Crew View: Mark

Mark Ellis with his 10-2 watch

Aloha everyone…

We are currently in the doldrums (dull drums), moving about 3 – 4 kts.  We are happy that we do have some winds, but it can be really hard to keep the desired course set by the Captain as the winds are constantly shifting from one direction to another direction. It is currently very hot, with very light winds. We see signs of rain all around us. At times I can’t wait for the rains to come and cool us down, but then once we get rained on, I’m hoping for the sun to come out and warm us up.

Unless you’re on watch, most of the crew is looking for what shade we have. Several crewmembers are sleeping, while others are sitting around playing music and others just talking story trying to pass the time.  We currently don’t have any fishing lines out, but we are seeing a lot of flying fishes all around.  It’s pretty cool to see about 75 small malolo take off in flight as Hikianalia makes her way down a swell.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity given to me and even more grateful for the love and support of my ʻOhana (Wife and 4 Keiki, Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters and extended ʻOhana) and my employer and co- workers for supporting me as I experience and follow the path that our Kūpuna have taken before me.  It truly takes an Ahupuaʻa to voyage.

Mahalo piha,

Mark Ellis