Pacific Odyssey - Leg 5

Llife is beginning to feel normal again: it´s a shame we´re almost in Guam, although we are looking forward to a few luxuries there. After several days I´m quite certain we will be ready to return to our life at sea, to smaller villages, to our experiences with the people we have spent so much time amongst. We had several sail changes, enjoying the two courses for several hours without the engine on, and then lowering them to raise the jumbo and foresail again. We continue to make 7-9.5 kts under these and the trysail. The sailing is tremendous: we are heeled to port and the ship is rolling gently side-to-side, dipping deep and scooping water up on both sides through the scuppers. There are not many dry spots on the deck, though the stern seems to be the safest to bring a book and pillow. Regularly huge waves hit the hull and splash water over anyone sitting along the rails and by the wheel. Simon was hit by a monstrous wave and was a terrific sport about it, with everyone laughing with him. We caught a Wahoo today, a delicious eating fish. Arwen baked and iced chocolate cupcakes to celebrate Kara and Raven´s birthdays, very delicious. The water and air temperature is getting slightly cooler: Elske and Sarah b. showered with a deck bucket and called the water ´refreshing.´ we pulled on sweatshirts towards the end of the day: the temperature was 31 degrees celsius. We´re hoping to send detailed logs soon, until tomorrow, Bonice.