Another sunny, bright, calm day. Very light winds. I have just turned the engine off trying to take advantage of the increase in wind to 6-8 knots.

On a more introspective note -

First thing this morning, I received two e mails warning me of storms ahead. One even said, in effect, 'head for the closest shore!' I was struck how quickly my mood dove, how quickly I became obsessed with these reports.

All aspects of life aboard suddenly diminished in importance leaving only those directly related to surviving this purported storm dominating my minds radar. Almost like the physical symptoms of shock - all bodily functions close down to give maximum attention to the crucial organs that will sustain or give-up life.

However, in the ensuing discussion amongst three yachts in my general area on the daily radio 'net', it became clear I had embraced too strongly and too quickly these reports. It wasnt that bad. And... my mood shot up.

Realizing ones vulnerability out here and its close link to our survival instinct, it is most interesting to see the hierarchy of importance change. An aspect that hardly gets a second thought on land becomes all supreme out here. Suddenly, neither money, nor love, nor politics, nor....almost anything...compares. No, out here its the weather instinct! It dominates, it reigns supreme-it is the principal force that will decide if life is to be sustained - and... we experience it deep in our gut - out here.

(Im still trying to ascertain the weather up ahead)

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