P = PACIFIC CROSSING P 6 WED. FEB. 4, 1948 Dist. 401 Lath. Day 24 - 30 Deck Noon Report Av. Speed 16.37 1869 to S.Fran. 2271 to Samoa ON BOARD S/S MARINE PHOENIX LAT. 15° 20' N LONG. 147° 04' W Course 220 - 30 Saw only 1 Bird today - came in well astern (from W.) turned + disappeared to N.W. - large, sailed + flapped (sea calm + not much wind) - white underparts, head (with some black - distribution ?) + neck white, bump ?, upperparts largely dark. It may be LAYSAN ALBATROSS (Diomedea immutabilis), but would not rule out one of larger SHEARWATERS. Late in day 5:15 P.M., dist. too great for accurate data. However, we may see others tomorrow - and settle point. (head + neck gave stocky appearance). No D.N. showed up all day. We came our closest to island of Hawaii about 3: P.M. - 50mi. off. Flying fish were in sight most of day - many small, some large. Flights of 40-50, usually 1-2-5-6. When tail touches H2O vibrates very rapidly, giving extra boost for longer sail. Lower part tail much elongated. Sky in P.M. filled with puff cumulus, strato cumulus, cirrus + cirrocumulus. Gov. has excellent bulletin on "Cloud Form". Copy on bridge. Filled in weather + misc. data chart from Bridge Reports. Capt. came on bridge to check report on meeting with S/S Rodman (Matson - on lease U.S. Maritime) - it is eastbound - stowaway on board. Capt. would like to take off but Rodman Capt. objects - why? Meet about 3:4: A.M. H.Goebel (3rd Mate) will have radar in operation. It is an event in this empty ocean! Question came up today about dist. of horizon from bridge of ship (45'). Flying PanAm Clippers worked out formula as follows: Range Vision = √ALT. X 1.225 miles i: Bridge Vis. about 8.5 mi, Capt. also said cannot see Pole Star from equator. 3rd Mate said he would like to teach me simple navigation - at least, Dead Reckoning. Read "Pacific Ocean Handbook" + "Raft Book" today. Became acquainted with Rev. George Wheen (Sydney) who has wife + two children (Helen 5, David 8) on board. Has finished study- ing for doctorate at Union Theological Sem. - 2 years. Has great respect for Dr. Van Deusen. He is English - in Tweedy, mission to Australia to organize training of youth leaders. He is fine open-minded liberal without usual core of stubborn fanaticism. I impressed also by teaching possibilities of audio-visual