Chris and I had just gotten back from a morning of fishing and were making some lunch when we heard some guys calling us from above. We went up on deck and it was the crew from the Island Express, a local cargo ship that carries goods from the mainland. They invited us over for a going-away party for their captain, whose last trip would be the following day.

We quickly got changed and made our way over to the huge orange container ship, cheerfully decorated with palm fronds and playing loud island music. We were greeted with cold beers and met the captain and rest of the crew - a few from New Zealand, others from Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Philippines. We had a great BBQ lunch and got a tour of the bridgedeck, captain's quarters, engine room, etc. They even gave us a printout of the most recent piracy report. Fortunately for us there were no incidents in the areas that we are headed.

We enjoyed talking with them and it was interesting to get their perspective on small ships out in the open waters. While we are typically quite fearful of tankers out here, it's reassuring to know they are looking out for us as well. It was a fun afternoon and an experience we will remember fondly.

Captain John and crew of the Island Express thank you!