Mother Nature pulled a fast one on everybody marring our final act with a nautical theme featuring the darker side of the elements. Bumpy rides up the line are nothing new being generally accepted as the rule; calm weather traveling northward is definitely the exception. What made the mentionable list today was the reliability of our beloved weather forecasters who consistently call it with incredible accuracy. All the models, from all our different resources, called for flat calm. Boy were we looking forward to slipping through the door unscathed even going as far as exulting in our good timing in advance of our passage. Then came the inevitable reality check almost always associated with any type of pervasive certainty at sea. Twenty to twenty five knots of wind with a pretty fair sea state building throughout the afternoon. Nice - just in time for the lustily anticipated prime rib dinner.

Oh it wasn't horrible for a vessel of our capability, or even close, but our behind was definitely chapped as we slogged our way through it. It is actually very rare nowadays that we are blind sided with a significant, unexpected increase in the weather. The forecasters at NOAA are very adept in my experience. Today's enjoyment is just another one of many examples of who wears the pants out here. She reminds us pretty regular lest we entertain any notions otherwise. It should also serve to remind all the brave souls on private and/or smaller vessels entertaining ideas of going long and far that rapid, unforeseen changes still occur on the high seas. A lot of respect, and perhaps even a little bit of fear goes a long way toward appropriate preparedness when venturing beyond the reach of safe harbor.

Our arrival tomorrow will be followed by a short and sweet respite with one night on the home front before departure Wednesday morning. We are plenty grateful with the result of our fishing during this run in light of the fact that it could have been much worse. We were facing a pretty ominous set of conditions, and rapidly running out of time, only to pull it out the final two days with some good action on a nice grade of yellowfin tuna and yellowtail. Had it not been for the final two days whoa, I shudder to think. Regardless we are again thankful for the acknowledgement of the obvious, and support from this fantastic group of anglers throughout this adventure. They made a good time of it through thick and thin.

Also, our most gracious thanks to "Rock Cod" Rick Maxa representing the Let's Talk Hookup show on this annual ten day charter. There is no better representative of Southern California sport fishing than Pete and Ricky's program. They are the uncontested leader's in their profession. All of our support for the Let's Talk Hookup program serves this fishery well. Rick did a fantastic job as always putting his time in at the rail, encouraging fellow anglers, and contributing to the overall tenor with his incredibly positive perspective.

Look for reports to continue beginning Thursday as Captain Randy Toussaint and I throw our full weight behind the helm on our annual Bart Ryder/Accurate charter. Until then have a fine few days. Were out.

Tim Ekstrom