Katherine Ann Westabout

Steady but not spectacular progress has been made in the last week or so as I slowly wend my way home. Crossed the Equator at 6am this morning and just easing along on a close reach with a nice steady breeze of about 8 knots. Last night I passed about 30 miles West of St Peter and St Paul Rocks, a tiny Archipelago just North of the Equator. For a long time nobody laid claim to this territory but in recent years Brazil has claimed it and established a small military outpost on the rock, a just outcome as Brazil is its undisputed closest neighbour. St Peter and St Paul Rocks is also notable as the turn point used by Jon Sanders in his incredible non stop triple circumnavigation, 2E, 1W, in 1986-88 aboard his 42' sloop Parry Endeavour. For the last three days I have enjoyed the company of a smallish white heron who alighted some 900 mile SW of Guinea Bisao, the closest land. This bird is a non swimming estuary dweller and was quite timid at first but after the first day of keeping to himself would just fly in to the cabin and prowl around and generally make himself at home. I figured he wasn't a saltwater drinker and he drank almost a full cup, 200 ml, of water straight down. He wasn't over enthusiastic about the meals offered, either well matured cooked Mahi Mahi or tinned salmon and this may have led to his decision to depart for the aforesaid Rocks just a few minutes ago. Still no rain but the forecast is for many thunderstorms over the next few days so here's hoping. Still hazy hot and steamy but with the light breeze still have good air circulation in the cabin. --------------080902040002000900090805--