Indian Ocean: South of Indonesia & Bali

I am in the Indian Ocean just south of Indonesia and BALI. Remember the movie "Road to BALI" with Bing and Bob Hope?

It is still 6000 miles to Durban South Africa and, for the last 4 days, there is no wind for sailing. I am motoring with sails up but I only have enough diesel for another day or so. By then I hope the wind picks up. On my weather charts it shows that I will get 12 - 15 knots in 2 days so I am getting out my big spinnaker and preparing. Right: sunrise - dead calm on the Indian Ocean.

I will make 3 stops at islands along the way, the first I didn't plan for but I need more fuel. That is Christmas Island. I don't know anything about it but you can look it up under 'google' and read about 'Christmas' and why they named it so.

The next is 600 miles further and is a recommended stop on this route because it is one of the most beautiful 'atolls'. It is called 'Cocos Keeling' probably named after some guy called Keeling. I will take photos there but I don't expect Internet connection until I get to the third island on my route called Mauritius. It is big and famous and I may rest a few days there before crossing the dangerous 'Arguls Current' along South Africa.

My big rest stop and good Internet will then be in Durban, S.A. I am now more than half way around the world, The rest is all downhill!

Mike Harker

s/v Wanderlust 3