Part Saturday, take 1. "Green boob and Sam"

BEST WEEKEND EVARRR!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hardly know where to begin, or how many parts this epic weekend is going to turn into... but I had such a fantastic time, got to reconnect with old friends and met a few new ones it was awesomesauce!!!!  Oh, yeah and the girls on our team? Rocked all weekend!

Saturday we played a really good team from Calgary, and it was close the entire game... I got a deceiving blooper of a hit out towards left center, and was half way to second when the fielder bobbled it! there was an echoing boom as I broke the speed of sound, with my third base coach calling me to third... about half way there he got the *oh shit* look on his face and gave me the pointers *down to the bag*

I wasn't close enough! I closed my eyes and did the superman dive flattening myself out to a mere shadow.  In the meantime the incoming throw was off, and the third baseman was forced to step directly into my path to the bag... I stopped in a cloud of dust, very abruptly... my head, his shin... and one arm on either side.

The ump yelling "SAFE!" cut through the surrounding din... I relaxed and just lay there for a minute giggling (cause you know, I'm sensitive like that).

I would like to take this moment to apologize to everyone on the field with first aid... next time I'll give the courtesy wave with an "I'm okay!" despite the tender bit on my head...

It was totally worth it, with one out and Jessie up to bat all he had to do was hit the ball... and I was the winning run in! *happy dance*

"Dirty bits"

Oh right, the title might be a little confusing... until I tell you that it turns out I bruised my boob on that slide into third. Betcha third's shin looks way better ;)

Night time pretties

Also from the Captain...

Went for an incredible dive today with the divemaster.  Two days in a row I've had private tutoring because people didn't show up / cancelled.  Did the pass, the entrance to the lagoon where the water flushes in and out.  There's a steep coral reef / wall over "the blue" - can't see bottom.  Only saw one largish black tipped shark but the dolphins came to play for about 20 min around 60'.  They're neat to touch and watch etc.  Schools of silver baracudda like fish, but then a full size baracudda swam by - impressed.  And then there was the myrid of tropical fish from schools of little ones that are the most incredible brilliant blue to stripes and splotches and every imanginable color.  The coral looked like a huge garden of mutant plants of increidble shapes and colors etc. with fish in and out and around.  The a marlin (about 2 m) came by - a real treat that is rarely seen.  So, and extended time with the dolphins (20 m instead "real close" of the appparent kick looking and maybe a brief touch), plus the marlin plus plus plus.  The divemaster was really pleased with the dive.  I also got a lesson on that dive computer - thank you.  Wish you were here, I'd stay just to see you take the course with this guy -he's good, even if the engish is a bit broken.

Anyway, I'm hooked so I'm doing another dive tomorrow so here for at least another day.

Did a dive on the anchor this after noon and found, despite "setting it" and at least two nites of really high winds etc. the anchor itself was sitting on the bottom not dug in AT ALL.  The chain was wrapped in a big zig zag between lumps of corral and there was no way the boat was going anywhere.  I would not have been able to pull it up either.  So, I unwrapped it to reduce the damage and carried the anchor and chain over some and manually reset into sand.  Hopefully it stays, and if we drag, won't go far before hanging up in more coral.  See what happens but I think I'll get into the practise of hanging an anchor bouy and trying to anchor in shallower water where I can see the set without having to use a tank.

That's about it.  More and more I'm thinking of wintering the boat on the hard in Tahiti or Fiji, and coming home for the ski season so I can do the islands for a couple of months before maybe heading north.

If you get the chance when home, you could climb the radio tire and slack off the bolts at the antenna rotator and use a pipe wrench to point it south.  PLEASE clip in, it's not that difficult.  The rotator isn't working (blowing fuses) which suggests a problem with the rotator or the antenna itself is jammed.  There is a bearing / guide at the top of the tower where there could be a problem so if it doesn't rotate easily with the pipe wrench, then you could have a look there.  Whatever you do, take care and be safe.  I think you need 9/16" wrench for the bolts on the clamp that holds the base of the mast at the rotator.  When I get home, I'll probably have to pull the rotator out for a rebuild - unless the cause of the blown fuses can be found elsewhere (top of the tower?).  So, if you have time and conditons work, have a look.  If not, so be it.  I did talk to Mom on the home rig using the wire antenna the other day.  It was really shakey and weak but it did work.

That's about it, take care of yourself - have fun, drive safe and play fair to yourself.

Love Dad

From the Captain

Apologies, I'm a little behind on posting these. Something had a brain-fart yesterday and I couldn't sign in...

Hooked up with a local divemaster and did an introductory dive to get comfortable and check equipment and technique today.  Saw a lot of tropical fish, a good sized (3.5 m)white tipped shark from less than 10 m, sea horse, moray eel with a head 250 mm dia and a lot of teeth, and lots of other stuff.  Basically all went well, no problems and I'm comfortable to go in the deep water in the pass.  Rounded things out with the dive master who wanted to discuss a project to build a tunnel and underwater viewing chamber at 20 m deep, so spent an hour or so "concept engineering".  Left him with some thoughts etc. but made it very clear that I was not an expert, and not interested in being involved and that he needed to talk to someone a lot more knowledgable before he goes further.  I think the project may be feasible, but expensive.

Anyway, that's been a high point.  Wish I had bought your camera or similar before I left with a housing, it would have been a good tool.

Take care, hope all is well.  You'd be having fun here.

YEAH BABY!!

WE'RE GOING TO THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!!!!!!

WHHOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

GOOOOOO CANUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sent... While in transit ;)

From the Captain

I left Mahini Atoll without doing that drift dive - the opportunity got lost in a fuel exercise. Anyway, have fuel now. Sailed and motored to Rangiroa Atol - one of the biggest communities and I think I've arranged a scuba dive through their pass, to look at sharks amoung other things. It might deal with my paranoa of those critters. Later today I'll do some snorkelling at the "Aquarium" - a shallow reef system loaded with fish apparently. Had a pleasent lunch at the dock in a little rundown cafe that overlooks the shallows, watching tropical fish and a big ray swimming around below. The water is incredibly clear, a kinda of aquamarine blue. It's hot.
Motored through the pass - wasn't sure what the tide was like when I entered and it was jus tlike home, muscling thour Dodds. Walked back a couple of hours later to see 2+m standing waves (ebb tide about 6 k gainst incoming swell - impressive, I was lucky with my timing. The weathe is flakey. Sailed most of yesterday getting here (26 hour trip) but the winds shifted a lot and losing it when it's dark is a paint not first get the sails drawing again on a new course, and then to scync in the Autohelm. Pain. About an hour out a sqaull came over and I got very well rained on - but the wind came up and I was to 7 to 8.5 k for maybe 20 min. good fun.

Take care, get the skin pads and the right peddles and quit doing body damage on the bike. You need to be intact come ski season, especially if I'm home in Feb - and Daniel is available.

Dad
 
Yes Dad, I'll try... but its not like I was trying to do any damage in the first place! ;) ~S

S.m.r.t.

Almost as good as his helmet that says front and back ;)

I almost crashed my brains out

Ripping through the trails, and that charred smell isn't BBQ, it's the steady burn of my leg muscles. My breath is coming in ragged gasps and sweat drips from my hockey hair as I do my damndest to keep up with the group ahead.

The only thing propelling me forward is my stubborness.

Today I am not one with my bike. Today we ride as individuals in an epic clash of wills. For the umpteenth time I look down at my back tire. It feels flat, and I'm all over the place.  Its as if my back wheel isn't attached properly and is floating along behind me like Scrat chasing his acorn. *ooooh shiny!*

That audible gulp that just eclipsed the sound of my hammering heartbeat, is the last thing you hear before I almost eat tree bark. I stop, and remove my sunglasses which are no longer suitable for the contrasting streaks of sunset and shadow streaming through the trees.

For the fifth time in as many rides I flipped off my flippin' pedal and bashed my shin. I think someone is messing with me... because its laughing at me now.

 *mimicking voice* Biking is good for you they say, helps you get in shape they say... Obviously they're not doing it the way I do. How many times is it before they commit you after multiple self-inflicted injuries of the same kind? I'm pretty sure I've used up both of our quotas...

On the way back down my breathing smooths out with the trail, and I am able to spare a glance to my surroundings... it's breathtakingly magical. I'm flowing through gently rolling grassy hills, dotted with bright yellow balsam root plants. I can hear birds singing and there is a peacefulness descending with the setting sun.

The worries of the day, and the struggles of the last two hours are forgotten somewhere along the trail... This is why biking is good for me.

From the Captain...

Please leave some meat and muscle on your legs for ski season.  I just may be skiing this winter.  Found an option that may allow me to leave the boat in Tahiti or Fiji for the off season and avoid the haul to NZ and back.

Moving on,  got some swimming and snorkelling in but didn't get the drift dive done because of a fuel delilvery on "island time".  That's life.  Take care

Dad

From the Captain

I'm anchored in a bona fide French Polynesian atoll - and you'd love it.  Lots of tropical fish, incredible colors of fish, and the clams are big - 5 to 6" across, with the big ribbed shells and the "lips" are brilliant purple and black and white, and some with orange etc.  The colors are neat.  There is a drift snorkel that is recommended on the incoming tide through the pass from the ocean.  You take the dingy out, bail over and then let the current carry you in about 500+m through the pass which is loaded with fish etc.  I'll try that in the next day or so.

Got here yesterday and after listening to the engine for 4 days it is lovely.  Anchored inside the atol in about 45' with about 7 other boats including one with a crew from Calgary.  The town is about 1000 and the local baker is the mover and shaker - came round to the boats this morning, and since I was new I got his little hand out etc. and a loaf of coconut bread which is very nice for about 2 bucks.  Like Europe, things are baked fresh daily.  He organizes fuel and delivers it, beach parties, dive and snorkel trips, engine repairs and being leader of the local Morman church, will on request save your soul -- for a price!

Had a real treat - a couple of young guys in the out rigger canoes were "giving chase" - I was running the elec. outboard on the dingy and they were going as fast or faster having a great time.  Anyway, they'd snuggle up, or draft in my wake shouting and laughing.  So we "chatted" - them in french me in english - it was a hoot but I asked if I could paddle their canoe.  Well - this was novel.  One young (you'd appreciate his body) buck transfered to the dink, then made sure I left my hat and wallet behind, and wanted my glasses as well until I'd assured him they were tied on, and I transferred to the canoe - which is really narrow and unstable - they were sure I was going to dump and in the first 10 sec or so, they were nearly right.  Once I got the balance sorted - I took off and the other fellow in his canoe thought it was great since I could pace him and had control.  They were really pleased and I think very surprised that I could handle the craft.  Interesting boat - about 20' long, very narrow with the outrigger.  You drive them by paddling one side and then the other with a single blade paddle.  I could switch sides fluidly, and like I say, make the boat move etc.  It was great fun.

That with the swim was the high point, it's quiet and comfortable here.  I've rigged the boom tent to keep the sun off the cockpit and that's helped a lot.

So take care - I've found out that one option might be to leave the boat in Tahiti for the winter and come back to do more of the islands next spring, rather than beat all the way to and from NZ.  That might make sense.  Something to think on.  Do you want to spend more time on the boat again or not.

Love Dad

Needed: Shin guards for everyday use

Okay I admit I was trying to bike *along* the curb and fell off and flipped my pedal and bruised my shin and ripped my other owie open again... so yeah bruised and bleeding on a 10 min ride, doesn't matter what I'm doing I'm an accident in progress ;)

Falling angels

Gem of a tweet:

Sorry to twitter spam but a bunch of cherry blossoms just softly rained down on me it was like angel kisses ~Hank

The perfect timing of this is ridiculous, it was just this morning I finally got my poop in a group to take a picture of our cherry tree out back, lit gently from behind with the rising sun... Only to discover that spring has been moving forward without me and I missed that blossom on the branches with no leaves phase *again*

Idle thought

It just occurred to me, that you don't necessarily have to agree with me on everything for us to get along. The trick is to be able to disagree with me in an intelligent manner, and for us to be able to arrive at a solution together.

Taekwondo... Yep pretty much still awesome

I got my second stripe on my half yellow belt today AND our instructor didn't have anything to remind me to work on before the upcoming belt test.

In fact she complimented Lyle and I on our forward stance being a shining example for the rest of the class (who all have higher belts) *buffs nails*

Its been pretty cool lately though, I've been in a couple classes where we've done spinning turn kicks with a half jump thrown in. The coolest part though is that you totally get more momentum and it makes a big bang! *grins*

From the Captain

I left the Anahoe Bay morning before last and had a good sail, logging a 120 m day, then the wind died.  I coaxed etc. for about 8 hours at 2 k and then put the motor on and it's been a mind numbing din for the last 18 hours, and in so doing, got 105 m so I'm half way to Manihi at the cost of diesel.

It's HOT.

The pilot charts say 0 fuel consumption,According to the Pilot chart program I should be in 12 to 15 k wind making 120 mpd under sail. -- I wish.  There is no wind, and a long low glassy swell. There was a rain squall on the horizon but it slid behind me - I was hoping for a bit of wind and some rain to cool things down.

I'm a bit concerned about fuel in that I was running on the main tank and the engine wound down as fuel starved even though the tank is about half full.  It's still got dirty Eureka fuel and the primary filter needs changing again.  That load of fuel has become very expensive.  Currently I'm running on one of the keel tanks.  In an ideal world the wind will come up and I can shut of the engine so I don't need to get to the main tank fuel until afte I port where it's easier to change the filter.

I got thru on winlink last night, so hopefully there'll be a reply - I do look forward to news etc.  I didn't connect with Gerry though.  We'll have to see how this goes, but I seem to spend a lot more time looking at courses u  p through Kirbata (Line Islands) as opposed to those to Tonga, Fiji, and NZ.

Not much else to say.  Joanie is here and fine, though it's a bit tough sharing the boat space in the heat and the lack of wind.  We did a few days in the bays at Nuka HIve and then are moving on to Manihi Atoll.

Anyway, take care.  Miss being home and considering cutting things short and heading north towards Hawaii.  I don't like the long passages or the heat.

Love Dad
-----
At 15/05/2011 4:14 AM (utc) our position was 10°25.42'S 141°55.62'W

Bike 2... Sam 0

Disclaimer: The following post may contains scenes relating to self-inflicted violence, if you have a weak stomach viewer discretion is advised.

"Some friends are getting together for a ride you want to join?"... 2 and a half hours later I returned to the parking lot... sweaty, bleeding... and very much alive!

Hey Mom, check it out! There are chocolate lilies in bloom right now *smiles*

I even got to see my first rattlesnake EVAR! James rode past and ticked him off, so there he was all coiled up hovering and ready to strike! Leigh and I had to hike *around* the trail with our bikes... whilst watching for more. Everyone else wussed out and went around.

Leigh is from the land where scary poisonous things are way bigger and scarier than they are here, and well I figured we knew where *this* rattlesnake was why take the untested trail?!? ;)  Ooooh and I learned that in Australia you don't pronounce names like you do over here... For instance you say  Danny-L. rather than dan-yell. Guess we've got the wrong em-PHAH-sis on the wrong syl-LAL-bull  ;)


Closer to the end of the ride I popped my chain off my bike going through a jiggly bit... obviously The Fury was trying to tell me it needs some love, because when I flipped it around so I could un-jam it... it bit me with the large cog! It was a not so gentle reminder that I need to get shin guards for every day riding... I swear it didn't look too bad until I got back to the parking lot, then it looked like I'd been bitten by a Bacchae:

We also saw 7 deer over the course of the ride just hanging out mowing down on grass, two of which were mule deer! (see I was paying attention)


As far as I'm concerned it was a fairly big ride, but it was soooo super awesome that I did it again on Sunday *grins* besides, my Bacchae bite was mostly healed... and it was time for the not so subtle reminder that I need to change my pedals because the stock ones SUCK!

I think my legs are pressing charges for neglect causing bodily harm, or appendage abuse and battery... either way it isn't looking good for me. But really, could I pass this up??! I think not, I know I'm spoiled ;)

Answer me this

I hate answering machines, in a dysfunctional loathing Grinch stealing Christmas kind of way. As a kid they used to scare me. I can stand here and admit, that it is completely irrational and not based on anything that ever happened to me, or anyone else I know... but still I hate talking to them.

When I was little it was a paralytic fear, I would swallow my tongue and have to hang up before I could breath again. Now I'm still nervous, but people even call me back sometimes!

First of all, they're the reason we're all in a rush to get to the phone... remember back in the day, like waaaay back when you used to let the phone ring like ten times before giving up? Because the person on the other end had to be able to get from anywhere in the house, or maybe even outside to where the phone was *attached* to the wall? Now we've got what, four rings?

If it rings more than four times now you get confused... should I hang up? Maybe if I let it ring a couple more times they'll answer, or the answering machine will pick up and I'll know what to do.

They always start with the automated instructions, as if we don't all know how to use one by now... and why they have so many options now? I mean really why would I need to press a button to modify my message... rather than hang up and try again... Besides, do you have any idea how long we'll be here if I keep trying until it sounds normal?!?!

It doesn't seem to matter how long the message is, I'm never ready when it's done and that damn beep sounds.

*beep*

It might as well be a brain de-neuralizer, cause whatever I called you about to begin with... well, it's gone now.

So if I've ever left you a message that you couldn't understand, let me explain. That first pause... the one that makes you think you've been butt-dialed, is me thinking... "Shoot it's not too late where they are is it?!? *phew* nope good, that's not why they didn't answer the phone... should I leave a message? I can't remember if they have call display, nuts I might as well leave a message now, then at least they'll know I've been thinking about them... crap what was I even calling about?"

What I actually say in an over-enthusiastic I'm just sooo happy to be talking to you tonight I'm bubbling voice is: "Hi, it's Sam andIwasjustcallingtoseewhatyou'reupto... so, uh I'lltryyouaginsoon! Bye."

It started out like any other day

Until I got to the Tim Horton's parking lot and realized I didn't have my wallet.

After 5 seconds of uncontrollable panic I remembered where I had it last, where I'd left it... and that it *wasn't* in the car with me.

The next 20 seconds consisted of tearing apart all the places I keep spare change, namely the bottom of my purse and my left cup holder. The most significant piece of change a quarter in one and a dime in the other, pathetic I know. This was about the time I decided it would be really handy to have an emergency credit card in the car.

It then occurred to me that I was more upset I couldn't get my morning coffee than the fact that I'd just driven across town sans license... priorities right? *shakes head*

I started to pull out of the parking lot, and one of my wild angels realizing that their job would be a teeny weeny little bit easier if I was at least awake and moderately coherent, yelled in my ear that I still had roll up the rim winnings in my *other* cup holder. I parked sideways across 2 parking spots, grabbed them and ran in! I asked the nice lady behind the counter with bated breath if they were still accepting them, and they were!!!!

*happy dance*

Who says Friday the 13th is unlucky? I didn't even get pulled over on my way home from work, so you can just stick that in your pipe and smoke it!

An example of how *not* to do it

So last night at taekwondo I found myself at the front of the line... and no, it wasn't one of those instances where I was jumping up and down with my hand in the air going "Pick me! pick me!" It was more one of those "everyone form a line" and magically, everyone else receded into the background leaving me at the front, which normally would have been fine... but in this case at the end of the circuit we were supposed to do 3 jumping front kicks. The instructor demo'd it, I watched, nodded and thought to myself "jump and do a front kick... I can do both of those"...

Well I did my first go through the circuit, then a good short sprint across the mat... jumped and got *HUGE* air, and started my front kick. In the middle of I realized that kick was throwing my rotational balance off vertical and that things were not going as planned...

Next thing I knew I promptly bounce-landed on my left butt cheek in a rather abrupt manner, and the instructor was saying "ohmygoodnessareyouokay?"

Yes, yes I'm fine. I'm only crying on the inside. I just bruised my ego a little bit. Okay I lied, I bruised my ego a lot, it has just curled up into a ball and crawled into a hole... but that aside I'll be fine *pssshtt* what's a little bounce on a nice padded gym mat?

As I sauntered over to rejoin the end of the line to try it all over again all I wanted to do was check to make sure my butt didn't have a dent large enough to write off an SUV, but for the sake of what little remained of my pride and dignity, I didn't.

But you know what made up for it all? I totally nailed the flying side kick *snaps* that's right, mmmmhmmmm I did! I don't know if it actually looked as awesome as it felt and sounded... but I don't care, in my head it was Jackie Chan AWESOME!

On matters of import, the Captain writes

Grapefruit are lite green but ripe.  Huge about 8" across, and sweet,  no sugar req'd.  Haven't figured out a neat way to eat, so slice into sections and slurp and drip..

Moved from Daniels bay back to Taipoa bay, ck'ed out with Gendarmes (customs) and then the intent was to get around the east end to a bay on the ne side - didn't make it so overnited in Controleur bay last nite, got in there almost in the dark, but the plus was the dark greybig dolphins that played about the boat in the swell for half an hour or more - they might be the pygmy orcas or mellon head whales that are supposed to be in the area - not sure but was neat.  Today got around to the target bay on the ne side, walked on a sandy beach , chased crabs etc.

here tonight and perhaps tomorrow nite then head west for 4.5 days to the next island group.

Smile!

From the Captain...

First and only beer was expensive and weak. Came from a can.

(Uh... Sorry Dad, we're Canadian. Apparently we drink moonshine beer)

I still have not found a shower... other than a really grotty one that is totally unappealing, and from me that is saying a lot.

Went for a hike today up a very muddy trail to waterfall, took about 4 hours. Volcanic terrain. The trail was relativly easy, low grades, muddy and slippery and bouldery. What was interesting were all the low rock walls that were built over the centuries - the population in the valley was several thousand before whites - now maybe there's a dozen shacks / houses. We'd call them shacks but they are all that people require in this climate. The other thing is the vertical cliffs that rise up around you 200 m or so. Near the base of the waterfall the flat is maybe 70 m wide, then it goes vertical all around you in a kind of cul-de-sac. I kept losing my sense of vertical - it was like skiing and being whited out and your brain plays tricks. The think is, these vertical faces are green - and the brain just goes into overload saying "can't be" "reboot".

On the way out I got accosted by a young guy, incredible tatoos bone in ear etc. - wanting to "trade" - I ended up with some bananas and half a dozen huge grape fruits and help with watering the boat for a bottle of wine I don't want. Everyone is happy.

I'm sitting in "Daniels' Bay" which is the classic Marqueses setting, about 5 m west of the town but totally cut off.

Take care - and thanks for being there.

Dad

Kick back and keel over

Ha HA!

I'd like to draw your attention to the second to last panel of Sitting is Killing you... with the angle of least strain.

Looks a lot like my extended hours University programming pose. And you thought it wasn't healthy to sit like that ;)

I wonder if work will let me go play outside? *hopeful look*

Uninterrupted days since last injury

A major work safety catastrophe was averted today. Two primary Level 2 first aiders entered the warehouse with the seemingly safe job of storing computer boxes for warranty purposes...

Big First Aider: I pulled out the step ladder, and realized as I was about to climb up, that if I fell and the Little First Aider tried to catch me... not only would I injure the Little First Aider, but most likely myself as well!

Little First Aider: Can you imagine the amount of paperwork that would have been involved?!? That incident would have sparked safety meetings for the unforeseeable future, not to mention the associated procedural changes!

By having the Little First Aider climb the ladder (in heels even), they were able to completely eliminated the threat of incapacitating both of themselves at the same time. Way to keep the injury stats down, and remember that it's always the last step you have to be careful of!

Le Capeetain

I can't access gmail - the internet here is just too aweful.

Anyway, I'm here at Nuka Hiva. I moved from the town anchorage to "Daniels Bay" about 5 m west. A lot less rolly and quieter. I'll be here a couple of nights - there's a hike to the waterfall, and good water here. Spent the afternoon rowing around. Couple of big sea turtles in the bay, tropical fish amoung the coral heads (mostly dead due to El Nino - too warm water a couple years ago) Really neat volcanic geology.

I'll try and work up the enthusiasm to write a longer note in a day or so.

He made it!!!

(not that there was ever any doubt) But still ;) Congratulations Dad, I'm so glad to hear you made it okay :)

The Captain writes:

I'm here as you know. It's "interesting" and I think you'd like it. Coming in towards the island, there were large dolphins leaping several body lengths high - just because. I pulled into Bai du Controleur to clear the prop and on the way in there were about 40 smaller dolphins around the boat feeding, leisurely surfacing, and occasionally jumping in nice arcs etc. Neat. Lots of birds.

The prop clearing took seconds - I anchored and was in the water twice for perhaps 20 seconds and 40 seconds! Didn't know if was safe or not. The rope had a couple of neat half hitches around two of the prop blades. There are sharks about and the water wasn't very clear which is a bad time. Anyway, motored fine after that and got out of that bay and over to the next one where the town is. tired. Checked in this morning. The biggest hassle was the bank - the paper that lady generated is good for the forest industry. Spent much of the day walking, met a few yachties etc. - an Aussie was telling me that the big problem they now have is crocodiles. Seems they've been on a no kill list for 15 years or so and the population has exploded, so they are expanding their range - makes it so no one can swim or dive north of 25 deg S. The crocs apparently swim between the islands so while rivers and river estuaries are the primary habitat, it's no safe even out to sea. Apparently, the crocs are much more dangerous than sharks ever were. Apparently, the urban "greens" will not allow any control so a lot of coast is being written off - beautiful beaches etc. - with signs posted "Crocodile warning". Apparently they had a problem with German tourists who couldn't read the signs - they lost some so now the signs are bilingual - with German.

Such is life. I wonder if we'll see something the same our way with Grizzly Bears.

Have yet to write up the journal. Coming up to the island there was a faint smell of scorched ironing on the air - about 10 mi down wind of another island. Same smell once round the headland, and that identifies the land. they burn excess veg (grass cuttings, fonds etc. - I assume because they'd be buried in them otherwise. Goats graze on the hillsides. In town, chickens everywhere underfoot. occasional horse in use and 4x4's everywhere. The anchorage is rolly. It's hot. The internet sucks - painful slow. I can't skype - I did however get my VISA paid. Just about rested up - I think I'll move tomorrow to the next bay, I'm told it isn't as rolly and the water is good - I need to fill a tank. I started to get extravagant and use fresh water for washing stuff, myself included. Now showers here - well, that's not quite try - there is one that is pretty grotty, just cold water coming from a pipe in the ceiling. Mind you, "cold" is really tepid here. I've turned the fridge unit on again and filled it with water bottles. The beer is like pee and expensive - I got one can - enough. I was a bit messed about with time - still on west coast time and I finally got the correction - 2.5 hours. I'd figured 1 based on latitude. Anyway, I was due for lunch so I wandered into a "restaurant" - basically a rough shed on the dock. They offered me an omelette - which sounded ok, I made sure it had no cheese. I forgot that most places add milk. I paid the price this evening. The joys of the language barrier. Anyway, laundry is organized. I tried to do some shopping - not much in the store expect cans - which I have. And expensive. Anyway, I did get a chunk of sausage which will be a change and some bread and OJ concentrate. In the morning, there's produce at the market near the dock - so I can get some fresh stuff.

That's about it. Take care.

Love you. Hugs.

Last night I had the strangest dream

I was working out with someone, kind of like a coach doing situps and stuff. Which would explain why I'm so damn tired this morning...

Anyways between one of my sets, we were talking about the huge ship that was near us in the warehouse (I have no idea don't ask...I'm just the dream-walker) and I was looking around. Under the mast which was lying down and I found a bunch of freshly minted shiny gold and silver coins of various sizes and denominations. Scattered as if they'd fallen out of a bathing suit pocket during a dive roll...

My inner pirate was so stoked!

My waking self battled, torn between the need to get up and get to work on time and the desire to be a pirate when I grow up.

I wandered around and puzzled and puzzed, until it was time to go to work. I finally decided that my subconscious is trying to bribe me to get into shape, by dangling a tantalizing reward of pirate booty.

There is a problem when your subconscious fights with you. I know myself entirely too well, and I always lose ;)

Little ray of sunshine

The words "no problem beautiful" melt into my psyche like a cooling salve.
Soothing a minor irritation I can't pinpoint the cause of.
You have no idea, that you just made my day.
But that is completely irrelevant.

Thank you :)

From the Captain

75 nm to go -- should make landfall tomorrow afternoon. Need a shower and a beer. Sailing going well, in trades - making steady 5 kn. peaking at 8 or so and getting really good at reefing. The #1 reef line needs adjusting but managing.

All is well, and BTW - I'm not anxious and fretting all the time anymore. This trip has done me good.

I mostly sucked at ball last night

... and then I caught an almost out of the park ball, and bounced off the fence *grins*

Sorry what was that? Oh, there's a fence here?!?! Thanks for the heads up team...

Redemption is sweet ;)

Success...

"Success is waking up in the morning and bounding out of bed because there's something out there that you love to do, that you believe in, that you're good at - something that's bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it again."
~ Whit Hobbs

Taking the wrong way 'round

Well I sure could've used that Darth Vader GPS this morning... because it would have told me to make an illegal u-turn a lot sooner than I did, and I would've gotten a whole lot more ride in.

Instead I ended up on the wrong side of the lake, looking for a connecting road that would take me down... all I found were no through roads and the curly-cues of organized suburbia.

The ride was perfect, or as perfect as it could have been for 20 minutes. Dead calm, tranquil... cool. The only sounds my tire tread on the trail, the wild turkeys and the 2 deer I startled bounding away. Fresh. Just me and the trail, oh and that rock.

Y'know some days even your lucky rocket ship underpants don't help... well getting lost was just the beginning. As I was loading my bike up on my rack, as high up as you can go on a Fit, I dropped it on my head. I think the fury was angry that we only did a teaser of a ride, cause that was like getting the leash out putting it on your dog and then walking around the block.

My head still hurts.

Top it all off with the Conservatives winning a majority government. I was voting for anyone but the Conservatives. I know these aren't sound political arguments, but Harper gives me the willies and I'm pretty sure he wears eye-liner.

Thanks to the women who came before me, I did exercise my right to vote, so that means I earned the right to complain about it... The fact that I can do both without fear of being reprimanded is something that shows how far we've come. Even if the choices are dismal, we still get to make them!

I think I need some lucky rocket ship underpants.

From the Captain...

Sailing is good.  Got thru the doldrums (ITCZ) a week or so back  (~1 deg N), seems like a long time.  Motored 6 hours.  Had several days after that of squalls, some pretty interesting and intense rain - like standing under a fire hose.  In one the loose sheet from the jib went overside and snaged the prop.  Still snagged - have to sail into port and can't motor at all now - though can run engine to charge batteries - need about an hour for each day so every three days I run for 3 hours or so.  The Ahelm needs feeding else the panels would do me.

that's about it - should make port Thurs or Friday.  I'm hoping thurs but the winds were light today and I'm close hauled - making 3+ knots.  things just picked up, currently doing 6 - it's dark out.  If this holds most of the night and I can make 4 most of the next few days, Thursday might work.

Beautiful sunset.  Different birds - one about the size of a large crow, built kinda plumpish, with relatively short wings was about.  He bobs along between the waves hitting the water with his feet very 1- 15 m.  Don't know what that's about.  Certainly different.  Flying fish.  One about 250 mm got caught on deck but I was busy in squall mode so just flipped him back - don't think he made it.  Pretty.  Found a little dried up one this morning on the port deck.

That's bout it - meals are pretty simple. Ususally just a can or jar of something.  Tonight boiled thelast of the potatoes, mashed, added dill, some onions and a tin of salmon - mix and eat.  Some savory with the onions and dill covered the taste of the salmon that I don't particularly care for.

All is well

Love Dad

Growing old together

Caught an old couple muttering at each other under their breath in superstore, and I had to laugh. I want to find that kind of love, when you know everything about the other person... and still love them anyways ;)

Little old lady: "Well how the he'll should I know?"
Little old man: "Stop yelling at me!"

Wherever the wind blows

It's weird, I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that just this morning I was having breakfast with my brother in Vernon and right now I'm just sitting down for dinner in Hope just over 400 km away. It feels like it was days ago now!

According to Google maps it's only a 3 day and 13 hour walk *giggles* it does say it's in beta though ;)

*shakes head* it's kind of been a crazy day, I'm looking forward to seeing my family though, and hopefully get a visit in with an old friend of mine :)

The drive was absolutely beautiful. Sunkissed mountain peaks, a view affordable to only the obscenely wealthy... and I got to drive through it all day!

I'm spoiled, I know ;)

Awesome

Is thinking that you're out of oatmeal, and then finding an unopened box of Dino egg oatmeal hiding in the back of the cupboard!

Rawr!

Sent... While in transit ;)

Please fasten your restraining devices

I'm pretty sure that this is where I get my power of understatement...

From the Captain:

I'm supposed to be in the doldrums motoring but I have "weather" which is pushing me through though I just had to discover how to furl in the pitch black in 20+ k.  I can, I did.  Got wet in the warm rain.  It always happens when I'm on the radio watch, and mostly I let the boat ride it through, but tonight it was getting a bit wild.  Hit 9+k in the glance at the chart plotter I gave it.  Probably higher but I was busy.

Take care - equator the day after tomorrow, port Friday if all goes well.

Regarding your question

IM tracking boats from AZ and i was wondering if you are va7dgv and if you are i was wondering if you can please send me some info about your baot like the crew size and some fun facts.thank you.

Dear Anonymous:

My father is VA7DGV, but I was sailing with him for the first leg of his journey from Victoria BC down the western coast of the United States to San Diego CA. I am back at work, however I've been continuing to post notes and snippits of emails, as I receive them.

The boat's name is Marimba 2, it's a one-of McGrath 35' sailing vessel... and it's unique kind of like it's current Captain ;) For more detail on the boat itself, please see the link at the top of the menu on the left titled "The Marimba 2"

He's currently single-handing his way towards French Polynesia, and beyond that is anyone's guess... but if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to email me at samantha.vincent@gmail.com

Thanks for your note, it made my day :)

This is your Captain speaking

I'm truly fed up with sailing this trip. It's hot and muggy, and I'm making good progress but still. I'm about 10 days to go, 2/3's there. Just coming up on the doldrums and the equator - I think I'm far enough west that the band of poor wind is about as narrow as can be expected - I'll motor through. I meet Joan at Marqueses and she'll spend about 3 weeks with me, and we'll work our way to Tahiti. From there, I have to decide if I head north for Hawaii and home, or continue. I do know that I do not like the long haul like this one is. the sailing has been easy, straight downwind, same sail, same course etc. for days and days. See what happens, but certainly looking forward to the end of this leg, a shower, a beer and some company. I hate hot.

Hope you had a good long weekend. Wonder if you still want to add another leg to your sailing or if you had enough last fall and are just way to polite to say so?

The phosphoresence was amazing last night. Light rain and squally this afternoon. I need a shower.

That's about it.

Take care of yourself. Give Dan a call and find out why he's sick again. That boy - I have to wonder if he's burning the candle at both ends and burning himself out. I gather you'll all get together soon. Miss you all.

Love Dad
 
----
 
I haven't decided yet Dad, but I miss sailing... and I miss you too. I'll ask Dan tomorrow ;)
 
Love Sam

Je ne sais what?

Dear Apple

Bonjour: Just because you say something in the lovely language of french while sacking my functioning operating system doesn't make it any more polite, besides "Au revoir" would have been more appropriate.

Wanna go ride bikes?!?

I am such a bad blogger... I can't believe I haven't posted the adventures from two whole weekends ago!

This would be the same weekend that I took the winter tires off my car, in the morning, on a Sunday... with plans to go biking that afternoon.  My friend picked me up around 2:30, we loaded the bike, stopped and unloaded the kids and saw with some trepidation the ugly looking storm cloud that was in the vicinity of where we were going to ride bikes.

We got to the parking lot and I was immediately thankful for the sweatpants I'd thrown on... with the thought that if I got too warm I could always take them off. I'm a wet-coast girl, my Dad taught me it's all about layers. I was particularly thankful for my layers when it started to snow.

This is about where the group mentality kicked in, and we all laughed nervously and said it's okay, it'll stop soon. It's not that bad, it's not wet and sticking to everything... if we just keep moving our fingers will warm up. Right? Right. We carried on, a half hour later it stopped snowing. See we were totally right!

During one of our rest stops I realized my bike tire had a hernia?!? I guess that's what happens when you try to lift something that's too heavy for you... no, I'm not trying to say I'm getting fat. Somehow I managed to slash the outer tire without pucturing the innertube... no worries, duct tape fixes *everything*

Well my Red-Green quick fix lasted the entire 2 hour ride! We could have done without logging road grade shot rock in the middle section, but other than that it was a fantastic ride :) and not 5 mins after we got in the truck the temperature dropped from 12 degrees to 3 degrees and a torrential downpour started with some sleet thrown in for good measure.

Such an awesome day!

The Easter bunny's got a sidekick... or two

The weekend of the season in Revelstoke and I forgot my ski boots *and* my helmet... and you know something? It surprises me a little bit that I can say this, but I'm totally okay with it *smiles*

I definitely picked up a cold from my best friends place, but I was there all weekend being sneezed, drooled and snotted on, but I wouldn't change that for the world. The best one was "Here Sam hold the baby..." and just as I picked him up under the arms he sneezed on me! Awwwww thanks buds. So no, I'm not really that surprised I'm sick.

There's nothing like waking up vaguely aware that it's Saturday morning. To overhear her Mom telling Little Feet, that it's not time to get up yet... and "You can go back to bed or go snuggle with Sam." Then hearing the little feet make their way over to my side of the bed... Prying open half an eyeball, just enough to see two eyes bright enough to make you wince against the sparkle. And a shy little grin that tugged a smile onto my face despite the hour. Scooping her up into bed, she snuggled down inside my heart somewhere and we napped for another whole hour before we got up *smiles*

I also got to be the Easter bunny's sidekick and I absolutely loved it. Okay... It's a close second to waking up and finding that the Easter bunny has visited, but it's still pretty damn cool. I think we had more fun trying to sneak around the living room, and up the squeaky stairs hiding chocolates than Little Feet did finding them ;)

Sunday morning I woke up to "bunny terds" *plick* *plock* *plunk*'ing down wooden stairs... and the sound of Little Feet scampering around, followed immediately by a pause of footsteps and the scritchy shredding of foil wrapped chocolate eggs...

It was too cute, Little Feet was so matter of fact about it... "The Easter bunny came, and he throwed candies everywhere!" - with an adamant frisbee throwing motion to punctuate the statement.

One of the best things about being the fun Auntie? I have a blast goofing around, get the kid all riled up on a sugar high and then give them back when they crash and burn.

Feature request

Dear Word... I think my Dad needs an "intent check" as opposed to a spell check. He composed a note to pass on to Granny referring to his old girlfriend, you know the one who used to be a 'stripper' at the hospital.

It was a position they created to help weed out the weak hearted patients from the strong ones, but it was eliminated when they discovered it only worked on men...

Geek Emergency

While I was house sitting a few weeks ago I got this semi-verging-on-stressed phone call from the owner of the house.

I quickly discovered there was nothing immediately wrong, he admitted he was having a "Geek Emergency"... He had looked everywhere he could think of, and he couldn't find the USB key he had with all of his XBox save games on it! In case you have no idea, this is kind of a big deal!

I started wandering through his office and the man-cave searching for it... and then I paused and thought. "If I were him... where would I put it?"

*finger snap*

IN MY PANTS POCKET! *buffs nails* That's right, emergency averted ;) He blamed it all on his wife as mere moments before they left she looked him up and down and said "You're not wearing *those* pants are you?"

A wise woman once said

I was talking to a friend about dressing up little girls, and it brought to mind something my Granny said. That whenever she made dresses she always made matching diaper covers...

"That way they look just as good upside down as they do right side up"

Adventures with Telus

I had no idea it would be such a big deal to get internet...

I deliberated, I waffled... I didn't need one convenient package. I have a cell phone, it makes a home phone kind of redundant... and if I had cable I would never get anything done.

I have no idea what the heck I'm going to get charged for it, but the good news is that one day Mom you will be a grandmother, I didn't trade my first born for a free xbox 360.

Anyways once I finally decided to make an executive decision and just make it all happen... I found out it would take a month to get a tech dude in to hook it all up. Seriously.

Apparently Telus is pulling the fiber optic cable as you sign up for it... So when they do their little check thingee and say "Oooh! Fiber is available in your area :)" just stick to the raisin bran.

Enter new best friend Paul. I meet him at my place... during regular working hours and he starts doing his thing... An hour later he's done everything he can without access to the electrical room.

Right, see distracted by the internet... just got an email from Dad ;)

So I get him organized with my landlady, another visit which totalled somewhere around 4 hours which luckily she was there for, and I have wireless.

I'm not exactly sure what happened but somewhere my brains must have fallen out of my head, and I let new best friend Paul set up "The Internets" *hair flip* on my laptop.

*cue Napolean Dynamite* "IDIOT!!!"

I had to uninstall the entire Telus security suite, it was making my computer so slow it felt like it was 7 years old rather than 2.

I appreciate that you want everyone to practice safe browsing, but I do that already thanks... and I have my own security set up.

No, thank you... Really... I don't need your sheep gut condom.

*snurffles*

I feel like 3 day leftover moderately re-heated to luke warm in a microwave death.

Man of few words

From the Captain

Saw my first albatross today, circled the boat awhile at 10 to 20 m. Neat.

Yeah Nucks!

*happy dance*

THAT WAS SO AWESOME!!! Nothing like drawing out every last drop.. and THEN some! *shakes head* Sheesh 2-1 in OT, finished off game 7 with an AMAZING goal by Burrows!

Onward to Round 2 and Nashville!!! It's so worth the sore throat I will have tomorrow, but it's okay I earned it *grins*

#gocanucks trending globally I am so proud to be Canadian :D

Home is where the wireless is

To quote my best friend's daughter's favorite movie while she waves a barbie in circles in the air...

BEST DAY EVEEEEERRRRRR!!!

Wait for it... wait for it... I promise, it will melt. Eventually.

Only in Revelstoke do they spend all winter shoveling the snow off the sidewalks and roads... only to shovel it *back* onto the road during the first few sunny days of spring!

I mean you'd think they'd be tired of shoveling by now, but I think it's like when you stop drinking coffee... it takes time to ease yourself out of it... Just a few days of warm weather to get to the where you can sit back yard with a beer and enjoy it, without having that feeling looming over you, you know that one saying you should be shoveling Right. Now. *twitch twitch*

I sure hope they get to the roadwork season soon though, the potholes are big enough to eat my shocks for breakfast!

Nom nom nom.

Also from the Captain...

Also 4 days ago...

The sailing is going well but I'm tired of the motion.  Tomorrow noon is the half way point.  I can't seem to get the vane to work so I'm relying on the Ahelm - hope it holds out.  Weird gear failure - there's a little knob thing on a short bit of stainless wire rope on the furling gear.  It's used to guide the sail edge into the foil on the headstay - so it just flops about except when you're raising a sail.  Anyway, I went forward and it's gone!  the wire bit is shredded.  Why???  Anyway, it's not really critical but I'll need to get another.

In the meantime, I flog south.

From the Captain...

He actually sent this to me 4 days ago, but I've been a little delinquent... my apologies.

Just thought of you while the boat is surging along in the dark.  It's inky black out there, but a nice night with steady wind.  Doing about 5+ k with just the genoa (70% of) up.  the boat is behaving well.  did something dumb - tried the food preservation suggestion from Lynn Pardey that didn't sound right - make a stew type dish, leave it in the pot and re=heat daily for 5 min at the boil and it'll be fine.  NOT.  Made stew night before last, had it again last night after reheating as suggested = my tummy did not like.  I think I gave myself a (fortunately) very minor dose of food unhappiness.  Not try that again.  I'm fine, but ate lightly and carefully today.

It was a lovely afternoon - sunny and bright and the wind came up.  I think I may be in for something though, despite the forecast of more of the same.  There was cirrus cloud, and a boat on the net ahead of me a couple of days is reporting different wind speed and direction that I have, and than the charts and forecast suggest.  We'll have to see.

Not much else.
take care

Dad

Why do you drive a standard?

A couple weeks ago I dragged my friend out bed shopping... so last week she dragged me out car shopping. I think I got the better end of the deal ;)

Anyways part way through, the sales guy - new best friend Tom, asked us very seriously

Tom: "Now, what is it that you prefer about a manual transmission..."
me: "Uhhh cause nobody else can drive it?!?!"
Tom: classic comic book thought bubble popping...  *

It was awesome! He was sooo ready with a comeback for just about any reason we had... or so he thought *grins*

Trimmed!

Moderately cleaned up again :)

Red right returning

How to make potato salad.

By Sam

Okay so first you need to find a grocery store, one that isn't too big because you're going to have to walk around it a few times... for like an hour. You will also need access to good friend you can text message repeatedly to check important things... like if Western Family Dijon mustard is okay (it is), or if you need non-pareilles capers or surfines (the non kind)... or if it matters whether you get Florida white potatoes or Tommy's Tiny Taters Yellow... (it really doesn't matter)

Next carry your purchases into the place where you will be preparing the salad. Unpack enough things to remember that you didn't get all the fresh herbs because they didn't have them at the small grocery store you shopped at.

Have a friend fry up the bacon, and cook the potatoes while you run down to the nearest grocery store. Make a complete tour of the grocery store.  Give up, ask the nice man that works there where the fresh herbs are.

Attempt to follow the recipe, while thinking about riding bikes, lasagna, the newest visiting nephew, riding bikes, Dad sailing and the fact that you forgot to pick up Dijon mustard after asking what kind you needed... interlaced with background conversation... and hoping that you don't forget anything important while reading it out of order.

Remove the potatoes from the burner that you've left the on for too long, drain and leave in sink.

Continue assembling ingredients until you are moderately organized.

Read through the recipe one last time, and condense it into easy to follow directions: Chop potatoes into bowl, pour in vinegar mixture attempting to coat all potatoes, fold in everything else... gently.

Quickly quality test it while nobody is looking to ensure it wont have any harmful side effects, like those listed after TV medications including death.

After it has been served, wait until the first few bites meet with approval before you declare "It's like a surprise in every bite!" You can consider it officially approved when your test subjects connoisseurs go back for seconds and declare it in no uncertain terms "Superly surprising and extremely bad-ass culinary triumph!"

Noms

A new personal best, 2hr potato salad :)
It's like a surprise in every bite!
Noms

Stand back!

I'm going to try... Cooking :)

Blech

The word of the day yesterday was anti-motivational.

So you know how I was all excited that it "smelled like ball season"... well yesterday it "smelled like ski season", which considering we're' nearing the end of April is just completely uncalled for. Don't the weather gods know it's time for a new spring outfit? Quit trying them on, only to exchange them for your comfy winter sweatpants, already and just pick one! I dashed up to the ball field with my dinner of champions (subway), and I have to say I've never been so happy to see the MoHo.

It was fricken freezing Mr. Bigglesworth! And as I sat in the MoHo eating my dinner, it began to snow... now I love playing ball, but I was so not into it last night. By the time we'd warmed up, and then waited for the other team to get their poop in a group we'd all cooled down again.

And standing out their with my borrowed cleats and glove I felt like a little kid on the neighbours back lawn playing with a tennis ball and using a hockey stick handle for a bat... trying to hit it onto the road because it would roll further!

The tone for the game was... "E", for error. My sweatpants made for a nice drag chute, and I was too hot with my sweatshirt on, but it was too damn cold and windy to take it off... and while I know that it shouldn't matter what equipment you have, I missed a ball that I touched, that I *should* have had... hands down.

Grrrrrr.

We're just not even going to talk about my hitting... it was so bad, but the kind where people on the other team, who don't know how I usually hit, tell me it's a nice hit. Which is like winning the consolation prize, you still smile and nod and say thanks... but really you're stretching your good sportsmanship beyond it's ultimate tensile strength.

One stripe at a time

I see your half yellow belt and I raise you... One stripe! *happy dance*

Happy Birthday Dad!

I don't know for sure, but I'm wondering if my Dad knows when his birthday is...

One year he moped around the house because he thought we'd forgotten it, and this year he commented to Mom that yesterday he only got birthday wishes from Ben... and that I'd sent him something about biking.

Dad, I didn't forget your birthday... I was just waiting until your *actual* birthday before I sent you birthday wishes. I hope your birthday cake turns out, eat a piece for me!

D'oh!

Uhhmmm good thing I changed out of my winter tires this weekend... yeah... awesome.

I'm 3. iPhone Auntie Sam!

Hahaha my friend's kid just called me on facetime, it's a good thing I have call display because it came up as a black screen.

Little voice: "Hello?"
I soon realized that I was talking to the little voice unsupervised and asked where his mommy was...
Little voice: "kitchen"

In the background I hear his Mom from the kitchen: "Hey buddy, who are you talking to?"

Little voice:"No!"

He showed me his paintings... and the fresh snow outside... and his little piggy toes (which got a giggle when I called them that)... and the new curtains in the livingroom, up close and personal I might add ;)

Sooooo awesome, that was the best Friday morning phone call EVAR!

Positive reinforcement... like chocolate

It's pretty cool when after you've decided to make some changes in your life, a close friend says:

 "Don't take this the wrong way, but you've changed since your trip... I mean, not that you were bad before or anything... you're just different now"

It's such a good feeling, to be able to smile and say thanks, understanding what they meant at a deeper level than just their words.  Just the fact that they brought it up, means they've noticed more than a little bit, and it's pretty special that they thought it was important enough to say something about it.

Moments... Moments like this should be soaked up. The way solar powered kitties collect sunshine on their belly's.

Take... me out to the ball game

So you know how I'm not playing ball this year? Well we had our first game of the season yesterday...

My first hit of the season felt pretty good, totally burned the right fielder *grins* I was feeling a little awkward playing with borrowed equipment. Like a gangly teenage boy who looks like it's first day with his new go-go gadget arms and legs.

I know, I know... not playing ball right. Lets just say it's a compromise. I'm not playing on 4 different teams in two different leagues alternating between ladies and co-ed... and I'm not playing on weekends. I drew the line this year, I want my weekends to myself.

Maybe do some camping, some biking, you know... something other than ball tournaments and partying. Sounds so grown up eh? Hah! Don't let my mature outlook fool you, I'm sure having my weekends free this year will just open the floodgates for all those other crazy things I didn't have time for last year ;)

Captains Log

This is the Captain speaking:

Just to let you know, I'm fine, blasting along under headsail only.  I have the vane steering working and it seems ok.  Took a bit to work up the energy to try it.  The boat is doing well, so far doing 120 nm/day or better, which is better than I expected.  Lots of motion but it's pretty comfortable.

Did a dumb thing yesterday.  I put the companionway hatch cover in the cockpit since I didn't expect to leave it out of the door long. A wave hit, I lost balance and the cover fell to the deck, just ahead of my foot.  Crack.  It's shot.  I patched it with some plywood and it'll hang toghether until I can replace it.

The sea color is quite incredible.  Vibrant blue green when the sun is out, the water clarity is phenomenal.  When the sun is not out, it's an ominous grey green.  Saw a couple of shearwaters today, the first life for a couple of days though there were a lot of dolphins fairly close inshore.  Winds have been up and down,

Anyway, got to go a get ready for the net.  BTW, the radio is working great.  Talked to a guy in Courtenay last night as part of the net, as well as Arizona, Utah, northern Washington, Hawaii, and New Zealand.

Excerpt from an email to Mom:
Not much I can add - I'm not squirrely yet. Pass my best on to the kids.

Look out black belt, here I come

Even if they actually give this to everybody... I'm tickled pink! I'll admit it, my ego appreciates it. Besides deep deep down I know it would be sooooo cool to learn bo staff! I think nun-chucks might not be such a good idea for me, I'd be like the kid that's whipping it around and looking super pro till he knocks himself out.

I'm already a hazard in action, luckily for the general public its usually confined to my person. Can you imagine the chaos that could ensue if I were armed?!?!

Situation, about normal

In order to maintain the authenticity the following statement shall be presented in its unedited form. While reading it, imagine trying to type using a moving keyboard with your eyes closed while the room spins... I'd say he's doing pretty well actually!

From the Captain

Going well - wind is 15+ knots which is high enough to be interesting. Boat handles it well. It's been qn intersting day in that I discovered that the valve at the head discharge broke when I tried to open it switchng from holding tank to overboard the other day. Anyway, made a mess diagnosing the problem but there's nothing to be done about it until I get some where I can haul or beach - probably the latter. When I get closer I'll send yuo a list of parts required. Not a big deal, I have a bucket. Got out and checking gear and found the reefing line hanging loose. The sheet for the genny chafed over it and cut it. That's an easy fix and somethng to watch for - in the interim I put in the next reef and I'm still going 5.5 to 7 knots, so it seems that 2 reefs are probably what I should be running anyway.

That's about it - rocking and rolling on a beam reach with seas of 2 m. Saw false dawn this morinng = something I've heard about but never quite understood. About 2 hours before dawn the eastern sky got a bright orange bar like the sin was rising for a few minutes and the it disappeared. The water is neat - very clean and an icy looking blue green. Hard to describe.

I'm fine, tummy is fine. On course and generally averaging better than expected speed, whch if this holds should be on schedule or a day early but way to early to tell. The planner figured 24 days at 5 k average speed - which I thought was a bit much. Seems ok just now.

Please don't have to sneeze... please?

I'm not sure who's bright idea it was to have a ball practice *before* wallyball playoffs because man am I stiff today... The first time swinging a bat since last season, and I should know better, I really should. There's really no excuse, this happens every year... I just don't have a 'warm up' swing... I start the season swinging for the fence.

It hurts to sneeze, it hurts to laugh... it hurts to shiver! My entire core and supporting muscles are all writing strongly worded letters to my governing committee questioning my sanity. But sitting here in my padded office chair I feel alive. Damage reports have all come back with negligible problems, nothing preventing the jump to light speed. It's just a not so gentle reminder that I did something this weekend, and I'm proud to say I earned every single one of those stiff muscles.

And he's off!

Captain's log:

It's cold out there so I spent most of the day in the boat. I'm settling into a routine of sorts. Checking into the radio net is a long and painful exercise. It'll be an hour listening after the initial check in, waiting for my slot to report...

Anyway, making good speed if not altogether comfortable.

Editors Note: This report was edited for readability, nothing that would compromise the intent of the message was changed. (Besides, I know how hard it is to type while the boat is moving)

It takes awhile to load but you can see position reports via winlink again yipee!!! Way to go Dad :)

White and nerdy

You have gotta be kidding

It's the beginning of April this is so not acceptable!

Why programmers shouldn't have phones

So I'm checking my annual phone message at work. It's not entirely forbidden but it's not exactly encouraged that I talk to customers... I'm a programmer and therefor socially challenged, or otherwise lacking in terms of customer service etiquette ;)

Anyways that's not the funny part. The funny part is that while I'm listening to my voicemail options drone on in the pre-recorded voice...

Press 1 to review your messages (no, actually I just called to see what you were up to this evening)... *rolls eyes*
Press 2 to randomly forward this message to someone else to deal with...
Press 3 to...

*attention span of a goldfish*

Press 77 to... *thinking* Damn, I must have missed the option I wanted... and when did we get all the way up to 77?

"To hang up, press the pound key"... waitaminutewhat!?! I have to press a button to hang up and *then* hang up? Hah! Yeah well I'm such a rebel I'm just going to hang up! How do you like that! You don't? Well, I'd like to know what exactly you are going to do about it!?!?

So there.

From the Captain

Sitting quietly at the San Diego Police Dock listening to cellophane crackling like fire under the boat. It's the constant noise of the pistol shrimp. Came into San Diego here, and somehow it's appropriate that this is where I spend the last night before heading off.

The last nearly two weeks have been "busy and wait". Arrived and got the transmission, and I was slow and didn't get it installed the next day. In the course of installation, I found a shaft bearing also gone so I hauled off the parts to the experts, and they ordered new bearings.

The weekend interfered, then the parts didn't arrive, then we found they were wrong. Finally got the parts and the assembly is put together and another weekend arrives. I'm working around and find another issue - so I deliver that to get addressed. No mechanic. Monday we have mechanic and parts - and he get's into and discovers a broken bracket and engine mount. In addition, he has disparaging things to say about the installation and some changes that really should be required.

That day is shot.

Fortunately, the mounts are stock and the bracket can be welded and beefed up. The next day, he and I work all day to install the engine mounts, lift the (250 Kg) engine up to do this, skid it back on the stringers to provide an extra 25 mm for a plastic disc to provide some vibration isolation and some flexibility, put it all together, do the line up and test it. Long, hard day - but it's done except for cutting off the excess end of the shaft so I can button up the engine compartment.

I check out of the marina, clean things up and get in a sweat to get going. Why am I getting stressed out and anxious? Is this why I went cruising? I only really need to get to the boatyard dock around 9 in the morning - so, I take a breath and stop. I'm staying the night and leaving in the morning fairly early.

Have a beer with John on Prudence and just chat - cruising, why we have boats, about happiness and people who work at making a lot of money but can't take the time to holiday and aren't at all happy. Stress, and the ills of western social structures, especially in the US. We covered health care, education, the military and the national budget. Much more sensible than rushing off.

Got away in the morning and got up to the yard. While they dealt with the shaft I headed out walking and on public transit to deal with Customs and Border Protection - I had to sign off my cruising permit and "clear". Three and a half hours of public transport and walking for perhaps 10 minutes in the office and one piece of paper - there really has to be a better way.

Back at the boat, motored around to top up with propane. It's now mid afternoon and the weather is squally and overcast. Good call to deal with the propane - that bottle was nearly empty.

Decided I wasn't really happy about leaving - partly it's hit me the magnitude of the undertaking and I'm intimidated with that.

I've been here before though, with work as much as anything when I've bitten off a project that seems to be beyond me. Always got through, and did some of my best work "on the edge". Indeed, I seem to have made a specialty of being out there - and this isn't that different.

Anyway, decided to stay another night so that I would have a full day of daylight to get off the coast and out of the bulk of the coastal traffic. Stayed at the police dock and that brings me back to where I started peacefully listening to the shrimp. Calm, quite, comfortable. Warm and well fed.

This is why I'm here and why I'm going cruising.

So, managed the 4 km hike to Starbucks for a coffee - and more importantly a decent internet connection from which I phoned home, and also updated my Airmail software. Home again, suppered and done for the day.

Tomorrow early, I really am away.

G'nite

Women are Angels

And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly... on a broomstick.
We are flexible like that.

This is my back yard

Solving all the world's problems in a weekend

The foods we have eaten this weekend have bordered on indecent... I should be going to church to repent the impure thoughts I've been having.

The divine smells emanating from the marinating steaks in the fridge, the chocolate chip cookies in the oven... the tastes and textures of the infamous newly invented potato salad as each bite has a party in your mouth and then tells you to invite it's friends.

The feeling of being full, but having just enough room for one more bite... Planning each meal down to the intimate details far in advance of actually having to prepare it...

Mmmmmm noms *dreamy smile*

I mean really if the entire world started their morning the way we did this morning, there would be no war. Everyone would be snuggled up with a smile on their face napping!

I'm not going to lie, I've run out of wonderful words to describe the fantastically fabulous food we've had this weekend.

BIKING!

So I know this is way behind schedule... but I've been busy busy this week with Tae Kwon Do!

Anyways we got our poop in a group last Sunday, and as we were juggling our bikes and associated stuff out to the truck... I stop. Realizing that there is suspiciously light fluffly looking white stuff falling from the sky.

Yeah, that's right. It's snowing. I look at my roommate and go "Really?" He just kind of shrugged with half a goofy grin on his face with a "Why not?". Alrighty then, here we go! I was pleasantly surprised to find that we weren't the only ones crazy enough to go out riding in "this kind of weather"

This is about where Nate shucked his pants deciding he was hot enough to ride in shorts. He's not from around here ;)

It was awesome! We had a great ride, ditching our bikes for a bit once we past the point I had ridden with other people and hiked it to see where the trail went. Promptly after retrieving our bikes I got my first bail of the season out of the way... in particular it highlight every facet of my ever present grace.

Okay I'm totally lying.  Nate had slowed down to navigate a switchback that didn't have a nice berm to ride around... and I slowed down and stopped dangerously close to the edge of the trail behind him, which would have been fine except that the nimrods in charge of my balance decided we should dismount on the lack of trail side.

Luckily I wasn't clipped in or we would have had a repeat of the Kemper incident. I managed to throw myself up and over my bike more or less without tripping over it. Only to land and promptly stumble across the trail and land sprawled out on the opposite side.  Mom I'm pretty sure you meant for my middle name to be Grace didn't you?

It was so much fun, the trail down had flow, and we saw a gaggle of 7 wild turkeys! They scurried up over the hill away from us much like a stampeding herd of buffalo... it was soooo cool. The air rushing past my helmet, the sound of my bike tread chewing up the trail and spitting it back out again... breaking through the surrounding silence of snow falling in the forest.


We finished the day off with a hot chocolate from Tim Hortons *grins* I totally deserved it, and I would like to declare this bike season officially open!

I like big trucks :)

Okay so you heard about the shenanagins last week with my roommate and his truck, and the subsequent musical cars... well Saturday I helped him install the new starter, and by helped I mean he did most of the work and then I held it in flush while he did the bolts up.

After that though he let me drive it around town *huge grin* It's an old Toyota 4Runner, with a turbo, modified air intake... and with my limited understanding of trucks and kits I finally asked what he hadn't modified on it. I can't tell you what they were but you can count them on one hand. I have to say, his truck is A LOT of fun to drive!

Ended up in the tulies on every side of town, and showed him where a bunch of bike trails started... it was awesome!

We agreed that we should go biking the next day...

Thought for yesterday

If I could teach you to look at yourself through others eyes, and see your own potential I would. Its amazing what you can do when someone believes in you, but the possibilities are endless when you believe in yourself.

Hai!

 

*happy dance* I passed my belt test!!!

I still don't know what order the belts go in... but I'm a half yellow belt *grins* and I know that the next one is a full yellow belt!