Post 8

Attack of the birds; no free chili here! 

Imagine sailing in the ocean westward of the Straits of Gibraltar at sunset, around 9 PM, when suddenly a flock of birds attacks your boat. 

One at first, then two, then four. They were like rabbits, but with black wings and white bodies. Where did they come from? Nearest land was 140 nm east. Migratory birds! Oh no! Shut all hatches and doors! They “shite” every and don’t leave once they get in the boat. My daughter Taylor would not have been happy; birds you know are not her thing.😃

They are called “House Martins” and are known for their acrobatic flight patterns and their ability to build intricate nests on the sides of buildings (or the booms of boats (?)). However, encountering them at sea is not something that happens every day. Figures; just my luck.

As the house martins swirl around the boat, you can hear their high-pitched chirps and see their sleek silhouettes darting through the air. You may wonder what has brought them to “Just Live.” It’s likely that they are simply attracted to the insects that are hovering around the boat, as it moves through the water. I think “they heard how good my chili turned out” and wanted to stop by for some leftovers.

 The common house martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes called the northern house martin or, particularly in Europe, just house martin, is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and across the Palearctic; and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight, and it migrates to climates where flying insects are plentiful. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation. It is similar in appearance to the two other martin species of the genus Delichon, which are both endemic to eastern and Southern Asia. 

Well, enough of the bird watching stuff. Time to pay attention….the low front is starting to catch up with us, as I mentioned in my last post. And yes, it was a bit sporty in the kitchen (think aerobics, juggling with a knife, food, measuring cup, and pots, and a hot flame, while moving up down left right etc - you get the idea) for making dinner, but fortunately I made chili earlier in the day and I had plenty of time to let it rest before serving it. The outcome was really good. I’m ready for a chili cook off when I get home with Phil and Mule. Bring it on!

More to share on this low-frontal system, once it passes. All I’ll say for now is the evening will likely be “controlled chaos!” But heck, isn’t that why I’m out here? I mean isn’t it every sailor’s desire to revel in the challenge of navigating through the storm? I can't help but think that this is what sailing is all about – the thrill of the unknown, the beauty of nature, and the excitement of the journey. Okay, yes to most this trite muse, but I prefer fair winds and high pressure systems any day!

Hopefully Mother Nature will be in a kind mood on this one.

Cheers,

Paul

P.S. Remember, you can click on this tracker link to follow us across the Atlantic on an interactive map via Iridium Go - thanks to Captain Anthony.