10 Oct 65 : Paradise, bliss – and drunken legionnaires : Tahiti

'Tahiti has just slipped over the horizon and I think this is one of the biggest regrets of my life, for I shall probably never see it again...'

5 Oct 65 : Approaching the equator : Cap Finisterre, Pacific Ocean

'Very hot and sticky. Sleep is very difficult and some of the crew now sleep on deck...'

2 Oct 65 : Boredom and booze at sea : Cap Finisterre, Pacific Ocean

'We are 'speeding' along at 17 miles per hour which seems a ridiculously slow speed to be travelling for a distance of 7000 miles - but I suppose we will get there sooner or later...'

29 Sept 65 : On board with life’s runaways : Cap Finisterre, Pacific Ocean

'The crew are a motley bunch - scruffy as anything and usually drunk, but very likeable and helpful...'

20 Sept 65 : A big shock from home : Los Angeles, California

'I wish I could be there right now to offer a comforting word, especially to Mum. You both sounded so heartbroken and dejected...'

19 Sept 65 : Theme park thrills : Disneyland, California

'Had a great day yesterday. We went to Disneyland which I'm sure you have heard of...'

16 Sept 65 : Short and sweet : San Diego, California

'I have decided that San Diego (and its suburbs) is by far the best place in the States...'