Monday, 9/08 Update

In reading yesterday's post and comments - I realize what John is saying might not make alot of sense to some of you so I'll try to do a bit of translation. First, the "grib" file is the weather data that John is able to download via the SSB radio (the wonders of technology). This gives him a forecast of the high and low pressure areas and wind direction and strength. High pressure areas usually have very light wind so sailboats try to avoid those areas. The low pressure areas have the wind, but the direction of the wind really affects the course you are able to sail. If you look at the Google track to the right of this posting - draw a straight line from Hawaii to San Francisco. Now compare that to John's track. You will see he is heading almost directly north. He is trying to get over what is called the Pacific High which is a large area with little wind. So he sails north before he can head east. He is effectively sailing 2 sides of a triangle. The sooner he can start heading east or northeast the better because then he is sailing towards the coast. He has sailed almost 700 miles due north and is really looking forward to making that right turn towards home. I hope this helps make some sense of his updates - if not I'll be happy to explain it more in an email. Gail

Hi,
Immediately before noon we caught a 47" dorado, otherwise Mahi Mahi as they're known out here. This is the single biggest fish I've ever caught!! Steve took a couple of pictures so I've got to get the camera home safely for proof. Then Steve filleted it and it's in the refer and freezer. We also get sashimi for lunch. Additionally, we are making water today to freshen our port water tank. We continued our northerly trek as the winds had not yet backed to the east as suggested they should by the current grib files. According to gribs this should start anytime soon. About dinner time the winds veered a bit to the east so we were able to establish a new waypoint, given below. Hopefully they will continue to veer and we'll really be able to head northeast so keep your fingers crossed for us. I was on watch 6-9PM HST and it was absolutely gorgeous out with relatively quiet seas and the moon just half full and coming from our starboard stern. Near the end of my watch I listened to Diana Krall which filled the time quite nicely.

All my love xoxoxo

Music: 00:00; 09/08 (midnight)
1200; 09/08; 24 Hr Run = 153 NM; Course made good = 685 NM Position Report
Current location:
33 26.543 N 154 50.898 W
Current boat speed: 4.5 - 5.5 kt, Winds: 8 -12Kt; oscillating from 40-60 deg apparent.
Heading approximately 10-25 deg North. New Waypoint: 35 01.500 N; 154 19.225 W ; distance: 96 NM