I've just finished my morning watch and witnessed a wonderful sunrise just off the starboard stern. The northernmost coast of Guatemala is slightly visible, but somewhat hazy in early the morning dew. We had a bit of coffee left over from Costa Rica, and it literally brought a smile to my face as I slowly knocked back sip after sip, enjoying the fresh, cool morning breeze on my bare face and legs.

Fortunately my watch schedule allows me to observe two of nature's greatest gifts, the end of day, and the beginning. The sun rises and falls every day and I have been lucky enough to be a part of this transition for the past two days. I greatly anticipate sunrise each day as it brings me a new day, a fresh start, and time to reflect on the prior day, or what may or may not happen today. Sunrise is definitely my favorite part of the day. It is unfortunate the majority of our society does not regularly witness this phenomenon as I truly believe it brings out the best of us.

We are currently about 40 miles from Puerto Madero, Mexico, the last place to stop before we duck our heads and race across the Gulf of Tehuantepec. We have been monitoring the local weather quite closely and have until this afternoon to make our final decision. For now, I will continue to enjoy the warming of the sun, and possibly make a second cup of coffee.