Azores -- 4 August

Winds changing -- barometer dropping. After midnight we set sail in rough seas for Terceira. From there I fly home tomorrow, west across the Atlantic.

Dawn and the winds are howling. Everything not tied down has found a new location. As Richard stays the course, the boat is bent to the water and we shorten the sails in the gale. A large wave tosses several squid on board. Kirsten grabs one and holds it up in the grey light. So here is the big-eyed little critter that helps make all this happen -- bringing whale to the Azores to feed and breed -- for us to see and wonder about. For that, I give thanks.