Changing of the Year in the Typhoon Shelter

The first Sunrise of 2013 over the Typhoon Shelter.  Happy New Year's Day from all of the crew of "Watermark"!

The last Sunset of 2012, spent watching junks, trawlers, and Marine Police boats returning from their last patrol of the year

Christmas Aboard "Watermark"

This was the first year that we've had the chance to have a tree and the full traditional Christmas decorations in Hong Kong. Lots of home cooked food and get-togethers with friends,  have made for a particularly warm and cozy feel for our Christmas at home on "Watermark", in the Typhoon Shelter.

Joanna and I are wishing our families and friends near and far away a Christmas just as wonderful!

Christmas Light-Up

Our junk "Watermark" lit for Christmas, moored inside Hong Kong's Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.

Wishing all a peaceful and happy Christmas.

White Christmas in Hong Kong

Getting ready for a White Christmas in Hong Kong.  Joanna collecting our Tree and Wreath from Santa's Yacht.  This will be our third Christmas aboard "Watermark" in the Typhoon Shelter.

Sunday Afternoon Fisherman in the Typhoon Shelter

I've photographed this gentleman several times from the deck of "Watermark".  We now always exchange waves and smiles. I only see him on Sunday afternoons, paddling his small boat with it's "one of a kind" paint job.  A single oar slowly but steadily gets him around to a likely spot, where he throws out his hand line.

also see:  Fishermen in the Typhoon Shelter

Floating Village - At Work on the Family Junk

Home by Sampan

Joanna, arriving home to "Watermark" by sampan.

Sampans are the usual means of getting around for those of us with boats moored offshore within the Typhoon Shelter.   They can be called by their mobile phone, if you have the number, or by waving and shouting.   Our favorite way, and maybe one we can take credit for starting, is by blowing a whistle.  At night, waving a flashlight may also attract one that is passing passing by.

When leaving "Watermark", for a day at the office, or a short trip ashore to the marked, I've learned to always carry my charged mobile phone, a small flashlight, and my sampan whistle.  One of them will get me home.

Yachts Returning at Evening

Festival in the Typhoon Shelter

A band of Taoists make the journey by sampan around the Typhoon Shelter, going boat to boat to collect donations for the Mid Seventh Month Festival.  The book is the ledger of those who have donated and the amounts contributed.

Peaceful Night in the Typhoon Shelter