The first two weeks of this our longest crossing in our entire circumnavigation is proving to be typical Trade Wind sailing. Once we found the Trade Winds, that is. We worked hard to get there through extremely light airs from various points of the compass. Now that we are having day after day of perfect wind direction, ESE/SE, and speed, 15-20 knots, we are getting spoiled.

The days blend into each other with highs and lows depending on activities. We impatiently wait for the end of our sailing day at noon to discover where we are on the chart and how far we sailed in the last 24 hours. Our noonsite is always a highlight of our day and often wagers are made and fortunes lost or won.

Our cribbage tournaments have become sources of great joy (or sorrow) and we look forward to the next day's event with great glee. The end of a book read creates a stir every few days with a few minutes of entertainment with the reader sharing highlights. (Problem is looming as the source of books is dwindling. Gulp. We may have to dig out the rusting Kindle which neither of us approve of or appreciate).

Great excitement occurred a few days ago which will be remembered and revisited as we sail along. Probably embellished with each telling. As we were hoisting the drifter to be twinned with the jib it, the drifter, suddenly ripped away from the halyard. The sail slid down the luff and landed in a pile on the foredeck. Luckily we were able to diagnose the problem and dig out our handy Port Townsend Sails ditty bag (thanks Mike and Allison) and Bill worked diligently sewing the sail back to it's rightful place. Sturdy sail needles, tough waxed cotton thread and leather palm was all he needed (my arthritic hands can't take it). After a couple of hours of diligent sewing we were able to hoist the drifter and she has been flying beautifully ever since.

Who knows what will create the next highlight in this long crossing?