Every once in a while we enjoy the ride home. Less the usual misery battling northward against prevailing wind and seas we actually get things done and appreciate the tranquility. Not that I would encourage anyone to roll the dice; one miserable passage up the line after another easily convinces the prudent individual otherwise; but the occasional sweet reprieve can not be denied.

Two days of easy going in seas becalmed and inviting; the surface mirror like and calling; serenading to mariners above, and creatures below. At some level we must identify with the life offshore. For just as we are drawn to a welcoming flat calm likewise the critters below rise to the occasion. It never ceases to amaze me. Myriads of life arrive for the party revealing a magnitude of creatures unsuspected, wonderful; beyond conventional notion of what our eyes perceive. Whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, swordfish, bonitos, yellowtail, squids, sardines, mackerel, flying fish, scads, and a thousand other unnamed organisms cruising just below the sea surface. But for the occasional ridge of a back, tip of a fin, or smokestack spout that cracks the luminous veneer, darker rippling wedges, V-shaped or spread in lines of twisting formations, announce the presence of all things living in fathoms below. From miniature, tiny little chevrons to vast, football field size disturbances, every opportunist arises to pay homage to glory and soak up some sun.

Such was the day that passed in various stages of the aforementioned. While the obvious giants trumpeted their presence with the frankness expected of behemoths secure, the signs more esoteric were captured through diligence, and interest, in peering beyond the obvious. And with a wealth of time at hand, and conditions so serene, why not? This healthy fascination must be fueled. If you take my word for it, there is no shortage of layers to peel back and discover.

As the march continues forward, all this waxing on the magnificence of flat calm is expected to end. In fact, the knowledge of darker days ahead no doubt augmented the sense of appreciation for such benevolence from beyond. Forecast conditions for tomorrow are not good; and by all present appearances on the mark. Building seas and freshening breeze foreshadow a return to dark beauty ever simmering in her temperamental core. As much of a thorn in the side as it is I can't help but succumb to the raw beauty captivating in it's appeal. It's akin to when your girl is smoking mad giving you what she is worth when, as aggravated and pitched as you are, you can't help but notice how pretty she is - gorgeous even. It is a sinister tool I tell you. And expertly applied - irresistible.

Satisfied with my seafarer's ramblings I return to the narrower topic of fishing, or fishing photos anyway. Dr. Dave Hall, who is among the limited few most ardent supporters of the Revillagigedo tagging project, is featured in action on our final morning in the famous "Lunker Hole". I have so much good to say about Dr. Dave that I will save it - for he is the April "Angler of the Month" soon to be featured on the Royal Star website. Until then a photo must do. Look for tomorrow's final trip report as we chug up the line. Adventure comes in many forms.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...