Pacific Odyssey - Leg 6

Well . . . we have started moving forward again, north.  At 0600hrs this
morning the wind slackened and changed direction somewhat so that we could
raise the trysail and jumbo and head north, making about 6-8 knots until
1630hrs, when the wind became too strong and the amount of water coming onto
the boat too much.  We lowered the trysail and the jumbo and are continuing
at 3.5 knots.  The wind is supposed to be lessening and also veering slowly
south; our plan is to follow it around, hopefully starting tomorrow morning
sometime.  We are on a steep starboard tack, lee cloths and bunk boards are
in full use.  The boat moves fore and aft, with a steep slope down to port,
and still the forever deep rolls side-to-side, it is quite something.  We
are learning to negotiate the deck; trying to stay upright and dry while
moving from the forward hatch to the after deck.  Big seas slap the side of
the ship and spray everywhere, soaking everyone.  Both Jose and Skipper were
doused and needed to change clothes.  Leighsa got ´sat on by a wave´ this
morning as a birthday present, just after she had taken a ´shower´ and put
on clean clothes.  Tristan was leathering a piece of cable and a wave came
over the rail and caught him by surprise, sending water right up his pant
legs.  It has become so normal and expected we just laugh and change our
clothes.  It felt very good to sail again and move forward.  Early this
morning several very brave girls, including Diana, showered on deck.  Molly
intended to just wash her hair, but a wave decided that she should clean all
of her.  Elske may have fractured her right hand working too close to the
dory this morning and now she´s been struggling to write letters with her
left hand; she gave more credit to Simon as he is learning to print.  Elske
writes more letters than anyone on the ship (except for Katie) so this could
become quite a hindrance (t.c. take note).  There are rumors from the foc´sle
that cabin fever is setting in, and that the hot chocolate supply is
dangerously low.  Hot drinks have become a highlight of our days . . .
Today we celebrated Leighsa´s 28th birthday.  Leighsa is the volunteer for
this leg and brings a lot of fun and laughs to our crew.  Sarah B. was up at
0400 decorating the entire length of her bunk with balloons.  Leighsa chose
granola and yogurt for breakfast, hummus and focaccia for lunch, and crepes
for supper; Katie did an amazing job.  Making crepes for supper involves a
lot of standing by the stove and frying, plus there is so much motion in the
ship that batter, pans etc. never stay where you carefully put them.  Noah
and Jacob spent the last few hours helping her make the crepes and cleaning
up the spills.  Katie said that if it wasn´t for the boys, there were
moments she could have cried, but they loved helping her and kept her going.
We were supposed to have a birthday mug-up and dessert, but the evening got
too late; we are postponing it until tomorrow.  Jose and Liam made leather
palms during their 0800-1200 watch; fore watch always seems to be learning
and making something, it´s great.  Ian would like to wish Kristi, his
girlfriend, a happy last day of University classes.  Congratulations Kristi,
love Ian.  We feel very much in the middle of a huge ocean; we pray again
for calmer seas, warmer skies, and friendlier winds.  Until tomorrow,
good-night, Bonice.