Sand Dollar ran 151 miles since this time yesterday making this the best daily run. The wind has been a consistent 20 kts the past 24 hours so I am averaging 6.3 kts. The sky is overcast and I can see squall lines to the southwest The air temperature is 80=B0 and the water is 81=B0. The relative humidity is 77%, quite a change from Mexico. I expect the northeast trades to last for another day or two before I encounter the unsettled weather of the doldrums.

There are two boats 70-100 miles ahead of me, 3 or 4 that are 500 miles ahead and several 800 miles behind. We share weather information on the radio nets and make route decisions accordingly. Each evening I have been reporting to a ham radio net called the Pacific Seafarers who have a website where they post the locations of and weather conditions for those vessels that report. Only those with ham radio licenses can report their position.

The whole ham radio thing has been interesting. The sailors use it for reporting positions, sending messages, obtaining weather reports, ordering spare parts, etc. The "hamsters" use it as a hobby and try to make as many contacts as possible, however brief, all over the world when propagation conditions are good. They are a very friendly and helpful group and, during times of emergency, essential.

All is well onboard, although I am now out of fresh vegetables except the cabbage.