Pacific Odyssey - Leg 6

It´s been another trying day; a day of big waves, wetness, lots of wind
and feeling very far from our destination.  We continued north for most of
the day.  An hour ago we went through a rain squall and immediately
afterwards, the wind switched more southerly and we were finally able to
head more easterly; we are now nearly on our desired course, moving east
along the 31st parallel.  It is good for everyone to feel this change to the
good.  Today we celebrated Emma´s 21st birthday.  She chose muffins for
breakfast and chicken pot pie for supper.  Tonight we will have Mug-Up for
both Leighsa and Emma´s birthday with chocolate cupcakes baked by Gillian
and Arwen.  There will be an appearance by Jackson and Sally, two of Jose´s
well-loved puppets, brought to life by Jose and Sarah B.  Katie spent the
morning with Jacob, Noah, Simon, and Arwen in the after cabin playing
TWISTER on the rocking and rolling after cabin floor, it was very funny.
Kaitlyn joined the knitting team, while James took up his needles again
after a few days of neglect.  Noah and Simon wanted to knit and I re-taught
them this afternoon.  The two of them sitting on the floor, concentrating on
their knitting, brought to mind Stuart McLeans Vinyl Café story about Sam
and his Christmas knitting project for his sister; a story worth listening
to if you haven´t heard it before.  This afternoon 4 albatross were
following our fishing lures, hovering on the water by the lure with their
legs running on the surface checking for possible food.  We were afraid we
might catch one; it happened last offshore.  Leighsa taught Tides and
Currents to the Intermediates and trainees are still working and studying to
get their oral exams signed off.  Liam is learning to make a turks head rope
mat to finish off some of his seniors rope work; it is complicated but looks
really good once you have it.  This is it for tonight, until tomorrow,
good-night, Bonice.