May 10
10 May 2011 | Off Shore
Joan
We have a visit from an old friend from SE Alaska.....rain, drizzle, fog! The only difference was that I wasn't shivering, but cooled off. The wind has died down to nothing. We have been motoring most of the day. We have just enough now to open the sails so we are coasting along at 2-3 knots. At least it's quiet now! Besides. I want the engine to cool and check the oil. I just changed it and want to make sure all is well. With the calm weather, I played Suzie Home-Maker; still enthralled with our new stove. We had a nice brunch of hash browns, bacon, eggs, and French toast. Then I made a batch of muffins for snacks. If it's nice tomorrow, more goodies from the oven! We are making progress along our new course-line, heading just east of Funafuti. We may stop, or just keep going on to Fiji. We have about 1420 miles to Savusavu, Fiji. We are even getting some easting accomplished with these light winds. We are still plagued with an occasional squall, with mixed seas and wind in the 25-30 knot range. We dare not shake out the second reef, especially at night until we are sure we are south of the convergence zone. We may not go fast, but we won't be breaking gear in sudden wind. Besides, I dislike being out at the mast at night with the rail in the water, stubbing my toes in the dark, and getting tangled in the jackline when I can be tucked in at the companionway with a good book, munching snacks, and being smug about reefing before dark.