Wednesday 28 October 2015

Conveyance across Singapore Strait in limited visibility was as interesting as anticipated. Despite reports to the contrary not all traffic have AIS transmitters, but radar helped as even wooden boats have metal engines. It's wonderfully stimulating to look up as the bow of a 900 foot tanker making 12 knots appears out of the mist pointed directly at you. AIS receiver monitors the closest 100 signals and at one point the furthest away was less than 2 miles. Perhaps when we leave in a couple of weeks, after the fires, smoke and haze are gone, all the ships and skyline of Singapore will add a bit more perspective.

Speaking of which we seem to have brought rain. While dining last night with longtime mates whom we hadn't seen in nearly 3 years, Gary & Jackie from Inspiration Lady, it rained cats and cats (Muslims don't have dogs). Rain continued all night and into this morning. Expect to get out in bathers with a mop to clean off 3+ months of grime. With luck it will be sufficiently widespread to put out fires and clear the air. Whatever else it's done, temperatures are much lower.

Speaking of which after cooling pump was inundated with saltwater several days ago it was immediately flushed with fresh and deluged with WD40. Notwithstanding that AC refused service on generator, after connecting system to shore power (first time since July), with nothing to lose, turned the thing on and it worked. First night in Malaysia required sheet and blanket. Entire crew, not even to mention firmly topped up batteries, are happy chappies. This undoubtedly includes Rabbit, but being quite an undemonstrative and, indeed, contrary creature he prefers not to let it show.

Speaking of which Puteri Harbour, whether it's pronounced 'poo tree', 'pooterie' or 'poo terry', the name belies its character. Besides other amenities, most of which have yet to be revealed, there's a Starbucks with free internet. Cool, connected and caffeinated, we have taken a vote to reach the conclusion that, for the indefinite future, civilization doesn't suck.

Jack