Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, 1700
We are about 15 km off of Cape Hatteras and are motor sailing. It’s plenty hot down below and in spite of my best efforts, I was unable to get any sleep this afternoon. It’s very sunny and warm but the breeze, about 10-15, while not sturdy enough to make good time under sail alone, is refreshing. A while ago we were visited by a pod of dolphins who stayed with us for about half an hour, swimming and jumping along side and on both sides of the bow. I have seen plenty in the past but this is the first time that I have seen them so close, darting up within a foot of the boat, jumping out of the water and darting off.
It was clear that they were playing and at eight plus knots, they were really making time. I was able to shoot some great videos of them. After about 15 minutes of hand held video I rigged up the attachment to the boat hook so that I could get a better angle for the shot. Unfortunately, they lost interest and left us. I am hopeful that they will be back and I’m ready to get some really fun shots.
Bob and I will be on watch at 19:00 until 23:00 and dinner, pork tenderloin with a fresh mango and marmalade glaze will be a nice way to welcome the evening. Oh yeah, there will be mashed potatoes too.
As it’s the hottest down below that it has been so far, I am really hoping that the temperature will go down with the sun. I made a special point of bringing a watch cap to ward off the chill. Hmm…