Last night, we were sailing far to the west of the busy North/South lanes off the coast of Portugal. The radar/AIS screen was clear for more than 50 miles around, a comfortable feeling, so at 2330 I took a 30 min rest. Making a routine search for traffic at midnight, I couldn't believe it when three AIS 'targets' appeared ahead right on our track at 10nm. Ater a trip on deck to alter to a safe course, I returned to the nav table to hear a Guard Ship calling me; he explained that he was guarding a 10KM Tug/Tow survey combination - would you believe a SIX NAUTICAL MILE tow line on the surface - I wondered if perhaps I was dreaming! No warning broadcasts were heard on Chan 16, as you might expect. Not sure why their AIS targets did not display earlier. It's a busy place out here.

The forecasts are for winds to stay in the North but moderate some tomorrow; I am ready for quieter seas. Thanks again Family for all the emails; excuse me not replying individually just now - been a bit busy and the 'sunspots' are still making SSB radio difficult.