Wave Powered Boat Update

There was lightening and thunder all night long last night.

The wind is low, and doesn't make up its mind. It keeps changing direction all 360 degrees.

The swells are very low, and I'm a little worried that I might end up adrift in a calm. Currently the wind is against me. I'm still moving forwards though. It seems that when the wind is weak it doesn't really matter which direction it's coming from.

Lat: 22°07'N
Long: 164°51'W
Weather: Sunny
Wind Beaufort Force 1 W
Speed: 1.2 kn

The time difference with Japan is now four hours. Up till this point I'd been in Hawaii's time zone with a difference of five hours.

I ate some canned meat and potatoes. This is the first time I've taken it on one of my voyages. The contents of the can look nothing like the picture on the outside. It's like the meat and potatoes are swimming in soup. On closer inspection the can says, "The picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual contents may vary."

I just tossed it in the microwave to heat, and ate it right up. There's lots in the can, so I have one more thing to look forwards to.

Lat:     22°20'N
Long:     165°35'W
Weather: Sunny
Wind     Beaufort Force 1 SE
Speed:     1.7 kn

Ten bananas I couldn't eat got dumped in the ocean. I don't think there are many kinds of fish that'll eat them though.

Today I ate my first orange since leaving. Nice and ripe. I guess they last longer than bananas.

Just before sunset a young albatross came and took a break. It rested its wings until morning.

Watching the sunset while drinking beer is terrific.

Lat:     22°25'N
Long:     166°11'W
Weather:     Cloudy
Wind     Beaufort Force 2 E
Speed:     1.8 kn

I ate some Yokohama dumplings. Just add a little water to the vacuum-packed dumplings, and toss in the microwave for a truly satisfying aroma. It feels like I'm really in Chinatown. On my previous voyages I've fried them in a pan. That's tasty too, but with the microwave they're particularly juicy.

Lat:      22°32'N
Long:     166°58'W
Weather:     Sunny
Wind     Beaufort Force 3 ESE
Speed:     2 kn

Last night the sky was full of stars. As I watched, enchanted, I felt like the North Star was speaking to me.
We had a short talk. I won't tell you what about though.

Yesterday and today I've progressed at a good pace.

This morning I heard a shrieking sound. Wondering what it was I looked, and it turns out the rudder's axle was making the noise.

A little lubricant (CRC) spray and it's all better.

It happens often. Everything is going as planned.

Lat: 22°43'N
Long: 168°47'W
Weather: Sunny
Wind Beaufort Force 2 E
Speed: 2.1 kn

What appears to be a pretty large mahi-mahi has approached the boat. I have two sets of fishing gear. I think I'll give a shot of catching it.

Lat:      22°49'N
Long:     169°47'W
Weather:     Sunny
Wind     Beaufort Force 3 E
Speed:     2.1 kn

The wind from the East looks calm. The waves have calmed down too.

As I head Japan, things are in best condition.
Navigation system, communication devices, computer, microwave oven and others are in good condition.

Lat:     23°02'N
Long:     171°50'W
Weather:     Sunny
Wind     Beaufort Force 3-4 E
Speed:     2.3 kn