Still a little jet-lagged. Today was spent storing gear and finding equipment that I will need during North Star’s refit here in Las Palmas. While I am busy here my dear wife, Shan, is flying to Portland to see relatives and friends for two weeks. There is a nine-hour time difference between here and Portland.

When we make the crossing we will undergo a five-hour time change to keep up with diurnal changes most specifically daylight. Each day the three of us will be standing 8 hours on watch, although we haven’t decided for this trip, before we have used 3 hours in dark and 5 hours in daylight for each us. The night watches seem to be the most challenging because you can’t see much. On the other hand, they are fascinating because you might the phosphorescent trail of a dolphin or big fish racing around the hull.

The photo shows the interior of North Star looking forward showing the interior helm, a small table on the left, farther forward left is the galley and head, and by the white mast are two berths that we use at sea. Near the mast and the center of buoyancy, these berths are the best hope we have for sleeping in rough weather.

Monday we will haul North Star to conduct a marine survey in order to renew insurance. Ironically, I pay to have the boat checked so the insurance company is less likely to have to make a payout! I will also get the underhull cleaned, zincs checked, wind vane mount checked and new alternator installed — hopefully out and back in by the end of the day. So I had better get to work!