Yasi Passes South of IDG; All is Well

After a sleepless night in Ho Chi Minh City -- both celebrating the new year of the rabbit, and monitoring the landfall of Cyclone Yasi in northern Queensland -- we woke up to the new year with the reassuring news that our boat, ile de Grace, emerged unscathed from the cyclone. A last-hour turn of Yasi to the south, coupled with a secure and protected mooring location, meant that we "only" had 50-60 knot winds, and our mooring held just fine. A special thanks to Roger Smith, of Smithy's Slipway, for looking after our boat/home!

We leave for Ha Noi tomorrow after a wonderful 7 nights in HCMC, and are looking forward to the much cooler weather as we head north.