Monday 20 March 2017

Bags from North American excursion showed up by taxi next day little the worse for wear. Not to be said for distaff crew who has a bad case of the lurgy exacerbated by going from hot, sultry to cold, arid and back in airborne tubes packed with pestilant humanity. Exponentially exacerbating the discomfort and dismay has been necessity to return tomorrow morning for a mammography- occasioned biopsy. Should have news Friday afternoon after which it has been suggested that most likely a celebration will be in order. If so this will probably consist in inundating internal organs with fermented grape juice. Otherwise it will probably consist in inundating internal organs with fermented grape juice.

Boat preparation continues apace. Last major operations will be, in sequence: screwing with radar to fix operational disability remaining after reattaching cut cables below pedestal guard (use of stern language has been and subsequently may be necessary); sealing a few more lights (windows) and deck hatches to discourage water entry; removing, machining and welding primary winch stems to fit new bases to be mounted; full cleaning of stains and rust from porous, gel- coated deck and painted topsides; relieving local spirits purveyors of vast quantities of extravagantly priced, overtaxed stock; re-provisioning. Three or four weeks and we'll be a fading blur on the horizon of Charles' namesake.

Mates in Darwin from S/V Miranda and S/V Chase the Cat (oddly enough they have a great cat named Chase) will be sailing to Indonesia and Malaysia in a few months on the rally we and the Mirandas participated in two years ago. Geoff & Lynn will know what to expect and Grant & Mel will have a great new adventure. Almost wish we had a year to go around again then see more of Thailand, but decided not and such escapades are seldom as engaging after the first time. Besides we're keen to confront the least pacific of the three great oceans, see new and wonderful things and play with large, dangerous animals.

Jack