This morning was the first completely clear morning in several days, so we sat outside enjoying the sun. It is getting much cooler now, with the temperature outside about 16 deg. The heater makes the cabin very dry and comfortable at night. The wind has shifted further east, so we can no longer keep our desired course and will be heading north of our course for a few days before the wind changes again.

Current Position:
43,43.55N 142,49.57W
Course: 30 deg at 5 kt
95 nm progress, 1707 traveled, 820 to go
Wind: 16kt at 75 deg, Sunny

We ran the heater last night, the warmth was nice, but the best part was the drying of the cabin; being rid of the dampness was nice. It is still warm enough during the day, so we are leaving it off for now. The wind continues to be coming from the east as the high pressure system has not moved. The forecast calls for lighter, NE wind, followed by a calm so we won’t be making much progress in the next few days, which is too bad as we were beginning to count down the miles to land. Hopefully the forecast changes and we can continue to make progress.

Current Position:
42,27.60N 144,29.80W
Course: 57 deg at 4 kt
107 progress, 1612 traveled, 915 to go
Wind 15 kt from 100 deg, overcast

The pacific high is really strong right now and is far north. This gives nice weather to Vancouver (probably?) but puts the wind in the wrong direction. We fight our way up wind, the boat heels, crashing through the waves, sending spray all over the boat. A year of summer weather has hidden all the leaks from me, they are out in full force now. Dad has taken a vendetta out on those annoying drips, armed with duct tape and spare canvas. We seem to have it under control for now, and the winds have softened so there is less spray. We were never really wet, but a window that drips onto your bed is pretty annoying. The silver lining is that the wind never shifted right in front of us, so we have been able to stay on course and making good time. The high is supposed to stay strong for a few more days, so that may change.

Current Position:
41,23.24N 146,25.00W
Course: 56 deg at 5kt
119 nm progress, 1505 traveled, 1022 to go
Wind 13 kt from 120, overcast

Had a very pleasant 12 knots of wind with sunny skies that made for a very comfortable day. Looking forward to breaking the 1000 mile to go mark, will make it feel like we are getting close!

Current Position:
40,19.66N 148,37.76W
Course: 55 deg at 5.5 kt
135nm progress, 1386 traveled, 1141 to go
Wind 17 kt from 114, mostly cloudy

Passing the half way mark today. Though I expect the second half to be challenging, we are are up for it and are looking forward to seeing land again. I expect to be back on land by my birthday on the 13th.

We passed very close to a tanker en route to long beach last night at midnight. We had to change course and slow down to keep away from him, but were still within a quarter mile. Closest I’ve been to a freighter at sea. This has been a busy passage, this is the 4th ship we’ve seen. We also bumped into a piece of debris, large enough to make a solid thud, but not do any damage. Should be moving away from the worst of the debris now as we head further east.

The wind has died on us as a low pressure ridge has shifted over us instead of staying north. Decent winds all around us means that the calm gives no break from the waves, and the lack of wind makes the boat motion worse. We are motoring just to try to keep the boat from rolling even more.

It’s been a busy day!

Current Position:
38,57.58N 150,59.21W
Course: 54 deg at 4 kt
107 nm progress, 1251 traveled, 1283 to go

Cruising downwind at 6 knots with pretty gentle seas. This has been the most progress we’ve had in a day. The sun is out most of the time, though when a rain shower passes, it rains like crazy. Not much news here. We expect these winds to last for a few days, so just passing the time as the miles pass under the keel.

Current Position:
37,57.69N 152,54.26W
Course: 53 deg at 6 kt
135 nm progress, 1144 traveled, 1392 to go

Most of yesterday was spent in more frustrating upwind sailing. Fortunately the winds changed overnight and we are sailing downwind again. The forecast looks good for the next few days. The skies have clouded over and it is starting to get cooler. I’m no longer in my bathing suit, choosing to sport some amazing pajama pants and a sweater instead.

Current Position:
36,33.65N 155,06.96W
Course: 52 deg at 6 kt
88 nm progress, 1009 traveled, 1530 nm to go
Wind 20 kt from 180 deg, overcast

The rain started at 11pm, the winds shifted into our face and grew to 25 knots. It rained all night and it started getting rough. This was our first time going outside in heavy rain to reef the sails, but our foulies held up well. Spray from the waves covered the boat and we took some heavier water at times. After a few hours I went into the bathroom to tidy up the bits that flew across the room only to find a flying fish that somehow got carried by the spray, probably through the small open window before we closed it. Must have been confusing for the poor guy!

The rain has stopped and the winds are a little calmer, but are still coming from where we want to go. So for now, we continue heading off course waiting for the winds to shift back west.

Current position:
35,27.25N 156,17.40W
Course: 100 deg at 4 kt
97 nm progress, 921 traveled, 1612 nm to go
Wind 14 kt from 50 deg, mostly cloudy

According to the forecast, we can expect good wind for the next few days, which should give us time to get north enough to not have to worry about calms any more. The tsunami debris we have been seeing has changed from floating foam, to mostly submerged pieces of plastic. I just saw a 10 foot length of rope floating just at the surface. Have not yet spotted any debris that would be a hazard to the boat.

Current Position:
34,44.27N 158,04.85W
Course: 40 deg at 5.3 kt
112 nm progress, 824 nm traveled, 1695 nm to go
Wind 15 kt from 250 deg, Partially cloudy

Overnight, the wind died and shifted to the west. The forecast shows continued west winds for the next several days, so we have turned towards home and will make NW progress on the great circle (shortest path betweek two points) route. Our initial heading is 49 degrees. Distance to the Straight of Juan de Fuca is 1800 nm.

Spirits on the boat are high. After the last few days of calm weather, we are well rested and the boat is ship-shape. Looking forward to some sailing now that we are approaching the windier latitudes. It is still quite pleasant out, with 25 degree days. I’m still living in my bathing suit, though dad has choosen wear jeans most of the time. I’m not ready to give up the tropical attitude yet. I’m still teaching dad the ropes, it is difficult to learn when there is no wind, but soon enough he will be sailing