I have a feeling this life style is subject to a lot extreme highs and lows. Yesterday was sailing at its best. Steady 12 knot wind and lots of sun. Last night was interesting sailing under the stars with squalls passing close but no problem. Even a little lightening. This morning as the sun came up a large black sky was revealed just behind us with winds building to 20 kts. All hands on deck! Reef the jib, tack to put in a double reef in the main. This gets a little snarled but within minutes the
reef is in and we are back on course with a now familiar scenario of close hauled in 20 kt wind. We make best speed away from the dark sky with blue sky ahead. That's how it goes I guess. We have had an easy crossing of the ITCZ so far. A bit further south and we will be past it altogether. We are still making our 120 mile days. The current has not been our friend though. On the return trip we get that all back I suppose. We have changed destination for Papeete. We really don't have time to stop
at Rangiroa and be in Papeete by the end of the month. Our easting is getting more difficult as well. We have our easting for Papeete so I we can hold a south course or better we will be fine. I am sure looking forward that landfall. Position 5 37N 148 30W
Ron
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To keep you entertained on your long voyage I will tell you 2 stories from the sutra of the past vows of earth stone bodisattva.The sea and food are your immediate concerns.
Sea Spirits.
Within the sea are a great many spirits, the Jao, the Yang Ho and others-dragons are a well known example.The chief sea spirit, the Jao has 18 tails, 8 legs and 8 heads which look human-4 male and 4 female.There are many such spirits which need not be discussed now-but if you happen to encounter such a phenomenon don't be upset.Just recognize them for what they are.
Food spirit
Anything one eats is watched by a spirit?
In Peking there once lived a man known as Honarable Master Tuan.
He was a busy official but had a son who slept day in and day out.
"Look at me over 60 and working to support you and you sleep all day"
"You father are a government official.I am afood and drink official" said the son.
" Everyday I allocate the food which everyone will consume.It is that simple"
" You must be mad" said the father."There is no such thing.
Tell me what Iam going to eat tomorrow?
"Just a moment. I have to sleep first and then I will tell you"
"Tomorrow you are going to eat a spoiled egg and half a bowl of soured gruel."
"Incredible-my own son is making a fool of me."He ordered his cooks to prepare dim sum Mahi Penang curry and other delicacies for the next day.
Just as he was about to sit down and eat he was asked to rush off and quell a rebellion by the emperor.
After a long day of battle he was hungry and fatigued.
He stopped at a farmhouse and asked for some provisions.
"We haven't a thing" said the farmer "except an old egg and a half abowl of millet gruel which I am saving for ny pregnant wife but the gruel has gone sour.
As he downed the simple meal the official suddenly remenbered his son's prediction.From that day onwards he left his son to preside over food and drink.
Keep safe.
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