Sunshine and a walrus

August 5th, 2008 by Kip "Galley Master" Jones
Kathy Robertson reporting on a phone call from Pat:
Pat called at 2:20 this afternoon and wanted me to give you a report on their progress. He said they are sailing under beautiful blue skies. They have the coast of Baffin Island to their left and sheet ice and bergs on the right at a distance. The course provided by the Canadian Ice Service is wonderful. He said that even with the short shifts, they are getting enough rest. They have meals together and if it’s not your shift, you must be resting—there had been concern expressed about adequate sleep and rest. He sounded very upbeat and positive. He said that even traveling day and night that it will take at least two more days to Pond Inlet.
From Kip:
Hi to you all: Our days are all running together since we started this round the clock journey Saturday. Walt and I got up at 4:30 am and the sun was up and the water like glass. To the left we could see the mountains of Baffin Island peeking out of fog. Then we saw what I’ll call a white rainbow; there was a white arc in the sky against the fog which was mirrored in the perfectly calm water. Another meaning to arctic circle. As we went we could see with binoculars an infinite number of icebergs to the right which we think was sourced from Disko Island, Ilulissat, Greenland. We thought we could see a mass of ice on the horizon to the east. Then we saw two massive ice bergs that dwarfed anything we had seen, coming to starboard. The closest one was probably 600 feet in height. At its base we saw a huge walrus resting which Pat caught with his telephoto. It is 58 degrees outside right now and the water temp is 44. We are at 68 deg 10.3’N, 062 deg 41.4’W at 3:00 pm EDT.
Shane made the bread for today and it is baking as I write. We have four huge frozen chickens and I have thawed the first one. We are having it roasted and stuffed like a turkey tonight for dinner with mashed potatoes and peas. None of us can wait!
The gulls continue to accompany us and fly past the bow from right and left; sometimes we think they will stop on the rails but none have. We are doing fine and very happy to have sunshine after the dense fog that accompanied us all day yesterday. We hope to post pictures in Pond Inlet and predict we will be there Friday. We are grateful for smooth seas, light winds, the sunshine, and each other as we press on. We praise God for His grace to us in this long passage as the boat motor keeps on purring (loudly!) Thank you for all the prayers; we are being carried by them. How we miss you all.
4:30 PM PS from Walt: Off to the right we can now see the miles of pack ice & bergs in the center of Baffin Bay/Davis Strait. No way could we get to Greenland from here! Right now it is clear to the north.
7:45 PM: Still waiting for the email to send, so I’ll update. We had chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, peas, & homemade bread for dinner. Almost Thanksgiving Wow! Wow! Wow!

5 Responses to “Sunshine and a walrus”

  1. Fran Jones Says:

    So glad to hear that things are moving along; but it seems like a long time to Friday to arrive in Pond Inlet. I wonder how the water rationing is going. Just know that we (Marion, Christine, and I) are with you on this journey and celebrate your joys and discoveries as well as suffer your hardships. We’ve talked several times to keep each other up to date. However, I (Fran) have to admit, I don’t have much sympathy given the gourmet meals you’re experiencing, but I wouldn’t expect anything less, knowing that Kip is aboard.

    So, how long is Pat going to extend your leave of absence? I guess since he’s somewhat a captive audience, or a partner in crime, (I’m not sure which is the better descriptor) so what can he say?

    Keep those cards and letters coming and we look forward to your safe arrival to the West Coast.

    Love Fran

  2. Marcie Bowerman Says:

    “I am the eggman, they are the eggmen. I am the walrus, goo goo g’joob g’goo goo g’joob.”
    Can’t wait to see the pics and look forward to reading more about your incredible adventures. I pray for your safety, stamina, sleep, and CCCs. MarcieB.

  3. Charlotte Coulter Says:

    Dearest Joneses and Robertsons,

    I am on my way to DHL to send the water maker. Please pray it gets through customs in record time, (like the last shipment) and will arrive quickly. I will call Pond Inlet when I get back and give them a “heads up” that it is coming and is addressed to Walt, c/o First Air at the airport. I also put the satellite phone number on it. I have called Ottawa, First Air, and alerted them that we have another package that needs to get to Pond Inlet. Phil Davies, (my contact there) was happy to hear you have made it that far. I will also call the Pond Inlet Visitor Center to let them know you will be there on Friday. Walt says there isn’t a dock there, so I will try to find out what would be your best options. WE are praying for you and it sounds like you are doing well.

    PS – I just spoke with Walt after his 6 hour rest time and the Robertsons were going for their 6 hour rest. Walt sounded good and our connections wasn’t bad. Everyone pray for this shipment.

  4. Marcie Bowerman Says:

    Dear Lord, thank you that you have graced the crew with communications equipment that has not failed. Thank you for Charlotte handling multiple and very important logistics with such care. Lord, we ask that the water maker parts pass through Customs with Your Hand upon them, and that Phil Davies respond in special ways to expedite the handling and delivery of the package. Lord, we also ask that the crew will be greeted with skilled and enthusiastic locals who will assist in the proper docking of Geraldine, and we boldly ask that the installation of the water maker go smoothly and without other quality issues. Thank you for perseverance of Walt, Kip, Pat, and Shane and I pray that they easily “see” that they are functioning in Your strength and by Your protection. To GOD be the glory. Amen. (MarcieB.)

  5. mark k Says:

    thinking of you all and sending a good word…psalm 139:8,9 Godspeed!!!!!
    mark

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I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go — Genesis 28:15