04/01/09

Equator day.

Today, we are reporting in from the Southern Hemisphere. At exactly sunrise we reached the equator, we rousted the kids out of bed and everyone counted down to 00 degrees, 00.000 minutes. It was a beautiful sunrise, with the sun peaking over the horizon as we crossed. There is now more world above us than below us, which is pretty cool.

As the Shellback aboard I was tasked by King Neptune to read the proclamation that commanded the pollywogs aboard to appear before the Royal Court of the Realm of Neptune in the district of Equitorius. Apparently, there had not been a formal acknowledgement of the Ruler of the Deep and the crew was at risk of incurring his Royal Displeasure. It was a very serious moment, booming this out in my best sonorous town- crier voice, gathering the crew of pollywogs together to be judged by King Neptune.

I was not required to be present at the court as I had already been judged worthy of entry and passage through the Realm of Neptune thirty years ago. It was reported that Neptune himself soon after boarded our boat draped in netting and sea weed, wielding his triton wildly. Apparently it was quite a sight. Our crew of pollywogs were called to court, examined by Neptune, and fortunately judged pure of mind and stout of heart, and welcomed into the realm as citizens, thereafter to be called "Shellbacks" with all the rights and permissions associated. They came out of the cockpit looking happy, but stunned and streaming saltwater. It must have been some ceremony, but Mary and the kids are staying remarkably tight lipped about what actually transpired.

We celebrated with a big pancake and nutella breakfast.

Some southern hemisphere trivia:

Current Temperatures Air: about 85 Ocean: 77 In the sun: Crispy Temperature of the canvas bimini: 110 Inside the boat: 85 Inside the fridge: 81

Distance to go: 770 Distance covered: 2000 Days at sea: 15 Days to go: 6 - 8