Galapagos to Marquesas run

[carstenb]

Thank you all, I'll post some more of our times here in the Marquesas as we get some internet.

Currently on Ua Pou having been on Fatu Hiva, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa and Tahauta. We'll spend the cyclone season here in the Marquesas.................

[Bob Morane]

Thank you for this post.

As crossing the pacific and exploring French Polynesia has always been my dream since childhood, I feel both inspired and a little bit envious.

Congratulations !

PS : Is that weird that I get more inspired by tales of struggles (with great Pay-off) than boats having it easy ? Are we all masochists ?

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by Bob Morane

Thank you for this post.

As crossing the pacific and exploring French Polynesia has always been my dream since childhood, I feel both inspired and a little bit envious.

Congratulations !

PS : Is that weird that I get more inspired by tales of struggles (with great Pay-off) than boats having it easy ? Are we all masochists ?

Are sailors who enjoy crossing oceans akin to cycle tourers, who also pick a slow and difficult mode of transportation, for the joy of the activity/lifestyle rather than to jet or drive to their destination?

[JPA Cate]

To me, the bicyclist analogy doesn't work because we who sail our own homes (and our boat is our only home), we are able to stay longer than one can with bicycle camping, and it takes a boat to go between the island countries.

I don't think masochism enters into it at all. We accept the discomfort of our bodies, because it's inevitable, on occasion, not because we LIKE it. It would be madness to claim one liked being cold, wet, and terrified. Those are things we survive, if we're lucky.

Ann

[Suijin]

Carsten thank you for that. Not only is your prose lively and fluid but it’s such a nice change to read a passage account on here where nothing really bad happened!

As far as your back goes I’ve found that staying active is a good way of warding back pain off. Cockpits are generally uncomfortable for extended sitting or repairing in one position, and the constant efforts of your body to “stabilize” itself can lead to tight sore muscles, which in turn can contribute to your back tightening up and causing pain and immobility. Get up and move around every 20 minutes even if you don’t have an explicit reason to.

Big swells and wind on a pitch black night, hearing them break and rush around you when you can’t see squat past the gunwale is anxiety provoking. There’s no way of getting around it.

So glad you had a good passage and thanks again for the lovely read.

[Bob Morane]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

To me, the bicyclist analogy doesn't work because we who sail our own homes (and our boat is our only home), we are able to stay longer than one can with bicycle camping, and it takes a boat to go between the island countries.

I don't think masochism enters into it at all. We accept the discomfort of our bodies, because it's inevitable, on occasion, not because we LIKE it. It would be madness to claim one liked being cold, wet, and terrified. Those are things we survive, if we're lucky.

Ann

You are probably right.
It may be more of a "balance thing" where going through a bit of hardships highlight the pay-offs and makes the highs seems higher.

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

To me, the bicyclist analogy doesn't work because we who sail our own homes (and our boat is our only home), we are able to stay longer than one can with bicycle camping, and it takes a boat to go between the island countries.

I don't think masochism enters into it at all. We accept the discomfort of our bodies, because it's inevitable, on occasion, not because we LIKE it. It would be madness to claim one liked being cold, wet, and terrified. Those are things we survive, if we're lucky.

Ann

Of course we are masochists Ann. No one in their right mind would spend tons of money on something that they have to spend the rest of their lives repairing (in exotic places where spare parts are non-existent) and all their money, just to be wet, cold and tired in the bargain.

Ok - there's the sunsets and sunrises - that's a redeeming factor. The starry nights - also redeeming. Dolphins, whales, manta rays, wonderful fellow cruisers you meet and sincerely friendly local people - also redeeming.

well maybe not masochistic but ya gotta be crazy....................

[carstenb]

since you seem to like my style of writing and enjoyed this piece about galapagos to marquesas.

I just posted (from our website) the description of our passage from Antigua to the Panama Canal

hope you all enjoy that too

here's the link:

Antigua to Panama run - Cruisers & Sailing Forums