Slow but sure

Kellie's comments- Thurs morning: Well, not much to report. We're making slow progress southwest. We have about 10 knots out of the west, so we're close hauled and healing a bit. It's very comfortable, as there is no swell to speak of. I'd take a little swell right now if the trade off is wind. We're 165 miles out of Zihuat as of 9:00 Thursday morning. 2711 mi. left to go. Our position is 15� 48N & 103� 27W, for those of you sailors.

We had a busy day Tuesday finishing all the last minute shopping, banking and good byes. We left at around 7 pm, just as the sun was setting. A cruise ship pulled anchor too and was out of sight within an hour. We were hoping they'd offer us a tow. Peter V. hadn't sailed the boat yet, so he got some quick lessons before bed. Adrenaline flowed through us and kept anyone from turning in too early. I will be taking the first watch of the night, which includes putting the kids to bed and having some alone time in the cockpit until about 11 pm. Pete and Peter V. can get some rest before they split the night. Peter V. has 11 to 3, and Pete has 3-7. Although Pete has to get up anytime there is a question or we need some extra hands. The daylight is about 12 hours long, so we each have 4 hours of darkness.

I'm trying to set up a schedule of school in the morning and fun projects in the afternoon with the kids. I'm aiming to get as much school done as possible this month, so we're almost done when we arrive. Ellie is doing double work per day, and Carter is doing as much as his 5 year old attention span can take. He is definitely the more enthusiastic student.

We're experimenting with sleeping arrangements, since we only have 2 double cabins and 5 people. I'm sure it will all sort itself out over the course of the trip. We tried Peter V. on the starboard "couch." It's a bit too narrow for him, so last night we tried him on the port "couch" with buckets on the floor and cushions on top. That made the bed wider, but too short. I guess he'll have to choose. During the day, the aft cabin is empty of kids, so he can nap with the lee cloth down and have a king sized bed to himself.

We've seen birds and aerobatic dolphins, so it gives us something to look at occasionally. Nothing else on the horizon except some white fluffy clouds.

Today I woke up around 6:45, read out of Romans and made french toast. Then we had radio contacts with Wyndeavor, Loon and Icarian and also listened to some weather reports. After that we did school until lunch. Cuesadillas and guacamole were the order of the day. Then I got out some puzzles for the kids and Peter V. dipped into his "bag of tricks" and produced some hand puppet kits. The kids have been content ever since, and I've been able to do my nails and several cross word puzzles. Pete is reading, after being up for more than his own watch last night and Peter V is fishing and reading. The wind is all but gone this afternoon, so the guys are experimenting with sails and engine to try keep our speed up. So far we're averaging 4.6 knots. (Worse than rush hour traffic.)

The water and air temperature are around 82. It's cool enough at night to wear long sleeves and pants, but plenty warm in the cabin to have no blanket. Since we have no waves, we have all the windows open and are enjoying some airflow. The sunshade is also much appreciated.

All for now, thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Kellie