December 8 - Our New Bath Tub, by Wendy

Our New Bath Tub

Foul weather gear sway back and forth like ghosts on the small laundry line in our bathroom (the head). Wet towels lie in a small heap on the floor. Our sheets and our mattress cover are in a mini mountain in the corner of our cabin. I admit to myself that I’ve lost control of the towel/clothing situation. I think, I don’t care! It doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things.

Yesterday’s theme was rain. Today’s theme is also rain. Our boat is moving through a seemingly endless cloud front that shows up on the radar as red-dominated gain. It’s my watch, the time is 6am and I’m trying not to think about the fact that it’s really 3am according to the time zone we’re in. To keep things simple, we are keeping to “ARC Time”.

I fix a cup of Earl Grey, check the radar, not wanting to step outside into the on-going downpour. Glancing toward the sliding door that opens onto two steps that lead up into the cockpit, I see what looks like a mini bathtub filled with water. Water dances gaily against the glass door. I stand there and ponder different methods of handling the situation, knowing that the bottom line is this: the sliding door must be opened in order to bale out the water, and the drain plugs need to be cleared. It must be done. Actually, it must be done soon, before the situation deteriorates. The water is now 6” deep. It could go the 12” deep in a short time.

With my favorite bright red bucket standing by and a rectangular-shaped plastic container held against the bottom to the door, I carefully slide the door open 2”. Water gushes into and outside the container, and I slam the door shut. Water goes everywhere….all over the galley floor.

I’m now on my knees with a large “boat” sponge sopping up as much water from the galley floor as possible. Then I continue opening and closing the door, letting water flow into the container. Soon the water is low enough to scoop up the water, and I fill three buckets with clean, clear water. I realize that this could be an asset so I fill four 6 liter containers with rain water then rinse last night’s dishes.

By now I have no desire to unplug the drains. I contemplate having a mini bath. Instead I fill the sink with 2 buckets of water and I take a leisurely sponge bath and wash my hair. This is fun, I think to myself. I’m actually enjoying this!

Three hours later, I have emptied at least 20 buckets of water into something. The rain is becoming a whisper of a drizzle. Teresa, our crew and next on watch, wakes up and staggers up the steps to witness the Wild Woman of the galley. I am in a bikini, wet from head to toe, and I have startled flying fish eyes. She is quite impressed that I have used the rain as a resource and rushes back to her cabin to get her laundry.

Meanwhile, I go to bed.

Wendy King Fredell, crew on Worldwide Traveler