I would like to start this blog by extending a Happy St. Patrick's Day to all, and a beautiful one at that. Up to our sixth day of the crossing now, and we have had nothing but fantastic weather. Not knowing how long it will last, I try not to take it for granted.

It's been good to be back in to the sailing routine and to continue it for more then a few days. The 7-hour watches seem to go by just as fast as the four because there is always something to do. Since leaving Praia, we have started daily class, bringing the whole crew together, something that doesn't happen too often now. Usually beginning with a ship report from the morning watch, class has varied from discussions on Cape Verde and the different island histories, celestial navigation, and doing other drills for our safety aboard Amistad.    

We have now just been navigating by celestial navigation and dead reckoning, not going by the GPS anymore, which has been pretty cool. Most of us have just been taught how to plot dead reckoning, only touching on celestial so far. But sooner than later we will all be using the sextants and discovering how we can use the stars to help us get to our destination.    

While on watch you have a lot of time to reflect and I continually think of the captives of the La Amistad, the others that were among them, and the many more who also were forced to make this voyage, as we cross the same path as they did. I think of the fear and terror that must have been running through their minds, and when I think I am tired that's what keeps me moving. Even though I might have to clean a sole or a head, thinking of our mission as we do this for them reminds me of why I am here.  

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