29 Dec 2011 | Start: 11:00, finish 18:00 | Eng hrs: 1815.1 – 1818.1 | Avg RPM: 2,500 | Conditions: Reasonable seas >1m, 10-15 kts wind
Woke up at Outram, early morning swim and snorkel – decent with good fish, but coral seems to be in bad shape, especially in shallower water. Tried fishing with the cast and reel lure – no dice. Also tried trolling in the dinghy to no avail, though we did manage to get the lure stuck on coral several times. Ian and I went surfing at the shallow white water reef breaks to the southeast of our anchorage. Anchored the dinghy around a coral bombie using our improved dinghy anchor. Waist deep water on sharp coral was a little nerve wracking – got a few short rides each but wave power was minimal. Only a few coral cuts. Back on the boat, Payal made aloo w/ capsicum & onions, and parathas to go along, very tasty. Motored ~5nm to South Button Island. Good fish, again coral hurting a bit, but looked better deeper. Little volcanic island cut in half by a small channel with a mangrove smack in the middle. Climbed the rocks, crab carcasses left by the birds of prey. Could be good diving here, as there is a large wall – we should come back. Back on board, motorsailed to Middle Button, and then North Button looking for a night anchorage. No shelter to be had, very rolly at night. Anchored in 10m at the edge of the reef. Ate some quick pasta and went to sleep.
