Seas and wind have been steadily building and we are hauling butt at 9-11+kn with 20kn out of the E SE. I'd go into more detail, but I don't want to jinx us. Let's just say that the weather has been cooperating to the fullest.

This afternoon we noticed that the port jib sheet has been seriously rubbing on the spinnaker pole and needed some attention. We put our heads together and designed some chafing gear by taking a piece of leather, wrapping it tight, tying it on, and taping it up. As you can see, it turned out not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. This took us the greater part of the afternoon.

Dad was reading a book and I was performing a self-pedicure when he mentioned, with out looking up, that we were probably about half way. I told him to let me finish my left foot then I'd check. Well, wouldn't cha know? He was right on. I checked out the chart plotter and we were at exactly 1,500nm to go. We clinked glasses, proposed a toast for a safe and pleasant second half and went about our business.

It's nice to be where you are. I have had the self-inflicted misfortune of being concerned with relationships or responsibilities that I could do nothing about on the water except over analyze and worry. This has slightly restricted me from fully experiencing some of my sailing and traveling adventures. How can you truly enjoy yourself if your mind is somewhere else? You can't. Dad, on the other hand, has always had a time schedule to contend with. If he didn't need to get himself in position for work, he needed to be at some airport at a specific time to pick up/drop off a friend or relative. We talked about how this is the first time we've been out to sea without land-based distractions. It is liberating beyond belief.

Some of you have asked where in the Marquesas are we going. We check in at Hiva Oa, will probably hang there until after my birthday and then hop around to other islands (like Nuku Hiva) later in the month.

Winds are picking up and shifting now. I'm gonna go check the sails.

Cheers to Sora, who takes care of us even when we're not paying attention Cass

1381nm to go