Little latitudes

On my midnight watch turnover, Torsten pointed out that we had reached singe digits of latitude in our GPS position, as we get steadily closer to the equator. 

I'm noticing the wind speed seems to be getting smaller, too. We'll see if that trend holds. 

We are also noticing more current. Our magnetic heading varies from our course over ground. We are getting set a little bit west. This was anticipated and why we've been sailing northeast, instead of due north. Hopefully it works to give us a good approach to Hawaii. 

The instruments tell us that the ocean temperature is 82 degrees. Nuts, right? 

( Here comes that shrinking moon, almost 2am tonight.)

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

Success on the 5x5 goal.

At 5pm our trip log actually showed 503 nautical miles (for a daily total off 117). 

We are into the single digits of latitude!! That's a first for all of us, I think! 

The sun is setting (at least into the cloud bank at the hoizon) about 5:30.  The sky is lovely all the pastel shades from salmon through a creamy buttery color through white to all the blues, lavender and rosy pinks.

Wish you were here! 
Love and light,
~e.

Passage Day 3

Observations

Last night the waning Cresent moon rose at about 0100, looking for all the world like a big yellow Cheshire Cat Grin.  

Before that the milky way had my attention for being the most engaging spectacle.  We find ourselves in one of those really remote dark places, and the air was pretty clear & dry (for the surface of a warm ocean) and we could see DEPTH! and color! 
 ... I mean  you had to use your imagination a little... but it was phenomenal!  

(Side note, the guys are laughing at me and insist that I share with everyone that I had to take ibuprofen this morning because my neck aches from stargazing) LOL

I think its super cool to watch the Big Dipper rotate in the sky (rise and set E>W) in front of us during the night and watch the Southern Cross (and its buddy stars) rotate in the sky behind us.  One of the very cool things about heading consistently north.

Setting stars is    a funny  thing to try to watch with so much distortion at the horizon.  I think that must be why the Polynesian Wayfinders found that a hands-width was the way to go. 

We've caught glimpses of bioluminessencse in our wake. Usually earlier on the night, and not so much later. For some reason, that I don't know, and can't look up right now. LOL

Today is windier, steady 18-22 knots, white caps, and some pretty sizable wind-waves have built up.  We are moving around a lot, as we slide across the surface of big blue.  The water is super sparkly and such a pretty blue. 

It's pretty noisy on the boat: wind and waves, creaking lines, waves slapping the hulls. We have to raise our voices and speak very directly, to be heard clearly. 

Our number goal for today is "5x5" :
500 miles on the trip log by 5pm

Love and light
Fair winds
~e.

Seabird observations (days 2-3)

Sea birds. We still see them! At least 3 kinds that I can tell. Although I can not identify them.

We see frigate birds. Iwi in Hawaiian Not sure if there are varieties? Probably!

Also, what I am guessing might be layatian albatross??? Solo fliers, a little bulky (kind like a giant gull, lol) but a pretty buff brown color. Beak looks almost bluish.

They occasionally get curious and come fly around us, ride the wind with us & the smooth bits from the "wake" our sail makes.
I always offer to let them land on us if they want.. so far, no.

If someone wants to email/text me a description (no links, no pics) it would be cool to confirm what it is.

We also still see the groups of fishing birds.

An angular, zippy looking white (w. black) guy with a long thin tail, cruised by this morning.
XOXO

Watch schedule

 We're getting accustomed to the daily routine of passage sailing. 

There is always one person assigned to be "on watch," at the helm, being lookout, paying attention to the instrument readings, sea state, wind, & sail trim.  
When the first mate, auto-helm, is engaged... and the weather is stable, this is not a lot and we check our messages, write in our journal, have snacks, polish stainless... little tasks in between "doing rounds & checks"

The person who just finished their time slot is official back up - dressed & harnessed... ready. (And probably napping nearby) Jeff is always back up.

0600-1000 = Torsten
1000-1300= Emily
1300-1600= Torsten
1600-2100= Jeff (& emily)
2100-0000= Torsten 
0000-0300= Emily
0300-0600= Jeff

We eat randomly. Usually something between 6-8 am, again 10-12. Ideally we'll cook a hot meal 3-4 ish. 

Snacks include cheese &   ;  sausage & crackers. Yogurt & granola, hard boiled eggs, dried fruit & nuts, fresh carrots, apples, oranges, banana (for now) cookies, pb&j (Except Torsten  who thinks pb is gross. LOL!) 

There are daily tasks that might include running the generator to charge the batteries, and to run the water maker (haven't yet).  Checking on the engines and running them every other day or so.  Puzzling out lingering system & wiring questions (very few ... THANK GOD!) 
Making meals and doing housekeeping. 

We're still new at this
But getting better!


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Sun setting on day 2

By our 24-day, at 5pm we'd made 125 miles.  Our trip log is at 326 miles, with 1237 miles to our next turn.
 LOL.
Hahahaha
Hahahahahaha
Omg!!!
~e.

Cruising love

Ok.
This part of boating is pretty nice. 

Sparkling blue water
Gentle sway of the boat
Clear warm breezes
Puffy lavender clouds
Under a big blue sky

Remind me to hold this thought!


Love & Light,
~e.