I woke up yesterday to a tropical depression. 

Funny, I thought to myself, that’s what most of June felt like. Or was that May?

Regardless, it was actually referring to the weather, not my mental health. (Which, before you start worrying, has been fine.) But what that TD means is that the hagabat, or monsoon, is in full swing in the Philippines now. The days are hot and humid or grey and wet, or if I am lucky a bit of both. Believe me, you don’t know fun until you live in a space with two-foot square windows that open skyward in a place that is prone to sudden, unexpected heavy rains!

In other exciting news…

With the easing of restrictions in my area the local laundry service finally re-opened last month. I can’t tell you how joyful it is to wear clothes that have been washed in a machine after 4 months of scrubbing things by hand in a bucket without running water. Cleanliness might be next to godliness, but cleanER is about all you get from a bucket. Not to mention how good the sheets and towels smell having fully dried in a tumble drier rather than being pulled off the lines slightly less than dry when the rains come.

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Steve is still unable to return to the boat due to the Philippines still having some strict covid restrictions in place. In the meantime, I have been keeping myself busy, of course writing heaps. So, I thought I would post links to some recently published articles.

In case you too have some time on your hands and are looking for something to read.

Ever wonder what Long Distance Sea Travel is like? Well, funny enough it is a hell of a lot like being stuck in lockdown, and I wrote all about the similarities for those landlubbers out there. So, dig out your sou’ wester (it’s a hat, and yes I have one!) and strap yourself into your arm chair, it’s time to put to land.

I am particularly proud to have my piece Night Shift published recently. This is a collection of thoughts and reflections that I’ve had kicking around for a while. However, since it doesn’t really fit into the typical sailing magazine article format it has been waiting to be published. Very grateful that it found a home in the pages of SisterShip Magazine April issue.

I also answered some popular questions about what it is like to be a live aboard. If you have ever wondered: How much it cost to live aboard? What do you do for internet at sea? How do you make power and water? And can you get mail when you don’t have an address? Then this is the article for you!

Learning how to navigate is a requirement for any sailor, and refreshing your knowledge is always a good habit to have. I touched on some of the key points about navigation in THIS ARTICLE, including how the problem of accurate navigation was only solved after the invention of an accurate time piece.

“Gasoline powered outboard engines have been in production for over a hundred years and little has changed about these modern workhorses. Relegated to the rail when not in use the average outboard is usually a little neglected, if not slightly abused. Like any piece of equipment, a little attention and regular care will extend the life of your engine. Performing a basic service to an outboard is not difficult and properly preparing your engine for extended storage will ensure you’ll be ready for your next adventure on the first pull.” So, if you’re interested in a step-by-step how to about OUTBOARD CARE AND MAINTENANCE then check out my article published in the May issue Cruising World.

Making stock is an easy way to cut down on food waste in your galley. To learn more about food waste and how to do your part to help reduce it check out my May SUSTAINABLE SAILING column in SisterShip Magazine. The July/August issue is out now, and in it I talk about “E-Waste” or Electronic Waste. Be sure to subscribe and never miss an issue!

Hope you enjoy the reads! Always love to hear the news from your port, so drop us a note.

Love,

H…&S