O.K.!!Again I try! Hello this is sailing vessel Gabriella on our 9th day of a long crossing! The wind is great today a teady 9 knots we are trveling at to make up for some of our dead beat time. Here is some History........... Well may I try again this time God will you please help me get this posted. You see it is difficult to type on the rolling seas and my attempts to save my text is nil. I have more challenges than the ocean! Enough of that on to our story. We are into the beginning of our 8th day having just covered 963 miles. Gabriella departed the Galapagos Islands Feb. 22 2008. at 10 :22 a.m. hearing the sound of the anchor chain marks the beginning of a diverse journey. I have been prepared by God we now sailing to the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific a few miles from home.In a circle of prayer with grateful hearts we ask for guidance protection and care thanking God for our families and friends to watch over all our loved ones He will provide for our ever need. In Him do we believe Jesus.The sails are up the fishing lines out lunch has been served and Pastor James has been heard. A 2 knot plus current not in our favor is making our journey look even longer from the start. Frigate birds are playing frustrating Trevor by flying off with his lures so nicely being trolled.The line flopping in the wind is eventually dropped the bird was never hooked just looking for lunch.These other tiny birds are fluttering around Gabriella bouncing across the calm sea. The deep blue sea is clear with rays jumping off in the distance. San Christabal is fading away behind the cloud filled horizon.The day is past 5 p. m. has rolled around and it is exercise time up on the trampolines.Isla Isabella is in site covered by a grey haze with pale yellow piercing its way through the clouds.The rays of the setting sun looks to me as the light Of God coming down from heaven.A feeling of tranquility and wonder washes over me as I listen to the sound of Gabriella gliding across the rolling hills of the sea. Day 2.... I am remembering the orange glow of the moon rising last night and the brightness of a star in the cloudy sky and looking out into the romantic visible night sea to commune with God. Morning has come the sun is bright the day is clear along with the water.The contrary current has let up some and by gauging our fuel we will motor another 24 to 48 hours we are in the doldrums meaning no wind.We are crossing the Pacific on the classic route heading south where the trade winds are more consistent and the currents favorable.Shane says " we are on the back roads looking for the freeway" Captain Ted says it is not a good time for a progress report. You see we have traveled about 60 of our 3,000 mile journey. Day 3... Lord show me your Glory and You have ! Today is Sunday starting the day with pancakes Chrisi style! Out in the distant is a pod of whales! Maybe 20 many whales diving under and surfacing. Soon after the pod squad of pods of porpoise 100 plus jumping in joy until the marlin hit our trolling lines and our attention was now on reeling him in.Praise be to God what a morning! The sunset was just as spectatulaiar with light on the puffy clouds reflecting them off the water a golden light was shining from every direction. A ship went past on the horizon heading west reminding us we are not alone out on the vast ocean.Tonight the stars are reflecting on the water forming a hypnotic dance alluring my soul once more to the beauty of our Creator. The rising moon laid out a golden path to heaven it was a wonderful night to dream while on the calm sea a time to remember. Day 4........Engines are off and we are under total sail power!Our happy puffy clouds are still with us. Trevor is doing his school work and I have had a break through with understanding the instruments aboard and basic navigation I have hopes of learning more. Ted is doing a sun shot and Shane is enjoying being at the helm.The sky is cloudy and a we have our first rainbow today. Flying fish are jetting across the water and fun to watch.Life is starting to change as Gabriella is starting to pound with the increased unusual N.W.wind of 10 to 15 reefing the main for the night.It is a dark night and the wind increase to 22 and Gabriella's speed is up to 9.2 knots it is getting darker.Ted and Shane reef the main and jib sail more to slow us down. It is cold and the horizon black. Day 5...Morning has come the wind subsided time to clean up disheveled Gabriella.What to expect when sailing in rough seas is water from forgotten hatches and items on the floor even on a cat things get tossed about . Thank God no people were flung all are well. Mind you we have our complaints. Head aches . Dramamine as a friend, sunburn lips sore backs many aches and pains cut here and there,but nothing to complain about as we are all healthy and grateful for the good condition all are in including Gabriella.We have had a few minor repairs a fan and a latch today. Today's fish report 1 young dolphin mahi-mahi this morning.As was for laundry it needs to be done if my shorts fall off they will stand on their own! Day 6....It was nice to see the stars for a brief moment early this morning .The sun rose behind many clouds and it is raining.We continue to motor as the wind is inconsistent heading south looking for those tradewinds you read about.We are in a convergence zone and the wind is flukie! Fish report 4 Bonita total today with 2 yellow fin tuna. We just passed through a wicked squall our top speed was 10 knots. A gust broke a pin on sail another repair to be done. Day 7...We are waiting on the Lord . More rain, grey, rain, all are quiet and sleeping much. My enthusiasm has definitely dwindled. All are quiet. Ah at sunset please Lord "let there be light " and yes we can see it ! Hello Lord, stirring smiles and conversation the storms are passing and wind is becoming steady we can see the light! This 7th day has been the most difficult for me it was all I could do just to hold on to the promise of God and wait and He has come. Day 8..........SUN ! 947 miles behind us and steady wind I believe we have arrived the southern trade winds that Ted has been dreaming of and has worked so hard to sail Gabriella to along with Trevor and Shane.Today is a day of hope and joy the darkness has passed. Laundry is out and drying along with all the soaked towels from sopping up the storms. Interesting enough Ted has discovered we have passed the sun which is now north of us. With Gods blessing this mesage will be posted and reach you with love to all my friends and family gg