We are on the final days of this journey so -- masochist that I am -- I looked at our future island hops. Ugh. That was a mistake. Several days to the Tuamutos. Another several from there to Tahiti. At least a week, more like 10 days to Roratonga. The same to Niue. Five to Tonga from Niue and nearly two weeks on the last leg. Big mistake. The thought of weeks more at sea like this is daunting. Of course, it won't be the same. Future legs will have fresh produce and fresh water buckets from beginning to end. I'll also have more clean panties and bras since I'm going shopping in Tahiti, and no one can stop me.
Having fixed the spinnaker, we have no occasion to use it. The winds are now the consistent east southeast trades in the 15 to 20 knot range of which we have heard so much. Just abaft of beam, it makes for a bumpy but steady, speedy ride. Yesterday, we clocked our second longest mileage. I won't say we're making up all the time in light winds, but we're certainly inching back towards making this trip in the ~5ish/hour range which I planned for. Given the short days, we've pulled all the fruit out of the bilge. We are gorging on grapefruit. Did I mention how effective it is to wrap your citrus in aluminum foil. All the citrus survived plump and juicy. I might have to make apple pie out of the last of the apples, however, as their crispness isn't. The sour dough is working well. The cinnamon bread is a complete bust. I think the dough recipe must be different. However, I left my Joy of Cooking in New Zealand, so I'm at a complete loss. What I've got now is the prospect of feeding the family cinnamon bread and butter for dinner. Maybe. Aeron made an excellent paste for the swirl and is super eager to make the icing. All we need is active, happy yeast.
One aspect of the journey that is proving difficult is to maintain vigilence. During our first week out, DrC and I did a chafe check twice a day. We looked in our lockers regularly to spot things moving. We swept, rinsed, wiped, yelled at the children, and were generally on top of everything. Now we still do this, but I for one lack enthusiasm for all these tasks. It might be habituation or it could be simple exhaustion. As usual, my husband is considerably better than I at maintaining his focus on all the sundry tasks necessary to keeping us afloat. Thank all the gods of the sea I am traveling with this man rather than any other. He's a marvel. Yet, even he is getting tired of the routine.
They say that there are two types of sailors: those that love passage making and feel regret on making landfall and those that simply endure the passages. I am in the later camp. I want to be done.
In up news, my flute practice is coming along. Our first monthly family concert went well. We all played our best pieces. And even though we'd heard each other rehearse a million times, it was still fun and different to perform. Mera played a new composition, a little jig, which we are trying to get her to put down on paper. We might be able to write flute and guitar accompaniments and play ensemble. Good stuff. I'm taking Jaime's technical drawing class as well. Except for the entire chapter on computer technology which I not only skipped I told Jaime to skip as well, the book is excellent. Drawing, however, in rocky rolly seas is proving challenging. My first attempts are inspired crap. I'll call this series: At Sea.
PPJ Note: ENTERTAINMENT. It is really important to bring things to do that do not require fixated concentration. Also, reserve some of the items and pull them out as you go along. Every few days, I unearth another game or puzzle for the kids. For example, to celebrate week 2 I pulled out Travel Blockus. Next passage I need to find our newly minted set of Flux. Should be good!
~ Toast
May 7, 18:30 UTC
S06 44 W135 22 225T 6.5kts