Day 3 -Things are slowing down
15 July 2009 | Pacific Ocean
Scott
Position: 28 57.1202'N: 157 42.7438'W Distance covered in the last 24 hours: 133 miles Conditions: 8 - 12 knots of wind out of the NE and partly cloudy skies.
As I head north closer to the Pacific High the winds are starting to get lighter. Winds have decreased down to 8 - 12 knots and seas are calm. I still enjoy these conditions as the boat still sails at about 5-6 knots and the ride is very smooth and much flatter than I had for the first couple of days. The calmer weather has given me a chance to do a couple of boat projects that needed some attention. The gray water pump needed a new impeller and the head had a leak that needed a new seal. Knock on wood the boat is performing well and everything is working.
One of my concerns on doing this passage solo was whether I would get enough rest. So far conditions have allowed for me to get sleep when I need it. Last night while dozing the alarm on the radar went off and there were not one but two boats on the screen. I passed the first one fairly quickly and I suspect it was a sailboat headed back to the mainland. The second boat appears to be some sort of a fishing vessel and is still about 5 miles west of me tracking on the same course and speed. I wish he would go away as I don't feel comfortable sleeping while he is so close. My excitement for the morning was when I sailed past what appeared to be one of the elusive glass fishing floats everyone talks about finding in the middle of the pacific. I rolled up the headsail and then motored back to it only to find that it was a plastic fishing float. I still have a lot of miles to go so maybe I will find one yet.
I am feeling more like a warrior today so the fishing lines are back out and hopefully I will catch something.
Hope all is well with everyone back home.
Scott