Monday 19 October 2015

Do the terms hazy, hot and humid ring a bell? They do if you've ever spent a summer in Columbia, South Carolina, Houston, Texas, or probably any time of year in Kelayang, Belitung. Also smoky here not from other islands, but from fires ashore. Nevertheless, reports indicate this is an OK place with critical elements at hand - restaurants and bars. Snorkeling has also been reported good and an island lighthouse is within dingy range. Although 22 km into the city, Pandan, it's apparently quite easy to arrange transport where provisioning, cash and diverse bric-a-brac may be acquired.

Friday Morning

Except for visibility as low as 1/2 a mile in smoke, high temps and humidity, Belitung has been great fun as per first paragraph. Expect the ceremonies post our leaving will be decent as well. Conditions last couple of days indicate that smoke is now coming from Kalimantan which no doubt means the trip north will not escape it.

Have decided to make one last 2 night passage, then 3 daysails into Puteri Harbour so to arrive on the 28th and have air conditioning.. oh wait, watermaker sprung a leak yesterday that sprayed salt water on AC cooling pump, which has expressed its displeasure by dying. Put it on the list along with engine room blower, solar charge controller, zinc anodes and several other bits and pieces.

As happens periodically, a bittersweet departure as we say goodbye to great people we've come to know and like over the last 3 months to pursue further adventure and find more friends over the horizon. In this case many will be wandering about Malaysia so the fun can resume.

After 3 month notice of early departure from Indonesia, 3 week announcement of specifics and producing paperwork 3 days early, may or may not have departure clearance around noon today, last legal day in Indonesia before visa expires. Wonder if they have color telly, air conditioning and memory foam mattresses in Indonesian prisons?

- Noonish

Finally got all paperwork for clearance to Malaysia?.. no, Singapore. With insufficient time and/or patience to redo will, like Blanche DuBois, rely on the kindness of strangers. Understand the Malays are pretty mellow in this regard and the important bit is leaving Indonesia without being fired upon.

Jack