Today was a peaceful day onboard, primarily because we were able to sail again, after the southerly winds, forecast for days, eventually arrived. It was simply wonderful not to listen to the drone of the engines! The added bonus of a pod of dolphins coming to frolic in Paw Paw’s bows, definitely put a smile on our faces and helped us forget just how tired we are. Thankfully, tonight, under another very dark starry night, we are on the final approach into Suakin, Sudan, where we’ll stop for weather, enjoy a rest and fill up on fuel again before the last big push to the Suez Canal; something that still feels rather surreal.

Before sunset, though, we got the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to our beautiful granddaughter who became a teenager today. I think she was somewhat surprised, since we called her just before school started. It’s not often we find her speechless! Guess there aren’t too many 13 year olds whose grandparents call on a satellite phone from the Red Sea! Regardless, we wish her a very Happy Birthday and hope she gets spoilt rotten!