Day 13 - Drying Out

Day 13 4/11/06 3:25 am
Coordinates............ 01 06.616N, 129 50.846W
Heading................ approx. 180 when motoring, 210 when sailing
Boat speed..............5 knots
24 hr total nm .........123 nautical miles (NM)
miles total since MX....approx. 1890 nm
Wind direct. & speed....E/SE 8 knots
Swell direct. & ht .....E 3 - 6 ft.
Cloud cover.............55%
Barometer...............994

Drying out! We awoke to the most beautiful sunshine, blue skies and fluffy happy cumulus clouds we have seen in a while. We have laid everything out to hang and drip dry in the sun as we everything is soaked to the core after those squalls. It looks at this point as though we have made a quick passage through the ITCZ. There is the possibility that it can actually balloon up in size and swallow you back in if it wants but we are hoping for the best. The winds and swell slowly crept their way around over the last 24 hours and as of 5pm today had officially made it around to the E/SE. We again are hoping that this is the SE trades for keeps and not just a little pocket of wind we have happened upon. If they were to keep up in this direction, it places us on nearly a direct line to sail to the Marquesas.

While it was so calm, we took the time to work on a few maintenance and minor repairs that we had accrued during the storms. There are little plastic lines called Dutchmen that weave intermittently up through the main sail. They help to stabilize it as you raise and lower the sail, helping to fold it up neatly when you are putting it away. One had broken in the storm and though it is a relatively easy fix, all projects on a bobbing boat take time. That solved we had time left to chat on the radio with our neighbor boats. We can report that all 3 boats are doing great and making great time with us. We have all begun to discuss just what each one has planned to celebrate their crossing of the equator.

Matthew has been fast at work making crowns for us to wear as we cross and hail the mighty King Neptune. Tomorrow we shall work on a trident. We have yet to decide on the libation to serve him and we still haven't decided on the special meal. Matthew requested shrimp but Tristan thought it may be in poor form to eat a creature from King Neptune's Sea. We are not sure if he would be honored or offended. Hmmmm something to ponder.

The sea is finally beginning to look more like Bruce and I envisioned it at this point. As the winds die out tonight, the sea is so flat, calm and peaceful. Bruce may get his wish of jumping in and swimming across the equator at this point. Tonight as I am writing the winds have died down to 5-8 kn. and we are gliding along at a simple 2 - 3 knots. We have noticed as well that we must be working against some pretty serious currents at this time since our measured speed in the water versus our speed over ground are always at least a knot different if not more. That is pretty significant. With a nearly full moon out and only the most brilliant stars showing in its presence, it is breathtaking. I am torn between starting the engine to keep us on our schedule and assure that we don't get stuck in the dulldrums or keeping the peace and enjoying this time.
It can be a fine balance sometimes between destination and journey.

until next time,
love lisa and the boys