Galapagos-Easter Island Passage Day 6

All is well on s/v Sila. We passed two significant milestones just before midnight last night during Pete's watch. First, the odometer ticked past 11,000 miles. Sila and her crew have covered those miles since June 2013. A few moments later, Sila sailed past 10 degrees south. It was, of course, most exciting to hit the equator for the first time, but each degree south is new territory for us.

The Rabbit notes that this passage has been fun so far, because "I have found a way to entertain myself, everyone is happy, it is not a very stressful passage, and every day there has been a small surprise. The surprises have included catching a fish, eating a birthday cake that my mom cooked for us, and reading the new comic books (Asterix) that Pete so kindly brought to Porter and me. We have also been listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on the iPod. We have already read the Harry Potter books several ties, but it is interesting to go back and catch minor details and is a great way to pass the time on passage."

Porter is enjoying the passage because we have repeatedly had bait, such as squid and flying fish, land on the boat. Unfortunately, we have lost a lot of lures on this passage as big fish, including sharks, have taken the line. "I have just been able to do math class these last couple of days but I have to take breaks between problems so I don't get sick. I have been enjoying listening to Harry Potter, which is a great afternoon pastime."

Pete says: "The best part about the passage so far is gaining my sea legs and being finally able to contribute" (editor's note: Pete was miserably sea sick for the first 48 hours but maintained an outstanding attitude despite being unable to open his eyes without throwing up!) "I have enjoyed learning how Sila works and getting comfortable sailing her on watch at night by myself. I am still getting used to the idea that we are more remote than I have ever been before. This is a new frontier for me. I have spent a lot of time outside but this is my first time on the open ocean. The stars alone are worth it.

Christopher smiled and said he has written the last few blogs. He then went downstairs to take his mid-day nap.

As for me, I enjoyed celebrating my birthday on passage as the boys (all four of them) showered me with presents throughout the day. The greatest gift, though, is having Pete with us. The difference between doing 8 hours of watch each day instead of 12 is significant. But perhaps more importantly, Pete's energy has been a wonderful addition to the crew and we have all enjoyed our time hanging out with him. During the day, I have to remind myself that we are in the Pacific, heading south/southwest, bound for Easter Island, of all places! But at night, the unfamiliarity of the stars won't let me forget that we are some place new. I took great comfort last night when I saw Cassiopeia just before it ducked down below the northern horizon. All is well! -Molly