Author: Pete

Location: 08°21.914S 118°20.678W

Date: 11:00 April 11 to 11:00 April 12

Day 13 at sea.

The wind took it easy today. Last night it dropped to 10 knots and during the day it was down to 7. Our speed ground down to 3 knots at some point in the afternoon. The sea state came down as well, so we had a nice calm day, much appreciated after the last week of tumultuous wave associated with the higher wind. It was downright relaxing.  And the flat seas make it conducive to re-stocking the rice!  Not as much energy in without the wind and towing generators chugging along like hopped up bunnies.

Tonight the wind came back, now around 13 knots, and we’re back to making 6.5 knots of headway. Flat is nice, but when you have 1216 miles to go, speed is better appreciated.

We have Ghirardelli chocolate brownies in the hopper for our ‘Triple Digit’ threshold, when we’re under 1000 miles. Not sure if I’m more excited for the milestone or the brownies.

It’s a gorgeous night out. Usually the early night watches get good stars, then it clouds over for the late watches. I have the graveyard watch, so I’m usually out under matte, gun metal skies. If it’s not too rough on nights like this I’ll go lay on the coach roof under the sail and watch the stars past the mast. It affords a good lookout vantage for ships. I’m always clipped in when I’m up there, but sometimes it’s disconcerting for off-watch crew to peek up and find the cockpit empty. “Did anyone hear a splash?” Tethers. We all wear tethers at night.

Arroz con Pollo for dinner and two cans of pears for dessert. We have two more real live fresh oranges in the refrigerator that we’re saving for a special, grave day. A few tomatoes survive on, along with one brave carrot.  We also have SNOB brand hot sauce from Ecuador to keep things spicy.  SNOB brand is WAY better than any of your wimpy hot sauces.  I wouldn’t dream of using any other kind.

All good aboard. More to come.