Captain's Log-Passage Notes
June 10, 2006 
Underway from Panama City to Ecuador

Well, when I last wrote, we were going great guns, in the right direction and all was well. Well, all is still well but it has been a wicked day. Early afternoon treated us to the ITZC, or the Intertropical Convergence Zone. This is an area that separates the northern and southern hemisphere weather patterns. It is a band - as small as several miles to 60-100 miles that circles the earths oceans near the equator. Depending on the season, it can slide north or south. Typically it is an area of squally conditions, lightening and 20-40 knots of wind from any direction, but not lasting very long. Yesterday, we were smack dab in the middle of it. From the rain, we collected over 50 gallons or 3" in our water tanks. At some points, we had 30 knots of wind, and fortunately the Main sail was reefed when the wind hit. At one point, I even rolled the jib in some. During the squalls Encanto would go off charging along at 7.5-8.5 knots. I did see a bit over 9 several times. It was loud.
Not so much from the wind, but from the water rushing past. When we would drop down to 6 knots, which is a real good speed, it seemed like we were standing still. After a squall passed, I would be tempted to shake out the reefed Main sail, but seeing more rain on the horizon, the reef would stay in. And sure enough, the next squall would hit and off we would go.

Getting the direction down took a bit of work. Everyone has been telling us to head west, at least to 82 degrees west before turning south. But after the 3rd or 4th squall, having the ocean coming into the boat in places I didn't think possible, we turned south just to get out of the ITCZ. The last squall hit in the early morning, and once through it, we could see brighter clouds on the southern and eastern horizons. We were through it.

Gabe and Sam took over watch late morning while we were sailing nicely south south west. When I woke at 1:30 pm, the wind had shifted more south, and we were now sailing south, south east. Not where we wanted to go. The wind had also died, so on came the motor and we turned west. While I was asleep, Judy was feeling much better, so in her workshop, the next few meals were being prepared; a beef and vegetable stew for tomorrow and tonight shak 'n bake pork chops, stove top stuffing and the last head of the butter lettuce, made with bleu cheese 'n pears. We even get a chocolate bar for dessert.

It's been a pretty good day for Judy. Gaby has been a great help in the galley. Gaby made some great breakfast Quesodillas with cheese and beans, that held us for hours. Sam gets a touch of seasickness, but she manages well and does a fine job of making us laugh. She is often the one who asks if she and Gabe can take over a watch for a bit.

Our watch schedule seems to moving into a good routine. Judy does the midnight to dawn watch. Gaby and Sami do an mid- morning watch and a late afternoon watch. Then I do the rest.  In all, we seem to cover the 24 hours without a problem or strain.

It's now 9 pm (Saturday), the seas have flattened even more, still no wind so we are motoring south west. We will need wind soon, as we do not have enough diesel to motor all the way. With all the westing though, we will be in a good position for sailing south.

Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 0200
First Mate's Log - Passage Notes
Tracking SW 247, motor sailing at 4.5 knots. Our position N 05.44 and W 081.21

The full moon is sooooo bright that only a half dozen stars can compete. The air temperature is a comfortable 80 degrees. A perfect time to do a bit of aerobics and contemplate what we will need to do to get in shape for our summer trip to Machu Picchu. Getting in shape, shedding a few pounds and preparing for the four day climb, means I need to let go of baking, into sugary banana breads, all those baby sweet apple-bananas, that are ripening far too fast off the stalk.  Most of the fruit aboard lasted exactly seven days without refrigeration, except the oranges, grapefruits, apples and pears. Lesson learned to carry fewer bananas, avocados, pineapples and cantaloupes, if I want them to last longer than a week.

The night is beautiful. I must return to it as others sleep in dreamland.

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