We have now left Palmerston. We spent the remainder of Sunday aboard just relaxing and doing a little boat prep. We finished off Lord of the Rings in the evening.
The weather picture still remains complex but I’ve decided we’re better of going and figuring it all out as we go. We are bound for Beveridge Reef located at 20S, 167 46.5W. The winds are currently coming from the NNE and due to swing round to the NW over the next day or so. We’re therefore heading north of the direct line from Palmerston to Beveridge Reef so we’ll get a better wind angle if/when it turns. The winds are light (6-8 knots) but we’re sailing with our trusty Code Zero.
It should be a two day trip in normal trades but in these light winds it’s going to be probably three.
We’re leaving Palmerston which a touch of sadness as our time here has been priceless. That being said, one could stay too long on a small island like this. Everyone knows everyone else and every relationship must have a history. While we saw and participated in part of their life here we only scratched the surface. Beneath this surface one gets a glimpse from time to time of the deeper side of life here and it’s not necessarily all Paradise.
Looking ahead, Beveridge Reef is an interesting place. Surrounded by the ocean three miles deep it is a pinnacle rising from the depths to just below the surface. At low tide, I understand, the reef will surface but beyond that there is no land. The waters are supposed to be crystal clear, the snorkeling excellent and, we have been informed, lobsters can be plucked from the reef at night. We shall see.
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