The Captain announced we were close enough to walk the rest of the way. Crew pointed out that although he might be able to walk on water the rest of us could not. And none of us can swim that far, so we're sticking with Surprise. We still have small challenges. The equatorial current on average runs a little over 1.1 knots west. We have had over 2 knots of current for three days-yesterday it was almost 3 knots due west. Hvia Oa is to the southwest of us but in order to stay on course we have to point east of due south. Somewhat like ferrying a whitewater stream. This means that the nice easy reach we had hoped for is closer to the wind, hence the waves as well. Waves wash over the boat regularly, so the hatches have to be kept closed. And it is HOT down below.

Then since the northern edge of the ITCZ didn't have much convection, Mother Nature decided to move some south to give us a final lick'in. Steve and AJ seem to attract squalls on their watches; Susan and John have had better luck so far. Radar helps us track the squall path, and determine whether it will pass behind us or bring heavier wind and rain. The rain is actually welcome, to wash some of the accumulated salt off the boat and rigging, (not to mention crew whose designated shower day is yesterday or tomorrow.)

Crew have found this trip most enlightening and inspiring. Both now aspire to the lofty lifetime goal of being able to emulate the Captain's ability to sail the boat from anywhere in it while lying flat on his back. Those of you who have crossed the Pacific with him on races are well aware of his ability to sense what needs doing; and you're no doubt familiar with that white head popping up out of the companionway just as you're contemplating your next move. . Well, he's in cruising mode now, folks, so he just calls his suggestions up from his bunk, or mumbles something from the leeward lazarette, sometimes without even opening his eyes. For a while we thought it might be useful for him to have all the computer readouts mounted on the back of the nav station and the stern of the boat, so he could see them as he reclined, but it turns out that would be superfluous.