Rock and Roll

That is what the ship has been doing since Friday. I have never sailed on a ship before. The Africa Mercy is a Danish ferry, not a cruise ship. This means her bottom is relatively flat. Right from the beginning, the gentle rock side to side could be felt as we watched Cape Town ease into the distance. We hugged the coast line which enabled us to see the Twelve Apostles, Cape of Good Hope, and humpback whales. The first night of sailing was wonderful. It felt like I was being rocked gently all night. It was the best night's sleep I have had in months. 

We rounded Cape Agulhas, the most southern point of Africa, and the swell heights increased. There is a storm 500km (I think) away which is also increasing swell height here. It is amazing something that far away can have such an effect. Gratefully, we are not in a storm! Also, in order to make time (we all know that making good time makes for a successful trip) we are hugging the coast as much as possible and riding currents headed in the northeast direction. Since we are near where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, many different currents are going different directions. Now that we are in the Indian Ocean, most of the currents are headed southwest. Using satellite images they are able to find currents going in the direction we want to travel. The deck hands work 4 hour shifts around the clock to sail the ship in the safest, quickest course.  

Sunday evening, the swells increased dramatically. Some reached 18-20*. The average, I heard, was 7-12*. The larger ones come at unexpected times causing silverware to fly off tables and chairs to slide on the floor in the dining room. Later in a meeting, a TV on a swinging hinge swung out, chairs slid causing a couple people to tip out over landing on the floor.  The cabin is quiet cabin mate wise, but things creaking and rolling in cabinets can always be heard. Also, sleeping on deck 3 with the one wall on the outside of the ship, waves crashing on the sides of the ship can be heard. Occasionally, the ship will go forward over a wave causing the the ship to land hard. This, of course, does not provide the the calm gentle rocking for good sleep. 

Working in the dinning room is different on the sail as well. When there is not big swells, the rocking side to side is becoming normal. Just when it seems normal, a larger swell comes. There is very limited hot food made and served. Everything is secured. Lids cannot be left of the large serving pans, everything on a counter is on a nonskid material, all trashcans, carts, trolleys, and the like are secured. Paper plates, bowls and cups for hot drinks are used instead of the regular glass. Plastic cups for cold drinks and regular silverware are still used. Opening any cabinet or door requires two people. One to hold it, and one to get out what needs to be retrieved. No hot food is prepared from scratch. Some has been made and frozen before the sail. It is defrosted and served carefully. It is too dangerous to be cooking with hot food with unexpected swells. Spot mopping has taken the place of mopping the entire dining room as chasing the mop bucket it not a fun job. Moving the spreads tables which are on wheels takes two people as well to maintain control while the ship is rocking side to side. Draining something requires waiting for the ship to rock so the water runs over the drain. Changing pans out takes place with caution, so one does not fly out unexpectedly. Sweeping the floors and standing while sorting silverware and washing cups is a workout in itself. 

Throwing the trash away is an adventure unto itself. There are big trashcans tide down on deck 8. The bags are carried up three decks. One has the choice of walking around the landrovers secured on the deck or opening and closing gates. The trash bags are squished inside while the other person lifts the lid underneath the tight rope. Since there is obviously not much space for trash, everything is made as small and contained as possible. We feed the sharks (well whatever wants to eat it) one bag of organic trash. We call the bridge to see which side of the ship to throw it depending on the wind and distance from shore. The bridge records how much waste we throw overboard during the entire sail. One hangs on the the bag and lets the trash blow way. 

Taking a shower, is different as well. All the shampoo/conditioner bottles are currently on the floor. I lean on the wall while showering. I rode the stationary bike for the first time today. It was interesting being on a stationary bike  but moving. I decided to only perform arm exercises with light weights and squats without weight. Last night, some of the waves felt like you were on a Ferris wheel going all the way around rather than rocking back and forth. I think this change caused many people to not sleep well. When eating, one either keeps a hand on plate and cup or wets a napkin to place underneath the plate and cup to prevent the sliding. 

By the grace of God, I have not been sea sick. Several of my crew mates, however, cannot say the same. Many seem to have adjusted and are feeling better. Walking is also a challenge sometimes as one has to walk side ways in a zig zag pattern to remain upright. More to come on my "Swell" day today.