I have just realized that we are only a few degrees shy of the equator a few days after the equinox. No wonder we have felt like we are on the BROIL setting the last few days. Whew! It's gotten hot!
At this moment, we are anchored of the north end of the island of Belitung, yet ANOTHER spot being promoted by the Indonesian government and organizers. Our anchorage lat/long (for any Rally participants who might be looking for it) is: 02*33.389'S; 107*40.678E. The waypoint provided by the rally had a typo in it and, 10k offshore, gave no clue to the actual anchorage location!
It looks gorgeous. There is a long white sand beach (rare in this part of the world) and a whole bunch of little rock islands reminiscent of the Baths of the BVI to the west which Greg and Michael are currently exploring for a possible afternoon dive. Perhaps even better, there are several cell towers and a fast data connection! And best of all, there is a string of beach palapa-style restaurants where we aim to let somebody else cook our "tea" (i.e. dinner) this evening.
Two weeks from today, "they say" the President of Indonesia will be coming here for the final party before the fleet crosses into Malaysia. We're told he wants to mingle with the cruisers and learn what we think about the country and what is needed. I think that is a hopeful paraphrase. I think they will be lucky if there are any boats left in the country to hunt for the place.
We won't be here. The plan is a middle of the night departure tonight for another multi-day sail north. Sigh. I do miss the leisurely approach.
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