Pacific Odyssey - Leg 7

The sunset and moon rise tonight were glorious; Maddie said it was the
most beautiful sunset she´s witnessed.  We were lined up along the port rail
with our cameras, quietly watching the final stunning 20 minutes before the
sun kissed the horizon.  The sky is perfectly clear and the ocean is glassy
calm, the water and sky nearly meld into each other, incredibly beautiful.
The sunset reflected shades of yellows, oranges, pinks, purples, and reds on
the smooth surface of the ocean.  Soon after the sun set, the moon rose on
the starboard side; big and full and yellow, on a dark royal blue background
of sky . . . phenomenal.  It rose quickly and now sheds a bright shaft of
light onto the water, allowing us to see each other clearly in the night.
Gillian is on deck with her group of stargazers learning the night sky and
becoming familiar with some of the constellations.  We´ve had a good and
full day.  Last night was cooler than the previous nights and most of us
found ourselves pulling a blanket over us for the first time this passage.
Keith said it felt good to sleep under a sheet again.  We woke to a clear,
blue sky; we feel very fortunate.  The air temperature is cooler which makes
it more comfortable, but the sun is still intense and sunburns, sunscreen
and aloe vera continue; for some, the suntans are coming along nicely.
Susan, Emily and Christina started their morning with some stretching and
yoga; a good way to start.  Raven pulled out his K-mart Special deck chair
and lounged, offering it generously to others also wanting to lounge for a
bit.  Elske started designing her lure while Blake and Jacob poured the
resin for theirs.  This morning Jose spotted whales and we slowed down the
ship to watch them, losing them after half an hour or so.  There were at
least 3 and they seemed quite large; it doesn´t matter how often one sees
whales, they are always majestic and amazing to watch.  We hope to see them
again.  While we were watching the whales, a Dorado skipped out of the water
several times, as if being chased.  We dragged our fishing lines by him a
few times but he didn´t take.  First thing this morning we had a beautiful
and big Wahoo on the line, but it unfortunately got off the hook just as we
were about to bring it in.  Jordan and Tristan led work watch with Starboard
watch from 1300-1500.  This is when the watch on duty puts in a few hours of
maintenance-type work on the ship, helping Jordan out and also allowing for
a sense of ownership for the ship and its appearance.  Today´s job was
sanding and oiling the port side cap rails.  Cap rails are the top piece of
wood on the ships outside rails.  On the Grace they are made of Purple
Heart, an incredibly hard wood.  Once sand paper, oil, paint brushes etc.
had been stowed away, we turned off the engine, drifted to a stop and held
another swim stop.  The water was somewhat cooler than 2 days ago but just
as wonderful, just as refreshing.  Nearly everyone took advantage of a
chance to cool off, get clean, and experience swimming in translucent royal
blue water 5300m deep.  Simon (6 years old) jumped in from the rail twice,
he loves the water.  Keith has been writing messages in small glass bottles
and sending them out to sea.  He has included his home address, hoping
someone will find them and make contact.  Christina made Chicken Stroganof
for supper to give Katie a break; it was delicious.  Mark and Steve played a
rowdy and very fun game of chase around the deck houses with the 3 Anderson
boys, Simon, Noah, and Jacob before the sun set and harnesses were required.
After the sun set tonight Jose took out his guitar and Antony joined him on
the kazoo for some informal singing; those who were seated in the stern
joined in.  The evening is cooler and those on deck are dressed in pants and
jackets.  We are enjoying this passage so far; we feel the weather is a
total gift and we are able to continue spending time together on deck longer
than if the weather was colder.  Skipper says there may be wind in a day or
two, from astern.  It will be nice to turn off the engine, but in the
meantime, we will enjoy our days as they come.  Until tomorrow, good-night,
Bonice.