Monday, June 6

It worked. The front passed through, and I suppose it still is, but early this morning, we had winds in the high 20s for about three or four hours. We were going like a rocket. 7.5 knots, and really couldn't slow Proximity down. We had a double reefed main, and just a scrap of a headsail. The only way to go any slower would have been to drop the main, but why? She was built for this kind of sailing, and it was great. We don't usually see these kind of speeds though, because we prefer to run her easy. It's easier on the equipment. So, we had a high speed treat today! After a while, the wind eased up to the low 20s and has been there all day. We put in 129 miles yesterday. It feels good. We are now at the point where we can start bending our course for Dutch Harbor, but it too, has it's challenge. The wind is at our back on the starboard side. We are running as "deep" as we can. So, we cannot turn any further north, as it could gybe the mainsail, and that would be less than desired. For now, we sail as deep as we can making a course of about 035. The course we want is further north at 017, so we need the wind to change directions. It will, all in due time. If not, we can shift over to port tack, and go from there.

The seas are not so big, but they hit us such that we roll and bounce a lot. It is a rough ride today. It is sailing on a lively day! Umm.... let's see any cans today? Yes! There were chili beans at lunch. But at dinner there was a stir fry of fresh carrots and tofu. See? Even when it is rough, there can be civilized life. Of course, I have Elisabeth to thank for this civilization, and I can't say thank you enough for her in my life. I get a new crush on her every day. And I shaved! See? Told you!

We spent most of the day getting used to living on a bouncing carnival ride again, and solving a few navigation strategies. Chaika is still with us. We are on the move!

Be excellent to each other!

Rod and Elisabeth, "Your Rock and Roll Argonauts" "Les Pirates d'Honneur"