1/19/13

A reunion is how I would describe it; a reunion of old friends and Royal Star veterans all assembled to pursue
their fishing passion on this annual, Braid sponsored 15 day voyage. A better group of individuals, beginning with
a core dozen or fifteen who established this trip now six or seven years past, one would be hard pressed to find.
This is the apex of long range fishing, the reason why anglers return year after year. The attraction of this past
time, demonstrated on so many different annual Royal Star voyages, extends far beyond just fishing.

This was only one component of the day's magic however. Along with this exceptional group we departed in a degree
of beauty enjoyed perhaps only a handful of times each year. What a day. Grease calm, crystal clear - no wind or
seas. In addition to the peace such conditions elicit the august array of coastal ranges stood in stunning contrast
to the millions of visuals arising from deeps. The clarity was the real bonus; purity might better depict the
conditions. Everything observed from meters to miles appeared close enough to reach out and touch so clear was the
air.

It was a rare day, a reason for pause, and most definitely an auspicious beginning for this blossoming fifteen day
run. The question now of course is what we can make of it. All the tools of success in hand and encouraging signs
below point toward our goal of a productive run. I will keep readers posted as the voyage progresses. For now we
bask in the beauty of an ocean serene, becalmed.

Tim Ekstrom