Changing Weather - No Sight of Land

Passage Revelation:  God  made an incredible ocean and sky for us to enjoy it's majestic beauty. Be grateful for all weather in your life; even in doldrums, fog or storms.  Eventually, the weather changes, bringing clear skies and smooth sailing.


Lesson Learned:  Use radar to navigate through bad weather, whether in storms or fog.  If you don't have radar, hove to and wait until fair weather.

No wind.  The ocean's water was crystal, dark, and deep royal blue.  It was as smooth as an ice pond frozen in the cold northeast.  The difference is the hot sun that beat against the Bimini.  

The only sound was the engine and the almost non-existent waves splashing intermittently against the hull.  Yes, we were in the doldrums.  Looking up, the sky matched the sea; crystal, dark, and deep royal blue with no clouds. 

Since there were no clouds, the night sky is covered with sparkling bright stars.  It is incredible seeing the stars without the interference of city lights.  We saw falling stars, satellites, and the International Space Station.  Unfortunately, we did not see the Space Shuttle, nor will we ever have another opportunity.  The Space Shuttle has been non-commissioned; retired after only 30 missions.  Did anyone tell you the Space Shuttle was built to fly 100 times?

Yes, the doldrums were upon us with no wind.  In times long ago, sailors would sit, and wait until the wind returned.  During this time, the Captain assigned sailors work to keep them busy.  This would occupy their minds, and keep their hands busy until the winds returned.   They had no weather reports on VHF, and no engine to propel them through the water.  For us, we had the motor to continue our journey across the Gulf of Mexico, even without wind.

The next night contrasted from the clear beautiful night.  Fog covered the sparkling stars in the sky and engulfed the boat.  It was eerie looking out in space and seeing nothing.  Darkness had fallen over our safe haven.  We were now motor sailing with the assistance of radar.   My fear somewhat diminished as the radar electronic circle surrounded the boat.  Again, our safe haven returned against the thick-as-thief fog to alert us of any ship or rocky shore coming into our path within 12 miles.