Dad is snoring in my bunk so I guess I'll make this short. Had a windy night last night and dad and were squashed up in the main bunk so neither of us slept that well. After breakfast we motored out to the lagoon and dad rowed us out halfway to the reef to an area with a lot of coral and boulders which is where all the sea life pretty much hangs out.
Snorkelled around for about 45 minutes until I got a faceful of seawater and couldn't see because my eyes were burning too much. I swam back to the boat and by playing porpoise I was able to pull myself partway up the ladder but needed a boost to get on the boat stairs. Dad spent the afternoon building wooden boat stairs to hang below the last step on the back of the boat so I can get myself in hopefully. If so, that will be great. I don't stay out as long as I'd like because I'm always afraid I'll be too tired to haul myself up onto the boat. It happened when I was 28, it could happen again.
Saw lots of neat stuff including a fish whose colours changed with it's position in the ocean and a pair of clams in a boulder one of which was turquoise and the other purple/blue. So amazing! After the swim I was too tired to go to shore to shop and the wind came up and dad got worried so we went back into the bay.
Later in the afternoon we rowed to shore against the wind, had our coffee and ice cream and got meat and carrots for dinner and another 750 ml jar of Nutella (the fourth since I got here and I barely eat the stuff but dad keeps getting it for me!) What a goof.
Had a good chat with Gerry this evening and got a contact with a ham in Long Beach California who was surprised to be talking to Moorea on his little wire antenna.
Listened to drumming while I made dinner. I think the locals had a show going for the tourists at the Bali Hai Club. A little sorry I won't see it but not enough to make the effort to get out and go.
Finished my book while dad fiddled with emails so I can't find any of mine in the program anymore. Glad I've emailed myself copies of stuff on gmail. Music is blasting across the water. I'm going to settle down to Eureka again.
Take care.
I'll be home in a week. Hard to believe.
Love you lots,
Mom
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At 12/07/2011 10:04 PM (utc) our position was 17°30.21'S 149°49.34'W
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My mother...
Dearest Sam
Yes, we looked. No popcorn or caraway. And the grocery here only sells microwave popcorn which is a drag. No microwave on the boat. Take care.
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 12/07/2011 10:04 PM (utc) our position was 17°30.21'S 149°49.34'W
And my response...
Lol mom you should still be able to open the bag of microwave popcorn and cook it in a pot the old fashioned way ;)
Yes, we looked. No popcorn or caraway. And the grocery here only sells microwave popcorn which is a drag. No microwave on the boat. Take care.
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 12/07/2011 10:04 PM (utc) our position was 17°30.21'S 149°49.34'W
And my response...
Lol mom you should still be able to open the bag of microwave popcorn and cook it in a pot the old fashioned way ;)
Addddd
It's all over the floor too *smiles*
Monday, July 11, 2011
Creative juices got flow
May I present... the doughnut bun, and bruschetta FTW!
Well they were certainly flowing last night. Now I'm sure this is a common problem in households across North America, and perhaps elsewhere... But what do you do with leftover doughnuts? Look no further, you can now use them as hamburger buns!
This could be the next big marketing campaign... Doughnuts, not just for cops or dessert anymore ;)
But seriously, cut 'em in half... Toast them cut side on a pan until crispy... Oh and make sure anything squishy isn't close to the hole, or it will try to use your nostrils as an escape route.
The things I do to support imagination, although it wasn't bad... You could probably skip the ketchup, the sugar on the doughnut makes you realize just how much sugar is in ketchup...
And that's just weird.
This could be the next big marketing campaign... Doughnuts, not just for cops or dessert anymore ;)
But seriously, cut 'em in half... Toast them cut side on a pan until crispy... Oh and make sure anything squishy isn't close to the hole, or it will try to use your nostrils as an escape route.
The things I do to support imagination, although it wasn't bad... You could probably skip the ketchup, the sugar on the doughnut makes you realize just how much sugar is in ketchup...
And that's just weird.
I ask you...
Of course it is!!
One helluv a woman
Last Friday was the memorial celebration of life for Grandma Fay, and while she was not my Grandma in the sense of bloodlines... She taught me, that don't matter a lick. At a birthday party of hers not too long ago, she was curious why her Chosen Son wasn't there. Someone made the mistake of saying "Grandma we thought you'd just want family for your birthday"... Heh. She tore a strip off of them, with an indignant "Don't you *dare* tell me who my family is!"
She always told it like it was.
She was and incredible lady, I was once lucky enough to hear a little bit about what life was like when she lived on a trap line. It was hard. Hard in a sense we can't even comprehend anymore... They hauled their own water, got up and fished in the wee hours, and had it canned and hidden under the floor board before the games warden got up and did his rounds. Once she shot a cougar from the front porch with the 30-6 when she was maybe 100lbs soaking wet. As she said... "It was me or him" Despite all that though, not only did they survive... they lived!
One of my favorite personal moments, was when I won a 40 pounder of Crown during Grey Cup at the Legion. Now I don't really drink that much... Heh. Okay you got me, I really don't drink that much *Crown*, but my other Mom pointed out that Grandma Fay would appreciate it. So I went over for a visit one day, she greeted me as always with a big hug and a kiss... I presented it to her, and she said with a huge grin "Well what a nice surprise! That deserves another hug and a kiss!" *smiles* She also told me my timing was about perfect as "they'd just run out this morning and hadn't had time to go get more."
Some of the stories that came up during the memorial were great, and give you the tiniest glimpse into who she was... She was so much more though, to so many people, evidenced by the number and diversity of those who came to pay their respects and raise a "little glass of hell"...
The MC Dan told us that recently when his father passed away, they did a family gathering which Grandma Fay attended despite her family *and* the doctor's wishes. He said to her "I know you pissed off a lot of people to be here tonight, but you know you didn't have to come for us to know you love us right?" Well she looked him dead in the eye, and with iron in her voice said "I don't give a damn!" then sweet as peaches said "Now would you be a dear, and put some of that whiskey in my cup there?"
We all call on family in times of need, and closer to the end, well this was no exception. (Helen is one of Fay's sisters.)
Grandma Fay: Helen! Helen, come quickly! It's time to go!
Aunt Roxie: Go where Mom?
Grandma Fay: Heaven, we're going to heaven.
Aunt Roxie: But Mom you can't take Helen with you...
Grandma Fay: The hell I can't!
Aunt Roxie: Heaven isn't *ready* for the both of you yet!
At this point Grandma Fay grabbed Aunt Roxie's arm, and said: Roxie! If you don't let her go RIGHT NOW, I'll tan your ass!
To which she replied: Mom if I thought you had it in you right now, I'd gladly take the whoopin'!
She always told it like it was.
She was and incredible lady, I was once lucky enough to hear a little bit about what life was like when she lived on a trap line. It was hard. Hard in a sense we can't even comprehend anymore... They hauled their own water, got up and fished in the wee hours, and had it canned and hidden under the floor board before the games warden got up and did his rounds. Once she shot a cougar from the front porch with the 30-6 when she was maybe 100lbs soaking wet. As she said... "It was me or him" Despite all that though, not only did they survive... they lived!
One of my favorite personal moments, was when I won a 40 pounder of Crown during Grey Cup at the Legion. Now I don't really drink that much... Heh. Okay you got me, I really don't drink that much *Crown*, but my other Mom pointed out that Grandma Fay would appreciate it. So I went over for a visit one day, she greeted me as always with a big hug and a kiss... I presented it to her, and she said with a huge grin "Well what a nice surprise! That deserves another hug and a kiss!" *smiles* She also told me my timing was about perfect as "they'd just run out this morning and hadn't had time to go get more."
Some of the stories that came up during the memorial were great, and give you the tiniest glimpse into who she was... She was so much more though, to so many people, evidenced by the number and diversity of those who came to pay their respects and raise a "little glass of hell"...
The MC Dan told us that recently when his father passed away, they did a family gathering which Grandma Fay attended despite her family *and* the doctor's wishes. He said to her "I know you pissed off a lot of people to be here tonight, but you know you didn't have to come for us to know you love us right?" Well she looked him dead in the eye, and with iron in her voice said "I don't give a damn!" then sweet as peaches said "Now would you be a dear, and put some of that whiskey in my cup there?"
We all call on family in times of need, and closer to the end, well this was no exception. (Helen is one of Fay's sisters.)
Grandma Fay: Helen! Helen, come quickly! It's time to go!
Aunt Roxie: Go where Mom?
Grandma Fay: Heaven, we're going to heaven.
Aunt Roxie: But Mom you can't take Helen with you...
Grandma Fay: The hell I can't!
Aunt Roxie: Heaven isn't *ready* for the both of you yet!
At this point Grandma Fay grabbed Aunt Roxie's arm, and said: Roxie! If you don't let her go RIGHT NOW, I'll tan your ass!
To which she replied: Mom if I thought you had it in you right now, I'd gladly take the whoopin'!
From the Captain's Consort
Dearest kids
What a day! Dad decided to get fuel and water at 11 a.m. and rowed to the fuel dock across the bay and brought back 80+ litres of fuel and 40+ of water at noon. (mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun - Gilbert & Sullivan) Then we had to pour all of it into the tanks standing on deck in the sun and heat. Yerk!
After we had lunch and motored out of the bay back into the lagoon. Still quite windy but not as bad as yesterday. Swam from the boat out to the rocks near the reef and saw tons more fish, tube worms, conch, clams, etc. The funniest part was that after I dove off the boat into the water, I realized the reason my mask kept filling with sea water was that it was sliding down my head. Took it off and dad adjusted it but then I had to put it on in the ocean. Dad offered to hold me up while I put it on. The only problem was that I'm so buoyant my legs kept floating up under the boat while I'm trying to hold my head out of the water to get the mask on. Dad's trying to hang onto me and keep me somewhat upright (at least my head up, anyways) and I'm having a laughing fit so hard I can't get the mask on.
We finally got going but I ended up getting dad to tow the dinghy along since I was still having trouble clearing my mask and snorkel without getting my head up above the waves. Spent about 1/2 hour observing the sea life then swam back to the boat.
Now the real fun began.
Dad had rigged a handy billy to haul me aboard or at least give me a hand up onto the bottom step. First he had me put my legs through and put it behind my thighs (you can see what's coming Sam, can't you?). He hauled on the rope and lifted my legs up out of the water. Unfortunately the rest of me was hanging upside down getting bumped against the stern of the boat with no chance of a handhold. We repositioned and tried again, again and again.
Finally I got myself with one foot on the bottom step and tried to climb out of the water. Again my wet hands slid right down the ss railings and I couldn't establish any friction to continue the climb. Again I was shrieking with laughter and I'm sure the boat next to us thought there was a drunken lunatic aboard. Oh well. A few refinements to be made for sure.
Why your dad seems to think we shouldn't test these systems ahead of time when I'm not pooped out from a long swim is beyond me but there you go.
Motored back to Cook's Bay as the wind in the lagoon was gusting again by late afternoon and anchored right off the Catholic Church. Hopefully hear some lovely hymn singing tomorrow morning. As your dad was pooped right out I got to make dinner again tonight (3 nights running, I don't like where this is going) When I suggested your dad make dinner, he offered to take us out. (sound familiar?)
Right now he's snoring out in the cockpit. I can hear him over the fan in the inverter by my ear so you know he's loud. Dinner was interesting. I made sweet and sour cabbage (hey Sam, where did you hide the caraway seeds?), ham (cheese on mine), fried leftover potatoes and carrots from last night's dinner and fried fei (local name) which we think was a plantain but tasted kind of like yam, very sweet with lime juice (very nice mix of flavours). The ham you get out here tastes like real smoked ham and is dry with lots of flavour not watery pressed stuff like we get at home.
Anyways tired and still need to clean up. Dad stuffed the leftover ham in a tupperware with no lid (sound familiar?) and the dishes still need doing. My neck is stiff and I'd like to watch a couple more episodes of Eureka before bed.
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
What a day! Dad decided to get fuel and water at 11 a.m. and rowed to the fuel dock across the bay and brought back 80+ litres of fuel and 40+ of water at noon. (mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun - Gilbert & Sullivan) Then we had to pour all of it into the tanks standing on deck in the sun and heat. Yerk!
After we had lunch and motored out of the bay back into the lagoon. Still quite windy but not as bad as yesterday. Swam from the boat out to the rocks near the reef and saw tons more fish, tube worms, conch, clams, etc. The funniest part was that after I dove off the boat into the water, I realized the reason my mask kept filling with sea water was that it was sliding down my head. Took it off and dad adjusted it but then I had to put it on in the ocean. Dad offered to hold me up while I put it on. The only problem was that I'm so buoyant my legs kept floating up under the boat while I'm trying to hold my head out of the water to get the mask on. Dad's trying to hang onto me and keep me somewhat upright (at least my head up, anyways) and I'm having a laughing fit so hard I can't get the mask on.
We finally got going but I ended up getting dad to tow the dinghy along since I was still having trouble clearing my mask and snorkel without getting my head up above the waves. Spent about 1/2 hour observing the sea life then swam back to the boat.
Now the real fun began.
Dad had rigged a handy billy to haul me aboard or at least give me a hand up onto the bottom step. First he had me put my legs through and put it behind my thighs (you can see what's coming Sam, can't you?). He hauled on the rope and lifted my legs up out of the water. Unfortunately the rest of me was hanging upside down getting bumped against the stern of the boat with no chance of a handhold. We repositioned and tried again, again and again.
Finally I got myself with one foot on the bottom step and tried to climb out of the water. Again my wet hands slid right down the ss railings and I couldn't establish any friction to continue the climb. Again I was shrieking with laughter and I'm sure the boat next to us thought there was a drunken lunatic aboard. Oh well. A few refinements to be made for sure.
Why your dad seems to think we shouldn't test these systems ahead of time when I'm not pooped out from a long swim is beyond me but there you go.
Motored back to Cook's Bay as the wind in the lagoon was gusting again by late afternoon and anchored right off the Catholic Church. Hopefully hear some lovely hymn singing tomorrow morning. As your dad was pooped right out I got to make dinner again tonight (3 nights running, I don't like where this is going) When I suggested your dad make dinner, he offered to take us out. (sound familiar?)
Right now he's snoring out in the cockpit. I can hear him over the fan in the inverter by my ear so you know he's loud. Dinner was interesting. I made sweet and sour cabbage (hey Sam, where did you hide the caraway seeds?), ham (cheese on mine), fried leftover potatoes and carrots from last night's dinner and fried fei (local name) which we think was a plantain but tasted kind of like yam, very sweet with lime juice (very nice mix of flavours). The ham you get out here tastes like real smoked ham and is dry with lots of flavour not watery pressed stuff like we get at home.
Anyways tired and still need to clean up. Dad stuffed the leftover ham in a tupperware with no lid (sound familiar?) and the dishes still need doing. My neck is stiff and I'd like to watch a couple more episodes of Eureka before bed.
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
From the Captain's Consort
Dearest kids
I made supper the last couple of nights so Dad is doing dishes.
It's funny, we're sitting at the end of Cook's bay on Moorea and listening to the disco music blasting out of the Bali Hai Club (it being Friday night) competing with the boom box from the beach at the end of the bay where the locals are having a beach party and except for the temperature (very warm) it feels we could be sitting in the Gulf Islands back home.
We spent the last couple of days in the bay as it's been dark, windy and wet. This morning we snuck out to the lagoon and while it was sunny and hot it was also very windy. We rowed ashore for fresh fruit and groceries and the usual ice cream (I tried and didn't like nougat) and coffee. I learned that if I bring my own cup for ice cream, they knock about 13 cents off the price. I was getting ice cream in a cup until I realized they were charging me an extra .40 for a cup I just threw away! Live and learn. I tried getting a cone but the waste bothered me. I'm glad I've sorted another solution by bringing my own cup.
After we got back to the boat, dad went for a swim and brought me a beautiful conch shell to look at. Wish I'd thought to take a photo. Also, saw a turtle swimming in the lagoon although too far away to get much detail. It looked like a piece of rubbish until I noticed it had what I thought was a fin sticking up but dad told me was a flipper. Quite neat. Bright red and yellow in colour which is what had me fooled.
After his swim we motored back into the bay which was calm and dad worked on rebuilding the chain cover he made a few days ago. I read and snoozed as my tummy was upset by too many bananas. Made an amazing supper if I do say so myself. Scooped out a fresh papaya, sprinkled with lemon juice then filled it with cubed chicken breast, grated carrot, mayo salad, carrot sticks and fried potatoes. Scrumptious. Something I'd never think to try at home but the propane stove is so quick that cooking potatoes to add to a cold salad dinner is no big deal. Very tasty.
Sam you've created a bad habit for dad. Now he has to have a drink before dinner every night. Tonight was beer, most nights it's rum and orange. He blames you!
We've been watching and enjoying Eureka every night for the last few nights. With the wind howling through the rigging, it has been a good distraction. Dad needs some new episodes and new stuff to watch. He didn't think to ask for anything but if one of you comes down to help him sail home please load some new material for him to watch. With nights being 12 hours long down here, there's a lot of time when you can't go ashore or work on the outside of the boat and really, who sleeps 12 hours?
Take care,
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
I made supper the last couple of nights so Dad is doing dishes.
It's funny, we're sitting at the end of Cook's bay on Moorea and listening to the disco music blasting out of the Bali Hai Club (it being Friday night) competing with the boom box from the beach at the end of the bay where the locals are having a beach party and except for the temperature (very warm) it feels we could be sitting in the Gulf Islands back home.
We spent the last couple of days in the bay as it's been dark, windy and wet. This morning we snuck out to the lagoon and while it was sunny and hot it was also very windy. We rowed ashore for fresh fruit and groceries and the usual ice cream (I tried and didn't like nougat) and coffee. I learned that if I bring my own cup for ice cream, they knock about 13 cents off the price. I was getting ice cream in a cup until I realized they were charging me an extra .40 for a cup I just threw away! Live and learn. I tried getting a cone but the waste bothered me. I'm glad I've sorted another solution by bringing my own cup.
After we got back to the boat, dad went for a swim and brought me a beautiful conch shell to look at. Wish I'd thought to take a photo. Also, saw a turtle swimming in the lagoon although too far away to get much detail. It looked like a piece of rubbish until I noticed it had what I thought was a fin sticking up but dad told me was a flipper. Quite neat. Bright red and yellow in colour which is what had me fooled.
After his swim we motored back into the bay which was calm and dad worked on rebuilding the chain cover he made a few days ago. I read and snoozed as my tummy was upset by too many bananas. Made an amazing supper if I do say so myself. Scooped out a fresh papaya, sprinkled with lemon juice then filled it with cubed chicken breast, grated carrot, mayo salad, carrot sticks and fried potatoes. Scrumptious. Something I'd never think to try at home but the propane stove is so quick that cooking potatoes to add to a cold salad dinner is no big deal. Very tasty.
Sam you've created a bad habit for dad. Now he has to have a drink before dinner every night. Tonight was beer, most nights it's rum and orange. He blames you!
We've been watching and enjoying Eureka every night for the last few nights. With the wind howling through the rigging, it has been a good distraction. Dad needs some new episodes and new stuff to watch. He didn't think to ask for anything but if one of you comes down to help him sail home please load some new material for him to watch. With nights being 12 hours long down here, there's a lot of time when you can't go ashore or work on the outside of the boat and really, who sleeps 12 hours?
Take care,
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
From the Captain's Consort
Well, today was a lost day. Yesterday we rowed out to the reef early (9 a.m.) and spent a couple of hours snorkeling around and looking at all the magical reef fish. I had a ball until I swallowed a bunch of seawater and filled my mask with seawater trying to clear it. (I've obviously forgotten all my SCUBA lessons completely!) I climbed easily back into the dinghy by placing a milk carton on a rock and then climbing in. Wish we'd thought of this a week ago!
Sat in the sun a while and let dad swim around then rowed back to the boat towing him and him towing me. Dad has rigged a handy billy to lift me from the water which we haven't tried but I think will work.
Had a nice lunch at Chez Didier a little snack bar next to the grocery. Went to another snack bar and I had a passion fruit ice cream and Dad had coffee, a standard treat for the two of us. I'm trying to work my way through all the flavours except coffee at the snack bar.
After, dad went to get his wood and I went window shopping. Lots of neat stuff but most of it is made in Indonesia or other south pacific countries and in no way makes me think of the islands.
The wind howled all night so I snuggled up to dad and slept til about midnight when I woke him thinking the boat had moved. It hadn't but the wind howling was so loud, dad took down the tarp covering the cabin so it wouldn't beat itself to death. Not a lot of sleep for either of us so we motored into the bay again this morning.
After breakfast we fiddled around and finally rowed to shore by noon only to find all the stores closed (everybody shuts down noon til 2 pm). Found a dead baby swordfish in the dinghy, I guess he was blown in last night.
Spent the afternoon talking about various ideas for retirement travel and dad's wish list for a bigger boat. I cooked chicken cordon bleu without the ham for my supper and just chicken for dad with potatoes and string beans. Nice if bland. Everything on the island is so fresh provided you buy local like the string beans and pineapple. Such a treat compared to home. After supper we got a little rain squall and got some drinking water; dad has rigged a hose piece to the tarp which funnels the water into water jugs. Pretty neat.
Love and hugs, Mom
-----
At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Sat in the sun a while and let dad swim around then rowed back to the boat towing him and him towing me. Dad has rigged a handy billy to lift me from the water which we haven't tried but I think will work.
Had a nice lunch at Chez Didier a little snack bar next to the grocery. Went to another snack bar and I had a passion fruit ice cream and Dad had coffee, a standard treat for the two of us. I'm trying to work my way through all the flavours except coffee at the snack bar.
After, dad went to get his wood and I went window shopping. Lots of neat stuff but most of it is made in Indonesia or other south pacific countries and in no way makes me think of the islands.
The wind howled all night so I snuggled up to dad and slept til about midnight when I woke him thinking the boat had moved. It hadn't but the wind howling was so loud, dad took down the tarp covering the cabin so it wouldn't beat itself to death. Not a lot of sleep for either of us so we motored into the bay again this morning.
After breakfast we fiddled around and finally rowed to shore by noon only to find all the stores closed (everybody shuts down noon til 2 pm). Found a dead baby swordfish in the dinghy, I guess he was blown in last night.
Spent the afternoon talking about various ideas for retirement travel and dad's wish list for a bigger boat. I cooked chicken cordon bleu without the ham for my supper and just chicken for dad with potatoes and string beans. Nice if bland. Everything on the island is so fresh provided you buy local like the string beans and pineapple. Such a treat compared to home. After supper we got a little rain squall and got some drinking water; dad has rigged a hose piece to the tarp which funnels the water into water jugs. Pretty neat.
Love and hugs, Mom
-----
At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Sunday, July 10, 2011
From the Captain on "Lifting Donna"
Before you go much further with thinking about getting mom into the boat, I want to let you know the problem is under control.
First - I rowed mom out to the reef and she had a "magical" snorkel, and got back into the dinghy without mishap by standing on top of a plastic milk crate (that you got in Nanaimo) that was placed on a coral 'rock' in shallow water. She's pooped and after a good lunch followed by ice cream on shore is snoozing.
Meanwhile, since the loop of rope with the hose for a foot hold / rope ladder didn't work for her because it swings under the boat I've ruled out those solutions. I dug out the "handy billy" - a 4 part tackle - slung from the radar arch. A piece of 3" webbing makes a seat and I can easily lift her out of the water. She's tried it as is, and it works but is uncomfortable, so we'll try it with the red life cushion but if that's not adequate I have a piece of wood that will make a more solid seat - but I can easily lift her up - so for now the problem is dealt with. Indeed, she may be able to lift herself out with this rig - I can - since the lower double block has a cam cleat so you can haul on the free end and get a 4 part advantage and lift yourself up, the cleat belaying you while you move your hands. Sort of slick.
In the long term, if it makes sense, I'll get some ss fabricated that can hook into the existing rail and onto the lowest step to provide one or two fixed steps below water level - which is all that is required. This could support a sort of swim grid if necessary - we'll see.
The islands are nice but very civilized. The cruising community is interesting as people but the focus is on visiting places mostly to look at people artifacts and cultural stuff - which is fine but not a huge focus for me. I like the uncivilized and frankly while I'd like to get to the remote islands of the world, I'm not convinced I want to pay the price of the long passages in the stormy high latitudes. I'm a wuss I guess. So, I'm debating NZ or just going back to BC to nose around the coast and the wildness there that I like. Other areas have similar wild places but I could focus on BC without missing much - certainly my confidence at getting places is much increased so this trip has been very worthwhile and I've seen and done a lot that I would not have otherwise.
Sitting in the lagoon, it's calm, the water is very clear and you can see each little fish under the boat (8' of water over sand). About 20 great flavors of ice cream (and I can't have any - I tried a sorbet and paid - I think it must have been made with just "a little" cream) It's warm. Mom's happy and a pleasure to be with - a treat.
Love Dad
-----
At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
First - I rowed mom out to the reef and she had a "magical" snorkel, and got back into the dinghy without mishap by standing on top of a plastic milk crate (that you got in Nanaimo) that was placed on a coral 'rock' in shallow water. She's pooped and after a good lunch followed by ice cream on shore is snoozing.
Meanwhile, since the loop of rope with the hose for a foot hold / rope ladder didn't work for her because it swings under the boat I've ruled out those solutions. I dug out the "handy billy" - a 4 part tackle - slung from the radar arch. A piece of 3" webbing makes a seat and I can easily lift her out of the water. She's tried it as is, and it works but is uncomfortable, so we'll try it with the red life cushion but if that's not adequate I have a piece of wood that will make a more solid seat - but I can easily lift her up - so for now the problem is dealt with. Indeed, she may be able to lift herself out with this rig - I can - since the lower double block has a cam cleat so you can haul on the free end and get a 4 part advantage and lift yourself up, the cleat belaying you while you move your hands. Sort of slick.
In the long term, if it makes sense, I'll get some ss fabricated that can hook into the existing rail and onto the lowest step to provide one or two fixed steps below water level - which is all that is required. This could support a sort of swim grid if necessary - we'll see.
The islands are nice but very civilized. The cruising community is interesting as people but the focus is on visiting places mostly to look at people artifacts and cultural stuff - which is fine but not a huge focus for me. I like the uncivilized and frankly while I'd like to get to the remote islands of the world, I'm not convinced I want to pay the price of the long passages in the stormy high latitudes. I'm a wuss I guess. So, I'm debating NZ or just going back to BC to nose around the coast and the wildness there that I like. Other areas have similar wild places but I could focus on BC without missing much - certainly my confidence at getting places is much increased so this trip has been very worthwhile and I've seen and done a lot that I would not have otherwise.
Sitting in the lagoon, it's calm, the water is very clear and you can see each little fish under the boat (8' of water over sand). About 20 great flavors of ice cream (and I can't have any - I tried a sorbet and paid - I think it must have been made with just "a little" cream) It's warm. Mom's happy and a pleasure to be with - a treat.
Love Dad
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Saturday, July 09, 2011
More of my back yard
Thursday, July 07, 2011
It isn't what you look at that matters, so much as what you see
Summer has arrived, and I mean fashionably late sweeping into the ball room while glitter and confetti descend to the sound of singing virgins ARRIVED! It's HOT, and usually we're used to that here in the sunny Okanagan but this year we didn't exactly get eased into it. It was more of an unceremonious dumping.
I'm not complaining though, because it was pretty neat last night. I felt like a little kid biking home under the street lights... Standing up as high as I could on my pedals *high five*ing the tree branches I could reach, wind pulling at my t-shirt... sucking in deep lungfuls, thick with the scent of recently bloomed flora.
For a few moments after passing under each streetlamp, I watched my shadow... arms spread, take flight out and away from me... it was timeless and magical and my own little piece of a Peter Pan adventure.
There really is magic everywhere, you just have to look for it! *smiles*
I'm not complaining though, because it was pretty neat last night. I felt like a little kid biking home under the street lights... Standing up as high as I could on my pedals *high five*ing the tree branches I could reach, wind pulling at my t-shirt... sucking in deep lungfuls, thick with the scent of recently bloomed flora.
For a few moments after passing under each streetlamp, I watched my shadow... arms spread, take flight out and away from me... it was timeless and magical and my own little piece of a Peter Pan adventure.
There really is magic everywhere, you just have to look for it! *smiles*
"Irregardless"
I f&$%ing HATE that (word) - I want to burn it with the fire of a thousand suns. I want the person who first thought of that word to step on a lego every time they get out of bed. Every day. For the rest of their lives. ~z2a forum postHow's that for ruining every day for an eternity in Hades? Oh the uncensored emotion, evoking a gut wrenching grimace born of personal experience. I love it!
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Happy Canada Day!
My body feels like it has been reset... after a weekend of extremes it has somehow rolled with it and taken the average... almost a calm after the storm, when the tornado has blown through and you're standing in shock looking at the wreckage wondering what you're supposed to do now.
Last night, that first real hot shower after the weekend... was bittersweet. That hot water feels so good washing off the blood, sweat and sunscreen that has literally bonded itself with the ball dirt into a second skin... but watching it run down the length of the tub and out the drain, well it about saps your remaining energy and you come down from the high of the weekend...
Not only did you leave it all out on the field, every muscle in your body spent, every ounce of energy reserves used up... but mostly you realize that the friends you reconnected with, and the new friends you made... are people you wont see again, until the next ball tournament. You have to take the good times from the weekend and pack them up and use them to gently fill the aching space left behind.
It occurred to me, that tournaments aren't always about playing ball, they're a reunion of sorts. When you get that many people together in one place, all with similar intentions... you're bound to find a kindred spirit or two. I'm pretty sure it's good for the soul... because that would explain the contentedness I feel rather than the ouch I was expecting.
This is ground zero, I'm pretty sure the ouch will kick in tomorrow.
I'd like to amend this to note, the ouch kicked in but it wasn't nearly as bad as I had feared... it's great to be alive *s*
Oh right, and we came in second... couldn't find our bats for the last game, but I guess it wasn't that important because I still had a fantastic Funtastic weekend ;)
Some us are quicker than others...
When I read on the toilet, and I sit too long and my legs fall asleep. ~Age 8
When I play Plants vs Zombies on the toilet, and I sit too long my legs fall asleep ~Age 28
From the Captain's Consort
Sorry to hear you lost but I gather you had fun and that's the main thing. Sat through a gusty wind storm in the bay yesterday and didn't sleep too well last night as the rigging was really howling but it's calmed right down today which is good.
Motored back out to the lagoon and dad got a couple of swims in. I felt poorly so didn't swim but we did spend the afternoon in Marehpa and got fruit and vegetables from a lady who has a fresh produce stand right across the lagoon from where we anchored. We shopped this morning at the grocery at the head of Cook's bay and while we got bread for dad (there's been none the last couple of days) we missed getting chocolate (no Cadbury's in that store and I refuse to buy Nestle, I'm still boycotting them over selling formula to third world countries) and their fruit and veg were not great.
After Dad went for a walk part way around the bay while I rowed the dinghy for the first time out to the boat to put the meat in the fridge. What a scream! I had no trouble getting in and out of the boat as dad predicted I would but I had enormous trouble keeping the oars properly positioned and they kept sliding in my hands and turning 90 degrees so that they would be slicing the water rather than pushing it out of the way. They never did this in unison either so I staggered across the bay to the boat like a drunk coming home after the bar has closed. It must have looked hysterical to anyone watching. To top it off, I crashed into the boat as I finally got the hang of rowing and didn't realize how quickly I was traveling. Talk about rattling your teeth out of your head!
Dad has the munchies again. He's addicted to Nutella and peanut butter and has mowed through 2 big jars in the last few weeks. It's a good thing they have lots available for sale everywhere. His other addiction is SunQuik drink concentrate. Each jug makes up 100 glasses and we're on number 3. I drink water so in two weeks I'm impressed by how much of the stuff he's drunk. At least he's not getting dehydrated. One thing, though that is worrying me is that his right foot and ankle swelled up yesterday and today I noticed the veins in his right calf are distended. When we tried to look up swelling in the medical first aid book on board we found that page is missing from the manual. Who'd have thought, eh? If you get a chance to research this a bit, please do.
Love and hugs,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Motored back out to the lagoon and dad got a couple of swims in. I felt poorly so didn't swim but we did spend the afternoon in Marehpa and got fruit and vegetables from a lady who has a fresh produce stand right across the lagoon from where we anchored. We shopped this morning at the grocery at the head of Cook's bay and while we got bread for dad (there's been none the last couple of days) we missed getting chocolate (no Cadbury's in that store and I refuse to buy Nestle, I'm still boycotting them over selling formula to third world countries) and their fruit and veg were not great.
After Dad went for a walk part way around the bay while I rowed the dinghy for the first time out to the boat to put the meat in the fridge. What a scream! I had no trouble getting in and out of the boat as dad predicted I would but I had enormous trouble keeping the oars properly positioned and they kept sliding in my hands and turning 90 degrees so that they would be slicing the water rather than pushing it out of the way. They never did this in unison either so I staggered across the bay to the boat like a drunk coming home after the bar has closed. It must have looked hysterical to anyone watching. To top it off, I crashed into the boat as I finally got the hang of rowing and didn't realize how quickly I was traveling. Talk about rattling your teeth out of your head!
Dad has the munchies again. He's addicted to Nutella and peanut butter and has mowed through 2 big jars in the last few weeks. It's a good thing they have lots available for sale everywhere. His other addiction is SunQuik drink concentrate. Each jug makes up 100 glasses and we're on number 3. I drink water so in two weeks I'm impressed by how much of the stuff he's drunk. At least he's not getting dehydrated. One thing, though that is worrying me is that his right foot and ankle swelled up yesterday and today I noticed the veins in his right calf are distended. When we tried to look up swelling in the medical first aid book on board we found that page is missing from the manual. Who'd have thought, eh? If you get a chance to research this a bit, please do.
Love and hugs,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
From the Captain
An update:
Mom went swimming and wore her mask! Actually saw some fish and seemed very excited about that. Then backed off because as we got out a bit further the water was a little cooler and her foot started to cramp up.
Paddled around a bit off a small beach in the lagoon at Cooks Bay, Moorea. It's pretty clear that will be the extent of things. The big issue is getting in and out of the water since she can't manage the access on the boat or the dinghy. Might try putting together a harness to provide the necessary lift - we'll see.
It's warm, generally calm etc. Today there's a katabatic wind coming off the island that is providing some entertainment - sudden gusts of 25+k every now and again funnel down the valley and into the bay we're sitting in. Lots of anchor scope out so we just dance around a bit. There's a bunch of boats sitting in the bay - Mom doesn't feel secure sitting out in the lagoon at night, so we move into the bay.
That's about it - the boat needs cleaning and I don't feel very enthused. I found a home for the extra chain on the floor in the forepeak just aft of where the spare anchors are. It needs to be secured before I go anywhere - I guess that's today's project. (I'll basically deck over the chain in that little triangle of floor space just aft of the spare anchor space).
Take care.
Dad
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Mom went swimming and wore her mask! Actually saw some fish and seemed very excited about that. Then backed off because as we got out a bit further the water was a little cooler and her foot started to cramp up.
Paddled around a bit off a small beach in the lagoon at Cooks Bay, Moorea. It's pretty clear that will be the extent of things. The big issue is getting in and out of the water since she can't manage the access on the boat or the dinghy. Might try putting together a harness to provide the necessary lift - we'll see.
It's warm, generally calm etc. Today there's a katabatic wind coming off the island that is providing some entertainment - sudden gusts of 25+k every now and again funnel down the valley and into the bay we're sitting in. Lots of anchor scope out so we just dance around a bit. There's a bunch of boats sitting in the bay - Mom doesn't feel secure sitting out in the lagoon at night, so we move into the bay.
That's about it - the boat needs cleaning and I don't feel very enthused. I found a home for the extra chain on the floor in the forepeak just aft of where the spare anchors are. It needs to be secured before I go anywhere - I guess that's today's project. (I'll basically deck over the chain in that little triangle of floor space just aft of the spare anchor space).
Take care.
Dad
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Classy
Not everyone can pull this look off y'know, especially with the full face helmet ;)
Monday, July 04, 2011
From the Captain's Consort
Happy Canada Day! It's funny how the feeling of discovering somewhere new hasn't happened to me here, only on the island. There are too many stone ruins here indicating the large pre European contact population. Kind of ironic as we wiped them out with VD which we caught from the Native Americans and spread to the South Seas.
Drove around the island yesterday, up to the lookout near the top of one of the peaks and stopped for ice cream at the Agricultural College. They had sherbet made dairy free so you dad tried the ginger and guava. I liked the guava. I had banana ice cream and soursop sherbet which is made from the fruit of the soursop which is tart but a nice taste. Everything grown here seems to be tart and acidic. Guess it's the volcanic soil.
Drove around the island trying to find the beach and failed miserably on the north west side. Found the only easily accessible public beach near the airport. Beautiful white sand and rocks covered with coral and surrounded by all kinds of gorgeous tropical fish. My mask worked pretty well and I could see fabulously through the old lenses from 1979. Guess for all the changes, my eyes haven't changed a whole lot.
Had lunch at a bar on the North west side of the island. There was a tom cat sleeping on the bar when we walked in who proceeded to move from keyboard, to bar stool to bar counter top and then finally left. Chickens slipped into the eating area looking for scraps. Everything is open to the outside. It's warm enough you can do that. I had my first hamburger which was quite nice. They spiced it with a herb of some sort, good flavour. Prices really high and I'm trying to be thrifty but also know that I couldn't eat a whole regular meal. Your dad had chicken with pineapple in tamarind sauce with rice and broccoli. Very nice sauce, I dipped my hamburger into it.
Wanted to see some gardens and waterfalls but dad wasn't interested so we didn't. The high point was the swim on the sandy beach. Low point was the wretched mosquitoes that swarmed us after the swim; the first we've encountered. Got out to the boat with a fierce headache and just watched the sunset with dad in the cockpit while he massaged my neck. Had a nap but when I got up at 9:30 your dad was in bed asleep so I did without supper. Slept in spurts and finally gave up and got up 6:15. Couldn't get your dad moving so missed having another swim as we had to take the car back by 9:30.
Got in a set of Tai Chi on the shore which felt great. Watched the fish feeding at the deck of the cafe of the Bali Hai hotel where we rented the car. Great fun to watch. Back to boat with groceries to answer emails as we seem to have internet.
Take care, love you lots,
Love and hugs,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Drove around the island yesterday, up to the lookout near the top of one of the peaks and stopped for ice cream at the Agricultural College. They had sherbet made dairy free so you dad tried the ginger and guava. I liked the guava. I had banana ice cream and soursop sherbet which is made from the fruit of the soursop which is tart but a nice taste. Everything grown here seems to be tart and acidic. Guess it's the volcanic soil.
Drove around the island trying to find the beach and failed miserably on the north west side. Found the only easily accessible public beach near the airport. Beautiful white sand and rocks covered with coral and surrounded by all kinds of gorgeous tropical fish. My mask worked pretty well and I could see fabulously through the old lenses from 1979. Guess for all the changes, my eyes haven't changed a whole lot.
Had lunch at a bar on the North west side of the island. There was a tom cat sleeping on the bar when we walked in who proceeded to move from keyboard, to bar stool to bar counter top and then finally left. Chickens slipped into the eating area looking for scraps. Everything is open to the outside. It's warm enough you can do that. I had my first hamburger which was quite nice. They spiced it with a herb of some sort, good flavour. Prices really high and I'm trying to be thrifty but also know that I couldn't eat a whole regular meal. Your dad had chicken with pineapple in tamarind sauce with rice and broccoli. Very nice sauce, I dipped my hamburger into it.
Wanted to see some gardens and waterfalls but dad wasn't interested so we didn't. The high point was the swim on the sandy beach. Low point was the wretched mosquitoes that swarmed us after the swim; the first we've encountered. Got out to the boat with a fierce headache and just watched the sunset with dad in the cockpit while he massaged my neck. Had a nap but when I got up at 9:30 your dad was in bed asleep so I did without supper. Slept in spurts and finally gave up and got up 6:15. Couldn't get your dad moving so missed having another swim as we had to take the car back by 9:30.
Got in a set of Tai Chi on the shore which felt great. Watched the fish feeding at the deck of the cafe of the Bali Hai hotel where we rented the car. Great fun to watch. Back to boat with groceries to answer emails as we seem to have internet.
Take care, love you lots,
Love and hugs,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
From the Captain
We'll spend a week or so at Moorea - I feel like I should take out residency here - I've been sitting in this bay almost a month - and hopefully we'll move on to another island or two - she by plane or ferry and I'll move the boat. I'd like to get to Huahine and Raiatea because the lagoons are supposed to be really good for diving etc, and Bora Bora. It might be possible to leave the boat at the former for the cyclone season and come back here before heading home. It would be a lot less effort than going to NZ and back. It's about 76 days NZ to BC, and about 48 from here. We'll see, I'm still processing but I do know that while I can manage the long passages, I don't like them.
Love Dad
Mom says to tell you that: "the stars are all different"
not quite but the pointer stars on the big dipper point down to the horizon - the north star is hiding, and there are constellations etc. I've never seen. Can't seem to find a star chart - perhaps if I get somewhere with english it would help. Went looking for a "fish" book and one on birds in english - best I found was a place mat with reef fish pictures and their names in french, english, chinese and latin - in small print. It's actually good because of the size and it's laminated. Unfortunately there wasn't one for birds.
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Love Dad
Mom says to tell you that: "the stars are all different"
not quite but the pointer stars on the big dipper point down to the horizon - the north star is hiding, and there are constellations etc. I've never seen. Can't seem to find a star chart - perhaps if I get somewhere with english it would help. Went looking for a "fish" book and one on birds in english - best I found was a place mat with reef fish pictures and their names in french, english, chinese and latin - in small print. It's actually good because of the size and it's laminated. Unfortunately there wasn't one for birds.
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Pump your brakes...
So I had full intentions of doing laundry tonight, after taekwondo... then I decided after I biked home, that I just really don't care if I run out of underwear... I've learned that sometimes you need a break, and if that break comes in the form of buying socks and panties rather than doing laundry, then once in awhile that's okay.
It's not like all the stuff I have now all fits me properly anyways.
Besides that, I can catch you up on all the fun I've been having since... um *sheepish look* game 7 of the hockey game!
It's not like all the stuff I have now all fits me properly anyways.
Besides that, I can catch you up on all the fun I've been having since... um *sheepish look* game 7 of the hockey game!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
From the Captain's wife
We're here bobbing on the water in the lagoon on Moorea. Motored/sailed over on Sunday. Took 4 hours of pounding as there was about a metre of swell topped with whitecaps. Didn't panic but had to wonder why anyone would want to pound through the ocean like that for hours on end. Then the dolphins arrived chasing a school of flying fish. Boy are they neat fish! They look like they are flapping stubby little wings. The dolphins were so neat! They swam with us a while till we headed into the lagoon. Happy to get to Cook's Bay. Motored out to the lagoon on Monday morning and found it too lumpy and windy to swim. Realized we have a logistical problem in that I can't climb into either the boat or the dinghy from the ocean without help from your dad (give me a little push!). Spent the day reading your book and finished it last night. Motored back into the bay to sleep as the weather report predicted high winds starting at 2 a.m. Dead calm this morning so motored back out to the lagoon to row ashore to town and rent a car. None available. Booked one for tomorrow but David met a friend he's made here on Moorea (we're going to his house to do laundry and shower tomorrow!) who told us that tomorrow is another national holiday and everything will be closed so we rescheduled the car for Thursday. Had a lovely lunch at a small greasy spoon in town. Waited 1/2 hour in the post office to buy stamps for postcards and got a huge laugh from the guy when I said I wanted stamps to Canada. $1.40 each! You'll probably get your card when I'm home as I have to write something first. Got Shelley's done though so I can mail that tomorrow. Had a coconut ice cream and sat and chatted with dad's friend. Nice guy. Bought some ripe bananas and a papaya at a roadside stand. The bananas are fabulous! Wish we could get them at home. I'm looking forward to trying the papaya tomorrow. Got back to the boat by 4:30 and crashed! I slept for 2 1/2 hours and dreamt of cats. I felt like I'd been run over by a truck. Not a strenuous day but after sitting and reading all day yesterday, except for the swim, I guess it was busy.
Take care all of you. Miss talking to you. Looking forward to talking when I get home.
Love you lots, hugs to all,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Take care all of you. Miss talking to you. Looking forward to talking when I get home.
Love you lots, hugs to all,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Sam diet
One shopping trip, thawing and frying bacon, one season of battlestar galactica ftp'd to my xbox, one borrowed egg favor from a neighbor and more salt and pepper on the floor than in the dressing... but, it's done!
As an added bonus it doesn't taste too bad either :)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
From the Captain's wife
It's hot here and no swimming in the harbour as the pollution is bad (we're pumping sewage overboard as the holding tank filled up by Thursday and spewed sewage all over dad's clean laundry - never a dull moment!). I've been treated to pancakes twice which was very nice. Sorry I can't eat bread as the loaves dad gets at the grocery look delicious. Dad's lost weight and is looking good. More white hair than at Christmas but I suspect that's the sun bleaching his hair. I've still got heat rash on my legs but doing well otherwise. I'm struggling with the language and everything being totally different and new and your dad's difficulty dealing with crowds and noise (I was enjoying the spontaneous singing while it was bugging your dad greatly.) but on the whole doing well. I'm looking forward to being able to swim in the ocean. Found your book, Sam from the Swedish author Larsson and enjoying the end of that trilogy. Will talk when I'm home.
Love you guys lots,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
Love you guys lots,
Mom
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At 22/06/2011 4:08 AM (utc) our position was 17°34.86'S 149°37.09'W
From the Captain
Cooler is a godsend - working it overtime. Power is holding up provided the engine get's run and things like the anchor light isn't run. I need to get LED's up the mast for the tri light and the anchor light.
Mom is mostly catching up on sleep - she's sleeping well on the boat. Haven't moved (except for about 150 m that mom found exciting - apparently I shouted and sounded angry - I was just trying to be heard) Had to reanchor because got too close to another boat. Anyway, might start to do something soon.
Here's Mom.
Love the short hair! It's perfect in the wind and on the dinghy. We've been back and forth to shore a number of times. Got prickly heat rash on my thighs which is extremely painful and uncomfortable. Washed my hair this morning on the boat in a tub and it worked pretty well. Nothing dries here. It's all damp and mildewy. Wish I'd brought more shorts and nighties. Skirts are impossible for climbing in and out of the dinghy. Need more socks too as my feet sweat in my shoes and I wear them for all the walking on shore. There's no beach here, just pavement and concrete which runners are the best shoe for.
Daniel, hope you are well. Please phone Granny and Auntie Marg to let them know that we're fine and I'm enjoying being in the tropics with your dad.
Went into town day before yesterday. Pretty different from home. Lots of small grubby little bars and shops, many of the buildings look like they are crumbling in the climate. Not pretty at all. Lots of construction happening.
Try and connect another day.
Love and hugs,
Mom and Dad
Mom is mostly catching up on sleep - she's sleeping well on the boat. Haven't moved (except for about 150 m that mom found exciting - apparently I shouted and sounded angry - I was just trying to be heard) Had to reanchor because got too close to another boat. Anyway, might start to do something soon.
Here's Mom.
Love the short hair! It's perfect in the wind and on the dinghy. We've been back and forth to shore a number of times. Got prickly heat rash on my thighs which is extremely painful and uncomfortable. Washed my hair this morning on the boat in a tub and it worked pretty well. Nothing dries here. It's all damp and mildewy. Wish I'd brought more shorts and nighties. Skirts are impossible for climbing in and out of the dinghy. Need more socks too as my feet sweat in my shoes and I wear them for all the walking on shore. There's no beach here, just pavement and concrete which runners are the best shoe for.
Daniel, hope you are well. Please phone Granny and Auntie Marg to let them know that we're fine and I'm enjoying being in the tropics with your dad.
Went into town day before yesterday. Pretty different from home. Lots of small grubby little bars and shops, many of the buildings look like they are crumbling in the climate. Not pretty at all. Lots of construction happening.
Try and connect another day.
Love and hugs,
Mom and Dad
Monday, June 27, 2011
Burlap sack...
I'm sorry NCIX but you need to be placed in a burlap sack and beaten. Why you ask? Well please feel free to enlighten me but did the screen protector (the colored bit on top) *really* need it's own box?!?!
Yeah if you're wondering all that brown stuff was in there too, you know to keep it from flopping around and hurting itself IN ALL THAT SPACE!
Yeah if you're wondering all that brown stuff was in there too, you know to keep it from flopping around and hurting itself IN ALL THAT SPACE!
Now, granted this indiscretionary use of boxes is not nearly as bad as The enourmous HP box spotted from space... and all the materials used *are* recyclable, but it was still taking up space on a truck somewhere that consequently had to make 57 trips to deliver all the screen covers rather than one.
It hurts my little hippy heart, and it was made that much more obvious in comparison to IKEA, who does an exemplary job on their packaging. Even their plastic wrap is recyclable!
Little bit tired...
After three trips to Vancouver, working, taekwondo, climbing, biking and visiting until midnight I'm a little tired. Not quite dysfunctional, but definitely sensitive.
My week and a half of insanity just caught up with me... My little brother broke my car last week, I always thought I'd be the one to break my car... so I wasn't really prepared, I mean it never occurred to me how I might feel or react when someone else did.
Yes, he's still alive.
Sometimes you're fine until your best friend asks if you're okay, and you have to tell her you are because you know she's got to get back to work.
Thanks though, I just needed you to tell me that everything is gonna be alright so that I could have a ten second crocodile cry. Besides, that's what insurance is for right?
I feel much better now :)
Friday, June 24, 2011
From the Captain
Mom is here catching up on sleep. Haven't moved from a a crowded anchorage but at least the weather has been calm. Boats everywhere from everywhere. The super yachts are something else - gross but still impressive. HOt here.
Hopefully we'll move tomorrow = not sure exactly where.
Anyway, take care.
Dad
Hopefully we'll move tomorrow = not sure exactly where.
Anyway, take care.
Dad
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A mother's love
Sometimes our world falls down around us, we are forced to question our beliefs and the granite columns which our lives are built upon are shaken.
Sometimes, a girl just needs to talk to her mother... but when she can't be there she packages her love up and sends it any way she can.
I can be as simple as a text message, it's purity leaving no doubt as to its depth.
Sometimes, a girl just needs to talk to her mother... but when she can't be there she packages her love up and sends it any way she can.
I can be as simple as a text message, it's purity leaving no doubt as to its depth.
"I love you... one breath at a time" ~NonaSometimes it's good to be reminded that we're loved, and just as important for us to remind others that we love them.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Brand new woman!
Well folks for the first time in... well since dinosaurs roamed the Earth... I'd like to introduce my Mom, whom I almost didn't recognize. She has just cut her hair short. Like shorter than short shorts!
I think it looks great! My apologies however, as I suck at taking portrait photos.
It was pretty cool all weekend though, as Mom experienced the freedom and lack of maintenance associated with short hair. Like the wind on the back of her neck, and not getting hair in her eyes when we drove with all the windows open, and not worrying about her bobby-pin falling into dinner while she was making it... I thought "Does that happen often?!?!" but then I decided... that was something I really didn't want to know the answer to... oh and her amazement and excitement at how little shampoo she was going to have to take for her month-long visit.
All of this almost makes me wonder why I'm growing mine out...
I think it looks great! My apologies however, as I suck at taking portrait photos.
It was pretty cool all weekend though, as Mom experienced the freedom and lack of maintenance associated with short hair. Like the wind on the back of her neck, and not getting hair in her eyes when we drove with all the windows open, and not worrying about her bobby-pin falling into dinner while she was making it... I thought "Does that happen often?!?!" but then I decided... that was something I really didn't want to know the answer to... oh and her amazement and excitement at how little shampoo she was going to have to take for her month-long visit.
All of this almost makes me wonder why I'm growing mine out...
Captains' wife's log... Day 1
Hi kids
Made it safely to Tahiti last night. Hot but beautiful here. Woken up by my bladder at 3 a.m. but was able to get back to sleep and woke with the sun at 6 a.m. when the roosters crowed to announce the sunrise. The silly things crow all day long!
Dad looks like the wild man of Borneo. He's let his beard grow out and it has gotten all bushy and grown up his cheeks. He's quite cute.
Looked at the Guide books this morning and decided to go around the Island tomorrow to the south side where there's a bay leading to the botanical gardens. They looked interesting. I'll let you know. Hope all is well at your end.
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 11/06/2011 4:35 AM (utc) our position was 17°30.29'S 149°49.23'W
Made it safely to Tahiti last night. Hot but beautiful here. Woken up by my bladder at 3 a.m. but was able to get back to sleep and woke with the sun at 6 a.m. when the roosters crowed to announce the sunrise. The silly things crow all day long!
Dad looks like the wild man of Borneo. He's let his beard grow out and it has gotten all bushy and grown up his cheeks. He's quite cute.
Looked at the Guide books this morning and decided to go around the Island tomorrow to the south side where there's a bay leading to the botanical gardens. They looked interesting. I'll let you know. Hope all is well at your end.
Love and hugs,
Mom
-----
At 11/06/2011 4:35 AM (utc) our position was 17°30.29'S 149°49.23'W
The Captain of many words
Mom has arrived OK and is fine. She managed to get a decent nights sleep on the boat. All is fine.
Currently at Tahiti and will be here a day or so before going to Moorea and sitting in the lagoon for a bit. After that, not sure.
Currently at Tahiti and will be here a day or so before going to Moorea and sitting in the lagoon for a bit. After that, not sure.
Caution: cooking fail in progress
I know I'm not a professional when it comes to cooking, but somehow I don't think this is what it's supposed to look like...
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Can't contain awesome
Best Taekwondo evar!!!!!!
So after mixing up the class times and showing up an hour early... Leaving... and showing up again I found out it was stripe test night, and promptly swallowed a proverbial bumblebee.
See I missed all of my tkd classes last week due to the 1000+ miles I put on my car (yes really, I worked it out) so I had no idea what I was supposed to know?!?
I've been having a little trouble picking up the second half of my poomse but it ended up being totally fine, I got a little crash course and it seems to be sticking with me.
That's just the cool part though, the awesome part is that we finished our stripe tests early, everyone passing with flying colours so we got to do some kicking drills and two of us did a triple front kick!!!
Now this is the part where I can admit to you, my Internet readers that a wee tiny major bit of the reason that I did it, was cause one of the boys did it first. I can't help it, it's like an anything you can do I can do better gene that is recessive until exposed to testosterone... then it kicks into overdrive!
It was the coolest thing evar though! Like I might as well have been doing aerial flying mortal kombat kicks with flames shooting out behind me!!
Seriously, it was that cool.
So super pumped, but I'm pretty sure my legs are gonna hate me in the morning...
The look on our instructors face though, as she sat there shaking her head that *two* of us could do it, and had both picked it up relatively quickly... was priceless. She's been building it up for weeks now ;)
So after mixing up the class times and showing up an hour early... Leaving... and showing up again I found out it was stripe test night, and promptly swallowed a proverbial bumblebee.
See I missed all of my tkd classes last week due to the 1000+ miles I put on my car (yes really, I worked it out) so I had no idea what I was supposed to know?!?
I've been having a little trouble picking up the second half of my poomse but it ended up being totally fine, I got a little crash course and it seems to be sticking with me.
That's just the cool part though, the awesome part is that we finished our stripe tests early, everyone passing with flying colours so we got to do some kicking drills and two of us did a triple front kick!!!
Now this is the part where I can admit to you, my Internet readers that a wee tiny major bit of the reason that I did it, was cause one of the boys did it first. I can't help it, it's like an anything you can do I can do better gene that is recessive until exposed to testosterone... then it kicks into overdrive!
It was the coolest thing evar though! Like I might as well have been doing aerial flying mortal kombat kicks with flames shooting out behind me!!
Seriously, it was that cool.
So super pumped, but I'm pretty sure my legs are gonna hate me in the morning...
The look on our instructors face though, as she sat there shaking her head that *two* of us could do it, and had both picked it up relatively quickly... was priceless. She's been building it up for weeks now ;)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Yes, we're related...
So we get to the airport with 2 hours to spare, and promptly everyone has to pee. Ben opted for the super casual just rolled out of bed jammies look...
Ben: should I put underpants on?
Mom: well do they open?
Ben: uhhh sometimes...
Then how 'bout yeah, we don't need you to get arrested for indecent exposure in an International Airport.
Sent... While in transit ;)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
And lo I say unto you
'twas early, early morn...
She says: take this here lettuce that you may have it with your cereal, and the kids did laugh.
But I ask you this, be ye any brighter at this ungodly hour?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A Mother's love doesn't need a direction
Mom: I'll email and let you know where we are...
Granny says: I don't care where you guys are, I just want you to be safe!
Sent... While in transit ;)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Are we there yet?
The trouble with being on the ferry at night is that you can't tell how far (or close) you are to anything...
*yawns* k I'm tired, and done with being in the car now. This has been the longest roadtrip evar... Well other than the one up to High Level (first level of lunar orbit)
Sent... While in transit ;)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Heh. Just beyond Hope... Again!
*Ugh* it's ten o'clock at night and its finally certain that I'm most definitely, going to make it onto the Duke Pt. Ferry home. Home as in where my Mom lives... So that I will be able to see my littlest brother graduate :) neither of my brothers can technically be called little anymore... but I think that's one of the perks of being a big sister ;)
I'm back in Vancouver 16 hours after leaving this morning. Bear with me, it's a lot of crazy to wrap your head around... And I'm pretty sure it's going to fall into the category of "what was I thinking?!!"
I haven't had a chance to collect my thoughts since Tuesday morning... But despite everything I'm sure you've already heard about the Stanley Cup playoffs it was awesome, I had a
fantastic time and I'm really glad we came down for Game 7!
Sent... While in transit ;)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!
One pee stop, three maps, a set of hand written directions and OMG WE MADE IT without killing anyone!
Now to find the big screen, maybe we should have checked this before we left...
Okay now we've peed and eaten we're good to go!
Sent... While in transit ;)
The Pilgrimage!
Thanks soooo much to the super amazing people who helped pull these together. They shall remain nameless as I don't wish to endanger our agents in the field.
But you know who you are ;)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
NUCK YEAH!!
I'm so excited I could pee!!!!!
I'm going down to Vancouver to partake in the street Mayhem!
Today was a whirlwind of butterflies, attempting some semblance of organization and trying to get shirts done up for the game!
I'M SO EXCITED!!
When I die... just put me on ice
I knew I was never going to survive as long as my Granny has...
But at the rate I'm going my gravestone is going to read "Died of Canucks related causes"
Sent... While in transit ;)
But at the rate I'm going my gravestone is going to read "Died of Canucks related causes"
Sent... While in transit ;)
Monday, June 13, 2011
I speak for the people!
I think Wed should just be declared a National fricken hockey-day and eliminate the need for everyone to call in to work dead ;)
I mean really.
No, for serious.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The quest...
The anticipation is palpable, it's humming through the air. Connecting total strangers through nods, thumbs up and knowing smiles, passed on and amplified exponentially, one fan at a time.
Horns honk, encouragement and approval of your support. Flags whipping and cracking above and behind cars, this is our battle flag.
Energy crackles sending shivers down my spine, and goosebumps rippling across my skin. It's incredible and intoxicating seeing all these people, their hopes and dreams hooked on a hockey team. A wait for some that has lasted the better part of 40 years...
With bated breath, cheers escape bleeding off some of the pent up energy. Scattered clapping and then a whistle break through the dull roar of the bar, it is beginning.
The anthem, takes on an entity all it's own when sung by the entire arena, and most in attendance...
We are Canadians together, supporting our team.
Our Heroes.
Horns honk, encouragement and approval of your support. Flags whipping and cracking above and behind cars, this is our battle flag.
Energy crackles sending shivers down my spine, and goosebumps rippling across my skin. It's incredible and intoxicating seeing all these people, their hopes and dreams hooked on a hockey team. A wait for some that has lasted the better part of 40 years...
With bated breath, cheers escape bleeding off some of the pent up energy. Scattered clapping and then a whistle break through the dull roar of the bar, it is beginning.
The anthem, takes on an entity all it's own when sung by the entire arena, and most in attendance...
We are Canadians together, supporting our team.
Our Heroes.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Really?
While trying to set up a meeting yesterday this comment struck me as particularly funny;
M&M: "I think I have something this afternoon that I don't know about"
M&M: "I think I have something this afternoon that I don't know about"
From the Captain...
It blowing through the anchorage today and last night =25 to 35k. I pulled in the Bruce anchor yesterday after untangling it from the keels and it's rode was wrapped around the one to the plough (CQR) anchor. The latter seems to work better in this material - one of the real pluses of the clear warm and shallow water is actually watching how the anchor and chain system works. Wasn't real happy getting up this morning to the moaning of the wind.
My CPAP died so I'm not sleeping well, then the anchor alarm on the gps went off suggesting dragging. Not really - just the alarm circle is 164' and I've got out 110+ feet of scope, the wind turned around and the swing fell out of the alarm safe zone. Not to worry but I did go for a swim to check the anchor set. It did move about 6' - looks like when the boat swung the full circle it trip out and then reset itself. Holding fine but I'm not moving today or leaving the boat. Anyway, I grumpily bailed off the back of the boat and the fist thing I see is a beautiful spotted ray gliding by - made the snorkel.
Got sort of going, made some pancakes for breakfast, checked the anchor, drift, took distances off with the range finder etc. Measured wind speed. Spliced up a float for an anchor indicator. Re-read the section in the Cruiser's handbook about anchors, rode and chain - still have to replace the chain and really don't want to go to the city to do it. I'll have to get at least 66 m to provide a long piece of 50 m and replace the rusty section currently on the CQR. The bow roller arrangement need modifying - when the boat is dancing the rode likes to flip out off the roller. It needs some ears welded on, and perhaps some other additions to help secure two anchors. I can't find a home for the bruce down below - awkward.
Reading the Art of War - I'll try and remember to send it back to you with Mom. My computer acted up this morning - it seems to be getting confused somehow with the wireless network. I now have two icons on the right hand control bar for the wireless. One with a red X, the other says life is good. Anyway, for whatever reason, I shut down, rebooted and I have I net. I really don't like it when the machine appears to reconfigure itself and gets confused. Hopefully it will contine to work. Right now I'm using the Wirie with the baby antenna in the boat ham shack and the transceiver plugged in direct rather than through the main antenna out back. Was that part of the problem ? Don't know - this works, I'll put it all back after I get this off and try it again "properly". Who knows.
That's about it - today I sit and let the wind blow. It's up to 30 k, I'm holding (both accordig to the GPS and my distance off a fixed reef marker - lazer rangefinder estimate) and some idiot has just slotted a big cat in front of the cat ahead of me. Not much room for him if things get ugly. Hopefully the wind will ease soon as the front goes through.
Take care, Dad
My CPAP died so I'm not sleeping well, then the anchor alarm on the gps went off suggesting dragging. Not really - just the alarm circle is 164' and I've got out 110+ feet of scope, the wind turned around and the swing fell out of the alarm safe zone. Not to worry but I did go for a swim to check the anchor set. It did move about 6' - looks like when the boat swung the full circle it trip out and then reset itself. Holding fine but I'm not moving today or leaving the boat. Anyway, I grumpily bailed off the back of the boat and the fist thing I see is a beautiful spotted ray gliding by - made the snorkel.
Got sort of going, made some pancakes for breakfast, checked the anchor, drift, took distances off with the range finder etc. Measured wind speed. Spliced up a float for an anchor indicator. Re-read the section in the Cruiser's handbook about anchors, rode and chain - still have to replace the chain and really don't want to go to the city to do it. I'll have to get at least 66 m to provide a long piece of 50 m and replace the rusty section currently on the CQR. The bow roller arrangement need modifying - when the boat is dancing the rode likes to flip out off the roller. It needs some ears welded on, and perhaps some other additions to help secure two anchors. I can't find a home for the bruce down below - awkward.
Reading the Art of War - I'll try and remember to send it back to you with Mom. My computer acted up this morning - it seems to be getting confused somehow with the wireless network. I now have two icons on the right hand control bar for the wireless. One with a red X, the other says life is good. Anyway, for whatever reason, I shut down, rebooted and I have I net. I really don't like it when the machine appears to reconfigure itself and gets confused. Hopefully it will contine to work. Right now I'm using the Wirie with the baby antenna in the boat ham shack and the transceiver plugged in direct rather than through the main antenna out back. Was that part of the problem ? Don't know - this works, I'll put it all back after I get this off and try it again "properly". Who knows.
That's about it - today I sit and let the wind blow. It's up to 30 k, I'm holding (both accordig to the GPS and my distance off a fixed reef marker - lazer rangefinder estimate) and some idiot has just slotted a big cat in front of the cat ahead of me. Not much room for him if things get ugly. Hopefully the wind will ease soon as the front goes through.
Take care, Dad
The Captain: Dancing in the dark
I managed to change the offending valve without sinking the boat - I now have a working head! that's a job I've been avoiding and procrastinating around for awhile. The plunger routine didn't work, but I did get the valve changed without hauling the boat and only let in perhaps 5 to 8 l of water - it actually went very well.
Worked my little tail off today - sorted out anchors (gave up on the Bruce- in doesn't set inthe low density coral sand - but can't find a home to store it below - awkward shape), did the head, dealt with fuel tanks (time to add biocide and fuel conditioner), cleaned up some - especially the lazarette), did dishes, and I think I figured out the internet problem (Wirie got itself turned off I think) Tired but not ready for a nap so rowed out to the reef (about a km away and bailed over and did a snorkel drift / swim back to the boat - a kind of transect from the inside of the reef where the waves break to the coarl sand plain where the yachts anchor. Depths vary from 0 to about 8', with patches of sand and areas of coral. Much of the coral was killed off by the El Nino year and is now in recovery mode. Incredible variety of fish, urchins and my favorite - the big clams with the iridescent colored lips. Saw patches of anemones with the clown fish faces peering up at me. The tube worms are all kinds of colors. Really good snorkel. Got back and made lunch - a can of tuna and rice cooked in the pressure cooker. So, fed, and tired I'll try for a nap.
Still putting off going to the big city again to look for chain. One of the yachties told me there's another major center to the west that is well equipped and cheaper. Not sure what to do. Did learn that anchoring with two anchers is fraught with issues. If the boat swings, the liens get twisted, if one is slack and the boat dances, the keels can catch and hook it. The first time I muscled ti while snorkelling - hard work. Middle of the night it did it again - and I managed to snag the line behind the keel since it was now under tension leading out perpendicular to the boat, and pulled in slack and wlaked to the stern - and dropped it. It sank and the boat swung over the bight and the keel was free. happy dance on the foredeck in the dark in my undies.
Take care I need an underwaqter camera.
Dad
-----
At 08/06/2011 5:20 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.89'S 149°48.95'W
Worked my little tail off today - sorted out anchors (gave up on the Bruce- in doesn't set inthe low density coral sand - but can't find a home to store it below - awkward shape), did the head, dealt with fuel tanks (time to add biocide and fuel conditioner), cleaned up some - especially the lazarette), did dishes, and I think I figured out the internet problem (Wirie got itself turned off I think) Tired but not ready for a nap so rowed out to the reef (about a km away and bailed over and did a snorkel drift / swim back to the boat - a kind of transect from the inside of the reef where the waves break to the coarl sand plain where the yachts anchor. Depths vary from 0 to about 8', with patches of sand and areas of coral. Much of the coral was killed off by the El Nino year and is now in recovery mode. Incredible variety of fish, urchins and my favorite - the big clams with the iridescent colored lips. Saw patches of anemones with the clown fish faces peering up at me. The tube worms are all kinds of colors. Really good snorkel. Got back and made lunch - a can of tuna and rice cooked in the pressure cooker. So, fed, and tired I'll try for a nap.
Still putting off going to the big city again to look for chain. One of the yachties told me there's another major center to the west that is well equipped and cheaper. Not sure what to do. Did learn that anchoring with two anchers is fraught with issues. If the boat swings, the liens get twisted, if one is slack and the boat dances, the keels can catch and hook it. The first time I muscled ti while snorkelling - hard work. Middle of the night it did it again - and I managed to snag the line behind the keel since it was now under tension leading out perpendicular to the boat, and pulled in slack and wlaked to the stern - and dropped it. It sank and the boat swung over the bight and the keel was free. happy dance on the foredeck in the dark in my undies.
Take care I need an underwaqter camera.
Dad
-----
At 08/06/2011 5:20 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.89'S 149°48.95'W
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
That ball's been ThunderSTRUCK!
It was such a crazy night, I zipped up to my friend's after work and helped her move a bed. Drove a kid to soccer, played pass with my football, grabbed my ball gear, did a great taekwondo workout where I "learned" my three new defensive moves.
By learned I mean I know what the moves are now, the movements though, looks more like a puppet with early onset Alzheimers and Parkinson's... there's a distinct pause as the thought of what I'm supposed to be doing twitches through each of the incorrect limbs before finally moving the right one. Like Data driving the star ship enterprise at light speed while being tazered.
After all that I called to see if ball had been cancelled and then hauled the mail through the pouring rain to get there on time because the answer was "Of course not! Get your #$(*& up here!". I'm so glad I did, I got a home run right over the right fielder, man it felt good! *grins*
Next up to bat was pretty decent too, I got on base... and was thrown out at two after a valiant attempt to beat out the throw from the second baseman. Luckily I don't live at home anymore, because my Mother wouldn't have let me in the house like this... I probably would've had to strip down on the back porch, not that I can blame her really ;)
I totally felt like a little kid playing out in the thunder and rain... every five more minutes we got was sacred and special because I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was like at any moment my Mom was gonna call me in :)
By learned I mean I know what the moves are now, the movements though, looks more like a puppet with early onset Alzheimers and Parkinson's... there's a distinct pause as the thought of what I'm supposed to be doing twitches through each of the incorrect limbs before finally moving the right one. Like Data driving the star ship enterprise at light speed while being tazered.
After all that I called to see if ball had been cancelled and then hauled the mail through the pouring rain to get there on time because the answer was "Of course not! Get your #$(*& up here!". I'm so glad I did, I got a home run right over the right fielder, man it felt good! *grins*
Next up to bat was pretty decent too, I got on base... and was thrown out at two after a valiant attempt to beat out the throw from the second baseman. Luckily I don't live at home anymore, because my Mother wouldn't have let me in the house like this... I probably would've had to strip down on the back porch, not that I can blame her really ;)
I totally felt like a little kid playing out in the thunder and rain... every five more minutes we got was sacred and special because I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was like at any moment my Mom was gonna call me in :)
From the Captain...
I spent the day rowing, reading and snorkelling. I rowed in this morning with two things to do - laundry (cost me a lot - but it's done and the sheets are clean for mom), and to call you. I'd carefully made notes of what I wanted you to do, model numbers, contact phone numbers etc. -- got to the phone booth and realized I did not have your number - it's always just been on my cell. Row back to the boat, back to land and do it all again - tried you twice, tried Dan, finally called home and the one I didn't expect to connect with was home - go figure.
The boat is over a sand desert with an occasional oasis in the form of a coral block or some bricks and debris where a cluster of tropical fish hang out at each one. I swam towards the reef where the coral get's dense and there's all manner of fish in a few feet of water, along with tube worms of amazing colors and clams that are in rock crevices - their shells gape about 20 mm and the lips are bright blue and purple and black and yellow. There was a really cute baby Moray eel hanging in a crevice. His head was about 50 to 75 mm across but his color was something else. Imagine a bright yellow background overlaid with a black fish net with maybe 10 mm hex mesh woven by a slightly tipsy netmaker. It was really neat. And no, I didn't try to pet him although that big one I saw at Rangiroa, the divemaster was petting. I leave thing strictly alone. There as also a different style of puffer fish with horns above his eyes that stuck out forward and a long tail (most of the puffer fish tails look like hatchery trout tails - worn off) Anyway, I'm told that this reef is "dead" but I find it neat. I think people want to be overwhelmed, and this way I can focus on one spot or colony or fish and just hang out a bit. I forgot the ray that hangs about - maybe a meter across. I wish I had a good underwater camera - it would be worth taking some pictures. The vis is 20m+.
I wonder what a decent underwater camera and light source might cost? I wonder what your camera, with a housing might cost? Could you look that up please?
I'm getting some boat work done. I cleaned out the chain locker and removed the mass of rust that was a chain, and then pounded it to loosen the rust and make it chain like again. I cut off about 5 m to use as a weight for the series drogue should I ever need that - now that "package" is complete. The instructions suggest a 12Kg anchor should be attached to the end when deploying but I'm thinking I'd rather have a dedicated lump of disposable weight in the kit rather than having to dig out an anchor when things are rough. So that's done, there's another 5 m I'll just leave in the lazarette. It could, I suppose perhaps be used in an emergency. Anyway, got the chain locker cleaned up and resealed (I hope). Fixed the lite in the head, and the one on the port side, main cabin. That one is not pretty (no fixture to screw the bulb into so I soldered the wires direct to the bulb - and led) but it works and it is one of the most useful lights in the boat. I still haven't worked up the enthusiasm to deal with the head. First task is to hand bail out the holding tank. After that it should be fairly straight forward - pull the holding tank, take apart a bulkhead, use the toilet plunger on the outside of the boat to seal the through hull (I think I expleaind how that works in a previsou note - re a beer and discussion on an Aussie boat provide that solution rather than a haulout) turn off the old valve, put on the new one and reverse the above (but not having to refill the tank!) Hopefully the end result will be a working head that doesn't smell.
Anyway, take care - I think you'd like it here. It's different than I expected, and the cruising community is quite different as well. Loosly knit, sort of social but not really. Maybe I'm just not connnecting. Such is life. Had a cold beer tonigh from the cooler unit - that's been a god send, though it eats power. Need a wind generator.
Love Dad
-----
At 08/06/2011 5:01 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.89'S 149°48.95'W
The boat is over a sand desert with an occasional oasis in the form of a coral block or some bricks and debris where a cluster of tropical fish hang out at each one. I swam towards the reef where the coral get's dense and there's all manner of fish in a few feet of water, along with tube worms of amazing colors and clams that are in rock crevices - their shells gape about 20 mm and the lips are bright blue and purple and black and yellow. There was a really cute baby Moray eel hanging in a crevice. His head was about 50 to 75 mm across but his color was something else. Imagine a bright yellow background overlaid with a black fish net with maybe 10 mm hex mesh woven by a slightly tipsy netmaker. It was really neat. And no, I didn't try to pet him although that big one I saw at Rangiroa, the divemaster was petting. I leave thing strictly alone. There as also a different style of puffer fish with horns above his eyes that stuck out forward and a long tail (most of the puffer fish tails look like hatchery trout tails - worn off) Anyway, I'm told that this reef is "dead" but I find it neat. I think people want to be overwhelmed, and this way I can focus on one spot or colony or fish and just hang out a bit. I forgot the ray that hangs about - maybe a meter across. I wish I had a good underwater camera - it would be worth taking some pictures. The vis is 20m+.
I wonder what a decent underwater camera and light source might cost? I wonder what your camera, with a housing might cost? Could you look that up please?
I'm getting some boat work done. I cleaned out the chain locker and removed the mass of rust that was a chain, and then pounded it to loosen the rust and make it chain like again. I cut off about 5 m to use as a weight for the series drogue should I ever need that - now that "package" is complete. The instructions suggest a 12Kg anchor should be attached to the end when deploying but I'm thinking I'd rather have a dedicated lump of disposable weight in the kit rather than having to dig out an anchor when things are rough. So that's done, there's another 5 m I'll just leave in the lazarette. It could, I suppose perhaps be used in an emergency. Anyway, got the chain locker cleaned up and resealed (I hope). Fixed the lite in the head, and the one on the port side, main cabin. That one is not pretty (no fixture to screw the bulb into so I soldered the wires direct to the bulb - and led) but it works and it is one of the most useful lights in the boat. I still haven't worked up the enthusiasm to deal with the head. First task is to hand bail out the holding tank. After that it should be fairly straight forward - pull the holding tank, take apart a bulkhead, use the toilet plunger on the outside of the boat to seal the through hull (I think I expleaind how that works in a previsou note - re a beer and discussion on an Aussie boat provide that solution rather than a haulout) turn off the old valve, put on the new one and reverse the above (but not having to refill the tank!) Hopefully the end result will be a working head that doesn't smell.
Anyway, take care - I think you'd like it here. It's different than I expected, and the cruising community is quite different as well. Loosly knit, sort of social but not really. Maybe I'm just not connnecting. Such is life. Had a cold beer tonigh from the cooler unit - that's been a god send, though it eats power. Need a wind generator.
Love Dad
-----
At 08/06/2011 5:01 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.89'S 149°48.95'W
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
In hockey news...
I don't wan to talk about it, so I was flipping through the interwebs when I came across this comment, and it totally made me giggle:
Only in Canada will you receive a "Breaking News" alert from a major news radio station that Boston just beat Tampa Bay in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference.
Only in Canada will you receive a "Breaking News" alert from a major news radio station that Boston just beat Tampa Bay in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference.
The Captain, on various questions
Canucks stand a good chance of being consisent - and blowing it.
The working language is french - but it's tourist country so there's enough english around to make things work. Bit frustrating though because I can't "discuss" or ask the questions I'm interested in.
Snorkelling is good.
Eating - not as well as we were. I'm just not that interested. The bread is really good french bread provided I get up early enough to get some before it's gone from the shelves. I got two baggettes today - and ate one in the dinghy before I got to the boat. The fish is great. Red meat is scarce and pricy. The restaurants here are expensive - but there's this really good place in Nuka Hiva .... I like the coffee here.
Dad
-----
At 07/06/2011 5:41 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.87'S 149°48.96'W
The working language is french - but it's tourist country so there's enough english around to make things work. Bit frustrating though because I can't "discuss" or ask the questions I'm interested in.
Snorkelling is good.
Eating - not as well as we were. I'm just not that interested. The bread is really good french bread provided I get up early enough to get some before it's gone from the shelves. I got two baggettes today - and ate one in the dinghy before I got to the boat. The fish is great. Red meat is scarce and pricy. The restaurants here are expensive - but there's this really good place in Nuka Hiva .... I like the coffee here.
Dad
-----
At 07/06/2011 5:41 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.87'S 149°48.96'W
Monday, June 06, 2011
From Le Captain
Thought I'd update you. I'm still at Moorea, having taken the ferry to Tahiti to check in with customs etc. a couple of days ago. I was at Opauna Bay night before last and it blew nasty. Anyway I didn't drag in the night like other boats did, then went to shore to walk about 12 k to find a phone to call Mom (anniversery) and the phone booth didn't work. Got back, all was well, went to have a nap and the guy in the next boat "hooted" me - I was dragging then! Anyway, hauled up the anchor, toured around the bay dodging boats and reset almost exactly where I had been - dove over the side and swam the anchor to watch the sucker move! I slid a second anchor down the rode to improve things and it held. Got lunch then picked up the works and got out of there - crowded, windy and nasty. Motor sailed and motored into Cooks Bay where I first arrived and the wind is howling. On the way in, while furling the headsail the flogging sail whipped the sheet across my hand and hit my thumb - it's now a multitude of pretty colors! Funny how a wet rope being flogged by a 20+k wind feels a lot like a hockey stick being smacked hard onto your ungloved hand in a "serious" fun game. Anyway, got in, anchored, hauled up because I was too close, motored about and re-anchored, and then set a second anchor. Almost dark, tired. Wind howling but not as bad as the night before. Set the gps and woke up lots.
Got up this morning and swam the anchors. Neither has moved. Learned something though - the second anchor is a plough and it's buried itself, while the Bruce seems to be half set. All was well, wind down so went into town to do some shopping after having a long swim. Got back to the boat and found it sitting oddly in the wind. Dove and found one of the anchor rodes had wrapped around the keels so I muscled that off - one of the down sides of the keels is that they can hook the anchor rode really effectively Now all is fine but it bears watching. Tonight, secured for 30+k and it's dead calm.
Getting in a lot of snorkeling. On one hand it's a bit of a sand desert around the boat, depth abut 3 m, but there are chunks of rock etc. and at each one is a colony of various tropical fish. Mostly small pretty ones of an amazing range of colors and shapes, plus larger ones about. There was a big (1 m across) ray flying along the bottom and then "parking" under the boat, parrot fish and a couple of puffer fish. As I swim further back from the boat, I get into more corral and there's more variety - all in 2 to 3 m of water. The water is warm so it's not unreasonable to spend an hour or so at a time mucking about. A 1.3m black tipped shark came by - I'm told you don't need to worry about these but I kept an eye on him and he just moved on.
On shore there's a "tourist town" of small shops etc. selling the usual stuff but prominent are the black pearls that are cultured here. The prices are high - basically double what I was seeing in the atolls before, but half what you pay in Papettee! Most consumer goods and groceries are at least 30% more expensive. Fortunately I don't need much. Chatted with a local fellow who found I was an engineer and we started talking water system - and he wants me to help him come up with a package treatment system to sell around the islands. Not sure I want to go there, but I'll try and talk to him again tomorrow. See what happens. Seem like I carry around in my head a lot of information people can use - at Rangiroa it was a tourist tunnel, here it's water systems and pre-fab houses. I wonder if it's possible for me not be an engineer?
So, it's warm, doing lot of snorkelling. Had an exciting day and night with high winds. Managed to smack my thumb. Forgot - the Customs people descending on the anchorage to check boats - and all my paperwork was in order! They seemed surprised - it was just a bit disconcerting but perhaps that was because I had just settled down for a nap when then arrived.
Anyway, take care. I really should get some supper of some sort.
Dad
-----
At 07/06/2011 4:13 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.87'S 149°48.96'W
Got up this morning and swam the anchors. Neither has moved. Learned something though - the second anchor is a plough and it's buried itself, while the Bruce seems to be half set. All was well, wind down so went into town to do some shopping after having a long swim. Got back to the boat and found it sitting oddly in the wind. Dove and found one of the anchor rodes had wrapped around the keels so I muscled that off - one of the down sides of the keels is that they can hook the anchor rode really effectively Now all is fine but it bears watching. Tonight, secured for 30+k and it's dead calm.
Getting in a lot of snorkeling. On one hand it's a bit of a sand desert around the boat, depth abut 3 m, but there are chunks of rock etc. and at each one is a colony of various tropical fish. Mostly small pretty ones of an amazing range of colors and shapes, plus larger ones about. There was a big (1 m across) ray flying along the bottom and then "parking" under the boat, parrot fish and a couple of puffer fish. As I swim further back from the boat, I get into more corral and there's more variety - all in 2 to 3 m of water. The water is warm so it's not unreasonable to spend an hour or so at a time mucking about. A 1.3m black tipped shark came by - I'm told you don't need to worry about these but I kept an eye on him and he just moved on.
On shore there's a "tourist town" of small shops etc. selling the usual stuff but prominent are the black pearls that are cultured here. The prices are high - basically double what I was seeing in the atolls before, but half what you pay in Papettee! Most consumer goods and groceries are at least 30% more expensive. Fortunately I don't need much. Chatted with a local fellow who found I was an engineer and we started talking water system - and he wants me to help him come up with a package treatment system to sell around the islands. Not sure I want to go there, but I'll try and talk to him again tomorrow. See what happens. Seem like I carry around in my head a lot of information people can use - at Rangiroa it was a tourist tunnel, here it's water systems and pre-fab houses. I wonder if it's possible for me not be an engineer?
So, it's warm, doing lot of snorkelling. Had an exciting day and night with high winds. Managed to smack my thumb. Forgot - the Customs people descending on the anchorage to check boats - and all my paperwork was in order! They seemed surprised - it was just a bit disconcerting but perhaps that was because I had just settled down for a nap when then arrived.
Anyway, take care. I really should get some supper of some sort.
Dad
-----
At 07/06/2011 4:13 AM (utc) our position was 17°28.87'S 149°48.96'W
From the Captain...
Today went for a hike to a view point - the hike turned into a bit of an epic because decided to try to avoid the 5 k walk back down the road with the traffic. So, there was a trail to another lookout from which you can see the two main bays on the north side, as well as the reef etc. on the south side of the island. Lots of vertical. Anyway, the trail system is convoluted and it took awhile to sort out the way down - did eventually. Problem - hiking in sandles with my flat feet is not a good idea. Survived. Hot. The swim back at the boat was lovely.
Nice dinner - fresh big piece of tuna, some fresh veggies etc. Big day tomorow - catch the bus to the ferry, then the high speed ferry to Tahiti (30 min) and deal with the customs people - formalize my visa and look for some parts etc.
All is fine - I'll add some notes in a day or so.
Glad you had a good visit with granny.
Love Dad
-----
At 03/06/2011 4:09 AM (utc) our position was 17°29.37'S 149°51.09'W
Nice dinner - fresh big piece of tuna, some fresh veggies etc. Big day tomorow - catch the bus to the ferry, then the high speed ferry to Tahiti (30 min) and deal with the customs people - formalize my visa and look for some parts etc.
All is fine - I'll add some notes in a day or so.
Glad you had a good visit with granny.
Love Dad
-----
At 03/06/2011 4:09 AM (utc) our position was 17°29.37'S 149°51.09'W
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Who says I'm not creative?!?
Saturday, June 04, 2011
The Canucks avenger!!!
For those of you who were wondering, yes I took the picture myself... and to keep from dropping my phone I hockey taped it to my hand. Sticky side out of course.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Musings from a half-awake state
Awesome is waking up thinking "Man I wish I could've dragged my butt out of bed earlier so I could go ride my bike"... only to roll over, check the time, and realize that it's a half an hour before I actually have to get up and shower!
I totally dove out of bed, suited up in my new shin guards and went for a ride around the block *grins*
I want a job that makes me want to get out of bed like that ;)
I totally dove out of bed, suited up in my new shin guards and went for a ride around the block *grins*
I want a job that makes me want to get out of bed like that ;)
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Words of wisdom
The airline stewardess told me I didn't have to sit this far back... I distracted her by asking if I had the whole row to myself.
I didn't have the heart to tell her that my Grandpa flew a spitfire in the war, and walked away from 7 plane crashes. 8 if you include the plane just back from repairs he refused to fly. He had a dream it was going to crash at the end of the runway. It did, and his friend that was flying it was killed.
I was probably 7 years old when he told me to always sit as far back as you can... even if it's noisy sitting with the engines. Airplanes, he said usually crash nose first.
Besides, I have checked luggage. No matter how fast we deplane I'll probably have to wait. I'm not in that big of a hurry.
I didn't have the heart to tell her that my Grandpa flew a spitfire in the war, and walked away from 7 plane crashes. 8 if you include the plane just back from repairs he refused to fly. He had a dream it was going to crash at the end of the runway. It did, and his friend that was flying it was killed.
I was probably 7 years old when he told me to always sit as far back as you can... even if it's noisy sitting with the engines. Airplanes, he said usually crash nose first.
Besides, I have checked luggage. No matter how fast we deplane I'll probably have to wait. I'm not in that big of a hurry.
Part Sunday, take 2
So remember how I slid head first in to third base last weekend? Well on Sunday we were playing on a diamond reminiscent of the backyard days of yore. Using a broken hockey stick as a bat and a tennis ball... Where the base line wasn't square and the bases were more often than not pieces of clothing.
Grass infield, with an odd sandy mixture at the bases. I took one look at it and said to one of our awesome girls "I'm sooo not sliding in this..."
Famous last words.
So there I am running to third, not even really a close play... and next thing I know I'm doing a torpedo roll feet first into third base. When asked what on Earth I was doing sliding, well all I can say is... I slipped *shrugs*. There was even a large skidding divit in the grass to prove it!
By this point everyone was laughing, as I emptied the sandbox out of my sliding shorts... and examined the addition to my collection of war wounds for the weekend.
I totally made up for it during our next game though, when all the planets and stars aligned... and I hit the 267 meter fence. *hugest grin evar* it was AWESOME!!!! The clouds opened up and the angels sang, grown men weptat the beauty of it at being burned by a girl... and I grinned all the way to third base :)
For the rest of the weekend I was still slightly in awe, and would turn to Jody...
"Hey Jody..."
she'd say "yeah?"
...
"I hit the fence" *s*
Grass infield, with an odd sandy mixture at the bases. I took one look at it and said to one of our awesome girls "I'm sooo not sliding in this..."
Famous last words.
So there I am running to third, not even really a close play... and next thing I know I'm doing a torpedo roll feet first into third base. When asked what on Earth I was doing sliding, well all I can say is... I slipped *shrugs*. There was even a large skidding divit in the grass to prove it!
By this point everyone was laughing, as I emptied the sandbox out of my sliding shorts... and examined the addition to my collection of war wounds for the weekend.
I totally made up for it during our next game though, when all the planets and stars aligned... and I hit the 267 meter fence. *hugest grin evar* it was AWESOME!!!! The clouds opened up and the angels sang, grown men wept
For the rest of the weekend I was still slightly in awe, and would turn to Jody...
"Hey Jody..."
she'd say "yeah?"
...
"I hit the fence" *s*
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Advice
Comes with no warranty implied or otherwise, and there is no lifetime guarantee...
Use or discard at your own risk.
I am in no way liable for the results or consequences.
Unless of course its good, then I will assume full responsibility.
Use or discard at your own risk.
I am in no way liable for the results or consequences.
Unless of course its good, then I will assume full responsibility.
What goes around comes around...
That's what they say, I don't think they usually picture it happening this way.
It: Can I borrow your car?
Me: Sure *hands over keys*
...
Me: It smells kind of like baseball though...
It: That's okay, in a few seconds your office is going to smell like farts.
It: Can I borrow your car?
Me: Sure *hands over keys*
...
Me: It smells kind of like baseball though...
It: That's okay, in a few seconds your office is going to smell like farts.
From the Captain
Haven't done any more dives - the budget you know. Snorkelling some. Planned to move on but the wind has been high with squalls so sat tight another day here - hope to get out of the pass tomorrow but will likely get beat up on the outside since the wind has been blowing steady now for several days from the SE, so the waves will be well developed. We'll see.
Finally got a phone card to use the land line - no mean feat. Get them at the post office which is only open 7 am to noon three days a week. Since it's a non trivial exercise to get to where the post office is, it hasn't happened. Now I have a card, I can call granny and wish here a h-b'day. I'll row into the dock about 6 am tomorrow and try to do that.
Not much to say, sat on the anchor most of the day - did motor out and look at the pass and outside this morning, then sailed about 8 m to look at the other pass, and then motored back to put the hook down roughly where I was. There's really only one comfortable place to anchor in this wind. The excitement was when I dropped the dinghy painter and it took off in the wind - another yachtie retreived for me before I'd swum far.
Dinghy's is a topic. the little hard one I have works well rowing and even the elec motor works ok but the reality is that you really need something more substancial - a RIB (rigid bottom inflatable boat) with at least a 10, preferably larger outboard to handle the waves, distances etc. Trying to snorkel off the little pram is difficult at best. I do have the inflatable but it rows like a pig and doesn't motor at all well because the bottom is soft. Other than that things are fine. Perhaps if you come down here, you can take the dive course with the chap I've been diving with here in Rangi - he's good.
Take care of yourself and have fun - you seem to. I hope life is treating you well and you're happy both at the surface level which we and other see as well as deeper down. You get one trip around the track of life, no going back, and no time outs. You'll regret things you didn't do more than rejoice the things you did - for the most part. I've had fun along the way, and I have three great kids to show for it.
Dad
-----
At 25/05/2011 12:56 AM (utc) our position was 14°58.07'S 147°38.21'W
Finally got a phone card to use the land line - no mean feat. Get them at the post office which is only open 7 am to noon three days a week. Since it's a non trivial exercise to get to where the post office is, it hasn't happened. Now I have a card, I can call granny and wish here a h-b'day. I'll row into the dock about 6 am tomorrow and try to do that.
Not much to say, sat on the anchor most of the day - did motor out and look at the pass and outside this morning, then sailed about 8 m to look at the other pass, and then motored back to put the hook down roughly where I was. There's really only one comfortable place to anchor in this wind. The excitement was when I dropped the dinghy painter and it took off in the wind - another yachtie retreived for me before I'd swum far.
Dinghy's is a topic. the little hard one I have works well rowing and even the elec motor works ok but the reality is that you really need something more substancial - a RIB (rigid bottom inflatable boat) with at least a 10, preferably larger outboard to handle the waves, distances etc. Trying to snorkel off the little pram is difficult at best. I do have the inflatable but it rows like a pig and doesn't motor at all well because the bottom is soft. Other than that things are fine. Perhaps if you come down here, you can take the dive course with the chap I've been diving with here in Rangi - he's good.
Take care of yourself and have fun - you seem to. I hope life is treating you well and you're happy both at the surface level which we and other see as well as deeper down. You get one trip around the track of life, no going back, and no time outs. You'll regret things you didn't do more than rejoice the things you did - for the most part. I've had fun along the way, and I have three great kids to show for it.
Dad
-----
At 25/05/2011 12:56 AM (utc) our position was 14°58.07'S 147°38.21'W
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Dear work
I know I told you that I didn't know exactly what time I would be in to work tomorrow because I hadn't booked my plane ticket home, however it's a good thing I didn't tell you even after I had booked my plane ticket home... because I didn't actually end up taking that plane home.
I was having so much fun here that I decided to stay for a second helping of dessert, and by stay I mean missed my plane... and by dessert well it was fantastic and I did have a second helping, so the evening wasn't a total loss ;)
I will apologize in advance though, I'm sorry. I'm anticipating an 8 on the zombie scale, and will most likely need more than one coffee tomorrow. I will *try* to take that into account before calling anyone's intelligence in to question in my outside voice... I promise.
I think my wild angels need a break, luckily I have more than one amazing friend who has offered to pick me up at the airport.
Thanks so much guys, sometimes things work out despite me ;)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
From the Captain...
And here we go, we're all caught up again! *fist pump* ~S
Sounded like a good weekend with your winning run and the damage sustained by the third baseman. Mom said she hadn't heard from you then seemed to recall it was a long weekend and you likely had ball.
I got in another pass dive with the same guy - and again lucked out because it was just with him and another local. I think this was mostly because we spent a couple of hours talking about his pet project from an engineering perspective. Anyway, we started out over deep water, well away from the wall and dropped immediately down to 135', to see hundreds of grey sharks below, and then the current carried us into the midst of them! These guys aren't small, 3+ m. They apparently come here to breed, and he was looking for "great hammerheads" that sometimes feed on the greys. Didn't see any of them, which from my point of view was just as well. It's quite something to be busy looking down at all these sharks and then to look sideways and seem some swimming on the same level, and then look up and see some above you. All is well. Drifted through those and then came up close to the wall, seeing some large barracuda on the way. Next drifted over the coral gardens and immense variety of colors and sizes of tropical fish ending up in a canyon where we stopped for awhile in a hole out of the current. In there was a very big Moray eel, at a "cleaning station" - the head of the eel was pretty close to 12" across with it's mouth (and teeth) wide open and the little fish darting in and out and around, picking out and cleaning teeth etc. Neat to watch - and an interesting piece of symbiosis. Next we went up and out and got carried along in and out of three canyons including the one he'd like to put a tunnel / viewing station in to allow tourists to walk down in shirt sleeves, to get deep enough to see the big sharks in their environment. I think it could be built, but I really doubt it would be financially viable. finally we came out of there and drifted at speed over a plain of dead coral that is slowly recovering. Much of the coral around here, especially that in shallower water was killed by the El Nino years (too warm, too much fresh water) a few years ago.
The total drift was 1.5 to 2 nm over 55 minutes. If we get the opportunity, this would be a good place to get certified with this guy - though I'm sure there are other places equally as good. The nice thing here is that he doesn't take life seriously, so the operation is small and shoestring, and informal. I've been watching daily other dive boats going out, doing the same thing with 10 or 12 clients and one dive master with a helper - and here I've had a super diver all to myself for three great dives.
Anyway, I can't really describe what I've seen and done, and I can't take photos or video (even if I had the gear) just because to do so would require so much focus, skill etc that I wouldn't see anything myself - so consider the stuff you see on National Geographic or PBS - and that's really whats here. With any luck, I'll see some Manta Rays at the next island or after that. The next stop is Tike?? atoll, about 35 nm away - say 8 hours where there are supposed to be rays. It's a much smaller place. From there I'll head down to Moorea and Tahiti.
That's about it - not sure how long I'll hang into this life style but it is "interesting" - we'll see.
Dad
-----
At 25/05/2011 12:56 AM (utc) our position was 14°58.07'S 147°38.21'W
Sounded like a good weekend with your winning run and the damage sustained by the third baseman. Mom said she hadn't heard from you then seemed to recall it was a long weekend and you likely had ball.
I got in another pass dive with the same guy - and again lucked out because it was just with him and another local. I think this was mostly because we spent a couple of hours talking about his pet project from an engineering perspective. Anyway, we started out over deep water, well away from the wall and dropped immediately down to 135', to see hundreds of grey sharks below, and then the current carried us into the midst of them! These guys aren't small, 3+ m. They apparently come here to breed, and he was looking for "great hammerheads" that sometimes feed on the greys. Didn't see any of them, which from my point of view was just as well. It's quite something to be busy looking down at all these sharks and then to look sideways and seem some swimming on the same level, and then look up and see some above you. All is well. Drifted through those and then came up close to the wall, seeing some large barracuda on the way. Next drifted over the coral gardens and immense variety of colors and sizes of tropical fish ending up in a canyon where we stopped for awhile in a hole out of the current. In there was a very big Moray eel, at a "cleaning station" - the head of the eel was pretty close to 12" across with it's mouth (and teeth) wide open and the little fish darting in and out and around, picking out and cleaning teeth etc. Neat to watch - and an interesting piece of symbiosis. Next we went up and out and got carried along in and out of three canyons including the one he'd like to put a tunnel / viewing station in to allow tourists to walk down in shirt sleeves, to get deep enough to see the big sharks in their environment. I think it could be built, but I really doubt it would be financially viable. finally we came out of there and drifted at speed over a plain of dead coral that is slowly recovering. Much of the coral around here, especially that in shallower water was killed by the El Nino years (too warm, too much fresh water) a few years ago.
The total drift was 1.5 to 2 nm over 55 minutes. If we get the opportunity, this would be a good place to get certified with this guy - though I'm sure there are other places equally as good. The nice thing here is that he doesn't take life seriously, so the operation is small and shoestring, and informal. I've been watching daily other dive boats going out, doing the same thing with 10 or 12 clients and one dive master with a helper - and here I've had a super diver all to myself for three great dives.
Anyway, I can't really describe what I've seen and done, and I can't take photos or video (even if I had the gear) just because to do so would require so much focus, skill etc that I wouldn't see anything myself - so consider the stuff you see on National Geographic or PBS - and that's really whats here. With any luck, I'll see some Manta Rays at the next island or after that. The next stop is Tike?? atoll, about 35 nm away - say 8 hours where there are supposed to be rays. It's a much smaller place. From there I'll head down to Moorea and Tahiti.
That's about it - not sure how long I'll hang into this life style but it is "interesting" - we'll see.
Dad
-----
At 25/05/2011 12:56 AM (utc) our position was 14°58.07'S 147°38.21'W
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