Day 19
04 June 2016 | Passage from Marshall Islands to Alaska
Rod
Saturday, June 4
Ok, it was really good drifting for the first half of the day with drift speeds of up to 3 plus knots, all on course toward our destination. Then, shortly after lunch, something remarkable happened. We felt a little breeze and remarked to each other that we just might be able to sail it. So, we tried, and soon, we were gliding along at 5 to 6 knots. The forecast shows the winds to be just as light today as yesterday, and just as light tomorrow. According to the reports, we are not supposed to have sailing wind until Monday afternoon. So, then, we are sailing. Will it last until Monday when a big blow to the north of us is supposed to pass over? We hope so, but don't know. Either way, it is a wonderful thing, and we have covered as much in the past 3 hours as we did in 12.
Then, it has been foggy and overcast. very foggy and overcast, and nothing but foggy and overcast. The sky has turned blue, and the sun has come out, and it is actually warm. This is getting good, isn't it? Then, just to keep things interesting, we got a contact on the AIS. It was a tanker named "Yayoi Express". Out of ?? but bound for Balboa, and we are on converging courses. So, we talk. He turns out to be a very nice man, sounded like an Indian accent, and he was very curious about us being out on such "a grand expedition". "Just you and your wife? I hope she is not a first time sailor." "How old are you?" It was great and we chatted for a while and promised to try and get visual on each other at closest point of approach. We did - at a distance of about 10 miles. Another friendly radio call, and then we all bid each other (Elisabeth and I and a number of people on their bridge) bon voyage, got a weather report, and "call me if there is anything I might do for you." So we made friends for an afternoon. In the middle of the sea. A lovely day, and we have covered 61 miles since this time yesterday. It might not sound like much, but remember that we drifted all night long with no sails up at all. We are doing ok, I think. All best and hugs to all of you.
As always, be excellent to each other.
Rod and Elisabeth, "Your Rock and Roll Argonauts" "Les Pirates d'Honneur"