A Special Day

2200 UTC/1200 (L): 2628.9N/15947.3W. Winds are E at 14 kts, seas are 1.5 - 2 meters. We have come 264NM from Hanalei Bay Kauai in 45 hrs thus averaging 5.9kts. We went through a period of light winds and got out the Genoa, but have picked up more wind in the past 5 hours and are backed to a reefed main and jib.
We had some computer trouble last night which delayed sending my last blog titled "Jumping Fish Stories" and prevented me from passing this message yesterday. But yesterday was a special day for another reason, it was my anniversary. And although I would've rather enjoyed the sunrise and sunset with my bride Tricia, the fact that I am here tells you something about the strength and commitment in our relationship. By allowing each other to pursue our separate dreams, we have more to share and cherish our times together even more. This is one of those times. Thank you Paddy.
Was that you that sent the Gulfstream G-5 whizzing past us? No kidding we had a private G5 swoop down and buzz us no less than 5 times. We got some great photos as he passed within a couple hundred feet ...low enough to read the tail number. Not too long after that a C-130 circled us twice at about 3000 ft.
We have determined that the birds riding on our bow are red footed boobys. They have red feet and a blue bill, white feathers with a streak of black on the trailing edge of the wing. I guess we will not know for certain until we get home and can check against a source. They have been with us now for over 30 hours. Perhaps they will become our mascot?
So last night we ate 1/2 of the mahi mahi. Nick prepped the fish with mango, lemon, serrano peppers, red bell pepper and onions and I grilled them. It was a real treat. This morning I managed to make walnut raisin pancakes after the weather calmed a bit. But even then, this was a challenge. I came away with a few bruises, but managed to make pancakes for all without spilling anything. Prior to breakfast we caught some heavy downpours and strong winds that overpowered the boat. We had to sheet out the main and run down wind for a spell until we passed through the squall. After it passed, we corrected to course and reefed the main sail.
It is now 1245 and Dom and Nick are asleep, Chris is at the helm and I am here on the computer, thinking about yesterday...an anniversary to remember, not for what we did together, but for what we allowed ourselves to do separately. This blog is for you Paddy...I hope the flowers arrived on time. I love you.