7/16/12

The first thing I must say is that this is a far different ocean than the one I left a couple of weeks
prior. Calm, serene, tranquil, warm; the list of favoring adjectives could go on and on. It was a
beautiful day to travel or fish - whatever one's pleasure, though fishing is my usual preference.

Keeping everyone on their toes however, and affirming the ceaseless unpredictability of long range
fishing, this run we opted to stretch our range heading south in search of even a piece of the stellar
fishing the previous round of voyages encountered below. It is one of those junctures when the potential
is just too good to ignore; the kind of fishing where perhaps more catching is done in one day, in one
stop, than an entire voyage in scratch conditions. So now we will see; that unpredictability can cut both
ways.

In the meantime this seasoned group of anglers knew precisely what to do with a stress free day of travel
in heavenly, flat calm conditions. Spirits were soaring and flowing interspersed with a minimal amount of
rigging and preparation. It was an occasion for festivity that was barely contained by the two sides and
stern bulwarks of Royal Star. A big time, and good fun, was had by all.

We by-passed a few fish along the way but all for the greater good - I think. For certain tomorrow will
tell; such is a familiar theme. Regardless I'm glad to be back among it. There's no place like home.

Tim Ekstrom