Took our departure from New York for San Francisco.
Archive for the ‘Round the Horn’ Category
On account of the storm yesterday was unable to make any note of the proceedings. It blew terrific. I must acknowledge I felt very nervous. How many times I did wish I could have had a female friend to speak to. My husband being on deck of course I was all alone.
It was been gradually moderating all day, thank God. This even it is tolerable fine weather. I suppose we shall soon be in the hatt of fine weather. Any way I don’t expect to see another such gale for some time. God grant we never may. We are now 820 miles from New York, not bad six days out. Split two of our best topsails, that is bad. Still I am very thankful no one was crippled.
A little while ago I was wishing the weather was a little cooler, now it is a little too cool. What dissatisfied creatures we are! We get along very slowly, we have either a current or a head sea against us all the time so it’s impossible to get along Distance 92 miles, therm. at noon 58. Morning and evening are much cooler. Steward has just lit the fire for the first time since we came out, which makes the cabin feel very cosy and comfortable, at 5 p.m. on the 2nd. of Dec.
On Sat. we were in the same latitude as N.Y. only N. York is North while we are South, which makes all the difference. We have a nice fair wind now but they have been of such short duration we are afraid to make any calculation. It is quite amusing to see the difference in expression of countenance in everybody when we get a breeze, myself not excepted.
Crossed the Equator in the long. of 32.50 at 9 a.m. 38 days out. We have had a very tedious time but hope now to have more favourable winds. We have sailed four thousand and fifty one miles although we are not that distance from N.Y. We are about a quarter of the way now. Old Neptune was good enough to let us pass without shaving us today. I suppose he thought we were a tolerable looking set so let us pass on. There has been a nasty disagreeable motion to the ship all day which has given me the headache. Capt. is better because the wind is better. It is cooler today than it has been for the last two weeks. Distance run up to noon 128 miles. Tried yesterday to work on the machine, so much motion it kept breaking my thread, so had to give itup.
Just been informed the ice will only last about five more days. Sorry for it, although it had lasted well. A sheep to be killed about 2 p.m.
One week out 960 miles off. Fine weather, men busily employed mending sails.
First day out 145 miles. Not bad for a commencement. Felt a little bilious so declined going in to dinner. Took a little soup in the cabin. Considerable motion to the ship. I feel it very sensibly but trying all I can to ward it off.
We have sailed 120 miles but I presume we are not more than 90 miles nearer the Cape, the currents are so strong against us. The weather is delightful, not quite so cold today.
We are approaching an island called Fernando Noronha, about ten miles long. We hope to pass it in the morn some time. Weather warmer again today, made 118 miles. Read so much I have made my eyes sore.
Another fine day but very little wind. Been very hot all night. Got up with a feverish headache, done little or no work in consequence. Better this evening. Made to noon this day 115 miles.
At noon 313 miles from New York. Feel better today although tired. Had a hard day’s work turning over boxes, drawers, trunks, etc. Found all right.