Pos 13/11/19, 1600, 07 51'S, 115 06'E. Bali. Towering volcanoes arise steeply from the bejewelled, deep blue ocean, like guardians jealously watching over their charge. This is exotic sailing. This morning while I was snoozing we abruptly left the storm zone and sailed
into sparkling blue ocean. The depths are no longer measured in two figures but have fallen to the 1000's. The wind is a steady 10 knots and vaguely in the right direction. We hope it wont fail us but allow us to keep the magic and sail past this vision of wonder. We are
thoroughly enjoying this and after the stress of all the squalls we passed through have finally been rewarded. We will sail on to Lombok though and will arrive there at this rate at some very early hour in the morning, which may mean a drift out at sea for a few hours waiting
for daylight. We have used our genoa all day today and the damage to the sun strip is minimal but looks unsightly. There appears to be no damage to the sail itself.
Right along the coast here is a line of FAD's (fish aggregating devices) which are ingeniously constructed. The base raft is made from lashed together drums, hopefully all plastic, and on top is tied a network of giant bamboo holding this together. A vertical rod of bamboo
with either a light or a ball shape tied to it completes the FAD. They would be anchored to the bottom which is an impressive 1000 metres below. The FAD's appear about one each nautical mile and seem to be neatly in a row. There are a few which don't seem to belong
to the row. On many of the FAD's there are birds roosting or circling hoping to catch their food. Fish are known to gather under shade, any shade will do as would be noted if you own a boat. No doubt tonight will be busy with fishermen fishing around these rafts. We are
hoping they, both fishermen and the FAD's will carry lights. It could be a tricky night otherwise.
Will be in touch tomorrow from Lombok all being well. Until then, bye from John and Ginni