Global sailor Jessica Watson becomes frustrated angler
Many are following Jessica Watson's journey around the world in a 34-foot pink sailboat. The 16-year-old Australian adventurer has maintained high spirits and a sense of humor since departing Sydney on Oct. 18, and is currently in the South Pacific inching closer to the equator.
Following her trip is fun and easy because Jessica has been good at providing updates and photos via her blog, which is well-maintained by her shore-based support team.
In her latest entry she talks about her frustrating efforts to catch fish, which would provide her with something fresh and healthy for dinner.
"Exciting news to report today," she writes. "I pulled the fishing line in to discover that I finally caught a fish! I'd love to tell you what it was, how big it was and how yummy it tasted, only someone (with rather big teeth!) got to it before me. Apart from a few bits of flesh left hanging on the lure, my beautiful fish had been gobbled up by something bigger. I can only keep trying!"
Her situation won't always be so pleasant, as she knows. Once she dips back down and enters the Southern Ocean the sea will become violent at times, and her sailing skills will be challenged. But for the time being, she seems to be enjoying herself aboard Ella's Pink Lady.
Outposts will provide periodic updates throughout her eight-month saga, so please check back soon.
--Pete Thomas
Photo: Jessica Watson shows fishing lure and bits of flesh left after a bigger fish stole the smaller fish from her hooks. Credit: Jessica Watson
