Ship's log

Lat 15 deg 42' S Lon 82 deg 00' E

Day's Run- 148 nm <250T S, 6-7 knots Seas 4 metres SE Breeze Beaufort 6 "Strong Breeze" - 22-28 kts

Our friend, Allison's definition of Adventure: "Misery times Duration". Merely as a reporter never a complainer some may refer to the last couple of days (and expected couple of weeks to follow) as an "Adventure".

It's amazing how 10 measly more knots of wind can colour a picture. The good news is we're making record breaking daily runs of over 150 nms under storm canvas only. We never topped 140 nm/day once, not once going kitty corner across the entire Pacific but this is the Indian Ocean and we had it coming.

Further good news is the starbolines (Pipper) has joined the Harbolines (Suppers) with solid sea legs (tummy). Really good news is galley remains OPEN despite safety concerns. One would think it would be homicide or suicide for either a Larbolin or Stabolin to repectively dream up a solid �" 4 square' hot meal. But now, bring on the challenge as the gourmet meals just keep coming: fajitas; fresh home-made yogurt; spaghetti paired with a special red wine; roast chicken with potatoes, onions and a side of sweet corn and coffee by the pot. Making tea is a scary deal in these conditions!

"Gentlemen do not go to weather". Agreed. Now running down 4-5 metre swells is great for �"ohhs' and �"ahhhs' and mileage excellent, but frankly wet in the cockpit and tough to stand or even sit below deck. It's not the regualr wave train now spaced at 30 metres apart but those odd ball SSW �"ers slamming into the windward port beam that gets ones attention. I'm not so sure that a gentleman would go this way either.



I still love standing in the cockpit watching Terrwyn's bow plunging and roaring through these seas or just lounging the hours away staring over the sea just watching it all go by. Here one now simply gets wet day and night, frankly shocking bucketsful one never knows when its coming... more time is spent below decks now.

Below decks every portal must be sealed, water tight. No breeze way now - a pity as at 28-30 degrees it would be nice; now it is more like a stuffy old sauna. There really is now escaping it and it get a little damper each day.

Good news is Terrwyn is on her feet and not complaining. She ran over a log yesterday - boom, boom, grump and then popped up in the wake ~ 6" X 20'. Reminicent of Canadian Pacific NW sailing. We still have our rudder and wind vane attached and expect our prop to turn when called upon - all credit to the Pacific Seacraft toughness. Not an U.F.O. (Unidentified Floating Object) but a long way out here... go figure??

Good news again. Terrwyn's library has been overloaded via Cocos cruisers BBQ Beach exchange and our berth remains dry.

Yes, Allison, we are having an Adventure and soon we shall be over halfway there. Neptune willing.

See photo of Scups in the cockpit 'enjoying' the Indian Ocean slammers.