Wednesday, 2nd March, 2016

Luna Quest
W. Eric Faber
Wed 2 Mar 2016 15:10
Noon Position: 08.02N 53.37W

Daily run: 173 logged miles

The sunshine weather and brisk winds are jolly companions out on the ocean. At the dead of night and in the very early hours of the morning, when a half moon through a thin veil of white cloud cover, kept total darkness at bay, a tired bird tried to land somewhere at the back of Luna Quest. It hovered around the cockpit trying to pick a suitable perch. Its size was about that of a small jackdaw, but its colour matched. It is the second time that we have had such a bird coming to seek rest on Luna Quest. Eventually, it decided on a solar panel wedged in between its edge and the supporting frame. During the day these birds can be spotted from time to time skimming the waves looking for an easy morsel, but they are always at some distance from Luna Quest to render them just outside of ornithological interest.

A sudden thud on the dark night deck and the flapping of a loose rope required investigation. It seemed to come from just outside one of the galley windows. Peering through it, I was bespattered by seawater that often stands in the gunwales. I decided that it might be a flying fish in the throes of death. With the aid of a torch through the window, my suspicions were confirmed. It was a large one. No wonder it had made a thudding noise when it landed on deck or perhaps crashed into the cabin coamings just missing the open window! I grabbed it in my right hand and launched it over the side. They apparently make very tasty meals, but one has to contend with too many bones.

Eric