S/V Encanto underway to Suvarov Reserve
(Cook Islands, New Zealand)
October 3rd 2007, Wednesday
Captain: (0900 local) Checked in with the "RAG", an SSB radio net run by Captain Jim Bandy's out of Fiji. Jim is a very old, old friend from our Oyster Cove Marina days. As we reminisced, it occurred to me that Jim has known me long before the birth of our daughters and my marriage to Judy. He knew me when I was single…now which girlfriends of mine he knew remains a mystery; memory fades.
One of our regrets of turning north and heading home is that we are so very close to finally getting to visit Jim and his wife in Fiji. Jim left SF over 15 years ago on his cruise. He ended up in Fiji where he helped a "chief" who ultimately leased him an island. The island is called "Also Island" (his boat is named Also II) and the RAG radio is a touchstone for cruisers who seek refuge, information and comrades. As you can imagine, Jim was delighted to hear from John.
15°11 S and 156°00 W
11:45utc/1:45am local
First Mate: All is settling into routine. The day has been one of all sorts of weather conditions; sun, overcast cloudiness, showers, downpours, then crystal clear, abundant stars to dark skies and the moon, well, I await its arrival. Not enough water to collect, just enough to keep the few pieces of skivvies damp.
12:07 utc/2:08local: Bad visibility in a thunderstorm. Must sign out. Captain is awake to check on matters. Scooting along at over 5 knots. All we can do is stay below to stay dry. 2:23 local: The weather system has moved on. Time to go back up and check on the sails, we've dropped back down to 3.3 knots. With the wet came the wind.