Pacific Odyssey - Leg 5

We are starting to fall comfortably into our offshore routine and again=
,
it´s a shame that we arrive at our destination in two days, although we are
all excited for Guam.  I think the general feeling is that Guam will be a
reprieve, it will provide us with a few luxuries we have done without for
awhile, especially for those of us who have been on the ship for several
months.  After a couple of days of Guam I´m pretty certain we will be ready
to return to the sea, to the small villages, to the simplicity of life we
have experienced on board and amongst the people we´ve visited.  We are not
quite ready for our own North American culture yet, just a few of its
material advantages, mostly food.  At 0200 hrs last night our speed
decreased to 3.4kts; the engine was turned on and the sails sheeted in
tight.  At 1000 hrs we lowered the jumbo and the jib and raised the two
courses.  By noon the wind had picked up sufficiently to continue at 7-8kts
without the engine . . . aaaaahhh, and the quiet continues still. At times
we have made speeds of up to 9.5kts.  We are heeled over on a starboard tac=
k
and there´s a gentle rocking side-to-side; it is more comfortable than
yesterday plus we are getting used to it.  We cannot forget to consider our
movements or placement of personal objects on the deck, one deep roll still
regularly dislodges a trainee from the after house or causes journals, cups=
,
books etc. to be thrown to the other side of the ship.  Regularly, huge
waves hit the starboard side of the Grace and spray water over whoever is
seated along the rail and on the house.  There are not many dry spots,
though the stern is usually the safest place to plant oneself down with a
book and pillow.  The decks are often awash as water comes in through the
scuppers when the ship rolls from side-to-side.  My favorite spot to sit is
on the leeward side, on the seat lockers in the stern, feeling myself being
pushed into the lifelines as the boat heels and surges through the water.
The sounds of water being moved and sails pulling the ship along are amazin=
g
and I never tire of it.  Tonight a half-moon is casting its light over the
water and the phosphorescence glows bright.  People are seated in clusters
on the after cabin or on the seat lockers, talking, laughing, listening to
music etc.  Elske, Chase, and Tiana are lying way back in the stern,
enjoying their ipods and the lulling of the ship.  It has been a good day.
Both water and air temperatures are slightly cooler.  Sarah B. and Elske
took deck bucket showers and commented on how refreshing the water felt.
Towards evening we were pulling on sweatshirts and windbreakers, finding th=
e
air a bit chilly.  Greg read the temperature at 31 degrees Celsius!  There
were mostly clouds today with a sun shining softly behind them.  Jose taugh=
t
a chart work lesson to Seniors and Karen taught chart work to the
Intermediates. Arwen baked and iced chocolate cupcakes to celebrate Raven
and Kara´s birthdays.  We sang =8CHappy Birthday´ again and enjoyed the treat=
.
Soon after, the rod started whirring and we were nearly =8Cspooled´ again.
Jordan hauled in a very large Wahoo, a delicious eating fish.  Jordan and
Chase will bake the fish steaks tomorrow.  Noah watched while Jordan gutted
and cleaned the fish and together they found the heart.  Noah was quite
thrilled to see it continue to pump and brought it around the ship showing
everyone; not everyone was as thrilled as he was to have a close-up look.
Karen and Sarah B. found a moment to lie together on the after deck
listening to Karen´s ipod, moving to the beat and singing, usually on key,
to the tunes, quite amusing for us and very enjoyable for them.  Caley and
Graham started up their knitting today with Caley knitting an ipod cover an=
d
new headband (one went overboard yesterday), and Graham knitting a hat for
someone at home.  Jacob replaced the SALTS burgee and the British Columbia
flags today, lashing a new one each onto its bamboo pole.  The Lonely Plane=
t
Guide for the South Pacific and Micronesia was making the rounds today;
everyone is beginning to think of how to spend the week or so we will be
there.  It sounds like there will be good snorkeling and diving within a
close distance to the ship.  Many good books are being read and I thought i=
t
might be interesting to mention some of the titles:  Guns, Germs and Steel;
Endurance; Shake Hands with the Devil; The Alchemist; Red China Blues; Bel
Canto; Les Miserables; Sweetness in the Belly; The Bourne series; Into Thin
Air; Pride and Prejudice; and The Count of Monte Cristo. Tonight before
supper a fantastic big wave came over the starboard rail and landed
perfectly on Simon as he was conversing with a group of trainees.  He was
very surprised but quickly followed his surprise with his good-natured =8Coh
well.´ We were all laughing and he was a great sport about it.  He can hold
his own pretty well amongst all these young adults.  It is time for me to
get some air, until tomorrow, good night, Bonice.