Blog 11/4 - 1402, N 25 35.32, W 113 08.22 from Anna Davison

Stick Figure's "Fire on the Horizon" was playing on the speaker as we ate Shelly's delicious chicken salsa and rice dinner in the cockpit last night. It almost felt surreal. Sails full, the wind behind us, and an absolutely gorgeous sunset splashing rose and orange light across the water and sky. After needing to motor most of the day, these hours of sailing felt like bliss. And then, as if the moment couldn't be any more perfect - a green flash appeared as the sun slipped down into the sea!

We had a fun, impromptu dance party in the cockpit -- thanks to a Bluetooth speaker and John's downloaded Spotify playlists! -- and then chores as we settled the boat in for the night. I love the crew that Diane has brought together on Celtic Song. From offering to help each other wash dishes, to Diane opening a beautiful bottle of red wine to share with the group our last night in Turtle Bay (so great, Diane!), the group is generous and helpful, and truly care about Celtic Song and each other. I think I still pinch myself a few times a day that I was lucky enough to be invited to be part of this crew and be sailing down the coast with these wonderful people.

Last night was a busy one. As I stepped onto watch at 2000, the AIS and radar around us was packed with other vessels. The boats traveling in the Ha-Ha all monitor channel 69 on the VHF radio. The group frequently checks in with each other, as people needed to navigate courses and negotiate who was going to give way and who would take the lead. For the most part, these maneuvers all seem to happen without much fuss. Between the AIS, the radar, and the lights on the boats, its surprisingly easy to have a good view of what's around you (and which way they are going) at night. And then there is the view up above you. Oh my goodness! Last night was clear and warm, and the entire sky was a thick blanket of stars. Even the Milky Way was crystal clear off our stern. It was breathtaking.

We've all settled into our watch rotation so well that when I wake up at night and check my watch, I know who is coming on or going off watch. John is always on before me, and he woke me up a few minutes early this morning for my 0600 watch because the sun had starting rise. (Thanks for knowing I would want to see it, sweetheart. That sunrise was beautiful!) There was a sliver of moon above the horizon, and before long the golden rays were dancing on the water towards Celtic Song.

I headed back to bed for another hour of sleep after my watch. I woke up to the smell of bacon cooking in the galley! Diane was making Sunday breakfast, complete with french toast and eggs. She is such a wonderful inspiration for me of how to truly embrace and celebrate each day, each meal. (Thank you for spoiling us, Diane!) I didn't expect to find cooking inspiration out at sea... but these ladies have made me realize I need to up my game when it comes to cooking, on the water and off!

The rest of today has been both relaxing and busy. Laundry is drying on the lifelines, we've all showered, and we raised the spinnaker for some sailing time when we caught a bit of wind earlier. Boats nearby are reporting whale and turtle sightings. And I hear that DJ John has another great dance party planned for this evening in the cockpit. Life is good, my friends. Life is very, very good.