It seems that I cried us up some darn fine weather after the initial insult provoked my unwillingness to accept ill treatment for this passage north. Once in a great while those moods arise when one just does not resign to enduring the abuse. Fortunately the occasion is rare, and realistically a useless expectation, but it occurs nevertheless. With enough time spent on the ocean that I have earned the right to express my opposing sentiments, I am occasionally obliged to do so - knowing full well that it falls on deaf ears.

As indifferent to our folly as the ocean really is, there are those rare times when I feel she gives a little back. Actually there are many times when she gives back in many forms, but primo weather is the sweetest of them all. Time at sea is magic in these conditions. And fortunately for this latest voyage, and of paramount significance on any and every other, the good weather window was wide open from the first day of fishing through the last. It is a feature that casts any ocean going experience into a completely different light. The sweeter, gentler side of the ocean's temperament is so alluring, offers such charm, it could tame the fiercest abomination. It hypnotizes to instill a sense of well being and security that beckons wayfarers to venture forth and beyond.

In a more practical sense it just makes the time out here that much more comfortable and pleasant. Everything is easier when executed from a stable platform. Making a successful catch of fish is always a good time. One landed is a triumph equal, regardless of sea conditions. But the catch made in primo conditions is the one regaled and fondly recalled from the armchair in years to come. The endurance of less than favorable conditions proves grit. The preference of calm conditions proves civility.

And so we enjoyed the majority of this day following a morning of pissing and moaning that paid off with a near flat calm afternoon. As such it appears that we will make our scheduled arrival time in San Diego on the 21st of 0800 at customs, then 0845 - 0900 at Fisherman's Landing. We have a huge load of beautiful tuna for any one who can make the time to come down and watch the process of unloading.

Otherwise a side note to pass on from Tracy is that one spot just became available on our January 8th - January 20th 12 day voyage that is a smoking deal poised to take advantage of the phenomenal tuna fishing occuring down below. Perhaps the inside banks will come to life again, perhaps not; either way we will be in position to make it happen in the twelve day time frame of this voyage. If you can make it give Tracy a call as soon as possible. As I mentioned this trip is a fantastic bargain that can not be ignored especially in light of the fishing presently occuring.

Photo today features anglers Mike Neal and John Santaella pulling on a couple of good ones during a mid day stop fishing on the outside. Look for tomorow's final report from this voyage in advance of our 0800 arrival.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...