Day 6 - Covering Some Ground

This morning we arrived at our 0800 position to find, after our first
challenging night with the kite up, that we had covered 183 miles -- a
new record for the TIKI crew. The crew is looking forward to the
legendary free Mai Tai's served at the dock when a boat arrives - with
the exception of 18 year old Tyler Troxel who has been assigned the
dubious job of "designated skipper" during the half way party. Even
our loyal steed "Tiki Blue" senses the barn is near.

Last night we discovered that our bow deck lights were not working and
in an attempt to replace the bulb on the bow in the dark with one hand
busy with the screw driver and the other fumbling with the light cover I
dropped the spare light bulb in the water..ooops. Now what do we do. No
Tr color lights and now no bow deck lights. With no hardware store
nearby we decided to duck tape one of our head lamps on the inside of
the light cover and put it back in place. It lasted all night. Today
Rune swapped bulbs from aft light to bow so now we just need to jury rig
a stern light.

The boys (Ryan,Tyler) are doing very well and really getting a handle on
steering at night with the spinnaker up. So much so that I can sleep
below when I'm not at the helm. On our 4am watch it was raining and
running through squalls that we know will get more intense as we push
west. It is getting warmer and we are sailing with the hatches open and
trade's flowing through the salon during the day. This morning after
some more showers the sun broke through and in a jubulint mood we
cranked up the stereo and listened to the Beetles "Here comes the sun"
and more that Rune has on his Ipod.

Rune developed a spreadsheet that tells us how much fuel we need to
charge batteries at the current rate and at an accelerated rate with the
refer and freezer on. We believe we have plenty of fuel to keep all
systems running. Also we did a physical check on the water tanks and
we seem to be conserving water nicely. This mean a shower for the crew
every 4 days.

No fishing today because we are going to fast. Mark pegged a 12.4 knots
today and hoping to get to the 15 plus in surf mode once we line up
better with the waves.

PS Kelly we found the paper goods. Thanks!


Today during "childrens hour" the afternoon radio call in show a
limerick contest was started in an effort to pass the time. Our entry
below is titled:


"A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE TIKI BLUE CREW"

Our no wind start was a drain without a gain

Here comes the rain - what a pain!

We like the sun it is way more fun.

Our food is delicious although a bit inauspicious..

We all want to know the right way to go. we are all looking for were the
wind may blow

Some have gone North and some have gone South - the one who wins will
have a big mouth..

And to end the day we listen to likeable Michael whose humorous comments
are like a shot from a rifle

He has earned a rum drink from Tiki Blue the rest of the fleet should
also make do.