So we are - figuratively - back where we started.
There has been a numbing similarity to the weather pattern on this
leg. The wind gets up a bit towards the early afternoon (query: sea
breeze?) strengthens towards late afternoon, backs and then dies during the
night. What is unfair is that many - if not all - of the faster boats
enjoyed decent winds most of the way! Ah well, at least the sun shines and
there is plenty of things to do on the boat. Most of the other boats
are already in Bali. We are at the back of the fleet, with Branec a few
miles ahead (and if he gets some wind, that will soon be many), and Viva,
Windflower and Northern Sky ahead again. These latter three should all
arrive in Bali some time today, thought it will be a close-run thing for Viva as
she will soon meet the strong counter-currents as she approaches the Lombok
Strait. For us, we shall have to be content to arrive some time tomorrow
morning; I will let you know how it goes.
The Skipper - on the early shift - has tried his hand at making bread
today. Strangely, it was very difficult to find bread-making flour in
Australia. I thought at one time they provided most of UK's needs?
Only the advent of lunch will prove whether he's been successful.
Meanwhile, Alex is recovering from his night-watch and his tour-de-force cheese
and lentil omlette served with an accompanying (on the side, Steve, and thanks
for helping with the Anglo-American translations) avocado and garlic garnish.
Delicious. I wonder what Norfy has in store for us this lunch time
(besides the Skipper's bread, if it works) - and he may be wondering too!
Yanmar purring contentedly, we plod on. A yacht has just been sighted
off to Port (on the left) - it will need some investigation, so I will sign
off.
All well with us, and best wishes to
everyone,
James, Norfy (Chris) and Alex
Yacht Cleone