Greenland Sea

We left Greenland in fog on the morning of Wednesday, August 27. For the most of the first two days of this passage, dense fog obscured the horizon. When the fog finally dissipated, we had broader visibility, but the atmosphere was still gloomy. We have only seen a patch of blue sky, very briefly.

Brief period of partially blue sky

We are only a day away from Iceland. We have had to use the engine some of the time, but we are sailing right now at 7 knots on a port tack, close reach, in 16 knot NE wind. Sometime in the early hours of this morning, the captain decided that our original destination, Patreksfjörður, was not possible to reach without pounding into the sea against the wind for a couple more days, so we altered course and are bound for Reykjavik now. 

Boredom happens! I was even so bored that I stood watch at night for three hours, relieving Shalako of duty. The only excitement has been the staysail freeing itself from some of its lashings and going off the starboard side and a little bird, a white wagtail, joining us by the starboard aft winch for a while earlier today. 

Staysail in the water

White wagtail

We managed to have a meal together last night and play a game of Hearts as conditions were stable, visibility was very poor and we are able to use our iPad to watch the charts and use radar. There was no advantage of having someone in the pilot house on watch. There are very few vessels out here. I have only seen one cruise ship on AIS. 

Otherwise, we chat, play a game, read or gaze at the charts and instruments for entertainment, eat when we feel hungry, and sleep where it is most comfortable. Shalako and Enis prefer to sleep in the pilot house under fleece blankets or duvets on the leeward side, and Peter and I have taken over the starboard couch and use our sleeping bags. A couple times, when Peter has been up and about and I have still been sleeping, Shalako has taken his place. Should we tell Patty that we are sleeping together?

Sherri and Peter sleeping on the couch

Shalako enjoying the cold, foggy weather with a smile

We hope to dock at the only yacht club in Reykjavik and take advantage of fresh water, real showers, free washing and drying machines, and access to land. Our provisions are holding out, but it will be great to re-supply.