After four days of good wind, we are now motor sailing in a 5 knot breeze from the NW. That "good wind" included a night of 25-30 knots with gusts to 35 knots over several hours. We were sailing with a triple reefed main only. It was pretty intense and very tiring. We expected 20-25 knots as the low pressure system moved over us. Then suddenly the wind shifted from the SW to the W, also expected, and calmed down to 15 knots. We were able to set Monty and rest for the remainder of the night. So be careful what you yell for.

We had it easy compared to friends we are in contact with on single side band. John and Tammy and their 2 teenage children on board Shamrock were tied up next to us in Hilo. They had come from the Galapagos, and are headed for Juneau Alaska. They left Hawaii after us and lost their drive shaft, so are only able to sail. They have been monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Julio, and trying to avoid it as much as possible. But of course storms change course, or not, and as it turns out, they are just 160 NM from Julio's epicenter. We have been in contact with them twice a day to help provide support. We will keep you posted.