Ed’s perspective

September 6th, 2008 by Ed Wright

(57 deg 19′ N, 165 deg 50′ W) Water water everywhere. Since joining the crew of the Geraldine in Nome, we have been traveling south 24/7 with almost no land in site. The seas have ranged from minor waves at best all the way up or down (depending upon your view of waves) to 9-10 foot swells with whitecaps which we are now experiencing in the Bering Sea (so if my writing is choppy you will understand). Currently we are headed south to Dutch Harbor with an expected arrival time of 8-9 PM, Dutch Harbor time, on Sunday. Having a chance to join this adventure has been a blessing and fitting in with the other crew members extremely easy. Hopefully after we pass through these sloppy seas and begin traveling up the south side of the Aleutian Islands we will have calmer waters and some scenery. Not that I don’t mind being on water all day in the middle of what seems like nowhere, but some scenery and calmer waters would be nice.

The boat has just about every conceivable device for keeping in touch with other boats; determining the water depth; communicating with weather personnel, Coast Guard, and friends. I am beginning to get the hang of it all: what all the gauges and dials do and mean, where the necessities are located and especially how to operate them, not to be concerned when I am in a bunk and gravity seems to disappear as the boat suddenly drops down from the top of a wave, and living several days without a shower and when you do get one being limited to three gallons of water (fortunately we are all in the same boat).

Having a great time, wish you were here.

2 Responses to “Ed’s perspective”

  1. Fran Jones Says:

    Glad to hear that you’re fitting in with the crew so well, Ed. While Pat and Shane seem easy going, Walt can be quite intense! However, underneath all of that, he’s as easy going as the others. I know, being the youngest of his three sisters, and he’ll always be my favorite brother.

    I had a great chat with Kip yesterday to fill in more of the fun and details of the trip. I can’t wait to get more of that when you all end up back on land.

    Thanks for the frequent updates. It helps us landlubbers know that you are all well and moving right along.

    Fran

  2. Hugh Reynolds Says:

    Ahoy Matie,

    As one who knows how rough the ocean can be, I am glad you’re enjoying the adventure. Are you going to be the cook? You will have big shoes to fill-ha ha. You are missing our extended heat spell and of course our Shepherding fall kick-off BBQ. We will have some steak for you! VCC has kicked off the new and remodeled worship center and they have done a tremendous job. The accoustics are so much better, you can’t recognize that it is the same place. Also the theater seating takes a little bit to get used to when compared to pews. The view out the back of the stage reminds you of the wonder of God’s creation (a very nice touch). Enjoy the Trip – Hugh and Mimi

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