Reaching the high

Day 8

Just passing north of the 36th latitude, we are closing in on the high. Winds have dropped under 10 knots, often seeming to disappear entirely. The reefs have been shaken out of the main, and the ol' diesel engine (AKA 'The Iron Jib') has been cranked on. Bullet has a rumble in her belly.

With calm seas under the shining sun this has become the voyage we all envisioned. Our cloths are dry, and our footing firm. We are enjoying the simpler routine. Sea sickness is behind us, and our appetites are at an all time high. All the books we stowed away are finally being read.

The night watches have become a completely new experience. Though we never saw the moon, the nights were bright and complex. Between the intermittent squalls the brilliant Milky Way would illuminate the seascape around us. Shooting stars would streak across the sky constantly. The next squall a looming dark blotch on the horizon. Through rain and wash we'd clutch the tiller fighting the wind while in tune with the rhythm of the sea. Our new latitude has brought overcast nights. Now with our Milky Way veiled, the engine rumbling, and autopilot keeping the boat in tune with the wind and sea, for the first time all week I feel bored and useless.

We downloaded new weather reports, and have an updated route. We will be gradually lifted east toward N 39 degrees by W 146 degrees at which point we will tack over and reach all the way home!

Thank you everyone for following us, and all your comments. It's amazing to be in the middle of the ocean, but know and feel you are all here with us.