The Brahmaputra enters India in the far eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh after traveling hundreds of miles across Tibet as the Tsangpo from its birthplace near the holy lake of Mansarovar. It is one of the world's largest, on a scale with the Indus, Mississippi, and the Nile.
One of the great rivers of Asia, the Brahmaputra commences its 3,000-km journey to the Bay of Bengal from the slopes of Kailash in western Tibet. As Tibet's great river, the Tsangpo, transverses east across the high-altitude Tibetan plateau north of the Great Himalayan Range, carving out myriad channels and sandbanks on its way. As it tumbles from the Himalayan heights towards the plains of the subcontinent it twists back on itself, cutting a deep and still unnavigated gorge, until finally turning south it emerges in Arunachal Pradesh as the Dihong. Just beyond Pasighat, it meets the Dibang and Lohit where it finally becomes the Brahmaputra.
It runs through dense forests and tribal settlements. Rafting trips starts in a place called Tuting, so remote that we have to reach there via helicopter ride! A seldom-run river, the Brahmputra offers beautiful scenery, excellent big white water and great wild life in a less-visited corner of the sub-continent. After having big fun and adventure, you finish our rafting at Passighat. The Brahamputra has its source at holy Mount Kailash Mansarover in Tibet, traverses the entire Tibetan plateau, and then makes its great bend into India, cutting into the Himalaya the deepest gorge in the world, a canyon which has as yet eluded all attempts at exploration.
The various adventurous sports held in the Bharmaputra river has helped the India's poor high-end adventure reputation to be changed. The experienced crew of rafters and kayakers have put together a rafting expedition down the mighty Brahmaputra. Aimed at putting India on the international white water map, 180-km stretch of the Brahmaputra will mark the first non-military expedition on the river and the first commercial foray in the politically sensitive region.
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Sep 15, 2008
Brahmaputra River Puts India On The International White Water Map
Sep 8, 2008
Beautiful Sailing / Water-Sports Destinations : Yachting In The Stockholm Archipelago - A Midsummer Night's Dream !
The Baltic might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering a luxury yacht charter vacation, but during the short Scandinavian summer, it's a magical place with warm breezes and almost 24 hours of daylight. Even as far south as Stockholm, summer nights never get completely dark, the sky just takes on a deep blue tint for a few hours before the sun comes back up again.
The best time to visit is June to September, and like everywhere else in Europe, July and August are the most crowded. For a totally Swedish experience, visit during Midsummer (usually around June 20), the longest day of the year and one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden. To avoid the crowds, visit in September (or even at the end of August) when the warmth of the summer still lingers and you will have more space to yourself.
Begin your trip by spending a few days exploring Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden, before heading out on your yacht. The Stockholm Archipelago is about 150 miles long by 50 miles wide and contains around 30,000 islands and islets, some verdant with luxury hotels, shops and restaurants, others just a bare rock. You don't have to go far to get to Fjaderholmarna (the Feather Islands). These 4 islands lie 25 minutes from Stockholm, and you might be tempted to keep cruising since you only just started, but they are well worth a stop. Fjaderholmarna is home to several restaurants, cafes, a seafood smokehouse (with a restaurant and take-out shop), shops, local artisans, an outdoor theatre, and Mackmyra whiskey distillery, where you can tour the facilities and try their products.
Vaxholm, about an hour by boat from Stockholm, was founded in 1647 and has been an archipelago hub since the late 1800s when it was discovered by wealthy Stockholmers who built vacation homes on the island and started spending their summers here. Today, Vaxholm has about 10,000 year-round inhabitants and many visitors, especially during the summer. The harbor is right in the center of this very walkable town, so you can easily stroll around and take in the sights. There are several shops, restaurants, cafes, a few grocery stores, a liquor store and a pharmacy. Notable sights include Bogesund Castle (built in the 1640s) and the Vaxholm Citadel (built 1833-1863) which is no longer used for military purposes but instead houses a museum, shop, bistro and B&B.
Grinda lies about 2 hours from Stockholm and its several sandy beaches and rocky outcrops make it a popular swimming destination for Stockholmers. The island is small, only a 15-minute walk across, and has a pub, grocery store, and a well-known hotel and restaurant, Grinda Wardshus, housed in an Art Noveau building from 1908. There are kayaks available for rent from the hotel, and they can also arrange activities such as rock climbing or archery.
Sandhamn (Sand Harbor) on the island Sandon (Sand Island) is the "yachting capital" of Stockholm's archipelago. The Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) built their club house here in 1897 (still in use) and their many annual races attract sailors from around the world. The most well known is perhaps the 2-day race "Gotland Runt" (Round Gotland). This particular event is also famous for the many parties taking place in Sandhamn both before and after the race. The town has many restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a few hotels and museums. There are also several sandy beaches on the island, and the largest, Trouville, is only a 20-minute walk from downtown.
With more than 60 guest harbors in Stockholm's archipelago, there are many more places to visit and sights to see, but these are a few places to get you started in your planning.
Cattie Coyle writes about luxury yacht charters and how to choose the right one for you!
Aug 7, 2008
Rafting Destination - 1 : Wet-n-Wild Weekend On The River Kundalika – 3 hours Away From Mumbai!
The Western Ghats are full of short and swift flowing rivers. However due to uneven terrain, there are not many river rafting location in Maharashtra. However Kundalika river which lies hardly 100 kms from Mumbai and Pune provides excellent opportunity for river rafting. It is preferred one day weekend getaway adventure destination near Mumbai and Pune.
River Kundalika is fed by waters released from Mulshi Dam and Bhira dam and provides 9 km rafting location with class 3 and class 4 rapids.
The best time to visit here is the monsoon, when the water levels are good for rafting. However, depending on levels of water, rafting can be done rest of the year as well.
Rafting is done over an 8 kms stretch, a journey filled with high thrills over rapids lasting almost three hours. Apart from rafting, there are other activities like river-crossing, jungle treks, rock-climbing (post-monsoon) and boating.
A number of Mumbai and Pune based adventure clubs organize white river rafting camps during monsoon near Kolad. The daily rafting charges are around USD 50-75.
Some of the clubs are:
Camp River Wild
Mercury Himalayan Explorations (MHE)
Kamath Resorts
Empower activity camps
How to reach Kolad:
Kolad lies on the Mumbai - Goa national highway. It is about 98 kms from Mumbai. The river rafting site is located at Saje village, 97 km west of Pune on the Mulshi-Kholad Road. Mumbai and Pune are the nearest international airports. Kolad or Roha railway station on the Konkan railway is the nearest railway station.
Sight seeing near Kolad
Kansai Waterfall (about 7 kms)
Hot Springs at Uddhar (9 kms)
Pali Ganesh Mandir (13 kms)
Trek to Sarasgad, Sudhagad
Alibaug Seaface (35 Kms)
Birla Salao Temple (52 Kms)
Bhira Dam (46 Kms)
Raigad Ropeway.(70 Kms)
Murud Jangira(93 kms)
Tamaani Ghats(Waterfalls)(48 Kms)
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Aug 4, 2008
Windjamming In Madagascar On A Dhow!
Ever wondered of taking a dhow sailing holiday?
If the thought excites you, Madagascar is THE place. An Island-hopping dhow camping trip around Nosy Be should be your next holiday plan! It’s a week in your life you will never forget. Departures are arranged every Saturday from May to December. The trip includes use of full camping equipment, all sea transport in a fully kitted motorized Dhow and transfer from airport to boat and back...
Day 1 - Arrive Nosy Be. You will be met by the Skipper, tour guide and captain of the dhow, and transferred to the Bed & Breakfast in Hell-ville, set high up on a hill, with great views. Restaurants and nightlife for you to explore at your own leisure and own expense.
Day 2- Ankazoberevina and Camp at Russian Bay: An early start prepares us for the crossing to Russian Bay (also known as Ambavatory Bay). We leave the port of Hell-Ville stopping off for lunch on the island of Ankazoberevina. Snorkeling over the soft corals with their vivid colours, proves to be an awe-inspiring experience around this little island. With a bit of luck, we may be able to spot the ring-tailed Lemurs while stepping on to Terre Firma. Moving on to Russian Bay, a fine shelter for boats in the cyclone season, we set up camp on some vast and desolate beach.
Day 3-4: Nosy Iranja. Sail 14 miles to Nosy Iranja (Island of Turtles) which lies south west of Nosy Be consisting of two islands, the larger and inhabited Nosy Iranja Be and the smaller Nosy Iranja Kely. The islands are connected by a 1.5 km long sand bar, negotiable on foot at low tide. We set up camp and enjoy the last of dusk from pristine white sands for the next two evenings after 2 enjoyable days of sailing, snorkeling and fishing.
Day 5: Mahalina. After a healthy breakfast on board we head back north and sail to our destination of the day – Mahalina. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, or kayaking up the mangrove swamps. The area is great for snorkelling, fishing and spear-fishing.
Day 6: Nosy Tanikely, Lokobe. We set sail to Nosy Tanikely (located only a few miles south of Nosy Be), a marine reserve teeming with underwater flora and fauna, allowing us the chance for some superb snorkeling in warm waters with great visibility. After lunch, we leisurely make our way to a deserted beach encompassed by the Lokobe reserve where we set camp for the evening.
Day 7: Hell-Ville and end of Dhow experience. Sail back to Hell-Ville port where our dhow adventure comes to an end. Catch your return flight to Antananarivo where you will need to overnight before returning to Johannesburg the following day.
Packages start at US $725 (7 days) excluding flights. This holiday excludes expenses on all optional excursions mentioned in the program all personal expenses, insurance for luggage, tips, drinks and laundry. Snorkeling, diving and fishing equipment and meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Jul 25, 2008
Bollywood Chahta Hai Goa- India’s Mini Europe !
Whether it’s water-sports, leisure sailing or luxury cruising- Goa emerges as the best loved destination amongst Bollywood’s celebrities at any given time of the year.
From Esha Deol and Arshad Warsi to Imtiaz Ali and Malaika Arora Khan - they all prefer to hit the golden beaches to unwind.
Esha Deol: Since I'm a total beach bum, Goa is one of the best spots India has to offer me. Lately, however, it's become too commercialized and not so safe. But I'll always have fond memories of my Goan holidays.
Chitrangda Singh: Goa is the Indian Europe. It has great energy
Raima Sen: I go at least four times a year. I love the seafood, beaches and shacks. I love the chilled-out life there and the friendly vibes of the place. I can comfortably let my hair down.
Minissha Lamba:Goa is among the most easily accessible holiday spots, and one of those places where the beaches are swimmable.
Arbaaz Khan: Goa is definitely my favourite holiday spot. It's chilled out, not much hustle bustle. I love the place, people and food. Being close to Mumbai, it is an ideal vacation spot.
Tusshar Kapoor: I've only been to Goa for shootings. I love the place. The ambience is excellent. I love the water and the warmth of the people. It's the ultimate place to get out of the rat race.
Imtiaz Ali: Goa is big in my life. I go there very often, but still not as often as I'd like. I'd like to live the life of a hippy or a nomad on one of the beaches there. I'd like to just travel around the beaches and villages. Life is not possible for me without Goa. It takes the traffic and the noise out of my blood system.
Rohit Roy: Goa has been my favorite Indian holiday destination from the time I was in college. Earlier I'd go with a bunch of friends. But now it's become a hotspot for family holidays. My wife Manasi and daughter Kiara are as much beach persons as I am! I absolutely adore its chilled-out pace. I love Goan food, prawn curry and rice being my favorites. Oh I love everything about Goa!
Arshad Warsi:I love Goa. The place slows me down. I go there as often as I can.
Malaika Arora: I don't think there's any better place to holiday than Goa. I love it! My husband Arbaaz and I always dreamt of owning a home there. And now our dream is coming true.
Sammir Dattani: Since I am total water person, Goa is the place for me. At least twice a year I take off with a bunch of friends and we never get out of the water.
Tanushree Dutta: Goa is a favourite holiday spot. I manage to go twice a year. What I like best are the little shacks by the beaches and the old-world charm about the place.
Koena Mitra:"Goa is one of my favourite holiday spots. You just can't get bored of Goa. I'm a beach girl and I love Goan seafood. I also love their music and their parties are high-energy. Winter is the right time to go to Goa.
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Jul 22, 2008
Kashmir Tops Popularity List For White Water River-Rafting !
But besides the Ganges, Kashmir’s valley is the next best destination if you love the waters sparkling with danger and a rush for adventure! Kashmir is known the world over for its enchanting picturesque lakes, streams and rivers. River water rafting is a relatively recent introduction in the Kashmir valley.
In Kashmirs Pahalgam region, in particular, white water river rafting has gained immense popularity. Located in the south-east of Kashmir, Pahalgam is surrounded by lofty mountain ranges and is washed by gushing streams and rivulets which provide abundant opportunities for adventure sports like river water rafting.
The aquatic adventure sport is attracting a lot of domestic as well as international tourists. And, this is a good news for the local residents related to tourism sector.
In fact, the white water river rafting destinations in India are comparable to the best in the world and among these the ones in Kashmir render utmost thrills to the participants.
Adventure-loving tourists visiting Kashmir include Pahalgam as their prime destination to enjoy thrills of white water rafting here.
Earlier, Pahalgam used to have only 10-13 boats sailing along the ice-cold white waters of Lidder Nallah (stream). But now their number has touched 40-45 to cater to the needs of the ever growing enthusiasts of this adventure sport here. The growing charm among tourists has proved a boon for local residents here.
“The tourists response is very good. Out of the total tourists coming to Pahalgam, 90 per cent are doing rafting. We know about it because we are into this business. Even the locals are into rafting and it’’s getting very popular.” said Mohammed Ibrahim Raina, owner of a rafting boat.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government after watching the potential of this sport is keen to capitalise on river rafting as an employment generation medium in the region.
“It is our effort to promote white river rafting because we have streams and beautiful rivers here which are perfect for it. There is a lot of potential and opportunity for white water rafting so we want to fully exploit it and create this facility for the tourists. The effort is to promote white river rafting to benefit local residents because the government is not interested in running this rafting programme and we are only overseeing this. We are laying down the terms and conditions for conducting this programme and only want the locals to benefit from this,” said Sarmad Hafeez, Joint Director for Tourism in Kashmir.
Lets hope the government takes keen interest in developing all kinds of water sports as India is truly emerging as a hotspot for sailing and yachting for water-babies all over the world. Read more...
Jul 11, 2008
Home To India’s First National Sailing Club: Bhopal, The City Of Lakes!
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, old historic culture and modern urban planning.
If you are exploring boating destinations within the country, make sure you hit bullseye Bhopal! 
Famous for its lakes, in-fact christened as "Lake City", it has a number of lakes but is basically famous for its lower lake and upper lake. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are indeed its nucleus.
Bordered along their shores stand silent sentinels that testify to the growth of the city. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its marketplaces and fine old mosques and palaces still bears the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926.
Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices. It is greener and cleaner than most cities in the country.
Having so many lakes, Bhopal naturally posses one of the best boating facilities in the country, Boat Clubs at both lower and upper lake are the centre of attraction and one can easily take a pleasure ride in cool cozy environs. In the vicinity of the Upper Lake, is the boat club run by MP Tourism with a large fleet of boats –Cruise Boats, rowboats, pedal boats, sailboats and motorboats. So take your pick and spend a while boating on the placid waters of the lake. 
Bhopal is also coming up as a center of adventure sports. Trekking camps are being organized by Youth Hostels and other private. The government has also established India's first National Sailing Club at the Boat Club, in the Upper Lake. This club offers various water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, rafting, water skiing, parasailing etc. Since its inception, it has hosted Canoeing and Kayaking Championships at national as well as international levels. Other adventure sports include parasailing, paragliding, hot air ballooning etc.
June, July and August are the best months to visit Bhopal. With the monsoons setting in, the light drizzles and the greenery make for a perfect scenic journey.
Jun 17, 2008
Diving In The Banda Islands: One HOT Destination !
If big pelagics are your thing then an Indonesia dive vacation here could be for you, but from a wider perspective the real beauty of diving in the Banda Islands is the immense variety and volumes of both large and small fish species.
Central to the spice trade of old, and former home to exiled freedom fighters, the islands are now enjoying a growing reputation for what goes on below the surface.
Topside, these Banda Islands boast climbable volcanic mountains which are covered in lush green vegetation. For a taste of historic atmosphere going ashore in Banda Neira is a must for its remnants from the old spice trade of colonial times.
The remoteness of the islands in the wide open Banda Sea, and the low levels of human population, have meant less fishing pressures, and a vibrant, natural and healthy reef system. The results of this are fishes in incredible numbers, huge seafans and sponges, and some monumental hard corals.
Some of the creatures worthy of special mention here that characterise diving in the Banda Sea are the preponderance of dogtooth tuna and mobula rays. At most sites you'll see enormous schools of fusiliers and thousands of redtooth tirggerfish. At the other end of the size scale, there are prolific mandarinfish and the native Ambon scorpionfish. Cetaceans are frequent visitors too, and Banda liveaboards often report sightings of spinner dolphins, orcas, and various whale species, including melonhead, pilot, blue, and humpback whales. One certainty is that you will see plenty of big stuff as well as no shortage of colourful reef life.
Diving is usually comfortable, with mild currents, good visibility and calm waters, but some of the dive sites are subject to stronger currents that make them suitable for experienced divers only.
Diving Season: The months of March and April, and mid/late-September to early/mid-December are the best times for diving in the Banda Sea, based upon surface conditions. Any trips arranged outside of these times would be reliant upon the weather and should be avoided.
Jun 9, 2008
Pack Your Boats Folks For A Weekend Out Of Mumbai!
Alibag is surrounded by sea from three sides is known as Goa of Maharastra. Alibag is located in an area of approximately 4 sq KM and is sourended by green belt of coconut and betelnuts trees. Alibag beach is located at a distance of 1.5 Km from the bus stand and is connected by road from Mandwa beach.
The best way to reach Alibag is to go by a Ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa and from Mandwa to Alibag by bus. Ticket ratse in a normal Ferry is Rupees 60 and is free for kids below the age of 5 years. Ticket includes Launch journey from Gateway to Mandwa and bus journey from Mandwa to Alibag bus stop. Bandar is 22 KM from Mandwa Jetty. Twelve miles north of Alibag on the north coast and easily accessible from Mumbai, Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach.
On a clear day one can enjoy a long, breathtaking view right up to the Gateway of India. Mandwa village too has a charm of its own- with its beautiful groves of coconut palms. For an unusual tent holiday, is the nearby Kihim beach.
Unspoilt and isolated, this beautiful place has a soothing effect on all city dwellers. For the nature lover Kihim has a lot of offer ; woods brimming with wild flowers, rare butterflies and birds …
15 kms. from Alibag is Chaul, a historic place where one can spot Portuguese ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a temple and even a synagogue.
Getting there: The nearest railhead is Pen, 85 kms. by road, Kihim is 136 kms. from Mumbai. The distance by sea between Gateway of India and Mandwa (Rewas) is 10 nautical miles.
Jun 8, 2008
Sailing On Lazybones To The Mystical Island Of Diu
A 60 foot Luxury yacht, warm people, chilled beer, avionics of Jonathon Livingston Seagull, Black Panther with a Machine Gun… a little bit of trouble… and a whole lot of fun!
Thank you Mr. Mahesh Walke, for sharing your one-of-a-kind adventure with us.
Thy sea route to Diu
“Dawn on a cold Mumbai morning and we were on an adventure. We were sailing on lazybones a 60 foot luxury yacht, to the mystical island of Diu Once a Portuguese colony.
The Yacht owners Bob and Ray were Australians. Bob was a retired Australian army officer and he and his wife Ray had sold their house and were on a sailing vacation. They had no real destination. They would like to go around the world they said bur you know would say Bob we will stay where the beers are cold and the people warm not the other way around like some islands…
They stayed for a year on their yacht in Mumbai harbor (of course the yacht was moved to the docks during the monsoons)
Well to make a long story short we that's a friend of mine and me managed to wrangle an invitation to sail with them from Mumbai to Due. They would then sail on to Salala in Oman. We veer excited both Rio and me had been on some long sails but in small open boats called seabirds. Never in a fancy yacht like Lazy bones.
The day of becoming dawned. It was Jan, there was a nip in the air, and we rowed from the Slip way at the Gateway of India to the boat.
Let me describe the boat. You climbed up on a ladder about four feet high from the stern that's what the backside of a boat is called on to the deck. There before you were an open area that could seat about 15 people. On the right jutting out over the boat was a barbeque. On the left were a basin and a very important requirement on any boat a small ice box and refrigerator.
In the center was the raised roof of the dining room and the master's cabin. You walked around it and in the center was the bridge no Nat a table to play cards on but the main control for the boat or where one sailed or drove the boat from.
The bridge was spacious with broad sofas that could seat 5 or so.
A small staircase led down from the bridge to the main salon. This was like any small sitting room. A few steps at the back and you were in the dining and cooking area the galley as they called it.
At the back was a big bedroom with a double bed and a attached toilet the master cabin.
If you walked towards the front from the salon you again had to negotiate a few steps. And on your left was a small cabin with a double bed. Pop that was a shower and toilet and a washing machine. And right in front was a cabin with four bunk beds.
Bob and ray greeted us with a warm good morning and a steaming mug of coffee.
We stowed our gears in our cabins and were all set to sail bob started the engine and moved the boat forward slowly as Ray started the electric winch witch pulled up the anchor chain. Stop engines bob shouted ray as ray killed the engines and came forward. We looked as ray pointed at the chain that had come up and you what a sight it was covered by a slimy layer of much and looked more like a rope than a steel chain.
Okay Mates we have a bit of work on our hand don't we said Bob. Out came the buckets and steel brushes and we all joined hands at getting the slime off and believe me it smelt foul and it felt worse.
This is how our dream luxurious champagne holiday started. We stood there sweaty smelly when a piercing sound almost as if a 100 hyenas had suddenly appeared or was it wailing banshees shattered the silence I was in shock. What was that I wondered?
Now you hear what we have to go through every morning said Bob that's your bloody laughing club at the BPT gardens.
Bob then rigged up a shower on deck after using lots of soup we felt like humans again.
Finally at 11 am with our ear drums almost shattered we filially got underway.
We jibed out of Bombay harbor and up went the sails. Now when sailed we had to pulla lot of ropes and tye them and hod the tiller and sail thhe boat.
This was high tech We had to pull up the3 sails but once they were up. Volla bob set the boat on auto pilot and that's it the boat was sailing herself.
This is how it worked.
Bob punched in the map co ordinates of where we wanted to go. Th auto pilot compaired that coordinate with the reading it received from a in built Goss witch told u where we were our speed and how long it would take us to reach our destination.
Now the marvel did not stop here the pilot was also connected to the radar. So if it saw any obstacle the pilot would automatically navigate the boat around it. In fact we did not touch the wheel even once until we reached Diu.
The ski was clear and we watched the marine drive fade into the distance. We had hoped to be able to see more of Mumbai from the sea but alas there is a reef that makes it necessary for boats to sail out into the blue sea also our destination was north west of Mumbai and we were crossing the Arabian sea,
Rio pulled out cold cans of beer. And we were on our way. We watched as a flock of sea gulls came over to investigate us. For the next half an hour we were entertained to the best avionics show I have ever seen to me they all looked like Jonathon Livingston Seagull.
Alas a fishing boat approached and the gulls I think found the smell of fish more exiting and off they were surrounding the fishing boat leaving us to lament.
We had a cold lunch so smoked chicken ham salami and French bread alson with a tossed salad, followed by some after 8 mint chocolates.
Bob then set up a fishing line on th port side of the boat and We shared stories about sea experiences and occur fishing stories about the big one that got away.
Bob and ray decided to rest Me and Rio had the first watch. Even though every thing is automatic one has to watch out for fishing vessels as they do not shout on a radar.
We sat in the wheel house enjoying the feeling of power web were in command of a 60 footer super yacht that was worth half a million dollars.
The sun was about to set a lovely orangey golden color seemed to spread across the horizon I was standing on the bikini deck lost in thought suddenly I heard this loud magnified in my ears This is Black panther This is black Panther hold course and reduce speed I jumped out of my skin and my face the sight that I say took my breath away. A machine gun was pointed at me barely 10 feet away from the deck of a mean looking black and white boat. My neck and back shuddered I could feel all my hair standing and there were goose pimples I could feel that knot in my stomach Pirates My body trembled in excitement and fear.
What happened next was a let down the voice on the hailer continued. This is a Navigation hazard warning. It seemed that there was a ship toeing a 4 mile cable 20 miles east of our position and we were being told to stay away from that area.
Why any one wanted to tow a cable was beyond me.
Bob and Ray hearing the commotion had joined us and booth immediately said sundowner time now mates.
Well fed and happy me and Rio had the first watch as darkness enveloped the sea the sight was breath taking the sea seemed to be covered with floating candles it regimented me of arti at the ghats in Haridwar when people set out floating dias on the Ganges.
Then suddenly in the distance on our port side we saw small Christmas trees we wanted to go closer but Bob said we weren't allowed those were the oil rigs at Bombay high.
Though it was the end of our watch at 12 pm I stayed awake until 3 am.
I woke up the next morning at noon..
The rest of the afternoon got a little monotones just the boat sailing itself Even the gods had disappointed us we hadn't caught a single fish.
An then at about 8.30 rio shouted land ahoy. Sure enough we could see flashing sights of Due Light house. We were there well almost.
At 10.45 we entered due bay and what a sight it was the coastline completely lit uh like a neck less and a band playing.
The moon was bright, the waters calm, no boats around us, just the lights and the band.
We almost convinced our hosts that the band was in their honor. We put down our anchor. WE had arrived!”