The photo is of a pending cold front about ready to slap us with some hefty winds from behind. When giving one's position and current weather on a sailor's SSB radio net, we say, "Oily ocean". Amazing how it can be totally boisterous, giving us a full-on amusement park ride, to becalmed and flat in just a day's time. At this point, it's noon NZ time on Thursday. In just 6 hours, we'll be sailing again, with 25 to 35 knots behind us, surfing us directly towards our mark.

Life onboard goes from boring to awesome. I am not complaining one bit about being bored. After all the built-up anxiety about this ocean passage, boredom is totally welcomed. Last night, Tom watched a movie or two and I played some solitaire while night watches transpired. There were no boats in sight and the double-reefed main and jib caught whatever wind there was, letting the engines do most of the hard work. During the afternoon, an unexpected awesome experience was had, when Tommy spotted a huge bird coming up from behind to check out Zen. Yes, finally, the long awaited albatross visited the Burgess Family. We had hoped to see these massive birds while touring the Galapagos, but to no avail. Our trip is now complete having been accompanied by the global aviator, who gracefully skimmed above the water, looking over at us, and then continuing on his/her way without ever flapping a wing. There's some kind of folklore about sailors and the albatross. Don't know the details, but I am taking this as a good omen.

Our weather details just came in. Tonight is going to be a major surf session. Tom's out on deck rigging the outer blocks, pulling in the awnings, and putting a storm cover on the dinghy. I will clean up after a breakfast of homemade French Toast on coconut white bread with cinnamon, nutmeg and real vanilla beans. Don't know what tonight's rock and roll menu will be, but it's time to hang ten for sure.