Is This Cool or What

[Marlene Anne Sassaman]

Here I am drifting along at 3.5 knots, wing on wing, with a dissipating patch of darkened clouds off to starboard while blogging. The clouds are dispelling some moisture but are not bringing any wind. I am just so excited to have internet a few miles from the shore line. It looks like internet will be my biggest daily expense. It is just my need to talk, or write when there is no one near to engage in conversation. 

Last night I dispatched a 25 pound danforth galvanized anchor with 50 feet of 3/16" chain. That leaves me with four good anchors. A spade with a roll bar for the primary attached to the windlass, a smaller bruce on the bow for quick back up to the primary, an aluminum fortress and another bruce type. All anchors are mostly chain. OOPs, the off course alarm just sounded. It seems in light wind the auto helm has a tendency to do that. By the time I finished that last statement SPRAY is back on course doing a whopping 4.1 knots. 

ETA (estimated time of arrival at Water Cay West Anchorage in the Jumentos is 9:30 pm. I may have to seek shelter a few hours and miles before hand. It is do shoaly and reefy to sail that area in the dark. As the day goes on, it is hoped of course that I can increase our speed. After rounding the Comer West waypoint we will be in a more southerly route putting the wind on the port beam. If all else stays the same those last ten miles should at least double our speed. Unless in danger we are determined to be powered under sail alone.

Typical to TRIAD's mode of operation, they will depart around eleven this morning. Despite Tom's agreement we would both leave by 8 am, the crew decided to make another run to the farmer's market. Being that the market opens at 9 am, it is expected they will depart closer to noon. I am reveling in the confidence to have set out alone before hand. We will monitor VHS Channel 16. TRIAD is a Newick design 40 footer, a racier style more like the Corsair than the Marples.  With a two or three hour lead they have the potential of catching up......

Best not push my luck with blogging while underway. Mostly, I would dread having to replace my MacBook Air. It has become a welcome companion. Cheers, and lots of love coming your way.

Current position:  23,20.346   75,11.832.  Let me know if the video shows.