The ITCZ
Harmonie
Don and Anne Myers
Mon 2 Jun 2008 23:34
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16:05.415S 166:31.322W
We have officially entered the ITCZ (Inter-Tropical
Convergence Zone). It is similar to the doldrums that we experienced going
from Panama to Ecuador, but more feisty. The ITCZ hangs out over a large
area of the western Pacific and waits for unsuspecting yachts to enter before
displaying its wrath. Fortunately, we had prior notice of its wrath and
were able to miss the worst of it last night. Some boats ahead of us had
the pleasure of passing through what they said were 'torrential rains' and very
high winds up to 40 knots, with a little lightening thrown in for fun as they
entered the ITCZ. We purposely slowed down yesterday afternoon and
evening, knowing the front was moving slowly away from us to the south, and as a
result only had a few paltry rain showers and wind no higher than 23
knots. Now we are sailing along at six knots on a lumpy sea with a plan to
arrive in Niue first thing Wednesday morning. Assuming the bay at Niue is
calm enough for a stay, that is. The boats ahead of us will let us know
about the status of Niue's bay and at that point we'll decide whether to
continue heading toward Niue or change course to Tonga. Personally, I'm
hoping for Niue not only because it is a shorter trip...but the unique geography
of the place resulted in all kinds of cave formations, both under water and on
land. Some of the tours sound fantastic.
So we'll see. In the meantime, we'll roll
along on this bumpy sea with a cloudy sky overhead. What's that you
say? A cloudy sky overhead? Yes! Cloudy. And
cooler. First time in over a month we've seen a cloudy sky. It's
wonderful. Sometimes our wishes do come true.
Anne
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