30th August - Kudat

Saturday 30^th August

A pretty bit of coastline, off Sandakan

Yesterday we completed all of our tasks – the last of the fuel carted onto the boat and poured into the tanks, plus check-out from Harbour Master, Immigration, Customs.  We just have to buy a bit of food and we will be ready to go go go!

All day yesterday there was a big knees-up at the Yacht Club.  I was quite secluded in my nice computer room, but I could see, and hear.  They seemed to be having seminars on Climate Change, Fisheries, employment possibilities.  Plus…a big talent quest.  When I heard someone singing very like Céline Dion (with a bit of trouble on the high notes…) I had to go out and see.  And the singer was….

The boy in the red t-shirt!

Last night we ate local scallops (19 ringgits a kilo…$2.30.)  There was quite a lot of wastage because they had a lot of yucky membrane, poo, intestine to peel away, but they were delicious, and very cheap after all.  Some of our friends came for a drink.

Ingrid, Michael, Rob

Michael and Ingrid (SV Sailabout, Austria,) had already eaten so they couldn’t be tempted.  They will be following us to Palawan (Philippines) in a week or so; nice people, we will be happy to see them there.

Pete, Gary

Gary (SV Inca II, Sydney,) had mung beans and rice soaking and waiting for him so he wasn’t tempted either.  (Why not??)  He told us a dreadful crocodile story… Years ago he was on his yacht in the river at Port Douglas, with his beloved German Shepherd.  One night she was asleep on deck in the cool breeze and a large hungry crocodile jumped up and grabbed her from the boat.  AAGGHH!

Rob (SV Jolie Brise, Melbourne) did stay to eat with us.  He also was persuaded to learn to play Oh Hell…Not sure if he enjoyed the game but he did enjoy the meal, and the company.

I am feeling not-so-cheery today (NO reason, it just happens, once in a blue moon – pun intended,) so I am putting up a joke Twyla sent me on Facebook.