Days at sea completed: 13

Distance sailed in the last 24 hours (nm): 124 (motor sailing) Distance sailed total (nm): 1682 Distance to go until French Polynesia, as the crow flies (nm): 1001

Wind Speed & Direction (knots): ENE 5 Waves (ft): flat with long 5' S swell

--- See the map on our blog for our current location---

MARK: Since there has been no wind (at all) here in the ITCZ we continue to motor leisurely along. But, we are DEFINITELY not complaining. After the romping sail to get here, motoring along in flat seas, with no wind, and under blue skies is like being on holiday. We have been getting amazing sleeps and feel very rested this morning. As I write this, I'm sitting munching on some great bacon as Dee whips up french toast. We don't eat like this all the time when it is rough!

Later on today, just before sunset, which will probably be another amazing show, we should be crossing the Equator. This assumes that there will be no major weather changes before then. But, since there isn't a cloud within 100 miles of us, hopefully I am correct. I estimate our crossing time at about 7pm PDT (0200Z) so think of us about then. If you are having a drink, you can raise a toast along with us. We'll be drinking rum, sharing some with Neptune, splashing a bit on Speakeasy, and eating chocolate!

The weather files tell me that by Monday evening we should have enough wind to sail again. Then, it will be a straight shot to the Marquesas, just under 1000 miles away!

All is good on board Speakeasy!

DEANNA: It's just after 1am, and I'm sipping my Matcha green tea in the cockpit. Speakeasy's motor is contently purring away beneath me as we power through the sea on a calm night. One of my favourite songs, Coldplay's "Sky Full of Stars" starts playing, and I gaze up at the Big Dipper. The night sky is full, so very full, of starsÉmore than I can count, see or imagine. They're spaced apart, clustered and bright, bright, bright - I am without words to describe the night sky. I inhale and slowly drink in the wonder and beauty. Indeed, it is "such a heavenly view."

I am filled with gratitude in moments like these. I have many, many moments - hours, in fact - to gaze upon the stars. I breathe deeply, and I feel my body settle. I am where I am meant to be. This moment - on a boat in the middle of a vast, open ocean - is perfect. I'm blessed to be alive. And I am blessed to feel the indescribable wonder of this experience. And of my existence. I take another full, slow breath. I feel my alivenessÉfully. This is it. Now.

Ohmmmmm! There's some Zen for you. Brought to you by Jaga Silk Matcha Green Tea and the Zen Colouring app. I know that some of you will further connect with me, others will laugh, and many will do a bit of both.

Truly, aren't each of us reaching, striving, doing and searching, in some way, to more fully feel our aliveness? Well, out here, it's clear and simple. Slow down. Breathe. Feel. And take another deep breath. Gaze upon a sky full of stars. And just beÉ