Boy there is plenty happening shore side and on board as we begin this new voyage, the annual Braid sponsored 15 day, in high spirits, ready to claim our share of the action below. And, though it is far from new information, the
action below can only be described as exceptional, for real, with bona fide huge catches unloaded yesterday and today validating last week's reports from Hurricane Bank. As has been demonstrated in so many past seasons January is
amazingly consistent in that region.

With that in mind, and what feels like a luxury of time on this run of fifteen days, we almost certainly favor "The Bank" at some point in our voyage. Plenty of assistance in the form of information streaming in from our colleagues ahead
will undoubtedly play into our decision as we head south over the next three days.

Naturally I will keep all readers abreast of the action on board, and perhaps entertained, as I warm up to the daily narrative I have missed now for some time. A little down time, a short hiatus if you will, has done wonders producing
a wealth of introspective opportunities. In what form they manifest remains to be seen but all Royal Star anglers bear witness to the idea factory put into action on our vessel. Remaining on the cutting edge is a compulsion around here
- the future beckons.

For now the short term narrows our focus to the task at hand. Preparation and rigging is at the top of the order as we cruise the vast expanse presently punctuated by bountiful frothing growlers thankfully astern. It would not be
nice heading in the opposite direction. Thankfully we are not, and don't plan to be for the next three days.

Enjoy the weekend and look for reports to continue.

Tim Ekstrom