After I posted my log last night I took another sip of the bottle of champagne I popped as I crossed the equator. It was a bit too sweet and warm so I tossed the bottle into the sea. I went below and got a cold Guinness, kicked back on my drifter, and took a long swig.
The wind instantly gusted to 60 knots and just as I was reaching to ease the main a bolt of lightning hit the foredeck. As I looked to the bow I saw King Neptune himself standing before me! Dramatic classical music boomed from the sky. He looked at me and roared “What business have you in my ocean”? This couldn’t be happening I thought!
“Ummmm…, I ahhhh…., am going to visit the Polynesians”?
Before I knew it he was sitting in the cockpit with me. His razor sharp trident pointed at my head. I didn’t know what to say…, “coffee”, “would you like a cup of coffee” I asked?
The music quit with a scratch, his eyes warmed, the trident eased, and he replied “actually, when you threw the champagne overboard I thought you were inviting me for a drink. I’m not a big fan of sissy drinks so I gave it to Davie Jones, he’ll drink anything you know”?
I held up my can of beer “Guiness”?
“I don’t know it, is it good”?
“Well let’s put it this way, if Budwiser is the king of beers, then you my friend deserve a Guinness”. He popped open a can and drank it in a Kingly fashion and let out a ferocious burp. He picked a crab from his long white beard and tossed it into the sea. “Damn that’s good, may I have another”?
“Yes sir you may”.
We drank for hours. He’s always barking like my father, and he found his way into my rum however I didn’t mind. He’s not a bad guy you know. When he decided he was finished he granted me safe passage, slapped me on the back, and let me know he would be back for more of my “Home Spiced” rum and Guinness.
What an honor it was to drink with King Neptune himself on St. Patricks day, in the southern hemisphere no less.
Actually I crossed the equator twice yesterday. After I crossed I changed the oil and drifted back to the north. Does that make me a double Shellback?
Last night I kicked back in the cockpit staring at the stars for hours. The Southern Cross stood boldly on the horizon. I wish I knew more about the stars, I need a book! There is a planet (very bright) to the west but sets every night. Anyone know what it is?
I should make landfall in wreck bay (Galapagos) early tomorrow afternoon. I will ask the port captain to grant me 24 hours without checking in for food and fuel. Then it’s back to sea.
I’m going to have to pull the logs back to once a day because of Satellite costs. My phone is the only way I can spend money out here and I’ve been doing a good job of it.
Peace, Love, and
Alex
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