Position: 34 degrees, 19 minutes south; 176 degrees, 12 degrees east
We’re solidly in day two. We did 112 miles yesterday using only the jib. We’re taking it easy getting into the rhythm and have not even set the mainsail yet. No need since the wind is cooperating although we could have done an extra 20 miles or so if we had added the main, but with a lot more boat handling effort. It’s been blowing between 12 and 20 and we’ve been averaging 5 knots more or less. I’m guessing tomorrow will be mainsail set day. The wind is already clocking and we’ve gone from dead downwind to a reach (with the wind coming across the port side). Tomorrow looks to clock some more and lighten a bit, so we’ll need the main to keep course and speed. But in the meantime it’s been a pleasure to not do anything. We set the wind vane and jib when we left the coast and have pretty much not touched anything.
One distraction is the radio nets. They can be tedious but also fun. We’ve caught up with a few friends and yesterday did an interesting relay. Our friends on Astarte who went north to the Marshalls for the cyclone season are coming back south and heading for Vanuatu. On yesterday’s net they were 60 miles out from their destination and about 1200 miles or more from our location. The net control was in Hawaii. He couldn’t hear them but we could so we had a chance to chat with Astarte and do the relay between them at 1400 miles and Hawaii which is 3600 miles away. Shortwave radio is interesting stuff.
It’s been chilly – we’re wearing all our clothes, hats and gloves, but today was a nice sunny day. We’re hoping for stars tonight since the moon is about gone and without the stars there’s absolutely nothing to see.
Had a brief dolphin escort today around 1530 and an albatross sighting earlier in the day but other than that it’s been pretty basic. Rolling like crazy, bumps bruises, reading books, eating the last of the leftover first night stew, searching for those annoying noises that can keep you awake, but all in all it is nice to be back on a voyage. There’s something the just feels good about being out here just doing this. Maybe I’ll figure it out in the days to come and be able to tell you.
Catch your easting while you can. The northwesterlies are with you for 24-36 then should be a sleigh ride and back to the jib only. Savusavu is just waiting for you. Had the fun dance with immigration and customs yesterday. Keep the wind abaft and enjoy the trip.
Just to keep you updated with Margie Dr….. Tiger has been spending a lot of time with us. Almost nightly he comes over to visit. Of course he likes Lon the best and Wednesday night spent 40 to 45 minutes in his lap. (I know, I never thought of Lon as a cat person either) Today (Friday) we just got back from Josh’s fire academy graduation in Chico and hadn’t even turned off the car when tiger reappeared. I think he has gotten used to watching for our car. Also, Jen is here for a few weeks and tiger is getting spoiled. Josh moves home on Tuesday so we will have a full house again. I hope you have fair winds all the way to Fiji!