Captain Scott ~ Thursday, April 17th

Subject: Sulu Sea

8 42N 118 04E midnight. Under power going NE up the eastern side of
Palawan. 10 kts of wind on the nose witch is no suprise as we are in the NE
monsoon.. Last night we stopped short of the Balabac Strait and pulled into
cozy cove. Balabec Straits are the 3rd most noted area for pirates after the
coast of Yemen and the Malaca Straits. So I chickened out and went through
this morning in daylight. Pretty night. Lightning ashore lites up some tall
mountains. Passed an entire large palm tree with many of its fronds sticking
out of the water. Southern Cross still high in the sky. ETA for Puerto
Princessa is 1100 today (18th). We will clear in there and spend a few days
exploring