Yesterday was a day we all looked forward to. We only had 40 miles left to sail to get to Thursday Island. No wake-up alarm to set. YAY. NOT. Our route would take us through the Albany Passage (no, Edie, we're not back in NY) and it is very narrow. If you miss the tide, you would have 3 kts of current against you, not much fun in a sailboat which goes 7-8 kts, at best. Do the math. Alternatively, if you have those 3 kts of current behind you, it's sweet. So, armed with this info, up we got and off we all went to make the passage at the best tidal time.

10 minutes out, we ran aground. If you talk to sailors and they say they never went aground, either they are not sailors or they are liars. Having had a fair amount of experience in these matters, Captain Ken got us off in a few minutes (although it felt like a few hours). It was quite reassuring that several of the nearby rally boats stood by to lend assistance, if necessary.

It was a lovely sail/motor sail through gorgeous Caribbean-like turquoise waters to Thursday Island in the Torres Straits. Actually, we dropped our hook off Horn Island, which is the preferred anchorage and a short ferry ride to Thursday Island (TI). The total trip from Yorkey's Knob to Horn Island was 415 nautical miles and took 7 days, but who's counting!

Upon arrival, Ken called in to the customs official (as is the practice) and the agent couldn't have been more welcoming. We've done this many times before and generally the agents are professional but, let's say, a little bureaucratic and cold. This gentleman was delightfully warm and friendly, as well as most helpful. Ken asked for a referral for some electronics repair (yeah, yeah, yeah...it's a boat) and within no time, someone rang us up in response. (Which device is on the fritz, you may be wondering? Remember the blog a few days ago about our AIS? I think I jinxed it by taking a picture. Who knew it was camera shy?)

Shortly after our arrival, we hit the wi-fi, having been Internet starved for a week. It was nice to get caught up with communications from our buddies at home. Amidst this, guess what. Brian and Sue, a couple from the UK invited the rally group for Sundowners on their lovely 54 ft Hylas. A fine time was had by all, including dancing on the rear deck to music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. You would think that after a week at sea, everyone would be chomping at the bit to get their feet on terra firma...but no, we were still keeping our feet on a boat. Go figure.

BTW, Ann has now perfected her steak stir-fry recipe: let it marinate for 3 days while you go to Sundowner parties. Thanks for your blog comments. We have read them and enjoyed them, but can't respond till we get to an Internet cafe.