5 am local
pos:7d 28 S - 116d 17 W
swog/cog: 7kts @ 260d
wind 20kts from SE
Distance to Hiva Oa 1329nm. Less than 10 days if the gods are with us.
Hi guys, assuming evan got there!
Still dark in this parts. So close to the equator that the Sun rises straight up from the ocean. Transition night /day in a few minutes essentially no dawn. The moon is still up but just about to set. There is enough wind and waves that outside is not all that welcoming, although Nathaniel spends some time every morning on top of the dog house meditating/listening to music. All hatches and portholes, are closed (forward), or cracked open, to have a cross breeze. The closing sequence for the hatches is the following:
1. all hatches/portholes are opened (except fwd cab always closed)
2. spray comes through to saloon hatch (first hatch), just some drops,
3. few gentle swear words
4. easy wipe with sponge
5. spray was not convincing enough to shut hatch, so hatch is partially closed but left sufficiently open to let the breeze in
6. a little later a larger wave hits side of boat
7. now convincing water comes down hatch
8. many strong swear words
9. requires sponge clean up with sponge "squeeze"
10. go to 8. several times and exit loop when water removed but
11. might have done irreparable damage: salt water on cushions for instance is irreparable; the cushion will be for ever wet
12. time for out of the box thinking: the fix include wrapping up the cushion with garbage bags duck taped together which isolates salt water from person on cushion (a plus) but probably encourages the development of sophisticated and complex ecosystems inside the cushion (not necessarily a plus). Some other fixes have been implemented like Nathaniel's patented spray hood ( a piece of ply kinda wedged on the side of the saloon hatch in the general average direction of the incoming spray - inventor swears by it, concerned citizens are not quite as impressed)
13. repeat sequence for all hatches/portholes moving aft but, before end:
14. run out of swear words so become zen about incoming sea water spray
-Alan

3:51pm
Hey Ma,
I was sitting at the computer and thought I'd send you a little update.

It's a lovely day today: breezy and sunny. Very consistent with the crossing so far. We're going about 7 knots over ground- still feeling the generous current. We have less than 1,300 miles to go which means I might get to celebrate my birthday in a tropical paradise. If not I'll have to settle for my own little aluminum paradise of which I've become so familiar.

We're very much settled into the voyage mentality. I've put Faulkner on the back burner indefinitely and just started "A Voyage Long and Strange" by Tony Horwitz. Have you read it? I'm only 50 pages in but it's very good so far. It discusses the European discovery of the Americas pre-Mayflower. The section I've just finished was about the vikings who made temporary settlements in Newfoundland and across the Gulf of St. Lawrence. I very much enjoy his narration. I wish you were here to talk to me about it.

How is Evan? We tried to call you guys with the Iridium the other day but you didn't pick up. ...

We have made a tentative course change. Instead of first arriving in Hiva Oa we have decided to make landfall in The Bay of Virgins, Fatu Hiva (google it if you're in the mood for envy). From there we can sail north to Nuku Hiva, which is the most explorable island- full of good anchorages and dramatic beauty. We were thinking we could pick you up there instead of the Tuamotus. There is supposed to be a beautiful anchorage only a short ways from the airstrip one the northern side of the island. I think it would be a shame for you to miss out on the Marquesas all together. The sail from Nuku Hiva to the Tuamotus looks to be fairly easy. Only about a 4 day sail. Anyway just some things to think about.

I hope you enjoying the end of your semester. just remember in a couple week time you'll be done with grading and enjoying the tropical sun of the south pacific.

peace and love

Nathaniel