The Baja sailing race

Today, we are going into Turtle Bay after 3 days and nights of motoring and sailing. I had my second taste of night watch. It was exactly like I thought it was, boring. Unless your on helm, there's nothing much to do except watch movies and prepare tea. If your on helm, all you do is look at the radar and contemplate your navel. In other words, sit and do nothing.

I prefer the helping watch. My favorite is when the sun comes up and turns the sky gold and pink. There's a freshness to the air that you can't get at sunset.

Before the race began, there was a Halloween party. We won 4th place in the Unique division. We went as signal flags that spelled, ADIOS on the front and SEEYA on the back. There were about 7 kids there. Naturally, we all split in to a kid pack, away from the adults. There's something special about being in a kid pack at an adult party. Just as we can't drink beer and say nasty jokes, they can't race around the parking lot playing ball with people they never met. We get to be free and open without committing to friendship. Its instant and unquestionable, the kids in one group.

And thats very special, belonging anywhere.

Mera Conger

s/v Don Quixote