engine is barely noticeable over the sound of the waves.

Time to think. Sharry is still asleep.

On land I usually get up around 5am. No matter how quiet I am, Sharry is up by my side within 15 minutes. Somehow, she can sense my absence. I’m her memory and she wants to be with me 24/7. Interestingly, here on the boat Sharry is most at peace and will stay in her bunk for a couple more hours, sleeping 8-10 or more hours a night.

For a short time I debated about whether this passage would be good for Sharry. Now that we are at sea there is no question in my mind that this is the safest place for her. In the city I hold her hand when crossing the street while drivers regularly run the red lights.  One false step and you’re dead.

Sharry has good balance and is stable even when the boat seems to be on its beam ends. She’s relaxed on board. Even during our rolly night adrift with the fishing net in our prop, Sharry was calm, comfortable, and eager to help.

Sharry is fully aware that she is losing her memory.  She says that she can feel parts of her mind chipping away, which is why she needs the rest. She is working so hard trying to hang onto her memory.

Sharry is up now so I get her medications and make her cup of coffee. Time for me to make us breakfast.

More later. BTW, over the past 16 days we have only had visual contact with two ships. We should see more ships as we approach Guam.

Don