A pretty good squall came through around midnight. We only had the single reefed main up so there really wasn’t much to be done - put on the rain gear and run it out. The boys had to adjust the running backstay to give more support to the mast. We did take a couple of good rolls - we did not lay down and I did not go airborne in the V-berth but I was tossed from side to side. Good thing I have the comforter and extra pillows along the edge of the V-berth for padding!
The rest of the night was uneventful.
0600 Position: 2* 9’ N 123* 48’ W
Winds are still less than 5 knots
Course 200
Barometric Pressure 1007 and steady
0700: Regular routine with David on the radio, Armon to bed and BA makes the coffee and takes over the helm. I spent a couple of hours on the computer transferring this babble for later posting to the Blog. Why not just type directly into the Mac or iPad you ask? In fact I can almost hear Dave from Pelagio asking me that. First reason is to save on the battery system - the boat as well as the computers and iPad. Second reason is dynamics - things change so quickly on board - one minute we are sitting here relaxed and then a squall heads over and we go into gear - closing port holes, reducing sail, putting on wet gear. Who needs another task like finding a safe place for the computers? And thirdly - I just like the written word. I can type 50+ words a minute so entering at a later date is no big deal and allows me time to edit.
0900: David requires more sleep so I stay at the helm and revert back to writing in my journal waiting for some consistent wind to arrive so we can turn off this motor.
Naughty Naughty was on the radio this morning They are approaching 127 W and have reported that they are getting some wind. Maybe it will come our way!
1000: I have just finished slathering on the sunscreen. Next - I will put up the bimini . All clouds have moved to the horizon and it is getting a bit toasty.
We keep our sunscreen in a nifty bag that Marissa made for us
- Marissa as in Dave and Marissa on Pacifico. It attaches to the lifeline with velcro and has been very helpful in keeping our cockpit uncluttered. We also keep some shampoo and body wash in there for those unexpected moments that a squall comes in and one has the urge for a fresh water shower! Thanks again Marissa.
1200: Boys are up and it is time to use up some tomatoes and bacon - I went a little over on the bacon stock!
Noon Position: 01* 41N and 124* 01’ W
Seas are rippled with a 6 foot swell
Winds are still less than 5 knots from SE
60 % cloud cover
Temperature in the cabin is 30 C
Distance Travelled in 24 hours: 110 nm
Total Distance Travelled to Date: 1680 nm
1415: We can finally turn the motor off. The wind is back. Our speed is 1.9 to 3.6 knots - not breaking any records but at least we are sailing. Mr. Diesel is getting a much needed rest. He has been performing just great - Thank you Mr. Diesel.
Things were relatively calm so I decided to make preparations for dinner. First - apple, crackers and cheese for an afternoon snack. I was part way through - cutting up the vegetables for Phad Thai - when the Captain calls down - Everything secure down below for a blow? Not!!
So Armon came down and we closed all the port holes, tidied things up, turned off burners - false alarm! The squall passed behind us.
Back to Phad Thai. Noodles are soaking, peanuts have been crushed, eggs beaten, veggies chopped and prawns cleaned and deveined. It has become part of my routine to prepare for dinner as early as possible - while I have the energy and when things are calm. That way when it is time to cook, everything is ready to go. Sometimes I even cook it earlier and simply heat it up when we are ready to eat.
Beautiful rainbow and a big squall is coming in behind us.
The boys put on their rain gear. I have my bathing suit on - so why bother. This one lasted about 45 minutes and the speed topped out at 7.1 knots. You can tell by the look on Armon’s face that he was loving every minute of it!!! And I take advantage of the rain and pull out that shampoo and body wash.
1900: Things finally quieted down, we all dried off and I cooked dinner. Another culinary experiment enjoyed by the crew.
Davids’s radio call was interrupted due to the squall but he was able to rejoin and give our position report.
2100: David stays on watch till midnight. The winds picked up, which often happens after a squall and we were able to sail through the night averaging 5.5 to 6 knots with only a few minor squalls.
Nothing wrong with writing things down first with pen and paper... I just didn't understand why you didn't send the text as an email to your blog account so that you posted (without photos - - they come later) as you went along. ☺
ReplyDeleteDavid
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