We are almost there.
But not quite yet. Yesterday's pasta for lunch today. Pasta a la chorizo. Nice. No prescription today. Anyone can cook pasta. However?
Just a little more navigation equipment divided over the two batteries. We continue to struggle to provide that damn refrigerator with the necessary energy without completely draining the batteries. It is now off half the time. 'At night. There is a lot of cloud cover here, so during the day the solar panels simply do not produce enough to keep up with consumption over 24 hours. Anyway. It will work in full sun. We'll get home with it. With lukewarm milk and rotten vegetables. And that smells good. You can of course also just eat canned vegetables and avoid the Globe without a refrigerator, but having such a cold box also has advantages. I won't mention any. We have canned vegetables on board. These will soon also be addressed because the fresh vegetables are no longer so fresh and are almost gone.
The virtual line across the largest circumference of the Earth -equator- comes into view. Figuratively. Still roughly 300 miles. Literal. Crossing this line involves maritime traditions and rituals. A bit like Vindicat's hazing. A little, because usually no people are killed or scarred for life. Since Mark and I are completely civilized people, we are not going to do anything to remind each other that we have crossed a virtual line. In my seagoing career I have crossed this line several times and I have also found myself in the company of civilized people because I have never 'celebrated' this strange Neptune party on board either. Although I do like a party. Of course, this ritual nonsense serves another purpose, namely a social one. Once again a reason not to celebrate. We are able to achieve this group bonding and promotion of camaraderie in a different way. We cook for each other, look out for each other, talk to each other, listen to each other and share the same goal. Getting drunk together……Uh….bringing each other home in one piece.
The virtual Neptunes with his formidable virtual trident will not add anything to this. Superstition. I'm not really into it.
We will of course remember the moment. With a sip of whiskey or something. If we succeed...just knock.
Greetings Mark and Ton.
