So here we are on our second-to-the-last passage of our trip (as far as we know) enroute to Noumea, New Caledonia. The temperature is perfect, the sea is docile and kindly, and the wind is resting until tomorrow.

We spent yesterday doing passage preparation things, such as running the jack lines from bow to stern so we can hook our harnesses to the lines and not become lost at sea should we fall overboard while going forward under rough conditions. We tied the dinghy up good and snug on the stern and secured the lines and fenders. We made sure all the stuff below decks was stowed and latched and blah blah blah. Passage preparation also means another episode of Alison Attempts Making Bread, which for the last 3 passages has been a dismal failure, and this was no exception, in fact, I topped all previous efforts. There's no need for guns or knives to ward off potential hostile attackers on Fly Aweigh, we just have to throw my bread at them, if we can lift it. I think maybe the yeast has gone bad ...

The night was calm and still, affording us a good nights' sleep, always a nice way to start a 4-5 day passage. We arose early and were underway before 6:30, motoring past our favorite surfing islands and dive spot as the surfers were catching the best of the morning waves. It felt odd to pass it by and cross through the break in the reef to the other side, the outside, rather like leaving a walled city.

We were thrilled to get a good send off from a large school of dolphin, something we haven't seen in months. They danced and played in our bow wake, looking like perfect specimens of the dolphin world -- unscarred, small and quick, with soft spotted markings. We saw a few young swimming close to their mothers, but of course by the time we grabbed the camera they had moved away. One by one they peeled off until we were on our own again.

A few hours later Allan caught a fish, big enough to feed us all the way to New Caledonia and beyond. We were happy to know the lures are working and the boat isn't cursed, which, because of our abysmal record I was sure it was. I blame myself -- I'm the one with the pansy don't-kill-the-pretty-fish attitude. But I was tough this time, I reeled him in but declined to be the gaffer, and I'm willing to cook him 3 ways from Sunday but not so keen on the hacking and chopping part. We've got our duties pretty well split up in the fishing realm, I think, and are looking forward to Orange Ginger Tuna tonight, and maybe Thai Curried Tuna tomorrow night, with Greek Tuna Salad in between and maybe some Fijian Lentil Stew with Tuna.

Allan has almost finished reading his book and I'm halfway through Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. All is well, more tomorrow.