A lively group of anglers thus far enjoying the opportunity to relax, unwind, and spend the majority of their travel time sharing tales and spirits in the spirit of things good to come. Nothing pleases me more than seeing twenty or more individuals meld into a cohesive group ready to charge together and make it happen. Such bonding is another huge key to the success of any given voyage.

I have made plenty of past references to the crew dynamic, and how crucial their contributions are to the overall atmosphere on board. While the crews' actions and ability affect the tone, equally important are the anglers themselves. When everyone pitches in, embraces the obvious idea that we are all in the same boat, and recognizes the results of a voyage as a team effort, everyone on board is best served. The fondest voyages in my memory are the ones when anglers are encouraging one another and sharing in each other's accomplishments almost as if they were their own during the day's of fishing. Those occasions represent the whole of long range fishing better than any. Individual accomplishment is certainly what anglers sign up for; but such accomplishment, shared with like minded friends old and new, is that much more rewarding.

So we continue south with fair wind and seas combining to make a pleasant ride. No jarring, rocking, or rolling to speak of - nice and smooth with a gentle heel or two just to remind us of our surroundings; another day in paradise.

Tim Ekstrom