Container day!

Look what came on the container! My Easter box, complete with Easter bonnet! Thanks Mom! 

It was then, of course, time for tea....

Sunset

This was my view as I finished work and stepped outside tonight.

Easter 2015

Art Club

I've been enjoying art club on Sunday afternoons, learning about pastels at the moment...

This waterfall is unfinished as I could only attend half the class. I think my rocks look like half a mango that has been diced and turned inside out.

This waterfall I completed, although it was technically challenging. I was happier with the rocks though. 

I enjoyed learning about colour use in this lesson about trees and foliage. Who knew that dark blue is the first thing you use to draw a tree? It gives the brown that is overlaid a more realistic look. Then grey, orange and black are used for the shadows and highlights. 

I love sunsets and bright colours and was pleased with the outcome. 

These clouds were fun to play with. It reminds me of 'Eileen's song' by Burlap to Cashmere: 

'You have one wing, I have another
Seeking shelter like sister and brother
Through the winter and through the summer
Like one angel, we'll fly far away'

This was a Kandinski style lesson, such fun with bright, saturated colours!

Step out of the boat

Northern Lights: 'It will flame out' Gerard Manley Hopkins poem

Cape Town

For I know...

A gift of wall art by Jen - my favourite verse!

Thanksgiving on the Africa Mercy

Arrival in Madagascar

A water display by one of the tugs to welcome us into port. 

Sailing

This is Pedro, one of the Deckies, standing up straight on the bridge as the ship rolls one way then the other.

Wave height depicted by colour - light blue is up to 2m, yellow is 4m etc.

Current strength and direction - what a busy ocean! 

My cabin was secure for sea, or so I thought. This is after the 25 degree rolls.

Happy in a Hammock! Sleep and Sanity! Thanks to Katie Stull for lending it to me.

A rainbow appeared halfway through the sail, a promise...

We had some fun sailing from Cape Town to Madagascar! A storm south of us generated some big swells, some of them 4m, that hit us on the beam as we passed. The ship has a flat bottom which means that as it has a rolling motion which then snaps upright rapidly. We frequently measured 20 degree rolls with some over 25 degrees! Things moved that we didn't know could move, including the coffee machine in the cafe which 'secured itself on the floor automatically'. Gratefully our Electricians were able to fix it though. I discovered why sailors like sleeping in hammocks - and managed to string one up from the bunk above me in order to get some sleep. Our last day of the sail granted us a reprieve and a beautiful sunset which let me remember how much I enjoy sailing. 

Community Gathering on the dock

Gathering on the dock with all the day crew under a beautiful sky

Easter brunch!

What does brunch look like on the Africa Mercy?

A beautifully decorated dining hall...

...a delicious spread, including a hot breakfast omelette bar, hot lunch buffet...

...and a table laden with fruit, cheese and dessert... (Thanks Chef Ken!)

...even hand made chocolate chicks!

All enjoyed in the traditional way of celebrations on the AFM: around the dining table with the Davies' family and good friends.

(Photo courtesy of Shelly Davies)

(We are concerned about Johan's methods of obtaining above mentioned chocolate however... Might need to send him to Marty!)

And to top it off, gluten free Hot (Cross) Buns, made by Leanne - toasted, buttered, devoured!

Thanks to the crew member who contributed these peeps and yummies, and to all those who served behind the scenes to make this a special day!