Location: Gibraltar
Greetings from Gibraltar!!!! Today started with water gun wake-ups. I was a bit tired from cleaning out and flushing the Racor filters with Mimi and Nick last night in the engine room, but got energised after a scrumptious breakfast that consisted of eggs, biscuits, potatoes, and bacon prepared by Charlie and his sous chefs, Emily and Sadie. Right after breakfast, we rolled into clean up, which we thought would be a speedy dishy pit for the salties, Mimi, Maya, Lana, Meg, and Rooke, but the galley ended up using almost every dish, so they had to use a bit of elbow grease to get the job done. After the clean-up, we split into two groups to head into town. Shane’s group, Jack, Lou Lou, Hays, Brig, Henry, Mimi, Sadie, Andrew, Payton, Dylan, and I went to Main Street first while Nicole’s group, Maya, Emma, Mina, Emily, Lanie, Lizzy, Greyson, Alex, Alexis, Rooke, Logan, Brady, and Ella went to McDonalds and the grocery store. On the way to Main Street, we walked through a lush park and then took a stroll through a Leisure Center.
We first picked up pastries and coffee from Costa Cafe and sat outside for the true European experience. Once the clock struck ten, we all raced into our first store: a tourist shop! Lou Lou and I got matching glasses while everyone else purchased fun items as well. Then, the boys took us to a toy store, which ended up being a blast… but the fun didn’t end there. We ended up stopping at every single gadget/toy store there could possibly be. Between these stops, we devoured some natural frozen yogurt. Some of us girls popped into a cute boutique and bought jewellery.
Meanwhile, Nicole’s group started heading towards Main Street to do some perusing of their own. They ended up buying LEGO F1 cars and cute jewellery. By this time, our group was hitting up a convenience store.
Mimi and I were about to pee our pants because news flash: Europe doesn’t have any public restrooms, but we were able to lock in and get our priorities straight (getting enough food for the last 5 days). After regrouping on Argo, we talked about the fun day we had all thanks to Meg’s super planning skills, and then we had leadership class where Lana and Lizzy presented on the history of leadership. Soon after, we folded all the laundry and got to cleaning the salon as a pre-BA (boat appreciation) clean-up. As we were cleaning up, the fact that our time is running out here on Argo started to set in 🙁 It’s crazy how a month ago we all arrived in the BVIs and barely knew each other’s names, but now we are in Gibraltar and have made so many lasting memories. On a different note, all four heads have been working for a solid four days, thanks to our one and only Zac; we are so grateful. We’re thinking of asking Ella to make one of her delicious baked goods to celebrate!
After some boat jobs, we had seamanship class and went over our exams for VHF and International crew. Shane seemed pretty stoked to finally be done with grading all of our exams. Usually, after class on passage, we get some free time to do laundry, nap, or homework, but today looked a bit different as we were able to do more boat appreciation!! I was working with Lou Lou, Jack, Mimi, Brig, and Lizzy on waxing the port side of Argo, whilst we were working on this, other teams were waxing the starboard side, polishing, and some groups were cleaning out all the bilges. One group was working in the dinghy to rust-bust the outside of the Argo when Mina fell in; she was totally fine, and it made everyone laugh. Later, after all the obstacles for today were done, we got to eat arguably the most beautiful taco bowls ever! After dinner, we did our daily squeeze. My question was: who do you appreciate on the boat and why? I said that I appreciate Jack for always making night watch so enjoyable, and Nicole for her kindness and making leadership so fun. After the squeeze, we did our jobs, and then everyone had time to call family and friends. Later, some of us and I played a friendly game of poker with chips, not real money, of course, which was so much fun! Holy gantlin, it’s been a helm of a day, and there weren’t many jib outs, but sheet, we had lots of fun. We are all going triatic for the upcoming days and trying to soak in every last moment together.
Sincerely Avery 😉
Ps. I love you, Mom, Dad, Troy, Max, and Lulu, and miss you all so much!]
PPs. Mimi says she loves you, Mom, Dad, Amelia, and Juliet!!!!