Lightning Scares and Flying Squid! – Sailing to Ecuador
Out to sea we blow! We’re sailing from Panama to Ecuador and have over 675 nautical miles ahead of us. That’s at least a five-day passage and while we’ve done our best to prepare our vessel and download the latest weather files…there is nothing predictable about life at sea.
Grab your foulie gear and join us for our first four days of sailing in the Pacific Ocean. Storms, lightning scares, flying squid and spoiler alert; a serious cliff hanger at the end.
I know what you’re thinking, how could we leave you hangin’ like that!?! Well, it wouldn’t be a cliff hanger if we hashed it out now…you’ll just have to wait until next week. But don’t worry, everything works out fine.
What the Billfish?
Can you believe we almost caught a billfish! I said sailfish in the video but, honestly it could have been another type of billfish. It was too fast and too far away to tell. If your one of our sport fishing friends you’re probably super bummed we lost it. Jason had no desire to tango with that fish at that moment so he wasn’t too sad. He was still wiping the crust from his sleeping eyes. Maybe we’ll catch another on the way to French Polynesia? Not that we’ll eat it, but it would be neat to catch and release one!
For those curious, we did swap our fishing line and that should stop us from losing another lure. Not only do I hate the idea of more junk floating in the ocean, I don’t like throwing away money either. Luckily, our Irish friends sent us a huge spool before we took off from Florida (thanks Roger and Ross). Plus, I recently learned how to make recycled lures…but more on that later.
Life At Sea
Other than some close calls with the lightning (always nerve wracking) our first few days at sea were fantastic. I know it’s not for everyone, but I love being out here! We disconnect from the digital world, reconnect with ourselves and nature. Waking up to new creatures on the deck. Making my favorite meals. And listening to audio books while the bioluminescence sparkle in the sea, mimicking the stars above. I’ve never been more present and in-tune than I am while sailing. And the kitties like it too!
Three On Six Off – Watch Schedule for a Trio
As I mentioned in the video we’re all being lazy with these calm seas and drizzly days. With Kate on board we decided to do rotating 3-hour watches. Because she’s an experienced salty sailor we completely trusted her. What that meant for each of us is up to 6 lovely hours in between watches…as long as we didn’t hook a fish, have to make a sail change or get hit up by sea scoundrels!
Plus, having another sailor aboard is cool, but getting to sail with a friend is unforgettable!
Sea what a good friend I am, offering up bottom support! Scrub Kate, scrub!
Cooking at Sea
It always blows my mind how choppy the seas can be and yet, pots and pans don’t take flight. Ok, not yet anyway. We’ll see what I have to say if we ever encounter 20+ foot seas. Of course, I did my little non-slip trick to keep plates and glasses in place but not the pots and pans. Between the stability of a catamaran, the galley up (not down in a hull) and the snug u-shape galley,I am rarely intimidated to whip up a feast.
I am an experimental improv chef. I buy what’s affordable, local and on sale. Which means my ingredients are always changing and so are my recipes. With that in mind, here is my ever-changing but always a crowd pleaser veggie chili. Sometimes I will add additional veggies like corn, bell peppers, carrots or even broccoli. All depends on my mood. I believe you should always feel free to play with your food.
Sea Salted Veggie Chili
Ingredients
- Salt – Salt brings out flavors and should always be used during cooking. Same goes for butter but everything in moderation of course. I don’t have a set amount because I salt my ingredients as I cook. So, it’s always to my taste and not measured out. I have been known to rub my hands along the lifeline and then dust them off in the pot. ?
- 2 cups dried beans soaked, rinsed and ready to cook (black, pinto or a combo)
- 2 dried chilies (ancho, chipotle…whatever I can get my hands on locally)
- 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Secret Ingredient Alert! These two things combined create cooking science magic and can be used in many vegetarian/vegan recipes!
- 1 cup of dried shiitake mushrooms (I stock up on these when I can: https://amzn.to/2DSwzrC )
- ½ cup toasted walnuts (the recipe will work without them, it’s a world of difference with them)
- 1 – 28 ounces of can diced tomatoes, drained with juice set aside
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (I rarely have paste but salsa, BBQ sauce or ketchup work great as a substitute)
- 6-8 garlic cloves chopped finely
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (any medium to high heat veggie oil works)
- 2 pounds onions chopped
- 6 cups of water
Instructions
My secret to good veggie chili is flavorful beans. Which doesn’t require a pressure cooker, but it sure makes the whole process faster and easier.
Don’t have a pressure cooker? Get one! Until then…use all the same ingredients and either slow cook your beans first or use caned ones. Simmer all the ingredients together for at least 20min. It won’t be the same but still good.
- In a skillet toast the dried chilies until they puff up. Let them cool, then stem and seed the chilies.
- Use a food processor if you have one, (I have a ninja: https://amzn.to/2IPRteR ) to grind the toasted chilies, mushrooms and oregano. It should resemble very course ground coffee that would be used for a French press. Set aside. Coarsely grind the walnuts (similar to the mushroom mixture). Set aside.
- Ok, time for the wet stuff. Process drained tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeño, garlic and soy sauce in food processor until tomatoes are finely chopped. Set aside.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat, add onions and about a teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to brown. Lower heat to medium and stir in ground chili/mushroom mixture. Next, add water, beans, dried cilantro, cumin, cinnamon and paprika. Place on the pressure cooker lid and cook. If you soaked the beans, cook for approximately 15 min. If you did NOT soak the beans (I forget sometimes too) cook for 20-25 min. We’re looking for the beans to tender.
- Once beans are tender, stir in ground walnuts, tomato mixture, and reserved tomato juice. Cover pot and simmer 10 min.
My Fave Garnishes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh spring onion
- Diced jalapeno (or sometimes habanero or serrano)
- Grated cheese
- Plain greek yogurt like Fage (the full fat, not the “0” stuff) or sour cream
Sailing Report
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: gonewiththewynns.com/map
- Dates – January 16-19, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed – 480 From Las Perlas to the latitude a few click north of Tumaco, Columbia.
- Hours At Sea – 100.5
Gear Used In This Video
- iPad Pro http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf With These Sailing Apps:
- iNavx: http://bit.ly/2vGgC51
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: bit.ly/PredictWindIridium
- Red Gels Used on Lights: https://amzn.to/2IRPCWT
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: gonewiththewynns.com/store
Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A big shout out to our Patreons! If you enjoyed this video and post or perhaps learned something new, check out our Say Thanks page. There are lots of ways you can help keep these videos and posts flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. Thank You!
Curious About Kate
Kate is a salty sailor hailing from South Africa (we introduce her here). She is joining us for some Ecuadorian adventures. You can snoop around on Kate’s blog here: abrandnewlife.co.za/ and poke around on her Instagram account here: instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/ and while you are there, give us a follow if you haven’t already: instagram.com/the_wynns/
Mary
I just made the chili for lunch today. We are staying in an Airsteam in Iowa right now, and it’s snowing, so the chili hit the spot. Two thumbs up from us, and a good recipe for small kitchens.
Britt
This landlubber is making your chili right now for lunches this week, and I am not sure I see the jalapeno in the ingredients list even though it’s in the recipe. I’m just going to throw in a handful of these hot pickled jalapenos I have in my fridge – I’m sure it’s going to rock. Thanks for the awesome content (and vegan-friendly recipes!) I’m hanging off the edge of my seat for the next video.
mario
We got little situation passing through nicaragua speed boat try catch us calling on the radio try to stop us but the captain of my ship he start turning so creating waves so that little speed boat have difficult try to get on board little scary ,but the captain of my ship thought they are pirates because he saw guns ,but start communicated in spanish but i talk to them the only thing the want is fuel and water the running out after the big drama sailors shooting water captain put the vessel full speed 20 knots cargo ship no to fast but big waves poor guys on the little boat good memories THANK YOU for the video i’M WAITNG FOR NEXT WEEK
Jerry
More adventures of the “Pirates of the Colombia Coast’ are coming . . . Right?
Ally Bennion
Haha! I totally get the bumpy rides. Though I have never lived on a boat, I travel around the United States in an RV and man it does get bumpy on the road. That is cool that nothing moves around too much on the sail. Do you have to buckle anything down or do all things stay put? I really enjoy watching your videos! Can’t wait to see what is going to happen next!
Lynn
When you said ‘fake’ tuna, what did you mean? Is the fish inedible?
Curious Minion
They are edible but not very tasty!
Jason
Wow! A legit cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the follow up episode. My 4 yr old daughterp absolutely loves watching your videos with me! “Dad, can we watch Nikki and Jason again?”
Regina Carmel
Not funny: people worry! Bad enough to worry about lightning curling everyone’s hair but a boat coming right at you? In the middle of the ocean? Not funny!
Tammy Bjugson
Love watching all your adventures from RVing to sailing. Thanks for sharing. Be safe and can’t wait for next weeks video.
Nikki Wynn
Nice! You have seen some adventures with us then, especially transitioning from RVing to sailing. Thanks for being a part of it all!
SolarSail
Here is one gadget that I think could revolutionize recreational diving. An electric snorkel. It won’t beat your diving equipment, but for tasks like cleaning the hull, making repairs underwater, or shallow dives, it seems it can do the job. What do you think Jason and Nikki? Can you evaluate this product? It seems to be in development stage?
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/airbuddy-tankless-diving–3#/
Nikki Wynn
There are several machines like this out on the market (sold at scuba shops). We even had one friend bring his over for us to test out. They work great. However, it’s a one or the other kind of thing. We already have an air compressor on board to fill our dive tanks. The compressor is yet one more heavy piece of equipment that needs servicing. Adding another similar device only means more parts, more maintenance and more space needed. Which is why we decided on the air compressor to fill our tanks. That said, we don’t use our tanks to clean the bottom because we like the exercise. It’s great at increasing our lung capacity for free diving and it feels like multitasking. Getting in a workout and cleaning the bottom!
SolarSail
OMG — hope you are safe. It appears you are, or you would not post! SLV on their way to the Galapagos, half-way there, were approached by a small motor boat with four guys, at like 11 PM, asking for food. So R threw them some food while E hid herself somewhere in the boat. That must have been scary. I think you need to come up with some defense against pirates. I wonder if talking on the satellite phone would deter some pirates?
Nikki Wynn
We are of course safe and sound. We recorded the whole ordeal and will hash everything out in the next episode. As for pirates, serious life threatening situations are extremely rare. The chances of getting into a major car accident, being mugged or having a home broken into in the USA is much higher than my chances out here. There is always a risk in life, regardless of where you are or where you go. It’s the unknown that makes it so scary. More on pirates and safety in the next post but as for talking on the sat phone, that wouldn’t do a thing. They know it would take a while for anyone to show up. No different than living out in the country and calling 911 but being an hour or more from help.
don
I always wondered if you guys had weapons on board, and now I and everyone else knows that you don’t. Wrong part of the world to not be able to defend yourselves. You are your own law enforcement.
Roger B
Great drone videos. Thump thump, thump thump. Can’t wait to see the drama unfold.
Mike
Well you posted this video which means you still have your computer. That rules out pirates. I’m going to vote for a navy patrol boat from a larger vessel. My wife and I got a good laugh when we first saw the picture of the squid. It looked quite big sitting on the deck. Then we saw the picture of Nikki holding it…….lol.
Keep making the great videos you two.
Have fun and stay safe.
Mike
Nikki Wynn
Ha ha, yes it wasn’t a man eating squid…not even enough squid to feed one man. 🙂 I was so excited to find him though. I am sure the first time one leaves a nice ink mark on the deck my enthusiasm will subside.
JB
I hope that you are all okay. Didn’t like the ending of video, so unlike what you normally do.
Hope you comment soon so that we know you are alright.
Nikki Wynn
No need to worry. 😉 We did say everything was fine in the sentence right after the video: “I know what you’re thinking, how could we leave you hangin’ like that!?! Well, it wouldn’t be a cliff hanger if we hashed it out now…you’ll just have to wait until next week. But don’t worry, everything works out fine.”
These videos are edited and uploaded by us, so if we are posting videos, means we are in civilization, most likely sitting in a cafe using internet and everything is fine.
Doc olson
Waiting for closure.
marc
How long can you hold your breath under water now compared to a year ago!
Nikki Wynn
I haven’t logged progression so I can’t say for sure. But, I can tell you I timed myself the other day while snorkeling and it was 1:30 seconds at about 35 feet. It is amazing how quickly it comes and goes. If we’re not actively diving each week, you really notice a difference next time. It requires consistent practice.
Michael Beal
I’ve wondered if you are concerned about pirates, looks like it is something you have thought about. I really like your videos AND I will be trying to make your veggie chili today. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Mike
Jan
Jason, get up there and save the day!
Looking forward to trying your recipe – it looks great.
You can eat Nutella if you want.
Been following you for years and look forward to your post each week. Now I have to wait?! Yicks!
Tia
no need to make a cliff hanger, I’ve been a follower for years, don’t need a cliff hanger to come back! I realized right away you must be ok as the video got posted! funny, as you were cooking I was thinking, “nikki needs to make a cookbook, I love all her meals” and then you say, “this recipe is included in the link” as if you’d read my mind! Have you ever thought of a cook book? instant best seller I’m sure!
Nikki Wynn
Thanks! I think of myself as a decent home cook…not worthy of a cookbook. I keep getting requests so I am slowly sharing a few of my go to dishes and if those go over well I might have to consider it. Thanks for the encouragement!
Kevin
That’s a great cliff hanger to leave us all with . You must be ok as you managed this blog I guess though . Just another cracking video as as most of us will say …alreasdy looking forward to the next one !
Réjean Robidoux
Bonjour à vous deux,
merci pour la recette Chili végétarien. Nous sommes canadien français et nous préparons notre voyage en Alaska en traversant le canada d’est en ouest avec notre roulotte. Nous dévorons votre blog qui est une mine d’informations. ( robidouxrejean.blogspot.ca )
Thank you
Nikki Wynn
Je vous remercie! J’espère que vous avez un merveilleux voyage. L’Alaska était un grand moment fort pour nous. Merci de faire partie de nos aventures!
Sally
Love the new haircut, Jason. Looks great!
Paul
For those worried about piracy, I haven’t found recent data but in the four years 2012 – 2015 there were around 350-400 cases per year worldwide. (source: Bergen Risk Solutions)
That’s probably a lot less less than the average crime rate in most towns in the USA. (Take into account robbery, mugging, murder and other violent crimes)
Please people, get a grip on reality.
Nikki Wynn
Spot on! We’re safer sailing across an ocean than we are road tripping on a major interstate.
Pam McClure
Well *that* was abrupt! Can’t wait to see what happens. So glad to follow your journey. So many questions I have about logistics. You guys are fabulous.
Nikki Wynn
Ohhh, what kinds of questions about logistics? We’re working on a list of video ideas on planning and such but don’t want to go down a rabbit hole or overwhelm people. If you have some burning questions, let us know and we’ll try to cover them in upcoming videos. Thanks for being a part of the adventure!
The Browns
That poor dude was lost and just needed directions! ( I hope)
Marsha
Don’t you ever do that again! I kept seeing Captain Phillips in my head.
Alan Solomon
After reading all the other emails, we are all concerned for you 3, the kitty’s and your livelihood.
That is a tough ending for all of us watching. The one sentance at the top says everything works out fine but, that is not quite enough for such an abrupt ending!!
Best Regards and Best Wishes,
Brian
Oh NO, not another “Who shot J.R. ??
Love following you guys.
Tracy H
Hmmmm, sure looked like they were coming in fast. Scary. Nail biter on this one. Have to say, I just LOVE your kitties. Singa has a personality that is awesome. Cleo is such a sweet girl. It really looks like Kate and you two click and have a good working rhythm going. Take care, be safe, have fun and adventures.
Nikki Wynn
The kitties say thanks for the love! Especially Singa, he is an attention hog so he’ll take all the lovin’ anyone is willing to dish out. 😉 Kate is fantastic and we love having her on board.
Bill Martin
My Mom would drop us all at the business paid for Saturday morning movies complete with the weekly episode of my favorite “Lash Larue”
Deborah Kerr
Cool squid, beautiful sunset, lots of good food, fun times….keep smiling 🙂 I love your adventures!!
Jan
Wait what???? Ahhhhh. Oh feel better after I read all is ok.
Now get that darn part 2 vid out soon. Feed the cats the squid. I mean he offered himself up right?
Stay safe.
Julie Sullivan
I hope they are just pulling you over for speeding lol….that was scary – glad you are ok.
Btw We just finished our Bluewater Sailing School course (101, 103, 104, 114) (we gave your names as it was your recommendation that brought us there :))
We had a blast and are planning to take more in the fall. Thanks for being such a great resource xo Julie and Bill
Nikki Wynn
Ha ha, can you imagine…a speeding ticket on a sailboat. If only we could go that fast! Congrats on the ASA courses guys! Time to get out there and do some sailing to seal it all in the memory bank. Thanks for the referral love. We don’t get any kick backs but they are supposed to give you a small discount. So, I hope they did. 🙂 Happy sailing!
Sam Walker
Holy piracy on the high seas, Batman.
Steve and Jodi
We love following you guys. Have been doing it since we watched you shopping for your first RV. We often think we would love to live your life and then we watched this episode… the whole time we are looking at each other saying “we couldn’t do this… we couldn’t do this..”. the cliff hanger was brutal. Next week is too long to find out if our online pretend friends are ok.
Richard Morholt Sr
NUTELLA is NOT HEALTHY !
Half of the ingredients is sugar !
That’s right, SUGAR!
Check it out on YouTube. Lots of videos about it. Plus, read the label.
Nikki Wynn
No, I’ve never said Nutella was healthy? At least not seriously anyway. It is a treat…like any pastry, ice cream or other indulgent. Everything in moderation is our motto. 😉
Jim Bolling
OK, what a way to end this video. Reminds me of the cliff hanger short movies every Saturday morning during the 1950’s. Now we have to wait a week.
Chris
That was one heck of a cliffhanger!!! Was it a pirate?!?!
John, Shawn, and Ava
AHHH you guys can’t do that! We’ve been following you guys for years and the sudden “cut” with the heartbeat was just wrong! Can’t wait to see what really happened. First real cliffhanger in GWTW, uh, ever? I mean, lightning, flying squid, A SAIL FISH!!! (what would you guys have done if you’d landed it?) AND PIRATES?
All I can say is it better end well or that video may end my chances of buying a bigger boat and making the same trip! You guys be safe, and great video!!!
Nikki Wynn
It was an action packed adventure…as sailing always is. That billfish…shesh, I have no idea. I know people bring them aboard, snap their photos and release all the time but if I am totally honest…those swords for faces scare me! I think I might be willing if I was with someone who knew exactly how to land one without damaging the boat or the humans aboard. Until then, I hope they don’t bite my lure. 😉
Boyd Smith
Looks like pirates!!
mary vancompernolle
You can’t leave us hanging like this!!!
I look forward to trying your bean recipe. I’m sure they turn out quite like yours!
Love to you all. Be safe!
Nikki Wynn
Oh Mary, your cooking is much better than you give yourself credit for. I have always enjoyed your meals!