Time flies even if you are not particularly enjoying yourself. Here we are in the middle of the ocean on a crossing we expected to be slow and peaceful - time to fish and eat meals off plates and even have a glass of wine! No way - since leaving Cocos Isles the wind has howled, the waves are as tall as houses, cooking is a problem ( solved so capably by Ann), two fittings in the cockpit have broken, every action requires undue effort, it has rained and NASA are looking at the low developing to the north of us with a view to naming it as a cyclone. After a week of it things might not be getting worse and we are due in Mauritius 13th/14th Oct.
The yacht thrives on these conditions - its only the crew that weaken. OK, Indian Ocean not too good but we enjoyed getting here. After Bali we had a great sail to Christmas Island ( I have now been to both - Pacific and Indian). We only stayed for 15 hours, restocking duty free booze and food and celebrating Ann's birthday again. The crews from about 7 other yachts were there and we had a meal and a singsong in the only restaurant. Jerry brought along his guitar. 6 in the morning we were on the move again. The population about 1000 and export phosphate. They were pleased to see us.
Next stop 4 days on - the Cocos Isles. A beautiul colourful atoll ( I was last there in 1966 ). A group of us stayed one night in the beach side kind of motel and the following day join in an annual celebration. All the 150 residents attended and an imported 7 piece band and 3 dancers entertained us. As it was Sunday and the ferry does not run 40 of us had to hire our own! One has to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise and I hope my bank manager agrees - that is if I still have one?
Thinking of you all the time and looking forward to Christmas. Love / best regards Ann and me