Days at sea completed: 14

Distance sailed in the last 24 hours (nm): 120 Distance sailed total (nm): 1803 Distance to go until French Polynesia, as the crow flies (nm): 881

Wind Speed & Direction (knots): E 6-7 Waves (ft): s 4 swell

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

MARK: We are finally sailing again, headed straight for the Marquesas, but at a very slow pace! Even though we are south of the Equator, the wind is still very light. We could motor faster than we are sailing, but we wouldn't have nearly enough fuel to get to our destination. We are a sailboat, after all, so we sail, no matter that sailing at only 3-4 knots can drive a man crazy!

The big event on board yesterday, just before 7pm, was crossing the Equator! Dee and I have both transitioned now from pollywogs to shellbacks - I'll let you google that one. Of course, as is tradition, we had a little celebration on board with some rum for us, some shared with Neptune, a bit sprinkled on the bow for Speakeasy, and a dash over the stern as a toast to our last offshore boat, Salacia. Thanks to our many friends on shore who let us know that they toasted along with us! I was quite disappointed that I couldn't see the line in the water when we crossed! And, the toilet still swirls in the same direction.

Then, it was back to work. Although we had to motor much of the day yesterday, last evening, we found enough wind to start slowly sailing along. Since the seas are quite flat, even a little bit of wind will keep us moving. We motored a few hours overnight, and are sailing again now this morning. The weather forecast is for slowing building winds today. It doesn't look like we will have much more than 15 knots for the rest of the trip, but it does look like we may have some more rain and squally weather before we reach the Marquesas - gee thanks! But, it is all worth it as within 7-9 days we should see those magical islands pop up over the horizon!

DEANNA: Imagine a living space 42 feet by 21 feet, with a 360 degree ever-changing water view. No neighbours! Absolute privacy! 3 bedroom/2 bath. Sunken private master bedroom and bath on one side, and sunken guest and storage space on the other. Large covered outdoor living space, with built in seating on two levels. Great open plan kitchen and dining/living area on main level. Solar panels, electronics, water maker and tank, septic system, refrigeration, propane stove and bbq, combined washer-dryer, heat and air-conditioning on site (maintenance not provided).

Extremely remote location! Without access to services, such as garbage collection and recycling, and hospital and health care providers. Without access to amenities like walking paths, gyms or recreational facilities, as well as pharmacy, grocery and other stores. Overwhelmed by choices? Love staying at home? This is the simple life at its best.

Constant motion! Movement may be akin to an endless jerky roller coaster ride, or free floating gently in a backyard pool. Free abdominal workout! Motion may be physically and mentally exhilarating or exhausting.

Constant noise! Sounds may be low and purring, or banging-clanging-and abrupt. Peaceful sleep may be induced, or nerve damage may take place.

Constant attention required! Living space requires at least one person to be alert and on duty 24 hours a day. Physical and mental fatigue may result. Day shifts may provide jumping dolphins and night shifts may bring glorious moonlit views or ominous squalls.

Constant maintenance required! Monitoring and repair of living space and its systems is necessary. Spare parts and instruction manuals may or may not be provided. Successful repairs may earn you McGyver status.

The ultimate in seclusion! No television, radio, phone, social media, or the Internet. Communication limited to daily outgoing posts to a blog site and costly satellite email. Face to face communication takes place with significant other only, and generally limited to 11am-8pm when you are both awake. The ultimate couple's retreat, with separate sleeping arrangements!

100% commitment required! No opt out clause. Conditions may or may not allow for eating, sleeping, bathing, grooming and self-care. Lose weight and enjoy a no-fuss, hardly get dressed routine every day!

Destination French Polynesia! Conditions, schedule and time frame UNKNOWN.

Scary or exciting? Tension or bliss? Confinement or freedom? Insanity or adventure? YOU decide.

Can you imagine?