April 15

In recounting fun with grey water several days ago, obliquely referred to black water, AKA poop. What a delightful coincidence. After a few weeks of hinting darkly, the head, always a little mischievous, picked day of departure from San Cristobal to discontinue passing the aforementioned substance from porcelain receptacle to its intended and more appropriate location. This occasioned dismantling of significant bits of effected system. Most difficult hose in the boat to take out was culprit (rule #33). It provided entertainment all morning and early afternoon. Scale had reduced inch and a half orifice to a mere shadow of its former dimension so that numerous whacks with a rubber mallet created an impressive hill of grey/black slag on appropriately named poop deck. Reinstallation was far more challenging than removal, after which a quick trip into town for eggs and bread allowed weighing anchor at 1600 before good sense could suggest resting up to leave a day later.

Overnight passage should place next arrival late tomorrow morning. Expect a day or two in Villemil, San Isabela with penguins then on to Fatu Hiva.

After a few hours twelve knot beam wind quickly became nine knot beat. Held out well north of rhumb, until avoiding Isla Santa Fe became impossible without a tack, then awakened bilge monster. Availability of cheap fuel before the big jump made that decision easier and besides, I'm too pooped withal.

Jack