We are in Kushiro, last stop before the abyss. The latest fleet numeric model shows a very tricky weather pattern from here to the Aleutians. The Japanese are fussy about garbage, the kitchen kind; bugs, germs, crawlies, etc. Have to keep it separate from the plastic, cans, metal and paper. There is a Homec store here, looks like a cross between Walmart and Home Depot. Very big. The ships agents we have been using are charging about $750 US to get us in and out. It is fast, but not cheap. Lots of fog. They have a fog festival. The fishing fleet has their own diesel fuel buying clique. We cant use it. And they wont sell just 300 gallons. I am in a hotel about 10 blocks from the boat, typing this. Its a longggg way home. Somebody out there must be sticking pins in the weather doll, cause the next few weeks are looking less promising and more tricky. If you quit getting email from me directly, you can assume we have gone out into the open. It will be about 2 weeks before we get to Dutch Harbor and more email. Regards, Mike Capt. Mike Maurice Beaverton(Portland), Oregon.