Darwin: the third time
Darwin: the third time
Everything is easier the third time you do it, including rowing a mile to shore and back.
Yesterday was my third time and today the fourth. There has always been some chop on the way in, but the water smoothes out the last two hundred yards. Finish strong and show no weakness.
I carried in two diesel jerry cans and the LPG cylinder I have been using since New Zealand. I never have the stove on for long. In the morning to heat water for coffee and then to shave, and in the evening to boil a cup of water for a freeze dry meal. It still showed high pressure on the gauge and felt full. It holds 10 pounds/4.4 kg. But I know that foreign tanks cannot be filled in Indonesia, so wanted to have it topped up here.
I taxied to a nearby Shell station where I got 40 liters of diesel; 4 liters of diesel engine oil; and a little LPG. Total: $107 Australian, which is about $100 US. The taxi was a Prius. Some of the future is obvious.
Back at the Sailing Club, I showered and ate lunch again at the excellent Bistro. The grounds really are beautifully landscaped, with a mix along the water’s edge of palm and pine trees.
I had carried my computer in to use the Club’s wireless Internet connection, but it wasn’t working.
I expect to walk into Darwin tomorrow and may be able to upload these recent posts then.
Until I say otherwise, you can conclude that every day is sunny and about 86º/30ºC, with light winds and beautiful sunsets. Also smoke on the horizon, though less than two nights ago.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008