It has been a delightful trip so far.
Dophins, Mahi Mahi and settled seas. Unfortunately that translates to NOT MUCH WIND. What wind there is happens to be on the nose. Sail boats can not sail directly into the wind.
We sailed for a while on a more southerly course, but then the northern coastline of Honduras got in the way, so we had to turn east again into the wind.
I can not complain too much, as I am not the one paying for the fuel. I just enjoy having a flat steady platform to do my ‘business’. And yes, I did my best to hog the whole sea berth from the humans last night!
The humans are very disappointed that all three Mahi Mahi they caught got off the hook before they could get them on the boat. We are now in shallower water, so they will have to wait until we are through the Miskito Channel before they get another crack at catching them.
Almost all systems are running well on the boat. The engine is chugging along nicely, the auto-helm is keeping a course and the alternator is behaving itself. Unfortunately the toilet has jammed on the humans. How that happened, I do not know. So they are reduced to using a bucket. Oh well it could be worse. Some of the boats that left the same time as us have not faired as well. Tony and Elizabeth, on ‘Tactical Directions’ has had electronic issues. They have engines and auto-helm, but not much more. Bob and Debbie on ‘Inca Rose’ have had to turn back to Guanaja because their engine cooling pump has gone. I would not fancy trying to sail back into that anchorage. They are very brave. Although we are all going in different directions we are keeping in contact with a regular net in the mornings and evenings on the single side band radio.
So where are we now?
We are just passing along the North East coast of Honduras and heading south east. Just past Way Point ‘Bill 1’. (I will put all the way points in at the end of the passage). We have covered 100nm so far and only 500nm left to go. Weather looks good for the today and most of tomorrow. Stronger winds are meant to chase us down by Thursday night and stay with us through Friday. We should have more settled weather for the weekend. Hopefully we will be in the San Blas Islands by then.
It is rather boring on a long sailing trip. All the humans seem to do is read, sleep and eat. But I do try and keep them active entertaining me. They can not read if I keep dropping my toys on their books. Missing beaches and long walks already. Hopefully there will be plenty of those in the San Blas.
You all stay safe and I will keep an eye on the humans for you. end:
