On the 7th Day

On board Tiki Blue, concepts of time have become somewhat vague. Day 7
starts at 1200hrs Hawaii time and ends at 1500hrs Pacific time, also
Tiki Blue time. So each night before going on watch one has to do some
mental gymnastics either adding or subtracting 300hrs to GPS time or
the posted watch times before going up on deck. Captain B has issued
notice that at the half way party, which hopefully will be this
weekend, this nonsense will come to an end when all systems will be
sync'd to PDT GMT -8hrs.
Several events happened yesterday. A unilateral decision was made that
all crew and officers would benefit physically if not mentally to jump
overboard. This was considered necessary to allow an effective full body
wash on the aft deck. Seaman Gilbert due to his diminished rank was last
to wash and apparently no one noticed or heard cries of help from the
seaman until Dodds and Stubblebeard happened on deck. Eventually after
consulting with the capt'n, a line was thrown over to retrieve the
hapless seaman. Apparently the thought of leaving anyone behind in 5770
meter deep water was to much to have on ones conscience.
Shortly after this decision the wind changed and for the first time in 6
days we are on starboard tack. This signaled the beginning of a more
westerly breeze that when it fills in will allow Tiki to finally be
heading at the GG. The evening meal consisted of ginger infused
hamburgers at least 2lbs each care of Stubblebeard and fresh bread that
was to die for care of Seaman Dodds.
The night watches were all uneventful, wind from the south at 3-5 knots,
otto in charge leaving time for some music and a lounge chair on the
stern for heavenly gazing. Meteors with their tails ablaze and shooting
stars above and glassy water that you could ski on,disturbed only by the
phosphorescent wake from the bow below.
Saturday saw our second attempt to hold the 1oz chute and as of this
writing we are making 6.5 knots yippee!
This mornings chores included clearing a sticking fuel gauge by freeing
the diesel tank float, topping off the fuel tank and laying out a lure
to hopefully augment the already marinating steak with seafood.
All is good aboard as we eagerly await winds over 8 knots.