November 3

Crossed 180 degrees east just before noon. Perhaps because there is no 180 west the meridian, so distinctly charted on maps, only shows up while traveling in the opposite direction. There would, of course, be a completely separate and possibly more nefarious reason for not sighting the equator.

Wind died in wee hours precipitating the grumble of diesels all over this patch of Pacific. Subsequent to advice from weather router, some expedition is considered necessary to outrun a low bringing adverse conditions after Sunday. Quietude has returned for now, but frontal passage Friday unfortunately requires off-track run to west for predicted southwest shift on backside. Appears that Monday arrival now working hypothesis as Freezing Rain has offered extra diesel if necessary.

Thought drifter was done for duration, but light pre-frontal wind backing through stern (sound vaguely redundant?) over next 36 hours has given it renewed reason to live. Invigorated momentum has allowed moving ahead of proffered diesel yacht so some burning of additional fuel will not be required to keep up with his normally faster pace thus making more diesel a necessity. Explanation of foregoing apparent logic anomaly must defer to wider forum and acquisition of two, possibly three, chalkboards.

Jack

PS Apologies to the formerly animate Patrick O'Brien