Date: September 15, 2023
Greetings from the heart of the ocean! As the calendar flips to September 15, 2023, we find ourselves amidst an exhilarating journey that has seen us cover our first 2200km since setting sail from Krabi on July 1st. But let's be honest, our true adventure began at the end of August. We decided to pause briefly, recognizing that some essential systems on board required maintenance and repair.
A mere ten days ago, we celebrated a time-honored tradition among cruisers - our first crossing of the Equator, alongside the legendary Neptune. It's a tradition that we'll repeat for every other crossing on this incredible voyage.
A heartwarming aspect of our journey is the presence of Kristin, who continues to amaze us with her resilience despite her restored left ankle. We've devised a system that enables her to explore the mesmerizing waters of Indonesia, particularly around Belitung Island and Karimunjawa National Park. These pristine and fragile environments serve as a poignant reminder of the continued need for environmental conservation.
Our recent guest, Nathalie, left an indelible mark on our crew. Besides her extensive knowledge of Indonesia and its waters as a dive master, she enlightened us on the profound impact of food choices on our health and recovery systems. Nathalie firmly believes that Ultra Processed Food is a no-go and champions the use of healthy alternatives like seeds, nuts, and mushrooms. To our delight, she demonstrated that these choices can be not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious. And her self baked breads are succulent! It was an eye-opening experience for all of us.
After Nathalie, our son Yahroun also departed in Belitung for his European adventures. To them and all our friends, we say: "SilverLining awaits your return soonest!"
Currently, we have a few vacant bunks on board, so if you're interested in joining our voyage, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll explore the possibilities together.
Our crew, now fortified with the addition of Philip, has settled into a rigorous sailing routine. Each member takes turns with 2-hour watches during sailing and 1.5-hour shifts while anchored. These rotations can be especially demanding during moonless nights. We've encountered numerous fishing boats operating without AIS and inadequately lit, underscoring the indispensable role of radar in ensuring safe navigation.
Our newly acquired fishing gear was put to the test while sailing, but alas, no catch to report. Either we're doing something wrong or the Java Sea has been over-fished. The reality is that Indonesia, with its staggering population of 275 million people spread across 14,000 islands, faces the monumental challenge of feeding its people.
Sailing the Java Sea at this time of year, with its relentless South Easterly winds, currents, and waves, doesn't make for the most comfortable voyage. Yet, SilverLining has weathered more formidable seas in the past, leaving us with unwavering confidence that she'll deliver us safely to our destinations.
Our next destination: Bali and Lombok, promising yet another set of unforgettable experiences.
Don't forget to follow our blog entries on our website, www.pacificpassion.org, and catch a glimpse of our journey through reels, stories, and pictures on Instagram @pacific.passion.
We hope that Pacific Passion continues to inspire you to seek adventure and embrace the beauty of our world!
When reading your comments I can really feel the joy, freedom and happiness you all experience on this truly great adventure.
It remembers me of a nice quote I once found of the famous traveller, cruiser, race-sailor of the fifties, Carleton Mitchell: “To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness. Aboard a boat, it is frequently possible to achieve just that. That is why sailing is a way of life, one of the finest of lives.”
And as far is 'the catch' is concerned, the law of probability might act here....: the longer the no-catch subsists the stronger de probability that the 'big catch' is coming.
Keep going and enjoying the beauty of your journey to the full!