Pacific Odyssey - Leg 6

We are on our way to Hawaii; our visit to Midway has done so much good.
We had an excellent visit with the islanders; it was so interesting and a
change from the routine of the 25 days at sea.  Moods and attitudes are
good; we are looking forward to this passage and intending to make the best
of our last 8-10 days together at sea.  We had a wonderful send off this
morning from 0715 onward, when islanders we´ve made friendships with,
started coming to the dock to see us off.  At 0800 we untied lines and waved
our long good-byes.  I sincerely hope we can make Midway Atoll a part of
another offshore voyage; it is definitely worth the trip.  Barry, Matt and
one other islander accompanied us out to sea for about 45 minutes; these
people have been very kind and generous. We have made connections with quite
a few of them; it´s been a lot of fun.   Right now we have the trysail, the
foresail, and the jumbo up though there is not very much wind.  We are
heading east-northeast towards the 30th parallel of latitude.  The sun is
shining; it is quite pleasant to be on deck.  Many of the trainees and crew
are tired from 2 late night evenings on the island and are finding some time
today to sleep.  We are all clean and most of us have some clean laundry . .
. small luxuries.  Yesterday was a day for everyone to fill as they chose.
A group went snorkeling under the dock, many for the first time.  There was
a good selection of fish; schools of huge trevally, a sea turtle, a
white-tipped reef shark, some Moorish idols, parrot fish, plus a host of
other fish.  The sea was calm and there was no surge; everyone enjoyed it.
The water is quite cold; after 30 minutes, most were ready to come out.
Jose was able to do some underwater filming of the snorkelers and the fish.
The islanders gave the Grace crew a golf cart to use as transportation for
errands; it´s what they use, as well as bikes.  I was using the cart in the
morning and before I left had to gently encourage 4 albatross chicks to move
away from under it.  This is normal for the island.   I drove very slowly,
zig-zagging across the road and picking my way around the chicks . . . it´s
wonderful how this island is set up around the wildlife and once you´re here
you quickly get used to it being that way, it´s right and feels normal. . .
natural.   After laundry, internet, and showers, many crew and trainees
spent some time at the beautiful North Beach.  Monk seals were quite close
so we beach combed in the opposite direction.  Elske found a glass float and
others found intact shells and albatross head and bill skeletons, tall thin
leg and wing bones, interestingly shaped coral etc.  The sun shone, we used
our sunscreen, put on bathing suits, and swam in the ocean . . . idyllic . .
. what we´ve been waiting for.  My 3 boys played and ran in the sand for
hours; it´s probably some of the nicest sand I´ve seen and there´s so much
of it.  In the evening we had the slideshow and volleyball game which was a
lot of fun and gave all of us the chance to sit and talk with more of the
islanders; it was a great evening and lasted until close to midnight.
Tristan, Chris, Noah, Jacob, and Simon played tag on the beach, running in
the loose sand till muscles hurt.  The moon was nearly full and the sky was
full of birds and everywhere was full of their cries . . . an evening to
remember.  In the National Geographic Magazine, April 1999 edition there is
an article entitled "Return to the Battle of Midway;" it´s the cover article
and something I definitely want to look up when I return home.  This morning
there were complaints of sore muscles, sore after being forced to work after
such a long time.  Trainees resumed work on their ditty bags during Jose´s
1600-2000 watch.  Sophie learned how to make grommets.  Gillian made
delicious lasagna for supper with Caesar salad.  She and Katie were able to
buy some fresh produce and meat from the island to help us through the next
week or so of meals.  Antony has been growing his beard since Papua New
Guinea, but today he had enough of it and shaved it all off.  It had grown
wonderfully big and bushy; I think he could hold 11forks in it
simultaneously.  Trainees say that he looks 10 years younger and they find
him quite different looking; we see them stealing longer peaks at him as
they now notice his chin, his lips . . . the rest of his face.  Tonight will
be an early night for everyone, we are tired.  There is a full moon and the
night is clear, beautiful.  Until tomorrow, good-night, Bonice.