What happens when you buy two combination locks that are identical? You set one and leave the other as back up, store them in the same drawer and instead of doing the "fooled you!" fake lock up you actually close it and then come home late at night and realize that your boat is so safe that not even you can break in. The proof is in the picture. After countless attempts of trying to trick the lock into remembering it's supposed to open when we put in the special code, including WD 40 and clever spin combinations, we realized the blunder and cut the bugger off. So our morning began with eggs and a side grinder.

It's great to be here. We had our first showers since Santo, Dad took us out to dinner and we all got a full nights rest on a boat that wasn't trying to throw you out of your bed.

Gizo is an interesting place. Everyone is spitting betel-nut and moves faster than any islanders I've seen this far. We must be getting close to Asia. The officials were friendly and locals, though not as smiley and thrilled to be alive as the folk from Vanuatu, are quick to offer help to a few lost white cruisers roaming through town on a dirt road sweating half to death. The carvings here are some of the most detailed, unique and pleasing to the eye pieces of art I've ever seen. The awesome intricacy is proof of the hundreds of hours they must have spent shaping both rock and wood.

We are planning on unwinding one more day and the idea of high tailing straight to Thursday Islands is on the table. We never do what we initially plan. Have you been noticing that?

Cheers to improv sailing, Cass

And, yes Seadog, we get those instant messages. Keep sending them.