Pacific Odyssey - Leg 2

We have had a wonderful day, sailing with the tradewinds, very comfortably and relatively swiftly.  Towards evening though, the winds lightened and we dropped sail and are now motoring.  We are somewhat pressed for time because of extra days spent in the
Marquesas, and there are still so many Tuamotus we would like to visit.  We started
sailing with the main, fore, jumbo and main topsail, then lowered the  fore to enable us to set both the courses.  The skies were very blue with light wispy clouds.  The motion is heavenly, slightly heeled to starboard, with a very gentle swaying.  If this continues with us throughout the next few groups of islands, we will be very content.  People were able to catch up on some sleep today.  Jen can´t believe how tired she has become because of all the activities we´ve had on land.  Major sail handling went on around her while she slept deeply, on deck, in the midst of it all.  It feels good to be at sea again, picking up the thread of our routine out here, having meals with our watch again.  This afternoon several trainees began creating jewelry from the coconut shells we received in Tahuata.  Lexy made a beautiful spiral, cutting it out first with a coping saw, then filing the edges, and then sanding it with varying coursenesses of sandpaper until it was incredibly smooth and deep brown in colour from the natural oils in her hands.  Noah and Arielle have tried their hand at it as well, and others are being inspired to try it.  We are hoping to pick up some mother of pearl shells in the Tuamotus so we can carve jewelry from them.  The boat has purchased some fine carving tools just for this purpose; it was quite a hit on the last voyage.  Yesterday we discovered that one of our trainees, Chris, modeled for a cover of a novel. Arwen was reading "Cave of Departure" by Nikki Tate, when Chris saw the book and  said, "I have two of those books, I´m the kid on the front," and then continued  to tell us his story.  It was a neat coincidence.  Tonight we had Mug Up in the stern again with cookies made by Arwen, James, Mary and Claire.  It is a big deal to make cookies and we really appreciate those baking them.  It is intolerably hot in the galley and the items needed for the cookies are collected from under an array of different bunks.   We call it ´bunk diving.´  Each bunk has 2 monster bags on it, plus bedding etc. and this needs to be lifted off, as well as the matress, and then the slats.  With your head you keep all this up and pull out the ingredient you are searching for.  Our cooks do this on a daily  basis; we are very grateful.  Today was the first chance this group has had to do bowsprit hanging.  This is where 2 trainees, in harnesses, swing off the very front of the boat and get pulled through the water.  It´s very fun, and is permitted if the wind is light and the engine is off. I forgot to mention that yesterday a group of 5 or so went on a scuba dive  and on their return in the zodiac to the ship, they suddenly saw manta rays.  They quickly donned their masks and snorkels and jumped over the side to spend an incredible 15 minutes with up to 10 7-8 ft. manta rays swimming within touching distance.  Jeremy was ecstatic, retelling his story numerous times to anyone who was interested, which was most of us.  What an incredible experience.  Skipper continued teaching celestial navigation with a new group of 4 trainees, taking two sights with them, teaching them how to reduce their information, and how to plot their position.  The seniors are navigating traditionally to the Tuamotus, ignoring all electronic aids on board.  They spent a good part of the day taking sights, reading tables and doing the math.  It´s an excellent exercise and puts into practice what they are learning in their senior classes. Several crew and a few trainees brought out mandolins and ukeleles and practiced together. Caroline is trying to learn the ukelele and managed a few bars with Antony.  Once again there is no moon tonight and so we can stargaze. I was able to remember and find the constellations I learned yesterday.  The temperature is perfect; we are in tank tops and shorts.  There continues to be a very satisfied and contented feeling on the ship; we are happy to spend our days together, there´s always something to talk and laugh about, and many trainees have mentionned that mealtimes are a big part of the day.  It is the time we are with our watch, sharing personal stories or just having fun.  We are starting to feel that the end is not too far and are trying to make the most of our days. Until tomorrow, good night, Bonice