Day#23-Fecking Chinese

Well they're at it again, rape a pillage I'm thinking, not so much quality but quantity. Thanks Mandy for telling us the last lot were Chinese, it shouldn't surprise me really. So the other night ahead was another great mass of AIS targets on the screen and we had no choice but to go through the middle. Passed a couple within 2 miles and couldn't see any lights? Some were travelling up to 2 knots, what the hells going on? Keep sailing and more targets keep appearing on the screen and on throughout the morning and at daylight pass close to one and it's just a beacon!! This boat has shot a MASSIVE line for miles and miles (maybe 50+?) and each beacon has an AIS transponder, pretty different, I didnt think this was aloud as it's just to identify vessels but I suppose they have their own rules or no rules out here?!
So yesterday we rolled along slowly but still in the right direction although a little north and then a bit after dark the wind just died. After rolling for a while we decided to start the engine and make some water. Anyway no sign of the wind and the tanks are all full, laundry is done, boat washed inside and out and Julie loving the water maker washed her hair for the tenth time but there is still no sign of wind and we've just had lunch!! First time this passage we've had to use the motor for propulsion with no wind, it's a real bummer as we we've been doing so good but at least we can make water, it's something and a calm day without the rolling has been welcome too, and what also makes me feel better was the price of fuel in Ecuador, $1.03 US cents a gallon!! So motoring for 18 hours, 36litres and not even $10!! We did fill up and also a good few Jerrycans so we will still be nearly full when we arrive there hopefully.
Also today while cleaning the deck Julie noticed the hole in her paddle board cover that we thought was caused by the end of the spinnaker pole (cloth is gone from the sun) was actually from a kamikaze flying fish!! Around the hole were a few scales and on further inspection we could smell the stench, a lovely ripe flying fish buried deep inside the stinking hot cover!! Not real nice
Last night was creamy bacon pasta, problem was I think either the carrot or bacon was off or probably both and our stomachs weren't so good soon after. So luckily with the fishing lure out again this morning, didn't even hear the winch take off over the engine but went out and there was a nice Mahi Mahi trailing from the back, biggest one so far, at least 4 big feeds worth so we shouldn't be sick for a while again!! It's funny what you eat on a yacht, especially far from shops. In a normal house with even the slightest inkling that it may be off or doesn't look good you chuck it and jump in the car and go back to the shop but slowly your attitude changes on a boat and you don't even worry about the expiration dates just go by smell and chance it!! There's no gourmet deli down the road from here that's for sure.
So all else is well, 176nm to go, hopefully the breeze will fill in soon and we can carry on the good run home hopefully arrive around midnight Thursday, only another 30 odd hours!!