Second night out and we are slowly easing back into passage routines. Today was still quite bumpy and everyone laid low reading, listening to talking books or watching wildlife documentaries...(initially typed wildwife documentaries, that could make an interesting tv series!). This afternoon a series of backgammon games was played and the sourkey candy stakes begin anew. We didn't find any in Hilo and it looks as though we will be doing a Costco run on our return to buy a big bag or two to settle up debts.

This evening after sundowners and supper Fi and I turned in leaving Nina on watch and Cam and Nay reading. Nay was woken early this morning for the dawn watch and all three took turns watching today. It makes a huge difference splitting up our watches like this and the night watches have become something to look forward to as we are usually well rested and it's a great quiet time for reading, writing or watching a movie. The days prior to departure on a long passage are always a busy time making sure we've got all the provisions and spares we need, or may need, and working on all the stuff that needs to be maintained or repaired. Lists are made, some items crossed off and others added, new lists drawn up. When the lines are cast off it always a relief to have the preparation part over with and to settle into the fun part.

Did my usual tour of the boat before sundown and all looks good. Chafe on the sails and lines is the big enemy on these ocean passages, and it doesn't take long for a line to chafe through if not noticed. I also do a quick check of the stays and fittings, rudders and autopilot. Everything is working all the time with the motion of the ocean, way different to the sailing we do among the islands back home.

Great Uncle Merry, or Gumerry, continues to tirelessly steer us along. En route to the South Pacific we read aloud the Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper and Gumerry is one of the Old Ones on the side of the Light. Neen, Nay and Cam wanted, because the autopilot is black, to name it The Dark Lord. The skipper having a somewhat superstitious bent and not wanting to be steered through the night by the forces of the Dark vetoed that suggestion and Gumerry it is.

The moon has just set with about an hour an a half to sunrise. Full moon is in a week giving us mainly moonlit nights for at least two thirds of the passage. Not something we planned but we'll take it. Even with Gumerry in charge it's nice to be able to see the waves and make out where the squalls are. So for now we float along at 7 knots with 15 knot winds just forward of the beam...just the way we like it!