This Sunday at sea. Beginning to get in the vicinity of vessels. Weather everything that could be desired, but wind unfavourable, getting pretty well South where we want to go. Distance 77 miles.
Escaped the pampero that we were expecting, I presume we got the rain instead of wind. Nearly fair going now, about six knots. Made to noon 79 miles. There has been a disagreeable head sea all day or we should be going now 7 or 8 knots. Notwithstanding the hot weather the Capt. has increased considerable in weight. As we have no scales large enough to weigh him, I can’t say how much. His health so far has been very good only when we have a calm or head wind. Still I trust we shall not be much behind time.
The weather is considerable cooler although hot enough in the sun. The therm. yesterday and today 69, 70.
A lovely day for the washing, getting along slowly made 120 miles. Therm this morn. 64. The weather is now eighteen degrees colder than it was ten days ago, the days increasing all the time. We are now about two thousand and sixty miles from Cape Horn, which is considered about half way. Been making preparations for the weather getting into the stormy regions. Been a busy day on deck, all hands employed fixing the head of the foremast or lashing it I believe is the mariner’s frazology for it. I presume the mischief was done in the Equinoctial gale we encountered on the 29th. And 30th. Sept. and pitching into the head seas as we have done ever since. Our reckoning today amounts to 109 miles. Eight weeks tomorrow since we left N. York.
There is something in this air that plays the mischief with the clothing. I have to keep turning them over and wiping, brushing and sponging, otherwise they would not be fit to wear. Our gloves are all spotted, neither husband or I have a pair but what is all over red spots. Indeed I have had quite a busy day myself. My boots that were at the bottom of a trunk were all mouldy when I took them out. It is now 9.30 p.m. we are going 8 knots, the sea is so smooth I can scarce feel her move. I am very tired so good-night.
Was sick in bed most of yesterday so made no note of proceedings. Made 107 miles yesterday, today 103. Going along nicely this afternoon, fine beautiful day, smooth sea and a nice fresh breeze. Tried to do some work on the machine but neuralgia in my head prevented me.
124 miles. Made on a average since we came out a little more than one hundred miles a day. Hope to go a little quicker or we shall have a long passage. Saw several vessels this day, British, American and Dutch, steering same way as ourselves. Passed two vessels in the night. Had several showers last even and night. Had quite a hard day’s work at the machine so feel considerably tired. Everything so far goes on very smoothly on board.
Made 144 miles. Looked very much like a storm but has blown over. A Bark and Brig in sight but I dare not venture on deck to see them on account of my neuralgia. I can scarce conceive it is Nov – a quite good daylight now at 7 o’clock and daylight at half past four in the morn. This delightful weather adds much to our lengthy passage, the time don’t appear half so long. Capt. says who would ever have thought I’d go to California. He is quite reconciled to it and looks remarkably well notwithstanding.
In company with a North American brig bound for Pernambuco – had quite an interesting conversation with them. Made 149 miles.
Made 136 miles. Exchanged signals with a nice little Eng. Brig from Exeter Eng. Bound to the Falkland Islands with his wife on board. We have been out on deck taking an obsquintal view of each other.
