Making a bit slower progress these last two days, the winds have lightened considerably. Then again after, racing along in 20-30 knots winds the other night everything seems slow. The equator is in sight, we've been seeing the signs, as we go, Latitude 4, Equator 240 miles, Latitude 3, Equator 180 miles. Always been curious, is there a big line in the ocean?. You would never know we are approaching 0 latitude by the weather. The evenings have actually been a bit cooler, though still in shorts and a tank top. The water temperature peaked at about 92 degrees, but now is down to a cool 90.7.

Last night we had a BBQ in the back yard. We Q'd up three nice steaks and complimented those with red potatoes in a chive butter sauce, along with a home made carrot salad Pete made, and of course a bottle of Cabernet--Mmmm good. Love BBQ'ing a 1000 miles from my real backyard.

It has been raining for the last 15 hours, so all our below catching up on reading, writing journals, emails......It has been coming down pretty good, out trusty helmsman, Passpartout, keeps us on course in the rain and wind, never complaining at all. They say this is called a monsoonal trough, feels like a monsoon. Boat has been dry below, a few little drips, but know worries. Most from the dampness is really coming from the tropical moisture in general.

When it isn't raining, the stars have been beautiful at night, even seeing some new constellations, but have yet to spot the Southern Cross. The big Dipper is getting lower and lower in the sky, the north star is not even visible anymore as it is just too low in the sky.

We have less than a 1000 miles to go, I think after we cross equator, we should be 5-7 days out depending on wind. We are already starting to layout the various islands we want to stop in the Marquesas group, will probably try 3-4. will fill you in as we research more.

John