June 3

Threw caution to the wind, such as it was, and hung out the big laundry to catch (what was available and) up with two other boats (slowed to adjust arrival) for early tide entry into Kauehi. Although whisker pole turned into bad idea as wind veered requiring midnight removal (which, by the by, went better than daytime operation), drifter, main and just sufficient wind got me to pass (quite benign at a little past slack) with wonderful alacrity.

After killing Westerbeke which was engaged to counteract two knot current through cut (no engines were harmed in this process) went below to conduct activity (to be explained anon) while autopilot, contravening explicit instructions, tacked over to port effectively heaving to (no relation to hurling). Completed Keystone Cop routine by jibing around back onto course after which (and following a severe reprimand) A/P behaved appropriately. Notwithstanding inauspicious beginning, sailed up fairway that crosses lagoon to a little village on the east side as wind, sea and boat collaborated to create a nearly perfect close-hauled passage. Didn't know the old girl could point that high.

And now, as promised.. Found a fowl feeding frenzy a few miles out so dropped in a lure and didn't have time to secure the rod before hooking up a two foot skipjack tuna. While running in to anchorage he got cleaned with special filets prepared for a new friend to be introduced in the fullness of time. TBC

Jack