Family Sail aboard Adventuress--Part 3

Journal Entries: Sunday, August 9th

Early morning anchor watch (6:15 a.m.), Parks Bay:

"I came on deck and saw a patch about 10 feet around that looks like raindrops on the water. It moves close, within 5 feet of the boat, and I could see scores of small silvery fish about 3 to 5 inches, dancing under the water and occasionally skimming just under the surface, flashing with their sides or bellies. This action caused the raindrop effect. It did not appear as thought their mouths touched the water, nor were they jumping out of the water. I saw no bugs on the water. The air was still, slightly foggy. It was before the sun showed. I wonder if their schooling motion stirs up the plankton in a way that makes it easier for them to feed on it. Maybe hitting the surface of the water feels good on their skin. Any ideas or knowledge?"

Later that morning (10:30 a.m.):

"Cleanliness chores over, now the fun begins! Sailing the skiff, hanging out on the bowsprit, going aloft."

Here is an adaptation of the poem Sea Fever (adapted by "Popeye"):

I must go down to the sea again
To the floats and strewn beads of white
With wondrous shell treasures
That make a beachcomber's delight.
I must go down to the sea again
To the jetsom-strewn beaches of light
With sweet children's faces and warm embraces
That make Popeye sleep well at night.