Cape To Cape (Jan 06, 2016)
Despite a gloomy day for most of our first day yesterday-the sun only breaking through at 1500, the SSW breeze to 22 knots cleared away all the cloud and haze such that the midnight sky was in super-sparkle mode.
Serious Water. As the day progressed the water became more serious, none of that silly stuff!
Three yellow objects on our portside vied for attention. The comforting flashing light of Cape Naturaliste lighthouse 28 nm away, occasional flashes of lightning (without thunder) who knows how far away and a delicate slither of a pale, lemon new moon 236,000 kilometres away! Wow, where to look? Well, I love the moon but in this case, the lighthouse has to win!
Cape to Cape. This slither of land is the west coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.
I tell you what, after doing this boating caper for a couple of decades, I never ceased to be amazed that I never cease to be alarmed by the appearance of a rising moon from a pitch black sea at around 2 in the morning. There seems to be something quite apocalyptic about a bright light increasing before your very eyes. Is today the day? I hear myself, questioning myself.
Whale Song Water Feature.
Ever so nice in a fleeting art installation, water cascades down the stairs from the bow deck to the boat deck!
Under the steadying gaze of the moon, I was able to check our main bird book very carefully and determined that the mystery petrel we saw in the Perth Canyon yesterday, was indeed a Great Shearwater. Many thanks to any helpful twitchers whom were willing to assist with identifying my photo, provided in yesterday’s post. The distinctive black cap and the feather colouration were useful features.
Sorted. Skipper of the Cushions today, not of the skuppers.
By daybreak we rounded Cape Naturaliste and while making our way down the west coast between the capes, the wind and waves began to build. By mid-afternoon as we rounded the famed Cape Leeuwin, a statuesque white lighthouse bravely showing the way, we had a steady 30-35 knot SE wind bringing ample photo opportunities! Waves under the bow, over the bow and causing new water features got my attention. A series of four 4-5m waves “got me good” on the fly-bridge or the top-deck. Back to the wheelhouse I scuttled dripping from head to toe. Only one piece of my belt was dry! Quickly a towel was procured to cease the ever-increasing puddles I was forming on the mat. Apparently, this wet look added to my previous wind-blown hairdo that Sam had named “weathered” or “Southern Ocean-style”. At what point do I get insulted? I definitely think I am well past being offended – since I bring it all on myself! I should stay inside ad remain neatly coiffed, not likely! The rising sea does rev me up and caution, in the face of large waves and huge amounts of water was necessary. I shall resist, stay inside and cease my venturing on deck! Really?
Sea Ambience. Some 6-7 m waves add that salt spray effect to the photos.
Into the Southern Ocean we roam! Never happier, than being right here, right now.
Live in the moment,
Mich
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