Japan - Monday Aug 2nd

After a decent night in Ariri we stood on Milestone's deck at 6:15 and contemplated the rising sun. The cicadas were rubbing their little back legs furiously and the noise was all around us. It was hot! Again! We decided that this was not going to be a good spot to remain. Also Jasmine had been panting a lot to Eiko's concern. Jasmine is a six-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is not at her happiest on the boat. Eiko decided that as they were both city girls, what they both needed was air conditioning and pampering, which they were not getting on the boat.

We therefore decided to head back to Shimoda and let Eiko catch a train back home to Yokohama with Jassie in tow. Both seemed to perk up at the prospect.

Evan took the helm all the way for the three and a half hour journey. I had been concerned that he might get bored just being on the boat for hours at a stretch, but he seems to have got the tempo of the ocean and enjoyed his role and looking at the changing seascape.

We stopped for a small swim en route and deposited Eiko and Jassie as soon as we docked. Waving farewell to them, Michael and I found solace in a some adult beverages. We hosed the boat down and readied ourselves for life minus the distaff side of the family.

We settled on a Lad's Lunch basically from a frying pan. Shot full of heart attack components, we served up mushrooms, bacon (lots of it!) tomatoes, frankfurters and scrambled eggs with bread and butter.

Eiko texted Michael to say she and Jasmine were sitting in an air conditioned first class compartment having had a free drink and some sushi for lunch. Michael and I reached for another cold one! We're hitting the bar and restaurant tonight! Evan did show a slight motion sickness when we first set sail, but I'm glad to say that he's not had any problems since. In fact he's settled into this life well. US Navy on the career list???