(Tuesday Sep. 6/98) Yesterday after I had closed my journal, we sighted, at 4:30, a very large sailing ship away on the horizon westward. We could not see her hull, only her sails & she was carrying full set of canvas.[1] The day continued cold. The thermometer in my berth stood 70°. At night banjo & Hawaiian songs by a young man who lives on one of the islands.[2] He is on his return to college in the States. The music is sweet & pretty, & was much appreciated.
Now yesterday, Tuesday, the morning was dull, very cold, rough sea & “Miowera” pitching into it. Our ports are all closed as the spray comes in if open. This makes the cabins very stuffy. Few appeared on deck & this weather continued throughout the day, the most disagreeable day we’ve had on this passage. I had my overcoat on all day, thermometer got down to 68°.[3] Our position at noon was as follows: Lat. N. 43.04, Long. W. 134.51, run 303 kns., leaving 599 to Victoria, mod. to fresh breeze, rough sea, no music this night.
[1] Inserted on facing page: “Ship on horizon”.
[2] Inserted on facing page: “Banjo & Hawaiian”.
[3] Inserted on facing page: “68°. Had got a bit cold on Saturday & Sunday (changed woollen for white shirt on Sunday) & felt the effects on Tuesday but doctored myself & felt better on Wednesday”.