Ever-increasing temps continue to boost morale on board. Good morning greetings to sleepy-eyed sailors are passed around with smiles and stories of night watches, no ships in sight or the only one spotted in days that crossed within 2 miles. Energized from the sunshine (or possibly the pancakes) a unanimous work-about begins. As if a whispered desire blew on the wind, first heard by the crewman at the bow and carrying its message through to the stern. A sailor's heart thrives when the hands are busy, taking care of the vessel that carries us to far away places, voyages dreamed about by many, but realized by a tenacious few.
Towels, used to mop up drips securing a better foothold against five days of an obnoxious angle of heel, were the first to be clipped to the lifelines. Soon, wet foul-weather gear draped over the winches, which were not needed while motoring. Damp clothing hung scattered about, flying like vagabond flags while boat shoes lined the stern, drying in the sun.
With salt spray being rinsed off and the interior wiped down, TARA was returning to her glory, shipshape and yare. As for her crew, we were happy airing our dirty laundry for the entire ocean to see!
--- Crewmember Debbie