Day 4: Ocean Mood Swings
Let me start with the good news: I survived another night. The bad news? Last night was an absolute beast. The ocean was in one of her moods—nothing crazy like a full-on storm, but enough to make my life significantly more difficult. The wind shifted a couple of times, which meant I had to keep adjusting the sails. Combine that with choppy waves, and you've got a recipe for zero sleep and maximum irritation.
At around 1 AM, I was halfway through my umpteenth watch when a squall decided to roll in out of nowhere. Squalls are like nature's version of surprise tests—short, sharp bursts of rain and wind that keep you on your toes. I scrambled to put on my foul-weather gear and reefed the mainsail just in time before the wind started howling. It lasted about 30 minutes, but by the end, I was soaked and cursing the universe.
The ocean calmed down by dawn, and the sunrise was one of those jaw-dropping ones that make you forget all your complaints. The water turned this soft pink-orange, and the air felt crisp and clean, like it had been scrubbed by the rain. I sat there with my coffee, feeling like I'd earned that moment after last night's chaos.
I'm about 300 nautical miles south of California now, which means I'm making solid progress toward Cabo. If the wind holds, I might even make it there a day earlier than expected. Fingers crossed, because I'm already dreaming of tacos and a cold drink on the beach.
No issues so far with crossing into Mexican waters. For those wondering about logistics, I'll need to stop at the port captain's office in Cabo to officially check in. They'll give me a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for Stargazer, which is basically a hall pass for my boat. I've got all the documents ready—passport, boat registration, and proof of insurance—so it should be smooth sailing on the paperwork front.
Today's highlights:
• Whale sighting! Around mid-morning, I saw a humpback whale breach in the distance. It's crazy how something that massive can move with such grace. I cut the engine and just watched for a while as it spouted and slapped its tail against the water. Definitely the coolest moment of the day.
• The clamp on my solar panel mount came loose, so I had to dig out my toolbox and do some mid-ocean engineering. It wasn't the prettiest fix, but it's holding for now. Solar power is my lifeline out here, so keeping those panels in place is non-negotiable.
• There's a weird clarity that comes with being out here, away from everything. I started thinking about why I'm even doing this trip in the first place. Part of it is the adventure, sure, but another part is about proving to myself that I can. That I'm capable of taking on something this big and unpredictable. It's not just about the destinations—it's about who I'm becoming along the way.
• Let's just say Stargazer is starting to develop her own… aroma. Between the damp clothes, the musty cabin, and the canned food, it's not exactly a luxury cruise in here. I'm counting down the days until I can do laundry and air everything out in Cabo.
• Lunch was yet another can of tuna, this time mixed with some leftover rice from my food stores. Dinner? A sad bowl of instant noodles. Don't get me wrong—I'm grateful for the sustenance, but man, I'm going to need a proper meal once I hit land.
The forecast is calling for steady winds, so I'm hoping for a quieter night. I've adjusted my course slightly to take advantage of the breeze, and the autopilot seems to be behaving itself. I'll still be doing my usual 30-minute sleep cycles, but maybe—just maybe—I'll get a little more rest tonight.
The stars are out again, and the Milky Way is putting on a show. It's moments like this that remind me why I'm out here. Sure, it's tough, and sometimes it's downright uncomfortable, but it's also magical in a way that's hard to explain.
Alright, time to grab a quick nap before my next watch. Cabo is getting closer every day, and I can't wait to share more once I'm there. See you tomorrow, folks.