This week started off ROUGH. Literally, rough. Enormous waves crashed over the boat, smashing the rudder and tiller arm and leaving me without a functioning steering system. After this latest blow to the steering system, I screamed at the ocean and the wind in frustration—and then lost my voice. I felt like I’d “lost the right to use my voice” until a calmer mindset took over. Even I can lose my Zen sometimes.
I’ve now been at sea for 100 DAYS across the two expeditions! And I’m officially a time traveler! I woke up on Tuesday the 16th, did a bit of rowing, and then suddenly it was Wednesday the 17th!
But the best part of the week? THE TILLER ARM IS FIXED, and my voice is coming back! No more drifting and steering with just the oars. How did I celebrate? By eating my last piece of fresh fruit!
The sunrises are breathtaking every day… but they can be a little dangerous too! A small Portuguese Man o’ War ended up on the deck after being washed over by a wave. Yikes!
With calmer seas and clearer skies, I’m seeing more plastic surfacing. Even in the middle of the ocean, signs of humanity are everywhere. The volume of plastic is extraordinary. It’s too small and too dispersed to collect effectively out here. The contrast between the beauty of the Mahi Mahi, Pompano Dorado, and Marlin and the relentless garbage reminds me of why I’m out here—to raise awareness and drive action. With Sungai Watch in Indonesia, United World Challenge is working to stop plastic before it reaches the ocean.
The week ended on a high note with the best shower I’ve had in 5 weeks!
