Sleep levels are low but energy levels are surprisingly high. This day has flown by; the sun has been shimmering and the spirits have been soaring. My cheeks are bright pink with satisfaction from the hot bright day.

 I had a nerve-racking experience today. Since I knew I was coming on the Amistad, I had wanted to climb aloft and see the sights. Unexpectedly, today was the day. When I stared up to the 60ft foremast I didn’t realize its much more daunting when you are actually up it. As you begin to climb up the shroud, the increasing force of the wind unsteadies you and you find yourself clutching on with all your might. While I was climbing, it got narrower and maneuvering my feet in the small space available was difficult. When I reached the jack yard, and was trying to find a way higher up, I slipped and for a split second it was a white knuckled experience. That split second seemed like a lifetime in slow motion but I got through it after a little bit of freaking out inside. Joy was right there to support me and talk me through it, which I really appreciate, I couldn’t have done it without her. The strange thing is, I loved every moment of it. Looking down from that height onto the vast, beautifully colored ocean, surrounding all those little people in our relatively small vessel was a sight I have never seen before and I will never forget. Even though I was terrified for part of it, I could have stayed there all day just to take in that sight. By the time I started to climb down I felt more comfortable with footing and when I placed my two feet back on the deck it felt like land again!  I can’t wait to go up again where I will get to the top!
 

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