GRIB from Triton to Ambon

Tuesday 27 December 2016

Wanted to stay around Triton Bay awhile longer, but GRIB (Good Reason for Incessant Babbling) forecast shows strong west wind by Friday afternoon between here and visa renewal. Not needing to depart early this morning, went into the resort to sponge some coffee and say goodbye to guests heading out diving and to Jimmie and his crew whose hospitality has been wonderful. Enjoyed very good dives if too few and didn't get to see more whale sharks, but this was an excellent respite before the 3 day, 3 night slog coming up. Expect to be marooned around Ambon for at least a week before adverse wind begins to abate.

iMovie is cool. Benighted Windows miscreants have something similar if obviously inferior (as everyone with the possible exception of retired IBMer Birky will no doubt agree). The app makes creating excellent videos easy for those with artistic sensibilities. Fortunately, a total lack can be partially mitigated with a really cool subject such as, oh say, whale sharks. OK, OK, know you're sick of hearing about them, but 2 home movies have been produced which may end up on the blog. This eventuality will depend on the timely confluence of 3 efforts: learning how to post such things, finding fast, free internet (which has been non-existent for some considerable time) and getting someone's dead butt in motion. Look for them on a computer near you, but don't forget to exhale in the interim.

Based on a tentative routing, Puteri Harbour is around 2300 NM from Triton Bay. Ambon is 385. After Friday we'll have less than 2000 NM to go. Piece of cake. Almost there.

- Slightly later

Reference first and third paragraphs and likelihood of similar weather all the way to Puteri, may make a slight change in itinerary. Shortly after leaving Triton Bay this morning, discovered to our amazement that current plan was completely nuts. Who knew? When found, responsible party will be given a severe tongue-lashing. Have decided that Darwin for a few months is a better option. It's in Oz. It's 191.25 from current position. It's three days from Tual where we may clear out of Indonesia or renew visas and continue west if the dementia returns. Expect to arrive tomorrow noon on a reach (that's nautical talk for actual sailing). New, improved strategy is not a sure thing, but fresh reasons for it are constantly presenting. Of course there are cyclones and crocs and it is Australia, but we can just ignore all that.

Jack