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MAY 1936

21 THURSDAY

Today being "Ascension Day" we have not had to work other
than tend the sails. Two sharks were sighted today and they
were the largest that I have ever seen. They were swimming right
on the surface and their fins were at least two feet six inches
high while their length was at least 25 feet. This may seem
rather incredible, but, unless actually seen it is impossible
to gather any idea of their tremendous size. The sailing ship
is now just a speck on the horizon and can only be seen from
the top of the mast.

22 FRIDAY

The food served up to us at noon today was scarcely eatable
and we considered going to the captain and lodging a
complaint, but after talking the matter over we decided to
have a talk with the cook and steward, which we did,
and have them to understand that we would throw
them off the dock as soon as we arrived in port. This
seemed to make some impression on them and they
served us a tea which was one of the best meals I have
eaten since I came on board.

23 SATURDAY

The wind has now dropped altogether and we are barely mov
ing which is rather aggravating when we are so close to port.
We are led to understand that this type of weather is usual
around these latitudes and ships are often becalmed from 10 to
20 days without any signs of getting a fair wind. This is not very
encouraging and we are all hoping that we will be fortunate
enough to get a fair wind in the next day or so which will complete the rest
of our journey in good time.

24 SUNDAY

Have been working practically all day, as the sails have been
altered many times in an attempt to get the full benefit of
the wind which has been rising and falling all day.