Maundering Melange
18 July 2016 | En Route Teluk Kaduka
Wednesday 6 July 2016
After yesterday's little polemic on recent US political leaders, today's numinations will evince a kinder, gentler approach to the subject. In fairness to the 4 named perpetrators, they.. ummmm.
Today we go around to a sandspit east of Tiga Island to see lots of reported water snakes. They're venom is deadly so we generally avoid getting bitten. Fortunately they have very tiny mouths. They're also so lethal that nothing eats them thus producing a quite phlegmatic creature.
- Later
Having snorkeled and walked around the entire area and not found a single snake nor much else but sand and seaweed, we contemplate continuing early to Sutera Harbour Resort Marina at Kota Kinabalu to enjoy the last bit of decadence available until arriving North America early October (no, not with the boat). There are also many little bits that require attention and a crown that must be replaced.
Thursday
Regrettably slept in until 0900 to discover ambition meter pegged on zero so here we stay until tomorrow. Additional snorkeling around seemingly misnamed Snake Island revealed 1 extremely shy black and white banded krate. Aha! The reason it's not called Snakes Island. No regrets as eleven other boats showed up. Merriment ensued.
Friday
Finally dragged torpid butts from anchorage around 0900 for 26 NM sail to KK in good offshore breeze that didn't last. Still and all, every hour of sailing along this shore is a gift. Probably arrive too early for sea breeze to kick in, but shore power enabled aircon awaits, so disappointment held at bay.
With nearly zero air over deck, cockpit temp reads 38.9C. Crikey that's warm.
- Later
Nevermind.
Monday
You're probably not wondering why this piece of crap wasn't concluded 10 days ago. Me either, except we had fun in KK. Big town, lots of stuff and great restaurants. Besides the usual excellent local cuisine there are both English and Irish pubs and real coffee shops. Actually got some boat work done. Washing machine (yes we have one, 18 years old) died and remains dead due either pump to evacuate water or circuit board that controls it. Neither have been available for 5 years. New machine replacement sold at West Marine is too big to fit in the space.
Now anchored off Pulau Gaya for diving en route to Kudat where we pick up security convoy through Philippine pirate waters to Tawau.
- Later
Dive surprisingly good, now off further north.
Everyone is pleased that this will not be dragged out any longer.
Jack