Thursday, March 11, 1999 – Underway to Tortola (BVI)

I guess this is the real test isn’t it? Trying to write something witty, interesting and possibly amusing when none of these things has occurred over the last few days. You know most of the time when I sit myself down to write these missives I have no actual plan, but just sort of let it rip and let the mood take me. It has worked rather well to date; though I’m a little worried about today. Where is the muse when you really need it? Certainly not in the bottom of my G&T nor in the Latin jazzy tunes, presently blaring out of the speakers.

I guess the good news is many fold however. It’s all how you look at it. This is the longest the main engine has run for some time (no pun) and we have had no problems, all are still on board and have not gone mysteriously missing and I’ve still got some sort of humor left in me, somewhere. I think this is what Ib told me about when we were discussing this trip over a couple of cold ones back in Townsville. He tried to prepare me for the ensuing boredom that we may be faced with in situations as these. Now I reckon I should have known better than to reject old salty sea dogs wise words. Maybe these are the moments where character shines through. One really should be able to use such moments to further oneself with more than a Hollywood movie or lying flat on the old proverbial. What I really should have been doing instead of complaining, is reading a book and thriving in these blissful and singular quiet moments. A time to reflect, learn and introvert. I’ll know for next time I guess and for those of you that ever have such similar moments, take note.

The late night watches have brought with them something rather special of late. Christian wakes me up at midnight for my two-hour stint. About an hour into the watch, I am greeted not by dolphin this time, but by the rising half moon. At first a small light appears at the horizon and then the majestic half-lit planet slowly rises into the skies. Beautiful moments.

So what about tomorrow? Well, with any luck we should be around some islands and may get a dive in at this famous wreck called the Rhone that sank in the 19^th century. We also need to check in again and pick up another guest. Apparently, the weather forecast for the weekend is everything but heartening which could mean that our onward plans might have to be amended again. At least the weather today has been a little bit more to our liking.

As I write, we are coming up to Puerto Rico, which has brought with it more vessel traffic and should increase as we get closer to the Virgin Islands. I shall retire now and leave you with the crews and my best wishes until tomorrow.