Cruising Musings: Crossing Invisible Lines

In our first year of South Pacific cruising we have crossed several invisible lines: the equator, the international dateline, and significant marks on our personal timelines – we began our 27^th year of marriage and Curtis turned 50.

Crossing the equator is maritime rite of passage steeped in tradition, when a mere “pollywog” sailor transforms into a seasoned “shellback.”  All simply by crossing an invisible line quite literally in the middle of the ocean. We became shellbacks at 5:45pm on the 17^th of April 2018, nearly one year ago. After 16 days of sailing without any landmarks, watching the numbers steadily decreasing on the GPS latitude becomes quite exciting, along with anticipating the thrill of making this exciting announcement when checking in with fellow cruisers on the evening’s SSB radio net.

Many sailors celebrate with elaborate ceremonies, dressing up in costumes and enjoying a rare libation at sea, pouring some overboard to appease King Neptune. We skipped the costumes and feasted on homemade Key Lime pie, thanking God for his presence and protection on our journey.

We crossed the international dateline when sailing to Tonga. A few days of sailing at a brisk 8 knots from Niue to Neiafu, and we skipped right over Monday (if you’re going to skip a day of the week, Monday’s a great choice). We arrived on Tuesday, the 28^th of August. “It’s Tuesday, Grommit” we smiled happily as we cleared customs and began six weeks of relaxing island hopping in the Vava’u group.

“Time and tide wait for no man” is another nautical notion that we are reminded of almost daily living on a boat and dragging our dinghy up beaches.  Time passes invisibly, the days and years rapidly slipping away like water in a wake behind us. We celebrated our 26^th wedding anniversary on October 30^th in New Zealand. Here we are living on a sailboat in the South Pacific, feeling a bit like newlyweds embarking together on an entirely new life.

We celebrated Curtis’ 50^th birthday on the 3^rd of December 2018.  (Not far behind, Julie began the last year of her 40’s on March 6^th, 2019). We realize each day aboard Manna is a gift, and we experience with fresh awareness God’s daily provision. Just as he provided manna each morning for the Israelites to eat while sojourning in the desert, God provides for us in often unexpected ways!