A stress free, relaxing day of travel in calm seas began the voyage on a ideal note allowing all preparations to be made in comfort at whatever pace anglers chose to proceed. Time at hand led to a wealth of nothing - nothing urgent, nothing that couldn't wait, and nothing to do but stop the world and settle into the ship board travel routine. Of course the fishing tomorrow and beyond will change all that; a day or two of inactivity is enough anyway, but one can't help but appreciate the delicious opportunity to simply stop and unplug at least once in a while.

Plenty of reading and good conversation passed the easy time while the battery of Shimano equipment mentioned yesterday was assembled and prepared for action. It makes for an impressive visual that I'm certain will be even more so when put into action. Between the equipment our anglers brought along and the gear provided by Shimano we are outfitted for a voyage of titanic proportions - if the fish bite. And if they don't - we'll look better than anyone out here trying.

Today's photo features one of three or four of the Shimano line up's that anglers on this voyage are free to use at any time. This is "Talica/Trinidad Row" that I suspect will be put to good use throughout the trip. Just looking at this cache of gear makes me want to grab one and fish. In fact as I write I am beginning to feel that familiar twinge of anxiety before fishing commences. So much for the "stress free relaxation"; only six hours to go.


Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...