Day 7

 Day 7 - July 9

Well, it was a rough night after midnight Olivia and Jeff had to deal with extremely shifty winds, a couple thunder-head clouds, and other stressful conditions. And we were very apprehensive as to the conditions we would experience on Sunday. The models were conflicting at best and discouraging at worst. But we kept our fingers crossed and trusted our best hunches and kept hunting down that front. 

We reached it and found some breeze, enough to stay with it and use what energy we could, and it just kept getting better. I felt so much gratitude all day long, and continue to feel blessed as night falls. Our heading is favorable, our speed is good. The boat is really rolling as the waves have built and we head pretty hard on the wind. But, at least we are heading in the right direction & under sail!

The highlight (besides finding wind after fearing we'd be stranded in the high pressure, with dwindling fuel reserves and 1500 miles to go) of the day was being visited by a pod of dolphins! What a joy that was to witness. We could hear them watch them interacting with each other and racing with our bows. So cool!!

Yesterday, I was impressed by the 75° water temp. It's only 72° today. I guess we exited some current I wasn't aware of and it is much cooler tonight. I've got quite a few layers on (including a beanie and wool socks, lol) and am quite comfy. 

Day 6 - Late

 

Saturday Night

Feels like a long day, maybe because we were out in the sun a bunch today, on deck or even in the water (for some of us). We had extremely light winds all day and have been running steady on engines headed north. The weather forecast models show a band of slightly more wind headed NW (same way we want to go!) And we've been inching our way trusting the info. 

I had an inclination to wait, becalmed, but the forecast and all wise advice pointed out why we really shouldn't do that this week. … all the signs suggest it just isn't going to get easier to get to the PNW if we miss the opportunity of this weak front.

So, engines it is.

It's still really warm. Not Hawaii-warm, but warm nonetheless. Our sensors indicate a water temperature of 75°. I'm curious to see how this changes as we go along. But luckily for Jeff and Olivia who went in the water today, it wasn't too bad. What a nasty bunch of abandoned sun-baked nylon rope Jeff pulled off the prop. It's so aggravating! He said it wrecked a bunch of our fancy fresh bottom-paint too, where it rubbed. UGH! 

The stars have been incredible, even at sea-level with all this humidity, the chance to sit under a dark & starry sky is a treasure. Last night we had the special treat of cruising through a bit of bioluminescence. So bizarre. So magical. 

Day 6

Saturday, July 8

Another truly beautiful morning out here on Big Blue.

Yesterday was slow & steady, very light winds as we find ourselves well & completely entrenched in this big Pacific high and no clear path presents itself :::sigh:::

Either because of the shipping lanes or the circular flow of the water here, we are seeing more debris and flotsam than other days.

Even to the point of discovering a section of fishing net hooked onto our stbd rudder. Yikes!! Jeff and Olivia were able to dislodge and retrieve it. And now the offensive thing is stashed in our forward hold. Last night Jeff decided to run the port engine, and it started and ran (yay) in neutral, but there was a terrible vibration when it was put in gear. It turns out there is more abandoned fishing gear wrapped around the prop. SOB!!!
(And please don't ask how we know, lol) The unhappy plan is to bring the boat to a stall & dive on it today.

Earlier yesterday we ran the generator and the watermaker. We made good quality water and refilled the 60 gallon tank. At the same time we each showered and washed our hair and a few bits of laundry. Aaaah!

Everyone is in good spirits. Relaxed and rested, we've got some moves to make and are doing our best to make em count. Wish us luck.

Day 5? July 7

Another beautiful day on planet earth.

We are just shy of Lat. 32° and Long. 157°

The winds are nice. Actually, nice. Around 10-15. Not cold. Small towers of puffy clouds scattered across the sky. And while there is more than 1 swell & wind wind direction. They are all pretty small and not too fast.

I don't think I expected this kind of pleasantness. But I'll take it!!

Especially because the most sure thing is change... lol

Day 3 Passage

 Day 3 

Passage 

We are striving to find our groove out here, together. 

Meals and watchstanding, household & boat tasks, as well as a few remaining & pop-up "projects" :::sigh:::

The weather is good, we have confidence in the boat and un ourselves. 

But it's still a big adjustment for each of us!

Day 2

Day Two
Passage

Napping and some boat work (household) items. Watch standing: (scanning the horizon, listening for weird noises, monitoring the instruments and power. Trimming sails, tidying up the work space)

Fewer clouds today & no rain. Blue, blue, blue, as far as we can see.

We've noticed a few vessels, either through Marine Traffic or our radar sweeps, but none close enough to broach the visible horizon. Our route shares space with commercial shipping lanes; it is likely that we will see something! Just not yet (except for the occasional blip on the radar sweeps).

Burrito Bowls for dinner. Family's bellies approve.

Day 1

Passage from O'ahu to Vancouver Island.

We were supremely occupied Friday, Saturday and Sunday with prepping tasks. Installing, rehomeing, stowing,

Not to mention finishing a PAINTING project the scoops and the starboard, inboard hull. Omg. Informing family & friends, shutting down accounts. Also on Sunday, we took the boat out to adject the compass, perform an MOB drill, get fuel, test the water maker system. 

We made our Monday target departure leaving Ko'Olina before 9 am. Goodbye wasn't too bad… it seems like time for us to move on.

Motored (and motor sailed) along the coast to & around KaEna point and the Kauai channel. Totally off engines by 1330. 

Liv got a little seasick. Luckily, (and thanks to the scopalamine patch) I have held up pretty well. August is stressed and bored. Jeff is totally engaged and seems fine. As long as he can get some good sleep…

Beforre we left, we took Bella for a last walk round the mongoose hedges. She's so cute. And such a good dog.

On the boat, though, Bella has been stressed and very clingy. And has not pottied on the nets yet. 

Dinner was cheesy hash browns+ butter chicken & steamed broccoli. Nobody ate a lot, but everyone ate.

Watch schedule tonight:

Liv 6-9

Em 9-12

Jeff 12-3

Em &/or Liv 3-6 

In the early evening the moon rose full-full just south of east. Unfortunately,there has been quite a bit of cloud cover, including a few rain showers. 

We've been sailing with reduced sails for this overnight. The boat is balanced very little rudder input to stay on a northernly course. Even with a shortened Main and partially rolled Jib, we are still cruising along at about 7 - 8 knots. Not too uncomfortable, either. 

We have friends and family following our GPS "breadcrumbs" on NOFOREIGNLAND and praying for us. 

thanks for that!
Love & Light