We've left Fiji behind now, and we're well on our way to Port Vila from Samoa, and, for those keeping track, about two-thirds of the way from Raiatea to Brisbane. We've got both engines running now, which is helping us eat up the miles. Every little bit counts.
I'll admit, I was a little jittery after spotting that mysterious fishing boat the other night. The story about the deserted vessel, the one with no crew and a bloody handprint, kept replaying in my mind. It's easy to dismiss those tales as just that—tales—but out here, with nothing but the vast ocean around you, they tend to take on a life of their own, and sailors are a superstitious bunch.
Yesterday, just after dawn I was doing my usual checks, wandering around the deck and cockpit, making sure everything was in its place. With that story still lingering in my thoughts.
Then, I saw it. Something near the bathing ladder. I bent over to take a closer look, and there was no doubt. A bloody palm print on the back of the boat! Arrrrgggh!
We're making good progress, and the engines are running smoothly. I'm trying to focus on the miles ahead, and the fact that we're getting closer to Port Vila with each passing hour. And the predicted thunderstorms didn't amount to anything. Once or twice the sky has started to go dark but nothing happened and we have had the occasional sprinkling of rain to take the heat off.
Wildlife-wise, it's been pretty quiet. A few birds circling overhead, and the occasional flying fish skimming the surface. But that's about it. It's actually a little unusual – we haven't had a single flying fish land on the boat, nor any squid ink squirted around, which is a welcome change. I've had a bit of a history with flying fish, you see. They seem to be inexplicably drawn to me. I've often wondered if I emit some sort of irresistible pheromone, making me some kind of flying fish sex god. Either way, I'm just relieved that the curse seems to have been lifted. I certainly don't miss having to clean flying fish from my sheets at 2 a.m after one has come shooting through my open hatch. It's just more peaceful out here without them crashing the party.
