[PUP] From Randal, Indonesia

[Randal Johnson]

Ruth and I are enjoying a marina for the first time since leaving Kota Kinabalu in East Malaysia on August 13th. At that time we made our way down to and checked into Indonesia at Makassar with one leg of 600NM. From there we went onto Laburn Bajo in West Flores to meet up with Sail Indonesia. Sail Indonesia is a three month long tour of Indonesia that leaves Darwin on July 26th. We met up with the rally on September 3rd. 
>From Labuan Bajo we went to see the Komoto Dragons on Renca Island and Komoto Island. From there our major stops were Bali where we went inland for three days to visit Ubud, Kumai where we went up river on a tour to see the Orangutans, then onto Belitung where the local regency treated us to dinners, dancing, and tours. Along the way we had some really nice anchorages. 
We are now 12 NM across the strait from Singapore at Nongsa Point Marina on Batam Island still in Indonesia. We will checkout on the 30th and head for Sebana Cove Marina in West Malaysia just East of Singapore where we will get some chores done and do some sightseeing inland.
We have decided to stay in SE Asia another year and head across the Indian Ocean in January 2010. We had intended to go this January but realized we would miss so much by leaving and every cruiser we have met says take your time. Coming out of the Philippines this summer I found myself telling Ruth that we would catch this or that on our next circumnavigation.
I hope everyone on the list is doing well. I don't think I could have ever done this without the help from this list and that of the TWL.
 
Randal Johnson
 
Dora Mac Diesel Duck 462-05