On my way home

Sitting at the airport in Manila right now. I got message that JOJO safely arrived at its destination port in Puerto Galera. As always when heading home I am looking forward to see my people, my cats and find the comfort of my home again but on the other hand an urge to leave for the next destination rises not even sitting on the plane.
What a crazy trip that was, was it a pain at times? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely.
The little time I had wasn't enough to discover the full beauty of this country as the primary task was to get the boat to its destination so I most probably I'll have to come back.
But for now I have about 22 hours in front of me to get home. Fly Emirates again ;)

Thanks to David, Analyn for being my hosts, to Linda and Sarah for watching after my home and my cats, to Linda and Fabian to get me to and from the airport and to all of you who followed this little adventure from close and far.

I will update the blog with videos and pictures once I am back on a stable Internet connection.

Let's see where my feet take me next.

Subic

So we landed in Subic after anchoring in the dark at a little island a bit outside called Capones Island.
After trying to do immigration, customs and quarantine procedures we realize it's good Friday. So all the offices are closed till Monday.
That means we are stuck for now, that changes plans a little as I couldn't reschedule my flight I will have to leave the JOJO here. On top they announced a taifun incoming for Monday so that means that JOJO is actually staying a week more here in Subic as David as well has to get back to work.
It's a bit sad to leave the adventure so short before the end but that also gives me the chance to enjoy the beach, the food and the people for a few days.
Anyways that's what adventures are made of, the unpredictable incidents that force you to adapt and take decision that weren't planned.

A hitchhikers guide to the South China sea

We got a new visitor this evening, as he decided to stay a while we gave him a name.
Please welcome Philip, our newest crew member hitchhiking through the South China Sea.
We are on our last night to the Philippines, we should see land tomorrow morning.
While the JOJO slides through the water the sea calms down even more.
I don't think that I've ever seen an ocean this smooth. The boat cuts almost loudless through the water now and while a miraculous mist lays down some more dolphins join the ride in the middle of the night. The water is so clear that we can spot them with only our deck light and the moon illuminating our surroundings.
This must be the most magical moment yet.
David takes over the boat while I'll take some hours to rest before we run into the harbour of Bolinao in a few hours.

Land in sight

After 4 days of blue water all around we finally can see the coastline of Bolinao at the horizon. We actually did it, after a skipper that skipped, an engine that broke, a leaking dinghy, water inside the boat, failing instruments and failing electricity we crossed the south China Sea.
From here we have 210 more miles to do along the shore down to Puerto Galera where the JOJO will stay for good.
But first we'll land for a Refuel at the little Harbour of Bolinao where the locals are already curious about the catamaran with the german flag and the two foreigners it washed up their shore.
After getting fresh beer, coke, ice for the fridge and fuel we take of to anchor not far in the next Bay to finally get a good night's sleep.
On our way the radio calls "SV JOJO, SV JOJO this is Philippina navy"
They just want to now where we came from and where we're heading to.
Seems to be standard procedure.
Arriving at the bay we didn't managed to drop the anchor yet as a fisherman approaches to sell some fish. Sadly our cooker is empty but that's no problem here, he quickly drives his banka home to return with the fish from the BBQ just for us in less than half an hour. Beat that Deliveroo.
After taking a refreshing bath, some cold beer and of course the meal we are off to rest as tomorrow we will start early to Subic.

Midway

Half of the way is done, so far we have seen glowing plankton, dolphins, an Albatros couple, little fishing birds and flying fish. All that miles and miles away from any land. Amazing that these birds can obviously fly 400 and more kilometers with ease and all of them seem to enjoy our little sailing boat in the middle of nowhere.

OTW

Nothing left but water all around.
The weather is fine and the waves not too high.
Sadly we have no wind at all so we are off on engine.
Did 65nm on the first 25L of gasoline.
When we switched to the second engine it overheated after barely 10 minutes.
We are back to the first engine, hopefully it can take the hit of running constantly.
Second tank is empty, with a bit more waves we only did 50nm on this one.
On the second day the sky went completely clear and the water turned deep blue. We even put up sails and catched some wind.
While we are gliding over wave after wave some dolphins turned up to say hello and swim along for a while.
Except for some occasional freight ship the ocean is ours now.
After the third tank is gone we decided to give the engine a break and stay on sails for a while. Still doing 4kn without engine.
We definitely enjoy the calm only being pushed by the wind.
Sun going down at the horizon, it feels amazing and free.

Gone

Ok, now it's getting serious. 

We are actually leaving. 

After being electrician, plumber, mechanic, IT engineer we are finally out for the real adventure. 

See you all on the other side.