Pacific Odyssey - Leg 5

Today was a cooler and cloudier day. Early in the morning the wind switched to NW though it wasn´t noted anywhere on the weather fax or weather updates. Starboard sleepers were hoping for a good night sleep on this tack but it switched back to NE at 2000hrs: we´ll have to use those lee cloths after all. We caught a small Dorado, Noah pulled it in, but we let it go. Scott started building supports on the rail for the fishing rods. Simon climbed to the top of the mainmast in his bare feet, with his brothers. Jordan began teaching some basic Japanese and gave some hints as to what to do and what not to do when in Japan. Gillian had a large group huddled around a detailed map of Beijing, planning their time there and discussing the various places to visit and stay. Jacob hoisted the Japanese courtesy flag this afternoon: it feels strange and exciting to think we will be in Japan in 1 k days.  The temperature was a cool 27 degrees Celsius with the sun peeking through occasionally: we wore our sweaters. In the evening we had a rain squall and the air stayed cool: Antony´s watch is wearing their raingear. We saw schools of flying fish today: they make a whooshing noise as they fly close above the surface of the ocean together, very neat. This is it, we are all happy and well and full of anticipation for our visits to Japan and China. Good night, Bonice.