Day 4 - Slow Moving toward the Azores

Well, we are writing from the "high-seas" however, currently they have been quite flat as we haven't had wind for quite some time. We had to turn the engine on yesterday (Friday) and have only been able to turn it off for about an hour as the wind hasn't filled in yet. The highlight today was that a pod of dolphin came to play in our bow wave, but figured we were going too slow so they didn't stay very long. It was still a great sighting and was the highlight today.

The day 3 mileage total was 125 nautical miles which still wasn't too bad. We are glad we carry lots of diesel on board so not a problem having the engine on, just wish we could turn it off soon as would like to be sailing instead!

Sailor got brave last night and came out on deck which was a real surprise. We were rocking & rolling a bit at the time. She tried to walk forward on the deck, but once she saw the water she decided to back up and come back in the cockpit which was smart for her and for us as we didn't have to worry about her going overboard.

Last night on watch the temperature had cooled enough that we put on long pants and long sleeve shirts for the first time, but this AM it warmed up again (at 7AM it was 78, now at 3PM it is 95) and we are back in our normal attire of shorts & short-sleeve shirts. Being cooler did make it nicer for sleeping when we were off duty last night.

We have been pleased with our ability to talk to others on our SSB radio. We have been staying in touch daily with a few cruising friends as well as the other boat that is crossing with us. The range has been great - we have talked to a boat that is only 3 days away from the Azores as well as the maritime net where the person that responded last night was in Syracuse NY! It is great to have this tool on board.

Bob started last night to listen to his Portuguese language tape some, but will have to crack down more if we are going to depend on him for getting around Portugal and the Azores!! We have been doing lots of reading as well. Fortunately for me Bob hasn't gotten out the harmonica that he wants to learn how to play (ha)- may be I'll even "find" it for him as we feel that we need lots of things to do to fill in the time. Friends keep telling us to get our our fishing pole, but honestly don't think that will happen. Even though Bob was a Biology teacher, he keeps saying he doesn't feel that he would be able to kill it and as we aren't desperate for the fish to eat, guess we will have to save having fresh fish for when we can get it from the local fishermen!

We are hoping for more wind, but as we say, we have to be careful what we wish for - we want it at the correct speed and direction (we don't want much!)

Our current position at 3:30 PM on Saturday, June 9th is 23.57 N, 60.12 W while continuing to head NE at a speed of 5 knots with the assistance of the engine.

Take care & will be back in touch again tomorrow!
-----

----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see: http://www.sailmail.com