February 10

Pretty sure the wind's been too strong for too long when Force 5 feels like a zephyr. Still too high with sea running for warm squishy body. KISS (wind generator) is happily spinning amps 'out the wazoo' (leaky repository for a variety of items). Conditions forecast lighter by Thursday into Friday. Atlantic pattern shift next week, easing Trades, may make movement along the DR and PR more agreeable for discerning sailors. May not. (For non-sailors, Trades along the Greater Antilles blow east,
blow strong and blow from where you want to go. Called the Thorny Path for a reason.)

Boat had gotten nearly as bad as previously owned Chevy van with 1/4 turn slop in steering. New cables stretch initially. Fix was reasonably easy. Getting there was not. Immutable law of cruising #27: Wherever you wish to get is below the largest pile of crap on the boat. This is also applicable to stored items such as your one can of Coco Lopez for that pina colada without which you just discovered an inability to survive. Spent better part of morning accomplishing task, made longer by desire
to have turk's head knot exactly top of wheel when rudder exactly centered. I normally don't do anal.

- Later

Bugger! Wind picked up again for post sunset return across harbour after obligatory happy hour. Happiness effectively dissipated.

Jack