We got through the Gulf Steam last although we got pushed east a bit faster than desired which resulted in a much longer and rougher
crossing. The expected 30 knots has definitely arrived but only after 4 straight hours of almost continuous squalls and wind shifts last
night. It was a rough night - today is overcast and colder and blowing a solid 30 knots right now with only occasional gusts to 40-ish.
We're on a broad reach with a triple reefed main and the staysail and we're absolutely flying (8-10 knots) with a pretty smooth ride - on
track to break 200 miles today. With all the wind direction changes in the last 24 hours the sea state is only now beginning to build and is
currrently only around 10 feet. It'll get worse as the day progresses but then the wind will moderate. We might have to reduce sail a bit
more soon. All in all, I think riding this weather has been successful. The biggest issues is the rain - it's POURING and blowing in from
astern so we've mostly taken shelter below.

Oh, and we have a small bird (gold finch?) who landed this morning. it's wet, cold and exhausted but still moving pretty well. We're
feeding it and will try to keep it alive but I'm not optimisitic. We're 130 miles offshore already and I doubt it could find it's way back so it's
only hope is to stay with us. We'll see.