Trip Log: 1949 nautical miles. 1673 nautical miles to go.

Flying fish count: Five (four of which were much larger than usual).

At about 2am this morning, the distance traveled became greater than the distance to go. The total distance is a little over 3,600 nautical miles, which is close to 4,000 statute miles. We passed 110 degrees west this afternoon, and we'll have done 2,000 nautical miles sometime within the next 10-15 hours.

Our experience with the flying fish is getting a little reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". We come under attack at night. After the amazing experience of last night, with large flying fish impacting the metal fittings of the rear archway, safety rails, and the steering wheel at high velocity, sounding like ricocheting bullets, we're wondering if we shouldn't wear helmets and protective eyewear. And now they're coming inside! We have hatches open on deck for ventilation, and discovered several flying fish in bed with us. The smell is delightful, of course---and when you're asleep, you're not aware that you're rolling over a fishy bedmate and crushing it onto the sheets and your skin. Eau de Muff, anyone? We considered putting up the mosquito netting, but at the speed they move, they'd go right through it.

When Sal wondered where her hot cross buns were on good Friday, I suggested inking some crosses on my butt cheeks and wiggling them at her. At least it got a laugh.

The crew is staggering a bit under the load of hand steering. Sleep is much more precious. Luckily, the 30 or 40 book tapes I managed to load onto my iPod before departure are now really being appreciated. The helmsman/woman is plugged in most of the time.

Two days of hand steering down, only 11 or 12 to go!