Not quite half way to Tarakan.
29 September 2013 | Anchored along the coast.
Bill
We upped the anchor just about at 0700 and headed out of Derawan for what we feel is the last time. Azizah was right behind us. Last night, we headed into town in their dinghy and we were amazed at the nightlife in Derawan. We saw restaurants open last night that had not been open during the day when the rally was going. Not sure why but it made finding a place to eat easier. The restaurant we normally eat at was closed so we tried Herry's. I had Ayam Goreng(fried chicken with rice and Sambal(hot chili sauce). Tracy had Udong Bakar(grilled Shrimp and rice), Samia(she's from Brazil) had Udong Goreng(fried shrimp and rice) and Richard(he's from France) had squid rings and rice that I have no idea what it was called in Indonesian. The town was out in full force with lots of kids in their pajamas wandering the streets and lots of people of all ages riding around on small scooters and motor cycles. We had no idea that the town came alive at night as we have always been back aboard by that time as that has been the time that Derawan got storms while we were there. Since the full moon passed, the winds have gotten much lighter. As we finished dinner, a street vendor carrying two boxes hung on a stick over his shoulders came down the street tooting a bicycle horn as he walked. He stopped next to the restaurant and the kids as well as adults came out to see him. We had no idea what he was selling other than that it was good if that many people came to his boxes. Samia went over to see what he had. It was sort of like a thick crepe like pancake folded in half with melted chocolate chips in the center. Cook while you waited. Samia came back with four and we dug in. A delightful way to end a great dinner.
There were no real winds today and so we were forced to motor to our next stop(02 38.056N 117 49.315E). A trip of 37 miles. We still have a good 50 miles to go tomorrow but it won't be too bad if we leave early-- like 0530!!! With luck we will have some wind but since we no longer have the use of our big genoa sail, it won't be a quick trip. We had the sails up today in what little wind we had but the motor is what really made is move. Tomorrow will probably be the same.
For lunch today, we had left over quiche that Tracy made yesterday. It was as good today as it was yesterday. I even chose it over left over chicken curry to tell you how good it was.
There is a big thunderstorm brewing on shore. Don't see any lightening but the sound of thunder tells me it's there even if the eyes don't see it. Tomorrow, it's back to Tarakan and then on to Malaysia. The journey continues.