Wed – Friday 31 July We decided to stay at Goldsmith Is. for Wed and spent the day on board it was still blowing in gusts up to 25 knots and when it comes through it pushes us around. But it is a good anchorage. On Thursday we decided to head for Shaw Island – there is a protected anchorage on south western corner, which looked good. On the way (little jib, barber hauled and no main) we trundled along at 5-6 knots quite happily. Meanwhile Chris was on the radio talking to the “Rachel J Slocombe” and to Bill her skipper, who reckoned we were mad if we didn’t stop at Thomas Island – the guide book says it can be rolly but not according to Bill. Bill was right it is a lovely anchorage – still gusty, still up to 25 knots but there are three lovely little sandy beaches and quite a number of turtles to keep us amused. We went over to Bill’s boat for “Sundowners” (drinks that is !) it is very cool, made of Kevlar and he bases it wherever in the world he fancies. Nest stop is Thailand. He is a mate of Klaus (see above) whom he first met in Patagonia when they were both rounding the Horn !! He and Raquel, his charming wife made us welcome and Raquel had been cooking it was great fun and very interesting talking to Bill and his mate Sean and Aussie who has done almost as much sailing as Bill. You sure meet some interesting people. Tomorrow, Saturday we plan to run up to Gulnare Inlet as it is supposed to come in at over 30 knots in Sunday, yuk! Then on Tuesday we hope to go to Airle where we have booked a spot at the Marina for a few days to have engines serviced and to wait for Julie and Murray.