Lugger Bob
23 May 2013 | 06 04'N:152 55'E, 317 miles from Pohnpei
David C
Wind: E 6kts Sea: mixed direction swells 1-2 M Sky: Clear Baro: 29.74
I've learned that it is not wise to proclaim a day the nicest of the trip as Mother Nature may humble you the next day. So I will describe today and you can arrive at your own conclusions. Sun rose to clear skies with billowy cumulus clouds dotting the horizon. Water is that deep sea color we all speak about frequently. Gentle breeze is enough to cool the morning and a great design feature on the Duck, a pilot house roof hatch, funnels it down onto the helm chair. Cup of coffee, bare feet up on the console, straining to see an upcoming atoll, Namoluk. Were it not for the fact that the entrance is only 3 feet deeper than the hull, we might consider slipping in to the tiny lagoon, anchoring, and taking each others pictures as we lie under a palm tree surrounded by a narrow beach and the Pacific on the other side. Our fish larder has been refilled with a nice tuna yesterday and the only lure I have in targets wahoo still. One of our hand lines was slammed yesterday and the hook bent open. The 300 lb test mono above the lure was roughed up for a foot or two suggesting a marlin and his bill was the culprit. Again all unwitnessed. You may begin to wonder abo ut our powers of observation.
Just wanted to thank Bob Senter again for his help. Bob taught the diesel repair/maintenance course at Alaska Diesel Electric, (manufacturers of Northern Lights generators and Lugger propulsion engines), that Dave and I took in Ballard and has been tremendously helpful since. The best part of this experience has been the people I've met and Bob is the perfect example. He reiterated in our course that he is happy to take calls or emails for questions. I sent him a question from the yard about an alternator backet with photo and Bob not only advised me on that but found 3 other unrelated potential problems in the photo which we averted by modifying installations. Even with the assembled horsepower of mechanical expertise we have on board, I have sent multiple emails to Bob via sat phone while underway and he has responded immediately giving exceptionally helpful advice. It is really comforting to know that Bob is willing to take the time to help when we are a bit far from our nearest service facility! Thank you again from all of us!!!