Pacific Odyssey - Leg 4

Today was the first workday and the temperature was 52 degrees Celsius
at 1100hrs; it was a hot, hot day.  Trainees and crew were divided into
three groups, either working on decks and rigging, hull sanding and
painting, or galley cleaning, shopping and stowing.   People had good
attitudes toward working on the boat and preparing her for the next leg,
just like Leg 3 trainees prepared the boat for Leg 4 trainees. Everyone
worked  hard; the work isn=B9t always easy and it=B9s often very dirty.  We wer=
e
able to get a lot done today, the boat is starting to look good and the
rigging feels solid; Jordan is quite satisfied.   Water jugs were kept full
and everyone was encouraged to keep drinking water.  Gillian and Katie
provided soft drinks and granola bars for a mid-afternoon break.   At 1700
hrs everyone showered on the dock. A 3inch diameter fire hose was hooked up
for us to use as our shower, it=B9s great.  The pressure is fantastic and the
price of water is cheap and getting cheaper.  It sure feels good.  The air
temperature is so warm that once I am finished putting the boys to bed on
deck, about 2130 hrs, I can still have my shower and remain in my wet
bathing suit until bed.  Yes, it is definitely warm enough here; we could
shower at all times of the night; it just doesn=B9t cool down.   This too is
something I want to remember; comfortably cool evenings in our swimsuits on
deck.   At the saltwater pool today Simon dove 10 ft to the bottom to
retrieve a coin.  He has become very comfortable in the water; it=B9s really
fun for him.   Everyone is very tired, sleeping bodies litter the deck
already.  Skipper will try to send this off tomorrow. Until then, good
night, Bonice.