Jurassic Park Island!
0146 UTC | 05 33.231’N 087 02.516’W
Chatham Bay, Isla Del Coco
I am writing this as we sit on a mooring buoy in an idyllic bay in the middle of the ocean. Roughly 5 hours ago we arrived at Isla del Coco and promptly jumped in the allegedly shark-infested water for a quick dip. Everyone will be pleased to know we were very sensible and sent Nic in as a guinea pig before committing the whole crew — even better news is that every crew member still has all their fingers and toes. In fact, no sharks have been sighted yet, but I am sure that will not be the case for much longer!
It is beautiful here. Jacques Cousteau may have been onto something. The only slight complaint we have is we would like it to be less rolly, if possible! Lee cloths may need to be up tonight, but I think everyone is looking forward to a full night’s sleep.
We haven’t had contact with the rangers yet, despite multiple radio calls. However, a friendly dive boat swung by and offered us internet for one phone, some stickers, and maybe an opportunity to dive here. Regardless, where they dive is mere meters from our boat, so some good snorkelling is definitely on the cards. The diver, Roberto, used to be a park ranger on the island for 9 years, so we’ll be taking him up on his offer to help with anything!
Hopefully the rangers pay us a visit in the morning and we can get to some real exploration. In the meantime, we’re having a lovely time star-gazing and enjoying our moonlit view of the island (see pic!).
// Mary
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Shooting Stars & Turtle Logs
Day three out of Ketchikan and FALKEN is running wing on wing down the outside of Vancouver Island. The temptation is to lie back in the cockpit and spend the night watching for shooting stars, but a diligent watch is always the first priority. So we keep a sharp eye out while the shooting stars keep us company through the night. The wildlife keeps coming: humpback and minke whales, five mola molas, dolphins, and a black-footed albatross. We are all feeling lucky for such conditions!
Pot dodging and whale watching
Duncan got us up to eleven knots at one point! The Ferriers also logged our first Orca sighting on their 3am-6am watch! This morning is a gift as the temps are just right and we finally have some blue sky and plenty of sunshine. It was a glorious few hours sailing before it inevitably died as forecast. I live in hope that by sunset tonight we’ll be back sailing as we emerge out of the lee of the island and the wind will be more westerly which lends itself to a better sailing angle.
We are off!
After two days of introductions, safety briefings and boat procedures we have departed Ketchikan. We are currently making a whopping 3.3 knots as there is very little wind in Nichols Passage. Adam fed us well last night with a delicious shrimp curry and Duncan was the winner of a sporty game of the card version Monopoly. With the scenic views and light wind it's quite peaceful out here.