tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675782939203228972024-03-20T22:04:10.657+13:00 Rhapsody on the BlueLearning the cruising life <br><br><br><br><br>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~All I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by~~~~Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-70878296978430781392024-02-28T20:36:00.002+13:002024-02-28T20:44:05.868+13:00Swimming with the whales!<p><span style="font-size: large;">Tonga is known for its annual migration of humpback whales coming to mate and calve. Every July to October, they migrate from the Antarctic to Tonga. In July and August new babies are born and if you can time it right and get lucky, you may have an opportunity to swim near a mother and her calf.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4BVhf_Zthd_PfK9uFej-4QQwi0bAFVi2p-hDLe4nY4ij5Gq6BexfoBbq6y-9FtXuvAX69dbkWSqdnuecREc24oT_NjSsA3DvEcnFXGK_cptGD7I42rUeIYf9i0qktxCCsKEv1JnPk7hnD8SVLi8aLdxqCqNyFK-SYXme1pQ25cNvxzsBeFDsiZGy-D0/s4608/2023_1009_132149_008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4BVhf_Zthd_PfK9uFej-4QQwi0bAFVi2p-hDLe4nY4ij5Gq6BexfoBbq6y-9FtXuvAX69dbkWSqdnuecREc24oT_NjSsA3DvEcnFXGK_cptGD7I42rUeIYf9i0qktxCCsKEv1JnPk7hnD8SVLi8aLdxqCqNyFK-SYXme1pQ25cNvxzsBeFDsiZGy-D0/w640-h480/2023_1009_132149_008.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In order to do this you must go on an sactioned tour with a licensed guide, and the rules are strict.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">•<i>Swimmers are dropped off no closer than 10 m (33 ft) away from whales and 50 m (164 ft) from whales with calves</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">• Swimmers can approach whales no closer than 5 m (16 ft)</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">• The boat and swimmers should approach the whale from the side; not in front or behind the whale</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">• Swimmers are to stay as a group with the guide at all times in the water; they should not go in front of the guide</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">• Swimmers are to listen to the guide’s instructions</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">• Only four swimmers and the guide can be in the water with the whale at one time</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">• Don’t jump into the water from the boat. (We quietly slipped into the water, using a ladder at the stern of the boat)</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxAOtGVc-kL5NyYFZ2wTzBdxLj46Ydg0ZTO1nz8y7fA_UOUyOP0rBCgFXbytKXgZxAIt3iGc61i3-fz0YFA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since we arrived in Tonga in October it was the end of the season, and many of the mother and baby pairs had already departed for colder waters. Friends of ours who had taken the same tour a few days before had been able to swim with a mother and calf, but not as closely as they would have liked.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On the day of our tour we left at 8 in the morning in great anticipation of swimming with the whales. Six hours later slow and careful searching had only gained us the opportunity to listen to other boats via the radio making conntact with whales near us, but never quite near enough. Even after a tasty lunch aboard, we remained hopeful, but lingering in the back of our minds was the sad possibility that our hopes would not be realized. After a fourth pass of the same area we had been circling for a couple of hours, we saw, at a distance of about half a mile, consistant visible spouts. This time our captain was able to ease the boat ever closer without spooking the mother, and it began to look like we might just get a chance. We were a bit disappointed when our guide took the other four people out first for their chance to swim with the whales, as we were afraid that the whales might get scared and swim off. Fortunately the mother and baby did stick around long enough for us for us to ease into the water and get our chance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The water clarity was excellent, the temperature refreshing, and that special endless blue of open ocean was below us and allowed us to see both the mother and calf clearly as we approached. Much to our delight, our patience was rewarded because as we got within 50 feet of the calf, it became curious about us. As a group we remained still in the water and were fairly amazed as this 20 foot long, 3 or 4 ton child, circled our group twice. Its large fins only about 10 feet away. There is something remarkable about that large sentient eye, carefully investigating you. Clearly its curiosity was our good fortune as we got whale watched, up close, for several minutes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyUVIjBb_dNMWlrIsxKkVfudnx6WHrZNo5RE0pWT4eFPyuNORqqjXVZJMYDVQn4JS7bg7oA2C53A82FJeFI' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, mom was 60 - 80 feet away, nose down, but observing. That might seem somewhat distant, but she herself was 50-60 feet long. Considerably larger than her baby, and jolting our sense of scale by her presence alone, it was clear that even being in the ocean with a sense of endless vastness is only one way that the human brain uderstands scale. The mothers movements caused us to feel tiny in comparison.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxytgU7LsJR9TKZegVKmkdqw789pD2jn14DmRSShy4cDIYY_SVu63ehQ-eB8iPmuNu140Y9wnYXtwN2lKU5' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">The baby whale was very curious, often swimming close enough to us that we had to back off to give it room.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQfx7dsbuiaAcMXzYitX2AK4sPVFaU3Gk9tzZ33CZ4UM5k9E_iyRSMVExFfLfX3Q1H9g8KixDjiVXEG13A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwBS-Hj5xojlPdQtle8b2Ptio7eRZrC4cWxtr8s7S5oEnLh3KwD_mBc5O5aG1OBUjhkw9aDkqkto1817diI' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">All too soon it was over, Momma changed positions, and began to swim away. The baby followed along. Our guide hurried us back to the boat and once aboard everyone was all smiles. The excitement and chatter from each of us was seconded by our guide. For someone who does this six days a week, he seemed elated about the calf circling us so closely. We thought that he went from a real concern that the whole group might strike out for the day, to being genuinely pleased about the second group's close encounter as this was a rare opportunity. On the hour long boat ride back to town as you woud expect, everyone was still talking about how special is was to be in the water ,so close to these big brained aquatic mammals. As the sun moved lower in the western sky, enhancing the shadows along the cliff edges of the surrounding islands, a quieter satisfaction fell over the group and you could sense people reviewing the day to retain the memories.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-79449766896711940582023-12-18T17:26:00.000+13:002023-12-18T17:26:01.396+13:00 I am so confused<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-64e03e9b-7fff-0287-9dd5-9b7448c31bfb" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not having a fixed work schedule it is often hard to keep track of the days of the week. That has now been exasperated by crossing the dateline. Most of my contacts are still on the other side of the dateline so I have to keep track of what day it is in North America as well as what day it is here. What days are business days? When are the weekends? My family has a weekly zoom call on Fridays, but now I have to remember to join in on Saturday mornings, Fiji time.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-64e03e9b-7fff-0287-9dd5-9b7448c31bfb" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">If your birthday is on the 22nd and I want to call you, do I call you when it is the 22nd to me, and the 22st for you, or do I wait until the 23rd for me, which feels late, and call you when it is the 22nd for you. Conversely, if it's my birthday on the 15th, do you wish me early on your 14th or slightly late on your 15th, which feels like an early celebration or a belated greeting from my perspective?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">To add another layer of complexity, residing in the Southern Hemisphere means our seasons dance to a different rhythm. While friends and family brace themselves for winter, shorter days and dropping temperatures. Here in Fiji there are really only two seasons, the wet season and the dry season. We are easing into the wet season where it is warmer (hot and sticky) and wetter, with brief torrential downpours. We are on the shoulder of the wet season, think of it more like spring. And with spring comes the flowers. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_SarlVTAJq_HwK_czdyykWpuIzCezVrGi8vompnANz0Y5K3CEpQDQeZK9kN1pip2OLg0M3amxalIGid4Vzp_DoS0N7M1vmKQ2TqCQbk_HA4B08DBwMmKNe-fhjKm0S-B9s6EkEMbfsoAbWSB1FXHMjWYoygf2aTRnR2xQbJXy1ngu0XTRtyKxkoVvUk/s3420/IMG_20231206_063930683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3420" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_SarlVTAJq_HwK_czdyykWpuIzCezVrGi8vompnANz0Y5K3CEpQDQeZK9kN1pip2OLg0M3amxalIGid4Vzp_DoS0N7M1vmKQ2TqCQbk_HA4B08DBwMmKNe-fhjKm0S-B9s6EkEMbfsoAbWSB1FXHMjWYoygf2aTRnR2xQbJXy1ngu0XTRtyKxkoVvUk/w640-h562/IMG_20231206_063930683.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The flowers are all blooming here, especially the Flamboyant trees. At least that is the name that I learned to call it, in the Caribbean. Here in Fiji they call it the Flame Tree. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymO9elS3zKQRDSYeSiCGKa-0ut51t8EYn_JOFqFCCtAyWXJiVyfoapp1NW-vM4t5BsaqBBt1VZ5tWQdRGXBsgZlIXwGhUeAAkv7WBVjIy4E_pUAsBKwHfO_fKGubCVixgi_v5caHDMmeBu3rIQRCWOLcAgTZD9B5mhWGXZ3q6wFyxm5_WrZ-hjrWUIFQ/s4000/IMG_20231212_171341625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymO9elS3zKQRDSYeSiCGKa-0ut51t8EYn_JOFqFCCtAyWXJiVyfoapp1NW-vM4t5BsaqBBt1VZ5tWQdRGXBsgZlIXwGhUeAAkv7WBVjIy4E_pUAsBKwHfO_fKGubCVixgi_v5caHDMmeBu3rIQRCWOLcAgTZD9B5mhWGXZ3q6wFyxm5_WrZ-hjrWUIFQ/w480-h640/IMG_20231212_171341625.jpg" width="480" /></a>o</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnwWLoeLQ2P8QcGUigreQO7fFi27y7LgaQ9wc4bomyt_B-bo2_GIdw_L358BEOuVIvEJBFEpmuCrXpF01oVU2Hrk-wTpjyk8FZ_gr6vyIgcpIOeFGQLrOyunXsXpHAUnrjb_AK9BZFIwvs8xnrAhbeYrKPgkjFmbZq5SeqlyjIad7Xcq2t2gQtgl3fmU/s3973/IMG_20231215_070505945_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2496" data-original-width="3973" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnwWLoeLQ2P8QcGUigreQO7fFi27y7LgaQ9wc4bomyt_B-bo2_GIdw_L358BEOuVIvEJBFEpmuCrXpF01oVU2Hrk-wTpjyk8FZ_gr6vyIgcpIOeFGQLrOyunXsXpHAUnrjb_AK9BZFIwvs8xnrAhbeYrKPgkjFmbZq5SeqlyjIad7Xcq2t2gQtgl3fmU/w640-h402/IMG_20231215_070505945_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lots of flowers blooming, hedgerows of bougainvillea, and many very fragrant flowers blooming on a variety of trees.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Xq8v3FFVsSvJP-9098ZBOuaB4KsEaHJZUazfH6UgKSkqS92GVnHzRsMcOSGdRYFXUVge72uC4kDoTlBe7Eko-Dey_xlqYOQTs87CZnp21kD-iJiLb1zQmnVei_gWQ-pmWit0iM3vHhhnUkX6luubG6knxDpfC1vXdZnam9-skU4btKQf99UYn4bviOM/s4000/IMG_20231111_144949391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Xq8v3FFVsSvJP-9098ZBOuaB4KsEaHJZUazfH6UgKSkqS92GVnHzRsMcOSGdRYFXUVge72uC4kDoTlBe7Eko-Dey_xlqYOQTs87CZnp21kD-iJiLb1zQmnVei_gWQ-pmWit0iM3vHhhnUkX6luubG6knxDpfC1vXdZnam9-skU4btKQf99UYn4bviOM/w480-h640/IMG_20231111_144949391.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmkFK1DeBf49PifQlT-ADirYeP1eSZlYAnaDuW_3bhbBwTPCJ_NV31DP9gcBrpJvrSR4pt-_hcu9HGKpSOy8u0rQyNSXXkAo-M_uvp8NvMmsMMzY-mV_vG4C86Y8vSUU6gbpqt2nhXeP9aNmd6DcBuQvrXGk3TPbHjRTKOLcOkvPgWtl6sXKf6I2lv9c/s4000/IMG_20231111_143834991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmkFK1DeBf49PifQlT-ADirYeP1eSZlYAnaDuW_3bhbBwTPCJ_NV31DP9gcBrpJvrSR4pt-_hcu9HGKpSOy8u0rQyNSXXkAo-M_uvp8NvMmsMMzY-mV_vG4C86Y8vSUU6gbpqt2nhXeP9aNmd6DcBuQvrXGk3TPbHjRTKOLcOkvPgWtl6sXKf6I2lv9c/w480-h640/IMG_20231111_143834991.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRtP00_JxKfr4vRGyJ8DJe9KOjIwIlzAHanxh1y5EXeJ9PahSBk5M_zwKLGrJ85dhTduboNVOF8u_7zRViDQB7_KtKHKqlmSH32SrbtZ7uc8cFLKazB54zmVAv4kC5Wi0xj2cuFH56O_QgP9o_Iojo1RgEk31K65R-fXHaOjyUEFAN99Nmr3aXOXAk_Q/s4096/IMG_20200420_064316644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRtP00_JxKfr4vRGyJ8DJe9KOjIwIlzAHanxh1y5EXeJ9PahSBk5M_zwKLGrJ85dhTduboNVOF8u_7zRViDQB7_KtKHKqlmSH32SrbtZ7uc8cFLKazB54zmVAv4kC5Wi0xj2cuFH56O_QgP9o_Iojo1RgEk31K65R-fXHaOjyUEFAN99Nmr3aXOXAk_Q/w480-h640/IMG_20200420_064316644.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">So, wherever you are, and whatever day it is for you, I hope you are having a great day. Happy holidays to all, whatever and whenever you celebrate! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-54955899212382737442023-12-08T21:23:00.000+13:002023-12-08T21:23:08.675+13:00A Visionary Trip to Tonga, Giving the Gift of Sight<p><span style="font-size: large;"> "Malo, Malo 'Aupito!" he said with a smile, adjusting his new glasses and looking around, taking in the details of things he had previously been missing.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLLdJbFmTdwPzOh-hLqE90g8LpqQobReChlQDwkf_iUJ941elfA4NOtUHFrPV9H5YgOlzbJ40p6UoZBXPSCnFwZ4-Kkh44JyQ4yhHSmJ7f-N-1FYYIBfKbCWiUXkbv0hrhmDYbGqcT2idcEzJVTLY2cohV7cQlgoJvOjAdYwIpwToQFjVVmunN2hQbE0/s3334/IMG_20231010_110111043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3334" data-original-width="2347" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLLdJbFmTdwPzOh-hLqE90g8LpqQobReChlQDwkf_iUJ941elfA4NOtUHFrPV9H5YgOlzbJ40p6UoZBXPSCnFwZ4-Kkh44JyQ4yhHSmJ7f-N-1FYYIBfKbCWiUXkbv0hrhmDYbGqcT2idcEzJVTLY2cohV7cQlgoJvOjAdYwIpwToQFjVVmunN2hQbE0/w450-h640/IMG_20231010_110111043.jpg" width="450" /></span></a></div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Witnessing many individuals walk away with both new glasses and big smiles, we aimed to make a small impact during our cruising journey by hosting our first eyeglass clinic/giveaway in Tonga. If you followed our <a href="https://gofund.me/9f878ef9" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a> campaign, you know that it was instrumental in acquiring the necessary equipment. Here's how our inaugural giveaway unfolded.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We spread the word through a Facebook notice: </span></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yachts giving back to Vava'u, Tonga. No cost distance and reading glasses<br /></b><b>SY Rhapsody Free clinic at Cafe Tropicana Saturday 7th October 9am till 1pm<br /></b><b>Glasses are FREE and takes under 10 minutes, not nzd250. </b><b>Complex scripts can't be handled. </b></span></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You do not need an appointment or purchase anything from the Cafe to attend the clinic.</span></b></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">SY Rhapsody paying it forward!</span></b></h4><div><span style="font-size: large;">This, and word of mouth were the only advertising that we did, so Saturday morning at about 7:30 we packed up our supplies and headed to Cafe Tropicana. We had no idea how many people would show up. Would it be 2, or 50? We wanted to have time to set up and be prepared before our 9 AM designated starting time. Greg Just, the owner/operator of Cafe Tropicana allowed us to take over most of his Cafe, assisted with the advertising and assigned one of his workers to help us throughout the day. His generosity was invaluable. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We walked up to the Cafe, and there were already 20 people waiting outside the door. Greg laughed and said that it was very typical of Tongans, they will go early so they can be first in line.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Beginning to set up our area we had to figure out how the flow of people would work. The following is a list of the steps we went through:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1) Initial check on the eye chart as they see now.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2) Check the vision using our USee device from Globalvision 2020. The clients adjust the dials until they can read the smaller lines comfortably. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Oz2MANZWgltV-FMUBwtL2qhyphenhyphenmyyjkyRdfAaEu8tcxuH_Tds_soHOTd2HoEdF28VtHYITtIAwKjuZ_UQc_8fgcSoOlcKj8z5s2JlTV4-OpQ_rZcfb58BaW2NKBhFTSepVAb_41PRt6HdCczVsJeggV1Zg8rvi6g6xaDUaM94ojM8tUQV9-XKXkhECzw/s1017/Screenshot_20231207_090101_Google.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1017" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Oz2MANZWgltV-FMUBwtL2qhyphenhyphenmyyjkyRdfAaEu8tcxuH_Tds_soHOTd2HoEdF28VtHYITtIAwKjuZ_UQc_8fgcSoOlcKj8z5s2JlTV4-OpQ_rZcfb58BaW2NKBhFTSepVAb_41PRt6HdCczVsJeggV1Zg8rvi6g6xaDUaM94ojM8tUQV9-XKXkhECzw/s320/Screenshot_20231207_090101_Google.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">3) Have the client choose a frame (black or brown) and pop the lenses into the frame.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4) Recheck the vision and make adjustments. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5) Check the vision for reading glasses.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6) Make sure the client has all their goodies.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7) Greet the next client and start again. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUqPwug3B89sl2Cvaxryb__yx7yAiEjUeT2L_sT3J9SO0BCBX6shdV0s7M97RkErJ5BYMjKhSkBjRZ3vpy_CPHhD44AxG4CYxBmtJNblPdCR0jGnV0pZRjYsMkxStByPCKDYOdD7Jg8tXqYySDSXAn4ZTdqBHUDP26rjSsZi8ZJlMyJyqShxyjZqz8lU/s4000/IMG_20231007_111320890.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUqPwug3B89sl2Cvaxryb__yx7yAiEjUeT2L_sT3J9SO0BCBX6shdV0s7M97RkErJ5BYMjKhSkBjRZ3vpy_CPHhD44AxG4CYxBmtJNblPdCR0jGnV0pZRjYsMkxStByPCKDYOdD7Jg8tXqYySDSXAn4ZTdqBHUDP26rjSsZi8ZJlMyJyqShxyjZqz8lU/w480-h640/IMG_20231007_111320890.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Since this was our first clinic there was a learning curve. Figuring out the flow of the people, figuring out how long to spend with each client, figuring out how to communicate with those with limited English, figuring out the cultural differences, are they really seeing better? Or just saying what they think we want to hear? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6_ONriAwQub9vlZKfkan4SOU03f66omYyzv5LgZQxbGMOEevjFEkV3MDDT9x3XFsE-kG7glPW0vStYptAuvyNCEbGa0NTZDDhNJXImdCcjPy70CDqzD8YYDyWIMAjzdCv2eUNxmqX1EOEaQOqbZPk3n6V8wS30UZp_NUlnBbj1aQZCv89iTjXMN4YiY/s4000/IMG_20231007_122437120_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6_ONriAwQub9vlZKfkan4SOU03f66omYyzv5LgZQxbGMOEevjFEkV3MDDT9x3XFsE-kG7glPW0vStYptAuvyNCEbGa0NTZDDhNJXImdCcjPy70CDqzD8YYDyWIMAjzdCv2eUNxmqX1EOEaQOqbZPk3n6V8wS30UZp_NUlnBbj1aQZCv89iTjXMN4YiY/w480-h640/IMG_20231007_122437120_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We had planned to hold the clinic from 9-1. In actuality we started before 9 and worked non-stop until the Cafe closed at 5. Even then we did not see everyone who showed up and people asked if we would please come back the next day to get one person who just couldn't make it there by 5, and a few other people who would have liked to come. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu1nvN6ja4WEZpJgaYCnG7O0bxw2F0UK1w5dhjJk7A3fsGjVyqcSNSJQ7pxWXrkMu37t1S7_sq33OcFrNfu_YZZXxFUltS6b0fwlUz4AuntbRb8ar-xoHcZsJxBcb6JIgyAzxRnPf9vmfVq-SpfiiLHoJcKqcKMX__U2wGfx2DIAbUGerBwUJfjZmHYA/s4000/IMG_20231007_124727031_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu1nvN6ja4WEZpJgaYCnG7O0bxw2F0UK1w5dhjJk7A3fsGjVyqcSNSJQ7pxWXrkMu37t1S7_sq33OcFrNfu_YZZXxFUltS6b0fwlUz4AuntbRb8ar-xoHcZsJxBcb6JIgyAzxRnPf9vmfVq-SpfiiLHoJcKqcKMX__U2wGfx2DIAbUGerBwUJfjZmHYA/w480-h640/IMG_20231007_124727031_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The problem was that we were leaving for Fiji the next day, but we agreed to come in for an hour in the morning, from 8-9, before we left.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When we arrived in the morning there was a line, almost as long as the one the previous day. We still needed to check out of the country that day so we got right to work to see as many people as we could.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcuCKOiDlhSi6MrL_tGbBgP8aA-v5gvEOFzgSguN9INAdi1WMccEaG9BeopHB6Rviu4Kz_WY6O_Rko0piqie4XYDOTJls84SLrUwcOQ_8o1y4k9FQjydbb1-aW37BJSxa3NH3J-zaXn04NZErxVz-hEjdhkTBgbh2ydIhpaCWsRuMLSHB_SuYZ0MqMiY/s4000/IMG_20231010_104948408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcuCKOiDlhSi6MrL_tGbBgP8aA-v5gvEOFzgSguN9INAdi1WMccEaG9BeopHB6Rviu4Kz_WY6O_Rko0piqie4XYDOTJls84SLrUwcOQ_8o1y4k9FQjydbb1-aW37BJSxa3NH3J-zaXn04NZErxVz-hEjdhkTBgbh2ydIhpaCWsRuMLSHB_SuYZ0MqMiY/w480-h640/IMG_20231010_104948408.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Finally at 1 PM we felt we couldn't stay any longer, we had to pack up and move on. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We were very glad to help as many people as we did. We saw 54 people, gave out 53 pairs of reading glasses and 36 pairs of prescription glasses. The ages ranged from 13 to 92 and every single one of them expressed gratitude for what we were doing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">There is obviously a need here, and fortunately Greg (the Cafe owner) is working to get his own kits purchased so he can continue to offer the glasses to Tongans. We have moved on, and we are now in Fiji. Unfortunately so far we have spent most of our time in Fiji getting necessary repairs and upkeep done on Rhapsody as well as dodging cyclones, but we have every intention of heading out to the outer islands and assisting the vision of the Fijians as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Many thanks again to all of you who helped in our <a href="https://gofund.me/9f878ef9" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a> campaign. If you'd like to contribute, we are still seeking funds to sustain this undertaking.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQhTgA9okutTubXPcmqM7ggAgRMRUJldSjFmDXVcpEhLXLYBeEKHk7kbNnqHcNky9_O3SXYr7tbbgrriytBG2xoc2Zv8_HpKbrzdLLSVbYPQJ5HtnKWKQSOsV8k3akanOChXHpMsBBEuF-oO9SNVI4fsPT6F5HZk_9VzaE1nylblBv15RjHE1lQlEfWg/s3264/20231010_094142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQhTgA9okutTubXPcmqM7ggAgRMRUJldSjFmDXVcpEhLXLYBeEKHk7kbNnqHcNky9_O3SXYr7tbbgrriytBG2xoc2Zv8_HpKbrzdLLSVbYPQJ5HtnKWKQSOsV8k3akanOChXHpMsBBEuF-oO9SNVI4fsPT6F5HZk_9VzaE1nylblBv15RjHE1lQlEfWg/w480-h640/20231010_094142.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another happy customer! </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-71087593094802316802023-11-30T16:18:00.001+13:002023-11-30T16:18:56.434+13:00Seven years!<p> We interrupt your not-so-regularly scheduled blog post to take a few moments to reflect as we celebrate our 7 year splashiversary (the day Rhapsody was splashed into the water as our home). We bought Rhapsody in 2014, but officially moved aboard in November of 2016. As I look back over my pictures to try to decide what to include it is very daunting to try to cull it down to a reasonable number. So much has happened in 7 years, so many adventures, so many friends, so many changes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii20chhImFluJF2PG1YL_b62IBxkIFxmymDwHNlhoUwI1iJEsOodDqEuqHUZrhqWMSA2sLYPlqjYuJqd_843SHCIHnUzMmQJOd4ZC0LXpjqnlRLTcqc83LCFcg2cXLp_yfpkv7rzrePCchyphenhyphen_WouDVAVvaFhuhvRe39GWdYoY5uBmb4jF9MDBirYW4mmNg/s2308/20161101_115840.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2308" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii20chhImFluJF2PG1YL_b62IBxkIFxmymDwHNlhoUwI1iJEsOodDqEuqHUZrhqWMSA2sLYPlqjYuJqd_843SHCIHnUzMmQJOd4ZC0LXpjqnlRLTcqc83LCFcg2cXLp_yfpkv7rzrePCchyphenhyphen_WouDVAVvaFhuhvRe39GWdYoY5uBmb4jF9MDBirYW4mmNg/w510-h640/20161101_115840.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2016 Nanny Cay, BVI</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUehmjFxuOK0okUCjqEzeTTFb6NOCn1eg17c0ggVYpFUgq9KdQOat9kGKAh8VF9mkU-H3WgSfN_YERDpfNiaFdyg271O16c82cXQ0jzr4Bv4SelZe_2gju4ivqEckFR1QYJVct8Bgplxd4fOKVZoXnVXXtyV1tgkRh8-4tdaUp4z8wOhRHE7OouPbl6s/s1536/2017_1013_12554300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1536" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUehmjFxuOK0okUCjqEzeTTFb6NOCn1eg17c0ggVYpFUgq9KdQOat9kGKAh8VF9mkU-H3WgSfN_YERDpfNiaFdyg271O16c82cXQ0jzr4Bv4SelZe_2gju4ivqEckFR1QYJVct8Bgplxd4fOKVZoXnVXXtyV1tgkRh8-4tdaUp4z8wOhRHE7OouPbl6s/w640-h476/2017_1013_12554300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a joy to have the <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2019/06/dolphins.html" target="_blank">dolphins</a> join us</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4adHXkzB3FpjX1wao1Y2kjIJ8QDTKybqfVXcKN1Ur93rNVWckL28gjR2FYoRRbUYRHiQ_wpvGzGTDozN1KGyCNjCCMUufdfVld56y1v3A6SOHxBlFrcfb6J4iiNg17Tq6dRuIHQix72i5TcBBOypS-PuZx9XZLQ04Ptxc5bVj1Rp6lOX_Ss1Jbzn5syo/s3968/IMG_20170120_184128152.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="3968" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4adHXkzB3FpjX1wao1Y2kjIJ8QDTKybqfVXcKN1Ur93rNVWckL28gjR2FYoRRbUYRHiQ_wpvGzGTDozN1KGyCNjCCMUufdfVld56y1v3A6SOHxBlFrcfb6J4iiNg17Tq6dRuIHQix72i5TcBBOypS-PuZx9XZLQ04Ptxc5bVj1Rp6lOX_Ss1Jbzn5syo/w640-h378/IMG_20170120_184128152.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our<a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2017/08/night-passage.html" target="_blank"> first overnight sail</a>, BVI to Sint Maarten with Mike and Robin on Mermaid. They taught us so much about making passages and charting our route.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmnGDDkrUvzL5FAlr47s00DvuqO26Sc7JFEWSMbNVIVRrIYYs5ImtKWFptqU34o7cPfUHdcKbPw7x-Vb4tzo8mxrj_pG5yFtEsYYHeV-IDAjSDGajyMyTd7kdNMEnOzaQfvhfUZb6RnSJYrCzrCZZzhyR3A4aP347kJzYiUJuk-zlrDyHzsdN4LCx4zA/s4608/DSCF4203-001-EFFECTS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmnGDDkrUvzL5FAlr47s00DvuqO26Sc7JFEWSMbNVIVRrIYYs5ImtKWFptqU34o7cPfUHdcKbPw7x-Vb4tzo8mxrj_pG5yFtEsYYHeV-IDAjSDGajyMyTd7kdNMEnOzaQfvhfUZb6RnSJYrCzrCZZzhyR3A4aP347kJzYiUJuk-zlrDyHzsdN4LCx4zA/w640-h480/DSCF4203-001-EFFECTS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have become acquainted with quite a few varieties of lizards, geckos and iguanas in our travels </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQBjHfqjH8IN8XoH_hJmcgk36a80vrfgBQeisBDYGVk__VCVLKEXCqAwymSTK-TIcEbZ-II-rU7zzc8ZLP72ssbSCJ9QiWUIa8n9k77Gj3QDhuiXWwQDRcPD8R3okXwe-T5Lm-pSpq9DJdUMntxZCIX5fmPiRbVEBvU5DP_fmel2q5DMTCeuGDlMSquE/s4898/_DSC8769.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQBjHfqjH8IN8XoH_hJmcgk36a80vrfgBQeisBDYGVk__VCVLKEXCqAwymSTK-TIcEbZ-II-rU7zzc8ZLP72ssbSCJ9QiWUIa8n9k77Gj3QDhuiXWwQDRcPD8R3okXwe-T5Lm-pSpq9DJdUMntxZCIX5fmPiRbVEBvU5DP_fmel2q5DMTCeuGDlMSquE/w640-h426/_DSC8769.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diving and snorkeling have been a constant activity throughout the years</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuigJiWrF4TgYiS-B5ms_TbOWAqrweH2UM2WkGiGLWV7tyQFMxA6P_mqN6pBNCzn-Tx_tu5vWunz9EYJtbvR_IEcmR4HVDgcAeiLuS-SNVM_LTKM0z2sLUmmaWfd-a4nZzOThaVD48Sp3O9wN1FXJEiYZiuHEVozMRzGsCu-uj1v235SZO5qXK1bRpRc/s3264/Arriving%20in%20Sint%20Maarten%20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuigJiWrF4TgYiS-B5ms_TbOWAqrweH2UM2WkGiGLWV7tyQFMxA6P_mqN6pBNCzn-Tx_tu5vWunz9EYJtbvR_IEcmR4HVDgcAeiLuS-SNVM_LTKM0z2sLUmmaWfd-a4nZzOThaVD48Sp3O9wN1FXJEiYZiuHEVozMRzGsCu-uj1v235SZO5qXK1bRpRc/w640-h360/Arriving%20in%20Sint%20Maarten%20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never get tired of sunset pictures!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RRstxScvkp62_VOcl0ocUdbAJ07p0oIPuEEcG-2j2R3JgQZLoHD62mChXP7RQ4ylMEX8V94iCEhS24j3Cwau7F070IiJhz-r7HsERwNipskXSJ2pc0xosv_LkQWFeReRO5tEpPq9ui2qiXkcPirrPNYADvsxm6QPnUodsEmiwGIiiWnFNdsFY2xP6k/s2048/2017_1225_12310300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RRstxScvkp62_VOcl0ocUdbAJ07p0oIPuEEcG-2j2R3JgQZLoHD62mChXP7RQ4ylMEX8V94iCEhS24j3Cwau7F070IiJhz-r7HsERwNipskXSJ2pc0xosv_LkQWFeReRO5tEpPq9ui2qiXkcPirrPNYADvsxm6QPnUodsEmiwGIiiWnFNdsFY2xP6k/w480-h640/2017_1225_12310300.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to spend as many Christmases underwater as possible</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pmkhCWqsRQZLNieaJtFneoYulC7Nra_lWjqy59A_2v4riOnHVynQcj1DlZQ7hIVKIxqpTacDebKY1B2XPJwMp0igWiY6aAf-bbvtPLzahFddRIMPrYteEtaHhX6-UBfSbsrKaDjLj4NOY8DnJwgRihUJuMx3X43c_TVhhoJoXs6T4znz2GjhORV2Fi4/s3264/20171229_164134.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pmkhCWqsRQZLNieaJtFneoYulC7Nra_lWjqy59A_2v4riOnHVynQcj1DlZQ7hIVKIxqpTacDebKY1B2XPJwMp0igWiY6aAf-bbvtPLzahFddRIMPrYteEtaHhX6-UBfSbsrKaDjLj4NOY8DnJwgRihUJuMx3X43c_TVhhoJoXs6T4znz2GjhORV2Fi4/w360-h640/20171229_164134.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Bonaire the dive sites are marked with yellow rocks with the name painted on them. This was a gift to us from fellow cruisers, John and Ziggy, formerly on WindDancer IV, and remains a cherished gift.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKUG2lfSquDGDG8DeyfcEEf51VIIpOEtzV5xIzymLkPwDmcHGDPcyXmn8QMYcHbri0Bm8nssIOro04oYK7gSTpp9c3mHjzOp1odrLKj-aHc00nj91zOPX1fjlvmnIjHNVnvcVO1pCsexTZHfGHlPJs378C9cLSY-Qr6xiAFIWs8MM4UQJq6FXXeXTuak/s6851/_DSC9268.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="6851" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKUG2lfSquDGDG8DeyfcEEf51VIIpOEtzV5xIzymLkPwDmcHGDPcyXmn8QMYcHbri0Bm8nssIOro04oYK7gSTpp9c3mHjzOp1odrLKj-aHc00nj91zOPX1fjlvmnIjHNVnvcVO1pCsexTZHfGHlPJs378C9cLSY-Qr6xiAFIWs8MM4UQJq6FXXeXTuak/w640-h172/_DSC9268.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many places share these blue tones, my favorite combination of colors!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7Z9HmfUr-EzG0RZ4upTzlCHhV5PLduxjBM5J2Op93-FadxTnyW1yWbKupKM4II-cSqpp_jzHAvLI7GjeIYjCfCxuhhHxV5FvaydaBsYQbpk7BH8R54deill237zfxurp-X_o3DRlwMhPo4dIXzKz56mZXa7Co0IDDsNYL548LwKzHeYX9eg-xikvcI8/s2276/DSCF5006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="2276" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7Z9HmfUr-EzG0RZ4upTzlCHhV5PLduxjBM5J2Op93-FadxTnyW1yWbKupKM4II-cSqpp_jzHAvLI7GjeIYjCfCxuhhHxV5FvaydaBsYQbpk7BH8R54deill237zfxurp-X_o3DRlwMhPo4dIXzKz56mZXa7Co0IDDsNYL548LwKzHeYX9eg-xikvcI8/w640-h464/DSCF5006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare treat to see <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2018/11/octopus-love.html" target="_blank">octopus</a>, but always exciting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRFsp61r_Ey53Is8suTBkHyK1plnwBeqcqzV8LqBM249E7seWdv_lfc5e9D4O2_3wSULPZ2md_ajuU6-WPTAQkbo1YBHfoHpmtv4AS8wYqO7EiLhzrxS5058sz-vE7m0crdMn6XhE6VGOSgnsefLG0CXhyUkSNUVpb0pDxlGYy3n28vKrRC9i3NbJOkk/s4608/DSCF5730.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRFsp61r_Ey53Is8suTBkHyK1plnwBeqcqzV8LqBM249E7seWdv_lfc5e9D4O2_3wSULPZ2md_ajuU6-WPTAQkbo1YBHfoHpmtv4AS8wYqO7EiLhzrxS5058sz-vE7m0crdMn6XhE6VGOSgnsefLG0CXhyUkSNUVpb0pDxlGYy3n28vKrRC9i3NbJOkk/w480-h640/DSCF5730.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even rarer are sea horse spottings</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvbAAGKUzJw6tD7svCW_3Uh880iCDuKlOIbftTBHjVHY1wzDjURGWEbGPoFIkMPDbaFLkgH8SBc-6tLZDUURcouW4bXKwxOYkE77lx9wDpXGZXMv6L1SXD4bPybdQ78TeQULB8K6gy3x2ywoCm8Qj5i47DXNS4pK8FgNe11Kgz39Y3UqmuYgCCg4MUGM/s3571/IMG_20180204_163901678.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3571" data-original-width="2321" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvbAAGKUzJw6tD7svCW_3Uh880iCDuKlOIbftTBHjVHY1wzDjURGWEbGPoFIkMPDbaFLkgH8SBc-6tLZDUURcouW4bXKwxOYkE77lx9wDpXGZXMv6L1SXD4bPybdQ78TeQULB8K6gy3x2ywoCm8Qj5i47DXNS4pK8FgNe11Kgz39Y3UqmuYgCCg4MUGM/w416-h640/IMG_20180204_163901678.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have seen festivals in so many cultures</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntzddSb-KKgKKFSJjA8wZzUtPqztwZu2_WTyiJTdsSs5MuTXr3bt3dHLgdvxngRGqtevt7cOCk6_uuF2qr4-yRo9nfq7UIvFmh2a6mfxLb4sy16n4klxFh3zK3cNijk7E1YqaZw0wlr4oylokqzGT1KKdBHaMzGZ85H9QaqceB3RpKT5TPpb-V1Ij9To/s1322/IMG_20180211_163712417.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="842" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntzddSb-KKgKKFSJjA8wZzUtPqztwZu2_WTyiJTdsSs5MuTXr3bt3dHLgdvxngRGqtevt7cOCk6_uuF2qr4-yRo9nfq7UIvFmh2a6mfxLb4sy16n4klxFh3zK3cNijk7E1YqaZw0wlr4oylokqzGT1KKdBHaMzGZ85H9QaqceB3RpKT5TPpb-V1Ij9To/w408-h640/IMG_20180211_163712417.jpg" width="408" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are in <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2018/02/carnival-parade.html#more" target="_blank">Bonaire</a></td></tr></tbody></table>9th<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQAcCdgut20PvEfDrOlkkRUhp0ttoy4mQhE0V4rQYm5MQ0I3DiZoYegDkehni9IsLphFtbB23zESYZh2Y7of7gnCySoPC64aMsLnV6iW2wsCt0LjPlPFfgRTkaWEqB6-uIOar7G8pypzpR9CrCvbDPYzHfGS5XLEvRHlA48xPFbhcR-_yFLzHUvu22iY/s857/IMG_20180214_103819_846.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="857" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQAcCdgut20PvEfDrOlkkRUhp0ttoy4mQhE0V4rQYm5MQ0I3DiZoYegDkehni9IsLphFtbB23zESYZh2Y7of7gnCySoPC64aMsLnV6iW2wsCt0LjPlPFfgRTkaWEqB6-uIOar7G8pypzpR9CrCvbDPYzHfGS5XLEvRHlA48xPFbhcR-_yFLzHUvu22iY/w640-h640/IMG_20180214_103819_846.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Carnival</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm_-DAlzkZUjQEIcUAGm2zV9HQOyOVX-PALihKYDNjl070Eiy8rB3Tk8-MtLgn0dhU6-zFc_MBKSPVYLjo_HgrfNU8M6CZvC8ZtT8odHe4yTAwqMHF-Vkr1OkQvEojBU9dsVPS6BhBhwV-xTQwD84vG_Ufcp8H0seBH4qo6WJirk50hLY2MqcRswk_Bw/s2592/20180331_170113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm_-DAlzkZUjQEIcUAGm2zV9HQOyOVX-PALihKYDNjl070Eiy8rB3Tk8-MtLgn0dhU6-zFc_MBKSPVYLjo_HgrfNU8M6CZvC8ZtT8odHe4yTAwqMHF-Vkr1OkQvEojBU9dsVPS6BhBhwV-xTQwD84vG_Ufcp8H0seBH4qo6WJirk50hLY2MqcRswk_Bw/w640-h480/20180331_170113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_vo978uwcX7GuZ-_A3jTOkYcxBvO_C6BrNHWP5CvojprlxEIZfkn62fQaN9cVVSRyJGYU1ay2ujbeaiINDR8f9X6npJ5mxwB5wIjppV5gLawJgy4_izOOqH07sS-QS9Zb_Xf3CIiom5O1Bq5u_EfcHbo0tGjH3_KFnSC9GTlzYs_wRDs79aKMHRivtE/s2016/IMG_2960.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_vo978uwcX7GuZ-_A3jTOkYcxBvO_C6BrNHWP5CvojprlxEIZfkn62fQaN9cVVSRyJGYU1ay2ujbeaiINDR8f9X6npJ5mxwB5wIjppV5gLawJgy4_izOOqH07sS-QS9Zb_Xf3CIiom5O1Bq5u_EfcHbo0tGjH3_KFnSC9GTlzYs_wRDs79aKMHRivtE/w480-h640/IMG_2960.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have encountered lots of wildlife in various islands</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVAyiMgQ2krdFLt_-73DXjMftxS4lRj9QMiZMCPlHNN8p8dcK4U0GwO8oCTi_rxOGBjvegg2JMCkePg-nqz1gQif0apGkN9h80ajDRMCdL9ngzBIs2osTi5X1zGyKTplC9qwL8ZqyKrv9kqHfuWARVtAboh7uKIi04U3qK33zFxUeVAs4_PlvUUk5h84/s4160/IMG_20181016_110016356.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVAyiMgQ2krdFLt_-73DXjMftxS4lRj9QMiZMCPlHNN8p8dcK4U0GwO8oCTi_rxOGBjvegg2JMCkePg-nqz1gQif0apGkN9h80ajDRMCdL9ngzBIs2osTi5X1zGyKTplC9qwL8ZqyKrv9kqHfuWARVtAboh7uKIi04U3qK33zFxUeVAs4_PlvUUk5h84/w640-h360/IMG_20181016_110016356.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture of the transition of blues, snorkeling in the light blue to the right, diving in the dark blue to the left</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ATvOxcU5I6vwcnvRSfJtIY8VuDLJ4SKbWAWqigMwN1K2QP5hdp6__CcqKYKF0p76KdudBgavo77_pLNj_aukkLjO6OliSl-UrRkdBI2djkk0DJstWi-vWdp3W-CQ1LBxen_UlqONn7CwAEfyXaBJFEHhInF_Xt2P5BSuH0yW-4rsGNnhpgvfSWWRZo/s6000/DSC00161.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ATvOxcU5I6vwcnvRSfJtIY8VuDLJ4SKbWAWqigMwN1K2QP5hdp6__CcqKYKF0p76KdudBgavo77_pLNj_aukkLjO6OliSl-UrRkdBI2djkk0DJstWi-vWdp3W-CQ1LBxen_UlqONn7CwAEfyXaBJFEHhInF_Xt2P5BSuH0yW-4rsGNnhpgvfSWWRZo/w640-h426/DSC00161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingos!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ttl4YxraPTKfu6dd55dvC9Q-U9xRmaH8HEW-yjPAFUZ3B9cTYeU6IDTP9ylA0OTJQCJBPn9PjYvKcWFul0RBu4qmPdMQC4zEWB1Z89igJFHwVebaFqciMIpK5Xbi1NCv_vEXj7cscDmtuYYGy-c6lGoNjSdXPBLD5_K6N4QQlSl7md3VcM4f0uNGHL4/s6000/DSC02189.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ttl4YxraPTKfu6dd55dvC9Q-U9xRmaH8HEW-yjPAFUZ3B9cTYeU6IDTP9ylA0OTJQCJBPn9PjYvKcWFul0RBu4qmPdMQC4zEWB1Z89igJFHwVebaFqciMIpK5Xbi1NCv_vEXj7cscDmtuYYGy-c6lGoNjSdXPBLD5_K6N4QQlSl7md3VcM4f0uNGHL4/w640-h426/DSC02189.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More festivals in French Polynesia </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzKkcJ1fbH5H7buA204iuMS5xC2q0PObMgpcp6_0UNdX5Ryvepfz7qD0RBYQRw1UQhkXRLngpAZJ_i5eNBiF3qxLQLgp-ETw7m7Dhu7fywxByi9vjii4pZ_6zbwZQdt4UxWpn-TrS6w4Hg9dT1B6h1BzIsdsuBroRiQV_7fB-BiQgSILrBxfu43TRBTM/s6000/DSC02437.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzKkcJ1fbH5H7buA204iuMS5xC2q0PObMgpcp6_0UNdX5Ryvepfz7qD0RBYQRw1UQhkXRLngpAZJ_i5eNBiF3qxLQLgp-ETw7m7Dhu7fywxByi9vjii4pZ_6zbwZQdt4UxWpn-TrS6w4Hg9dT1B6h1BzIsdsuBroRiQV_7fB-BiQgSILrBxfu43TRBTM/w426-h640/DSC02437.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very different from the Caribbean </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOT753iJm06D-H4wDXIBPf5lca5beK-tJgFoSg0kCVCyWfeHokG2yfPVHcmd-xG4vxOFz2r2n9pbQV5tvxLcreYwXCUT2svIS-RGZOpB-MHLRKJBpxY01VwLsvJ1XweML5zuyHJWXHHyRoVjvqRIAyzhe1fk9QGH8w2E_XkLf0No9m7TRsXv6iKckvz4/s1280/FB_IMG_1683145559209~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOT753iJm06D-H4wDXIBPf5lca5beK-tJgFoSg0kCVCyWfeHokG2yfPVHcmd-xG4vxOFz2r2n9pbQV5tvxLcreYwXCUT2svIS-RGZOpB-MHLRKJBpxY01VwLsvJ1XweML5zuyHJWXHHyRoVjvqRIAyzhe1fk9QGH8w2E_XkLf0No9m7TRsXv6iKckvz4/w640-h360/FB_IMG_1683145559209~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming with Manta Rays in French Polynesia with Liane and Andrew on WaveRiders <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2527" data-original-width="2297" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQFllo-hjLsVELJCF-IohaS78XzJAO_eboflvirYYhbiLSgyvIfn2VVgLqTg3OZ-GhyvEaIpAZX-RZbanZTESKrrV2nSlbw-kNuf0tCrXEP5ccUkrP49c_HiiaBVyaTWGnq9vM2i5bFVoHd30IaLBHGk_SiUKe63gEuONLftx-aFefb-xjiP9FMWzZto/w582-h640/DSC01190~2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="582" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeys in Panama </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiHxGsm_u_1VkKMjxdSK7jd5AeRLs1kPSG8JVw6gRLr_FpZA6EtqPWC9zjnyFLs86E5-aaTdIzLbmU4lsGCqXvtJcXbvQ3WTlo-pOuVRVEC0bONKcqeIjcwUDl5TxIoowtf6fAcRBsIEClceSFV5xJoSCXcVSi0LDpjTH1J8IvoQVzODI5fnzTNG1BIw/s4096/IMG_20190106_103706611_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiHxGsm_u_1VkKMjxdSK7jd5AeRLs1kPSG8JVw6gRLr_FpZA6EtqPWC9zjnyFLs86E5-aaTdIzLbmU4lsGCqXvtJcXbvQ3WTlo-pOuVRVEC0bONKcqeIjcwUDl5TxIoowtf6fAcRBsIEClceSFV5xJoSCXcVSi0LDpjTH1J8IvoQVzODI5fnzTNG1BIw/w640-h480/IMG_20190106_103706611_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeys in Colombia<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Traveling to the <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2022/04/exploring-san-cristobal.html" target="_blank">Galapagos</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsMxHXOtR2eFhvuD65nSB-hgdGi31fixu-eYBjiQGmej0ysA2ChD_8_HkyIWsoNYJhENZM_Yo-12GSoL7B' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCv5_Bxz8UQ0OAiZ0RmOlOIRZL8LB3JXVAJkVEyIRX_hsnat90CTPikidHCxHvIu2w6ihymna1bTWX_XMwsvg7C9pieoBjBvSi920kx1bMfd_FWL1B2k0b6XjaJdpI8NcBFa-oqZW3j1ZgHQf6jlikc0lRTVQzHo36k9cq4RLagInMaPbGlcFOg5Fqis/s1920/IMG_0209_exported_2068~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCv5_Bxz8UQ0OAiZ0RmOlOIRZL8LB3JXVAJkVEyIRX_hsnat90CTPikidHCxHvIu2w6ihymna1bTWX_XMwsvg7C9pieoBjBvSi920kx1bMfd_FWL1B2k0b6XjaJdpI8NcBFa-oqZW3j1ZgHQf6jlikc0lRTVQzHo36k9cq4RLagInMaPbGlcFOg5Fqis/w640-h360/IMG_0209_exported_2068~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2022/05/your-questions-answered.html" target="_blank">across the Pacific</a> to French Polynesia, and beyond.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />But it hasn't all been sunshine and mantas, we have had our share of problems, <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2021/06/the-journey-from-panama-chapter-8.html" target="_blank">autopilot failures, </a> a <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2020/06/flashbang.html" target="_blank">lightning</a> strike, <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2019/03/another-fireand-reef.html" target="_blank">fires</a>, <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2019/04/fixing-boat-in-exotic-places.html#more" target="_blank">equipment failures</a>, and <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2019/01/a-wet-windy-ride-to-colombia.html" target="_blank">less-than-fun passages</a>. <div><br /></div><div>All of the above were great learning opportunities, specifically learning, as much as possible, how to avoid the issues next time! Unfortunately the next time will probably be a <a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2019/02/another-passage-different-issues.html" target="_blank">new issue</a>, to learn from!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to year 8, may it be full of adventure, friends, diving, and a minimal amount of equipment failures and related issues!</div><div><br /><div><p><br /></p></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-48060266516516489192023-11-16T11:25:00.000+13:002023-11-16T11:25:35.844+13:00Rhapsody meets Cyclone Mal<p><span style="font-size: large;"> "When are you leaving the boatyard?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This was the question the marina management asked us when we came into the office. "There is bad weather coming"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We were well aware of this as we had been watching the reports for days, watching the growing system and realizing that it was headed in our direction.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The problem is, we are "on the hard" meaning that Rhapsody has been hauled out of the water to have some repairs made and some necessary maintenance done. We currently have no prop shaft and the rudder is laying on a pallet under the boat, making it impossible for us to maneuver in the water if we had to be launched, if we even had someplace safe to go to.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Next we received an email stating the following:</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Please kindly note we will have to relaunch your vessel at the earliest by 5pm this afternoon. "</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A little background here as to why we are still on the hard after two weeks. Our prop shaft was causing some wiggling in the steering, so we had it removed to test for trueness. Upon removal it became obvious that it was no longer usable, the (something or other) was rusted and the shaft was bent?. A new prop shaft would have to be ordered from New Zealand. We had no choice but to tell them to order it, but to please hurry as we would like to get back in the water to make ourselves safer during the rapidly approaching cyclone season. They agreed to get the process moving.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Three days later...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"We have just ordered the prop shaft"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So much for rushing things for us.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"It has been ordered from Wellington but it has to be shipped to Auckland to have the trueness tested. We have had problems with shafts arriving here and not being true enough for our standards"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One week later...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"The shaft has arrived in Fiji, but they did not package it to our specific requirements, they used 2 boards to protect it instead of our requested four, and it has arrived bent"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"We are working with the company to try to expedite another shaft for you"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And so we sit, rudderless, and wishing we had been given the shaft.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Next the Marina office came to us again-</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"You have to leave"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Sorry, but we can't"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Please sign these waivers making you liable if anything happens anywhere around your boat"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, we signed, or rather Bob signed (does that make him more liable than me?)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyi-DpgyER6bF118L-E33vo2q0zxfw4hcF8Ho312Y0caMqAXzqyQp5PEmDB6Blo3Od02NcgoFtPEN9Jm3di' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The preparations all around the marina were in full force. Tourists were crowding off the ferries from the outer island resorts,like rats fleeing a sinking ship. Anything that had the potential of flying away was removed or tied down. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbgZwUKM7fgyINw5SdZdDfrejGOQZakGz_uKFpFksVrcxgn-J3ejAx3CuL7BCfoHfYhpfDcDtU5tnST9CKShmzSnJXfYEBBa3naupOK4-HP4suKtYN6ZHqLN9GTQ7hVnu2wm0pPiSuomaKvBTm3BdZu3khkuT0GG2M95jLdwBJxP6b50YlNDftjCRRz8/s4000/IMG_20231114_155000252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbgZwUKM7fgyINw5SdZdDfrejGOQZakGz_uKFpFksVrcxgn-J3ejAx3CuL7BCfoHfYhpfDcDtU5tnST9CKShmzSnJXfYEBBa3naupOK4-HP4suKtYN6ZHqLN9GTQ7hVnu2wm0pPiSuomaKvBTm3BdZu3khkuT0GG2M95jLdwBJxP6b50YlNDftjCRRz8/w480-h640/IMG_20231114_155000252.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">The biggest activity near us was all the boats were removed from the docks, sailboats were sent to the mangroves to tie up and power boats were crammed in the boat yard all around us, even spilling out into the adjoining parking lots.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTTHSrLM036qGGWCIfcVzSg9o_qyUbr74ZhNpJWGywDrK6h8T-Atz2Fcp-kjsvf5Hcgvh204RLk3_zpCZjms6giLEbcsyzgqhZUGoYGZPWjeLxNlLpzpSEXWQ7_vRccc_mhAv_1QZkDD1MGnDhp3cvBtKKZsdU9uvd_DpzQZ1sKT2btDfXZ1Zi82k4Is/s4000/IMG_20231114_153530035_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTTHSrLM036qGGWCIfcVzSg9o_qyUbr74ZhNpJWGywDrK6h8T-Atz2Fcp-kjsvf5Hcgvh204RLk3_zpCZjms6giLEbcsyzgqhZUGoYGZPWjeLxNlLpzpSEXWQ7_vRccc_mhAv_1QZkDD1MGnDhp3cvBtKKZsdU9uvd_DpzQZ1sKT2btDfXZ1Zi82k4Is/w480-h640/IMG_20231114_153530035_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">The docks and the mooring fields looked like a ghost town. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4aY3AtigQ7T1fA9Pk9JOjChGATosfi_Yjgn-dCTCBRWCs7as8u_Td9vbU_57_w-6263skPMSWhdbEdNxprQukcG7AF9v6J4XllaklHAFmhfCHlCvXFKU_-62QjqwnzHPwDPyrLUZ_5_KPV4EqglxdP65ys1ZSEet6svNSuU_1rtmFUEuXuXcJ3AHki0/s4000/IMG_20231114_130937700_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4aY3AtigQ7T1fA9Pk9JOjChGATosfi_Yjgn-dCTCBRWCs7as8u_Td9vbU_57_w-6263skPMSWhdbEdNxprQukcG7AF9v6J4XllaklHAFmhfCHlCvXFKU_-62QjqwnzHPwDPyrLUZ_5_KPV4EqglxdP65ys1ZSEet6svNSuU_1rtmFUEuXuXcJ3AHki0/w640-h480/IMG_20231114_130937700_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">These docks are usually completely full.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Rhapsody got tied down six ways to Sunday.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHr3kz_D01xgrmuzCVcEDzEEL-qudPQJlQX6QuijKPouCu8DdqeC8HaWbWSp8P7bBttpeY0T2QcplAxFJhhgV3QSRU283F538af9YmnJocLMsn9pqoQpYGJXIqvlKvktILvFMjuVFAqMbECBIlbK0wrd1VoYagIV8MikxAxVHxMRquu_iWg_n0gkRvuU/s4000/IMG_20231114_153655210_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHr3kz_D01xgrmuzCVcEDzEEL-qudPQJlQX6QuijKPouCu8DdqeC8HaWbWSp8P7bBttpeY0T2QcplAxFJhhgV3QSRU283F538af9YmnJocLMsn9pqoQpYGJXIqvlKvktILvFMjuVFAqMbECBIlbK0wrd1VoYagIV8MikxAxVHxMRquu_iWg_n0gkRvuU/w480-h640/IMG_20231114_153655210_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lines from bow, stern and center, a line from the top of the mast to help stabilize it, and many additional jack stands were placed around us, with Melody, our dinghy, tucked and tied beneath Rhapsody. Note the absence of our rudder and prop shaft.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then we waited. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pGd69Oz6vfL-nHv4Sv_UD9BH6TNFt4JJXCPF99_XghwfWZBtX7iiPOS_7DCNSMiKKs7oxwNOPb5emgFFyQnHwYLV7z1-QxJahfZaE2CWFXFOKc-oIJF6iFDrRclDHqOKretPvAsbHztfe_nau9nkNysMKJuBdxPd88xXrfV9KY9c195Jtff5Wx50Edw/s4000/IMG_20231114_174316942_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pGd69Oz6vfL-nHv4Sv_UD9BH6TNFt4JJXCPF99_XghwfWZBtX7iiPOS_7DCNSMiKKs7oxwNOPb5emgFFyQnHwYLV7z1-QxJahfZaE2CWFXFOKc-oIJF6iFDrRclDHqOKretPvAsbHztfe_nau9nkNysMKJuBdxPd88xXrfV9KY9c195Jtff5Wx50Edw/w480-h640/IMG_20231114_174316942_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here, looking back at the boatyard, with one lone sailboat mast, Rhapsody. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The marina management was very uncomfortable having us there, worrying, not so much about us, but that our boat might topple and cause damage to the other boats around us.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some notes I wrote, waiting for the bigger winds to come:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div><b>3:30 PM</b> winds begin, the mast begins to sing, sounding like air being blown across a bottle, or a boomwhacker.</div><div><b>4:30</b> whitecaps forming out in the bay the winds are up to 20 knots</div><div><b>6:30</b> sunset, there is a new, higher tone in the singing mast, winds up to 24 knots</div><div><b>7:30</b> still no rain, winds down to 14-17</div><div><b>8:30</b> ditto</div><div><b>9:30</b> the rains have begun winds still in the low 20's</div><div><b>11:15</b> Things are picking up. The boat is vibrating, but solid and stable. Winds in the low 40's gusts to 50. The hatches have to be closed because of the intermittent rain, and also the certainty that the wind would blow them open. This is making the cabin hot and stuffy. Usually the fans by our bed are enough for relief, but not now, it was just too humid. </div><div><b>12:30 AM</b> The winds feel higher now, Rhapsody is vibrating more, but feeling well tied down. </div><div><b>1:30</b> There has been no change in the winds, neither higher, nor lower</div><div><b>3:30</b> Things are sounding like they are calming down. I am going to try to get some sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDuBG0082YjOzHIY08pa-DwqzCmYsZEutldtVoQh2KABH1U5ksrZVasz9lrh8ILC4uPBWSS9brZqndikODbennQLC94kkk2CJNRCj3fQ0ru47WrSCJJYjqZLd4Sbd8aECu2LTCW9j3_T_2PFdaZH8zQoYHMc9KDCuxNBIn5v25PG4r5G6KU625o874qo/s1731/November%2016,%202023%20102026%20AM%20GMT+1200.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDuBG0082YjOzHIY08pa-DwqzCmYsZEutldtVoQh2KABH1U5ksrZVasz9lrh8ILC4uPBWSS9brZqndikODbennQLC94kkk2CJNRCj3fQ0ru47WrSCJJYjqZLd4Sbd8aECu2LTCW9j3_T_2PFdaZH8zQoYHMc9KDCuxNBIn5v25PG4r5G6KU625o874qo/w444-h640/November%2016,%202023%20102026%20AM%20GMT+1200.png" width="444" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>The small white dot to the right of the center is Rhapsody. Cyclone Mal passed to the side of the main island of Viti Levu. The highest gust I saw was 50 knots, I know it got higher than that, but certainly nothing that ever put us in danger.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After the sun came up it was still blowing a little, but the worst had passed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBAf9R4y88JtAdRrz5YcWz0sjAVkvbYPzb1aGaak5Q9U9h_-gOtJaGPFd_LqSDxqnDsR972R4EHghyphenhyphenhq6gHXj0nEI1BVZN5yOCykQXzE8pmWuExnXUQznOcEeRzFm5k93tRfah-mGc1yDE0c3okylZT_IIeVHzWFjn9LatNq8U6huZqt-xbnmW1GIkKA/s4000/IMG_20231115_113013914_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBAf9R4y88JtAdRrz5YcWz0sjAVkvbYPzb1aGaak5Q9U9h_-gOtJaGPFd_LqSDxqnDsR972R4EHghyphenhyphenhq6gHXj0nEI1BVZN5yOCykQXzE8pmWuExnXUQznOcEeRzFm5k93tRfah-mGc1yDE0c3okylZT_IIeVHzWFjn9LatNq8U6huZqt-xbnmW1GIkKA/w480-h640/IMG_20231115_113013914_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>There was a lot of small debris on the ground, but no major damage was seen anywhere. The weather outlook for this cyclone season has 4‐6 cyclones predicted. That was one. Here's wishing the others treat us as kindly.</div></span></div></div><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-35891691675386900422023-10-25T18:36:00.000+13:002023-10-25T18:36:10.137+13:00Tonga, a study in contrasts<span style="font-size: large;">Five weeks in Tonga and the answer to the question "What is Tonga like?" is not an easy question to answer. For us Tonga was a series of contrasting events. Let's start with the weather. Tonga was either cloudy and grey, with high wind warnings, or calm and absolutely beautiful. When the sun was out the contrast between the green hills, the blue skies and the turquoise waters was stunning. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdBkU0We_MvAASDOOkByFxPPEG-Yg91KW7C-A85bet9-dAEDb_JVWqVpncD070vgpTVPu_aVYyTBlQMpI2YrnZwDkifdR0ggu9p8koFcXskpjYDZyhW6N5VP12w3evPFLfB-jJT6VM0H9Kn9qEa-W1qHLcAZvcDwQJlsjsTKSkvI3GJMM0OtILTQDYuQ/s2288/20231018_084421.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2288" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdBkU0We_MvAASDOOkByFxPPEG-Yg91KW7C-A85bet9-dAEDb_JVWqVpncD070vgpTVPu_aVYyTBlQMpI2YrnZwDkifdR0ggu9p8koFcXskpjYDZyhW6N5VP12w3evPFLfB-jJT6VM0H9Kn9qEa-W1qHLcAZvcDwQJlsjsTKSkvI3GJMM0OtILTQDYuQ/w640-h430/20231018_084421.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A watercolor I did of our anchorage at Port Maurelle, one of the many anchorages in the Vava'u group of Tonga. Many of the islands have undercut limestone cliffs and caves.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">The water cutting away the limestone created stunning overhangs and caves. Swallow's cave is one of the caves we got to explore.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKmIgCivyRGY11Ny-IbwxGgl83mODQf_4IPkQjUxZyC-DlYcpB18OvlD_Gp1TaeW6kfFguaxL1fiYK31RtDv3ttyKWrmD_xTfuXkUOPBsHSyHyQlJnlNpwEyoEq8SgpIPR_fp5ZCn1hQCl8Ygvm0YVj7Jia2LMLBXrgVqLj4q7lbXpTkvo-NpU9Jg1Cc/s4000/IMG_20231002_125220386~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKmIgCivyRGY11Ny-IbwxGgl83mODQf_4IPkQjUxZyC-DlYcpB18OvlD_Gp1TaeW6kfFguaxL1fiYK31RtDv3ttyKWrmD_xTfuXkUOPBsHSyHyQlJnlNpwEyoEq8SgpIPR_fp5ZCn1hQCl8Ygvm0YVj7Jia2LMLBXrgVqLj4q7lbXpTkvo-NpU9Jg1Cc/w480-h640/IMG_20231002_125220386~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It is only accessible by boat, or swimming</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdoxwgXpO6ca15D1tFb3oGtgJNJ2xv3VBNmvUig133s8-f7ifplMQjwxmhT59gzM8I8sCc9NbYk4vff2uij4BKYjzKFD2XpDanRXd0xwAJyv0QZ1gFggeMF-shyphenhyphenY9r_uVKj-AMrZyE6k-0lB_blj5Wknfne4IWzm7dVtgnEmJXm9ed5TmULGuY-Bc6j8/s4000/IMG_20230928_161159089_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdoxwgXpO6ca15D1tFb3oGtgJNJ2xv3VBNmvUig133s8-f7ifplMQjwxmhT59gzM8I8sCc9NbYk4vff2uij4BKYjzKFD2XpDanRXd0xwAJyv0QZ1gFggeMF-shyphenhyphenY9r_uVKj-AMrZyE6k-0lB_blj5Wknfne4IWzm7dVtgnEmJXm9ed5TmULGuY-Bc6j8/w480-h640/IMG_20230928_161159089_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyA95MylfaXbTJetlAPE-6A9I_62Y5GJUWcJlIDR8HlKo4-P4TcnwoX6SYPuGJjVkQsbf0TWYp6sxgBHPgc05Pgsi9swz7W6ohjqwdt9pBXUVolREEqYo3HyLFmU4199xv1Oc9wS1xyOOSfXiJjQ_1WsxrqSkGJr4EKM7q2nbUq-uF53mxxgejRN5rKg/s4000/IMG_20230928_161103440_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyA95MylfaXbTJetlAPE-6A9I_62Y5GJUWcJlIDR8HlKo4-P4TcnwoX6SYPuGJjVkQsbf0TWYp6sxgBHPgc05Pgsi9swz7W6ohjqwdt9pBXUVolREEqYo3HyLFmU4199xv1Oc9wS1xyOOSfXiJjQ_1WsxrqSkGJr4EKM7q2nbUq-uF53mxxgejRN5rKg/w480-h640/IMG_20230928_161103440_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TVYk2SwDSwnvbNGTloqIxC-Y9QCr4jM2y-0YC1m31e4QyT4TOesfeHOiKTHRIvt95OTviCb4aMSbuXOCseBTwdxHlkdbYwTjdjwUJ7folJI-4TuK786JQhrWpVtqkW5P-iUsa5BdAbKTWLlu3qVHsj2izHHgQhUMdWYaP7AtZGtK7Z8rvSElRqkKJNc/s4000/IMG_20230928_160837673_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TVYk2SwDSwnvbNGTloqIxC-Y9QCr4jM2y-0YC1m31e4QyT4TOesfeHOiKTHRIvt95OTviCb4aMSbuXOCseBTwdxHlkdbYwTjdjwUJ7folJI-4TuK786JQhrWpVtqkW5P-iUsa5BdAbKTWLlu3qVHsj2izHHgQhUMdWYaP7AtZGtK7Z8rvSElRqkKJNc/w480-h640/IMG_20230928_160837673_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking back out from inside the cave</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We alternated our time in Tonga with hunkering down on the boat, waiting for the wind and the waves to subside, or hiking, diving, snorkeling and spending time with other people. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1UMlDp8ishtgvSSED6ERKFSK0pWfKFEmsfKw1cekJ4k98WlEp-dm1HvIIWDPiDDiT7hblcNdBdc-EPR0ldQVlAPDQxfOqgy2PqcjnIzPP3NyAylc7RkTxd_AXc-dXbsVQWAxxMcSIZsUEc2NRr0Jj_zG_QlqZ2sD7WYR6zglDjldJDLHo-e0a3alBYg/s4000/IMG_20231001_070538522_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1UMlDp8ishtgvSSED6ERKFSK0pWfKFEmsfKw1cekJ4k98WlEp-dm1HvIIWDPiDDiT7hblcNdBdc-EPR0ldQVlAPDQxfOqgy2PqcjnIzPP3NyAylc7RkTxd_AXc-dXbsVQWAxxMcSIZsUEc2NRr0Jj_zG_QlqZ2sD7WYR6zglDjldJDLHo-e0a3alBYg/w640-h480/IMG_20231001_070538522_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Another cave we got to explore was Mariner's Cave.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF85mPFE_Y5O0eyPs87fKLscbQHbSBuGXu0Mlm_oTgzDBdjSSs7wX9OHGBNBWxERiZEbDyWHnyfCzSLtAQJ71FrTAbf38PoLtl0tXPa0osTF82hg7jclcMOjZbG-BfCfHF8lDstQ6qaaKreaeDl8R60EIeynWwX9kixgH32FmdkXwsDCd5f5SN_F43Acc/s1350/Mariner's%20cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF85mPFE_Y5O0eyPs87fKLscbQHbSBuGXu0Mlm_oTgzDBdjSSs7wX9OHGBNBWxERiZEbDyWHnyfCzSLtAQJ71FrTAbf38PoLtl0tXPa0osTF82hg7jclcMOjZbG-BfCfHF8lDstQ6qaaKreaeDl8R60EIeynWwX9kixgH32FmdkXwsDCd5f5SN_F43Acc/w426-h640/Mariner's%20cave.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">The entrance to this cave is underwater. We dove down, swam through the entrance and surfaced inside, above the water. The cave was only lit by the sunlight filtering through the water at the entrance. It was absolutely beautiful. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Tonga consists of some 170 islands divided into three main island groups: Tongatapu in the south, Ha'apai in the centre, and Vava'u in the north. 170 miles north to south</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdknXJSSJoSQrO7HDTmTKL19B6T-LXl0AadtQNQEU8cQRy7LzB1pN8WR2837pVuWNqzvUD4MUlaiDczr2-BhHtMeDWdSrVZqZQ-GEhPd-hcKqZUo9RC91LUPkREmsnBxzyWs02dXqZXttus_0HsspRwXZGOb1nfi-vZ0f6-W4O2NwVvMYtIiIdpeTPAvQ/s1311/October%2017,%202023%2063500%20PM%20GMT+1200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="975" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdknXJSSJoSQrO7HDTmTKL19B6T-LXl0AadtQNQEU8cQRy7LzB1pN8WR2837pVuWNqzvUD4MUlaiDczr2-BhHtMeDWdSrVZqZQ-GEhPd-hcKqZUo9RC91LUPkREmsnBxzyWs02dXqZXttus_0HsspRwXZGOb1nfi-vZ0f6-W4O2NwVvMYtIiIdpeTPAvQ/w476-h640/October%2017,%202023%2063500%20PM%20GMT+1200.jpg" width="476" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">We spent our time in the Northern section, or the Vava'u group. The Ha'api group is the group that was devastated by the volcano in 2022, and the Tongatapu group is what is usually labeled as Tonga on maps.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxy204AucuRV8V1sbzW0Da00Za40F8gswtbdRJDaOx-p-4T-OB1uD5691Ubi_xE2-JKA2Y1Mb4Dkhopa0mEvn0ykKnu9rxPV1-lhxUog1Eivykz7hw7eU1hVOVa2AdkVXxIRsYq4kYAndCOCaJzwtLlXgYCd_CnkoElCQSj0pqaxSYANIe52FAI-pLc0/s1341/Screenshot_20230906_074112_Maps~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="1058" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxy204AucuRV8V1sbzW0Da00Za40F8gswtbdRJDaOx-p-4T-OB1uD5691Ubi_xE2-JKA2Y1Mb4Dkhopa0mEvn0ykKnu9rxPV1-lhxUog1Eivykz7hw7eU1hVOVa2AdkVXxIRsYq4kYAndCOCaJzwtLlXgYCd_CnkoElCQSj0pqaxSYANIe52FAI-pLc0/w504-h640/Screenshot_20230906_074112_Maps~2.jpg" width="504" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The Vava'u group is comprised of one large island and 40 smaller ones with waterways twisting between them . It is easy to find areas of protection when the strong winds are blowing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY2vn-Qwx7SUCYRB1U9ut-MVJVshJbtdQLmUb_2iXZoMHiJND0orXOml6smqdbed7k5sSNuKWpBAWmzGYu78t3AbB39EvG12JLVvCx3NCRhSWX1zf6NFi3Yyvmm89JQ6jmAQ7LZ8KqZDqYi37kDmAXGvXQ2qVKQqLrfBY7bNSSYTGkqBTVg-5Ax7SLDk/s4000/IMG_20230929_215329354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY2vn-Qwx7SUCYRB1U9ut-MVJVshJbtdQLmUb_2iXZoMHiJND0orXOml6smqdbed7k5sSNuKWpBAWmzGYu78t3AbB39EvG12JLVvCx3NCRhSWX1zf6NFi3Yyvmm89JQ6jmAQ7LZ8KqZDqYi37kDmAXGvXQ2qVKQqLrfBY7bNSSYTGkqBTVg-5Ax7SLDk/w640-h480/IMG_20230929_215329354.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">Bob organized a wonderful birthday celebration for me with some really great folks,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">and later we participated in our first "boat crawl"</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAuBFTs8AWgE5hj-OZQBB5oNbFlI2jLdUMligUvmnj-9qzyqkCH2GSUAJu3yYJ-OmZrSnRyaI4hZbuFzFbevow01BQ6jsRv7EgInWwa2KEUK67Q4Io9PEJsy1sB4SWFgTWdatRC2UfN3lvQE9ltg7S2kykxw28F9ySbt1yGR8UTMkK9DB4hi0c3_WUcU/s4000/IMG_20231004_172753661_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAuBFTs8AWgE5hj-OZQBB5oNbFlI2jLdUMligUvmnj-9qzyqkCH2GSUAJu3yYJ-OmZrSnRyaI4hZbuFzFbevow01BQ6jsRv7EgInWwa2KEUK67Q4Io9PEJsy1sB4SWFgTWdatRC2UfN3lvQE9ltg7S2kykxw28F9ySbt1yGR8UTMkK9DB4hi0c3_WUcU/w640-h480/IMG_20231004_172753661_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">Rhapsody was the first boat in the lineup. We had 8 boats total participating. BYOB, hors d'oeuvres provided by the boat owners. We have never had so many people in the cockpit of Rhapsody! We could actually sense the weight tipping Rhapsody slightly towards the stern!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">All the wind and the rain produced some spectacular sunsets.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2rNd6Efu1aDgYACjv8h9k8lVYGZTuoVNXAE0cz3oP2JO9s5L4qlMQIqK_83FwPgWPoAMhbbBVfo23GSM7MXZ9qqy7qDodG9Z87UvttkOHI4xPnffLBSL-ymrwdbd9ypaVH9XC-9rmrqa_hUixLY7XSG4nRQGXAvCQTXCshKLU1U1Gx6Br6pMhsS0m28/s4000/IMG_20231005_184203714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2rNd6Efu1aDgYACjv8h9k8lVYGZTuoVNXAE0cz3oP2JO9s5L4qlMQIqK_83FwPgWPoAMhbbBVfo23GSM7MXZ9qqy7qDodG9Z87UvttkOHI4xPnffLBSL-ymrwdbd9ypaVH9XC-9rmrqa_hUixLY7XSG4nRQGXAvCQTXCshKLU1U1Gx6Br6pMhsS0m28/w640-h480/IMG_20231005_184203714.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Next up: swimming with the whales!</span></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-8927255395588200442023-09-30T16:25:00.000+13:002023-09-30T16:25:15.867+13:00Greetings from the future <p><span style="font-size: large;"> We did it! We crossed the International dateline and traveled into tomorrow. While I can't give you tomorrow's winning lottery ticket number, I can tell you the answers to tomorrow's Wordle or tomorrow's New York Times Crossword puzzle. I am reading tomorrow's news while you are still in yesterday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We crossed the dateline out at sea somewhere between American Samoa and Tonga. We were sailing along, enjoying our Tuesday when, out of the blue, it was suddenly Wednesday. I looked for the dotted red line in the water marking the change, but I didn't see anything, I just don't understand. We did, however, see a complete double rainbow just after we crossed the line.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ1J7-UL5xfv85o-k2hFg8VN2slhqcKgsAGL6A71hKUngWM3B8rVRkD1kvusaz4zNzEPgAIXbqitj7kAneMXQMDnB81CtW9q4BVUIITmWPF7Vj-2OK2N96upVCXrgoXNPxnP5wtze-UXD49ROY7T63ziXijjxrFEZ02xt_jsMcCtMma0r4Aa_2P0KrFM/s3854/IMG_20230904_175944975_HDR~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3854" data-original-width="2890" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ1J7-UL5xfv85o-k2hFg8VN2slhqcKgsAGL6A71hKUngWM3B8rVRkD1kvusaz4zNzEPgAIXbqitj7kAneMXQMDnB81CtW9q4BVUIITmWPF7Vj-2OK2N96upVCXrgoXNPxnP5wtze-UXD49ROY7T63ziXijjxrFEZ02xt_jsMcCtMma0r4Aa_2P0KrFM/w480-h640/IMG_20230904_175944975_HDR~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately I didn't have the camera ready to catch the entire spectacle, but nonetheless it represented a portal into the future, into the next day. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrEKG3psbYaMXmK1E_PWvqV140Ml0hoso5FB8XTh6z2st-l4KMJJDDQvLFmYe_GXnzxTXAjOgGrJq0MGeKNou6H1Q4o7R98--_-L6pZnGF39FG5f6Q3ukstuYEnpR9xtvYTdFuQMCITvX9WptFmCgKlLShdDTCX89UH2lDW3isXSAnXZoUfcqGIMdxDI/s1200/Screenshot_20230924_213010_Google.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1200" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrEKG3psbYaMXmK1E_PWvqV140Ml0hoso5FB8XTh6z2st-l4KMJJDDQvLFmYe_GXnzxTXAjOgGrJq0MGeKNou6H1Q4o7R98--_-L6pZnGF39FG5f6Q3ukstuYEnpR9xtvYTdFuQMCITvX9WptFmCgKlLShdDTCX89UH2lDW3isXSAnXZoUfcqGIMdxDI/w640-h620/Screenshot_20230924_213010_Google.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The dateline is a funny thing. It twists and turns around countries and messes with the time zones. When we were in American Samoa our timezone was UTC -11 and here in Tonga we are UTC +13. What does that mean? UTC stands for Coordinated Universal Time, also sometimes referred to as GMT or Greenwich Mean Time. Technically GMT is a timezone while UTC is the time, in practicality they refer to the same thing, so both terms are used. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But wait- why is it UTC and not CUT? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Politics. Coordinated Universal Time would normally be abbreviated as CUT, but the French name, Temps Universel Coordonné, would be TUC. So, as a compromise, UTC is used, making sense to no one.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, what does that mean for time differences to us? When we were in American Samoa we were 4 hours earlier than the West Coast of the US, 7 hours earlier than the East Coast. Here in Tonga it is the same, only a day ahead. Meaning if it is Saturday noon on the West Coast it is 12 - 4 or 8 AM on Sunday here. It can get a little confusing to us when we are planning communications with people in the US. What time is it there? What day is it? We may not have a time machine, a <a href="DeLorean time machine - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeLorean_time_machine">DeLorean</a> or a <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TARDIS">TARDIS</a> but we do have a sailboat crossing the dateline allowing us to travel into tomorrow. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Next stop- The Kingdom Of Tonga.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-49388337559026735652023-09-15T20:40:00.000+13:002023-09-15T20:40:10.960+13:00A Welcome Port in a Storm<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As we last left our intrepid sailors they had just arrived safely in Pago Pago, American Samoa. 12 hours of big seas and high winds and they were exhausted. There is only one port/anchorage on the island and it has quite a reputation. It is a long thin bay that acts as a wind tunnel, accelerating the winds off the sea and adding the catabatic winds off the mountains. Other bonuses of this anchorage include very poor holding for the anchor and strong smells from the Starkist Tuna Cannery right next to the spot designated for small boat (as opposed to tankers) anchoring. Ahh, tropical paradise! </span><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">In actuality once we got our anchor set it did hold quite well. We did put on our anchor alarm app as an added peace of mind. This app will track where the boat us and alert us if we drag further than a specified distance. </span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH5oCW_eayLsaPgs6NxniX3USO3m01voIjdD4VZZOn0qgdE7eck1_ehqBm1BA167jcWv4LI0xz3c0IMNSVICmkd-duZ3qnxt9cIaOS5UiEtuSrIkoc_PIp9H1xHhk4olu2RtBF7sl2GIXikv5UgNVF8O60PY8QU9bydvLvY9u9qgi2GtmrlOjKRtZSh0/s1600/IMG-20230830-WA0000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH5oCW_eayLsaPgs6NxniX3USO3m01voIjdD4VZZOn0qgdE7eck1_ehqBm1BA167jcWv4LI0xz3c0IMNSVICmkd-duZ3qnxt9cIaOS5UiEtuSrIkoc_PIp9H1xHhk4olu2RtBF7sl2GIXikv5UgNVF8O60PY8QU9bydvLvY9u9qgi2GtmrlOjKRtZSh0/w288-h640/IMG-20230830-WA0000.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ideal anchorage will have a minimal amount of movement on the anchor. This movement was just in one day, a very active anchorage. Whitecaps in the bay meant that we had to put on rain gear to try to keep ourselves dry when we took the dinghy ashore. The silver lining to all the wind was that it drowned out the noise of the cannery and blew away the smells!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Once we did make it safely ashore we had a chance to explore American Samoa. The people there were some of the friendliest that we have encountered in our time on the boat. We encountered ready smiles everywhere and offers to help with whatever we needed. I do have to mention, however, that across the board, they were pretty poor at giving directions. They would always do it with a smile, confidently give the information (even when it was quite obviously wrong) and finish it up with the statement- "you should probably check with someone else when you get closer". Good advice.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">American Samoa is one of the last chances we have to buy electronics that are 110v. Most of the rest of the world uses 220v and sell the appliances for that voltage. Our boat is set up to run things on 110v and so replacing things can become a problem. The biggest thing we were in search of was a small printer, but we were unsuccessful. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Fun facts about American Samoa: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">American Samoans are considered "non-citizen nationals" which means they can reside in the US and hold US passports, but they do not have voting rights, cannot run for office, cannot serve as officers in the military (although they can enlist) and are excluded from holding certain jobs such as law enforcement. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">American Samoa has the only US National Park south of the equator. It is the only park that is on leased land that is still controlled by the local communities, which still use the lands for subsistence farming and fishing. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKx7ctA7yeifksVjZ2s1EUsPSVqLozAC6Ap5gYapPN4oFzXacSfhK7O5m2em0t2-hMfaQZY9ui21HwbD9Jm4JLn6nq7ChXJBd2GZHChn-YVERVExp7qtOt9HakZ6WbvLhIRcSBDVEz9L1Wv2ExQlCd5lYivPoUMS5F2w1ySd2TL7sTryKninTp9x_5xbw/s4000/IMG_20230902_094109458_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKx7ctA7yeifksVjZ2s1EUsPSVqLozAC6Ap5gYapPN4oFzXacSfhK7O5m2em0t2-hMfaQZY9ui21HwbD9Jm4JLn6nq7ChXJBd2GZHChn-YVERVExp7qtOt9HakZ6WbvLhIRcSBDVEz9L1Wv2ExQlCd5lYivPoUMS5F2w1ySd2TL7sTryKninTp9x_5xbw/w480-h640/IMG_20230902_094109458_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEaJLQAIe953w8ideqKhySVMDNkme4eOlHYXbehGV2ZF4DaeLxBxr5mMfdDn6OJ1fB4s_qk6NbCms6SwdZ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fIq_Me0M1fF8AWMHeXlegj-UbxpUEDS8I1qKOhKJnYs1lhtewjL-cDdkzCSUPsEwBRxnCr8-crvzGeNMQfQWnqf7JBAHu5Nm43SS0mFPZBu6DBRnaOHmBL9hIQijUKNPgVRNsNGqgDLJ6HDYqKTmpvMtTq6IpYRPgkNozOEqHIKWpEsPJFXNtelorvU/s4000/IMG_20230902_100859869~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fIq_Me0M1fF8AWMHeXlegj-UbxpUEDS8I1qKOhKJnYs1lhtewjL-cDdkzCSUPsEwBRxnCr8-crvzGeNMQfQWnqf7JBAHu5Nm43SS0mFPZBu6DBRnaOHmBL9hIQijUKNPgVRNsNGqgDLJ6HDYqKTmpvMtTq6IpYRPgkNozOEqHIKWpEsPJFXNtelorvU/w480-h640/IMG_20230902_100859869~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some beautiful big trees with size comparison to our lovely model</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRczn3wns2itVgPaDqvSRavPR_syhzwnVeH-vcr5hECUrfQHYGjHJ8Z5qGNPYq9HgwdjWVSkCo7aT5aXdpT3OWysuIVjqjixoPsgYYlJyyz0RUJXJts5FTdvVWt5tcecLp43JxUAqJvroN2p-x2YDkTJqlsR_VsqM1EemvGFLE8Yse1aoExj7WleyO5XY/s4000/IMG_20230902_103423192.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRczn3wns2itVgPaDqvSRavPR_syhzwnVeH-vcr5hECUrfQHYGjHJ8Z5qGNPYq9HgwdjWVSkCo7aT5aXdpT3OWysuIVjqjixoPsgYYlJyyz0RUJXJts5FTdvVWt5tcecLp43JxUAqJvroN2p-x2YDkTJqlsR_VsqM1EemvGFLE8Yse1aoExj7WleyO5XY/w640-h480/IMG_20230902_103423192.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This is looking across the bay to the beach in the previous video. The video was taken on the left side of the strait between the islands.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRu-Lrg2-BZcG_VVJkwNgQp3fvz1qQ4YzCNZgfGfNSJt0ULxz3UpLDh0xkJwcpyMQ0b5aEABhLpl89bTSa' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">I love the blues of the sunlight shining through the waves.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Our time in American Samoa was short but enjoyable (when the winds calmed down and we were off the boat!) The people were lovely and the hiking in the park was beautiful. After the somewhat pricey experiences in French Polynesia, American Samoa brought some financial relief; even simple tasks like doing laundry were refreshingly affordable, with a load costing just 75 cents instead of the $4 we'd grown accustomed to. prices were a welcome relief after French Polynesia (laundry was 75 cents per load vs $4). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We spent a week in American Samoa, resting, provisioning and hiking. Sailors plans are very weather dependent. Sometimes we don't get to spend as much time in a place as we would like, and sometimes we are in a location just waiting for a good weather window. We got a break in the weather and even though it was sooner than we had planned, we decided to move on to Tonga while we had a chance of a calmer, safer passage. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DEIiPATtpN9uVVg-CILpZK5iUZ4eO93i1cWbGi_AWMyHntl9SnRdWeR_tisUttswexBlU4UHFt1KBksQCOFeT6ooZG9B6Cm27qBs-AGcsbsMh2dnDCACKrEA8J4OakZkGqIrz-471vkoorTvr-qoXBcRn65wkEq1V9J9V6AAM6Mi4eX7HfeuCuyS7OA/s4000/IMG_20230902_101225189_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DEIiPATtpN9uVVg-CILpZK5iUZ4eO93i1cWbGi_AWMyHntl9SnRdWeR_tisUttswexBlU4UHFt1KBksQCOFeT6ooZG9B6Cm27qBs-AGcsbsMh2dnDCACKrEA8J4OakZkGqIrz-471vkoorTvr-qoXBcRn65wkEq1V9J9V6AAM6Mi4eX7HfeuCuyS7OA/w480-h640/IMG_20230902_101225189_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-12333249085303233502023-09-03T20:32:00.000+13:002023-09-03T20:32:07.610+13:00Where to Next?<p><span style="font-size: large;"> During our 15-month stay in French Polynesia, we thoroughly explored the captivating atolls and islands. However, as all good things must come to an end, the time arrived for us to chart our next course.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTynZ4Py_TskSa9krekzNzmAH4U82p2MhzzGF4lY9wgeE9B4YTnVnENskdpglcJp1qrGTgWqZn7bQUyzrfwmJIZkqVvZVWPtFQ0Xtin__DVU84-JZDpYfr8gfkZcS5reBJeJb18e3vJlth6G7mMKV3R78zo3ScazaciQhrswU4C5i7kVCMTEFtPn6GGA/s4000/IMG_20230817_062426681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTynZ4Py_TskSa9krekzNzmAH4U82p2MhzzGF4lY9wgeE9B4YTnVnENskdpglcJp1qrGTgWqZn7bQUyzrfwmJIZkqVvZVWPtFQ0Xtin__DVU84-JZDpYfr8gfkZcS5reBJeJb18e3vJlth6G7mMKV3R78zo3ScazaciQhrswU4C5i7kVCMTEFtPn6GGA/w640-h480/IMG_20230817_062426681.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Goodbye French Polynesia</span> </td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Our ultimate destination was Tonga, but this presented an important decision: which route should we take? As sailors, our journey isn't determined by roads, tracks, or flight paths. Instead, we are profoundly influenced by the unpredictable forces of weather. The wind, in just the right amount and direction, becomes our ally, guiding us toward our destination, but excessive wind can quickly turn a voyage into a harrowing and uncomfortable ordeal.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxXowyKLBkmtqDBGEul1wWo6a2UlFvJ2SlpmH07xX-hd7ZtP1Kt7Herwprr0UdpgD2N_1rM78q4PyKsz7xS' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As we bid farewell to French Polynesia, heading toward Tonga, we have several route options:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCZwgUtViDWb9ppBwF3qnVxAN3S5RSYwdEBlM_fqye-P-Il5hwmj8-YERUNuSmKeKcLG0zzJjJKq_W12fwfFMRmOXKr-2ItXP90X3vnXsa-kFgzMKHLeu9SuUG9IbB0p3-ub3bgvx03CBwxghkvIjYYxOLFK6g-LkE-zLcH1ZDr6sdnQ8sGK__N52Udc/s1776/September%202,%202023%2081802%20PM%20GMT-1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="1620" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCZwgUtViDWb9ppBwF3qnVxAN3S5RSYwdEBlM_fqye-P-Il5hwmj8-YERUNuSmKeKcLG0zzJjJKq_W12fwfFMRmOXKr-2ItXP90X3vnXsa-kFgzMKHLeu9SuUG9IbB0p3-ub3bgvx03CBwxghkvIjYYxOLFK6g-LkE-zLcH1ZDr6sdnQ8sGK__N52Udc/w584-h640/September%202,%202023%2081802%20PM%20GMT-1100.jpg" width="584" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Option One</b>: The most direct path would lead us through the Cook Islands to Niue and then onward to Tonga, with the enticing possibility of a bonus stop at the uninhabited Beveridge Reef.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Option Two</b>: An alternative route would take us further north to Penrhyn Atoll, the northernmost part of the Cook Islands. From there, we would decide our path towards Tonga based on the prevailing weather conditions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Option Three</b>: Sail to Suwarrow, a remote National Park in the Cook Islands, sporadically occupied by just two park rangers and the occasional cruising boat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After meticulous deliberation, we reluctantly eliminated Penrhyn from our list, as it extended too far from the direct route to Tonga. While it held the promise of a vibrant community to explore, the extra days of sailing didn't quite justify the detour.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now, we were left with a choice between Option One and Option Three. Drawing from the experiences of fellow cruisers who had ventured this route around the same time in previous years, we were informed that many either a) favored the northern route for favorable weather or b) wished they had chosen it due to challenging winds and waves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ultimately, we resolved to take the most direct route, steering through the Cooks to Niue and onward to Tonga. We completed last-minute repairs, stocked up on provisions, and enjoyed some final snorkeling sessions. However, as is often the case with weather, our carefully laid plans took an unexpected turn. A menacing weather system seemed to be forming directly along our chosen path, prompting a swift change in strategy. We decided to alter our course, heading north to Suwarrow to evade the impending winds.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The journey spanned five days, with three of them characterized by strong winds and choppy seas, making for an uncomfortable passage. It was the type of passage that made me question our lifestyle choice, but not bad enough to want to chuck it all in. Fortunately, the winds and waves gradually subsided on the last day, ushering us through the atoll's passage to a tranquil anchorage. Our relief, however, was short-lived, as the anchorage's seafloor was littered with coral heads, making it challenging to secure our anchor. It took nearly two hours of effort, including a scuba diving excursion by Bob to free the anchor from a tangle of coral. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Finally anchored securely, we eagerly headed ashore to check-in and meet Suwarrow's park rangers, Harry and his companion. Harry, a veteran of 15 years in Suwarrow, and his partner, (and unfortunately I have forgotten her name) three years under her belt, had crafted a delightful haven for themselves in this remote paradise. We were eager to explore the atoll, swim with Manta Rays, and recover from our eventful passage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, our excitement was dampened the next morning as strong winds ruled out snorkeling. We decided to check the weather forecast between Suwarrow and American Samoa, offering us insight into the expected conditions for our stay in Suwarrow. Unfortunately, the forecast was bleak. A formidable weather system was approaching, threatening to disrupt our plans for at least two weeks. Our options were stark: endure a protracted stay in Suwarrow with limited opportunities for swimming and snorkeling (with scuba diving off-limits, except for anchor rescue), or make a hasty departure to outrun the impending winds and waves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We chose to leave, but as any seasoned sailor knows, departure from a foreign country is never immediate. We had to complete the formalities onshore, less than 24 hours after our arrival, and pray that our anchor wouldn't become ensnared in coral once more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remarkably, we managed to expedite the process in just an hour, and our anchor emerged from the depths without a hitch. We set sail on a three-day voyage to American Samoa, with the bulk of the passage proving uneventful as we kept ahead of the brewing storm. It wasn't until the final 12 hours that the wind intensified, gusting at 30 knots, and waves swelled to 3 meters (10 feet), making for a challenging and uncomfortable stretch. I remember being glad it was only 12 hours, I could handle that. We took turns at the helm, until we safely reached Pago Pago Harbor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After a well-deserved rest, we looked forward to exploring American Samoa. While Suwarrow's beauty remained uncharted territory, we were grateful to find refuge in this safe harbor.</span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-51742933915819928442023-06-17T16:19:00.006+13:002023-06-19T08:00:05.214+13:00Help us to bring better vision to Tonga and Fiji<p>As we continue on our journey around the world on our sailboat, we have become more aware just how fortunate we are to be able to do this, and we have been looking for a way to make a more meaningful impact in some of the smaller communities we visit. Unfortunately, due to our wandering, unscheduled nature, volunteering opportunities can be limited. We are never in one place very long, and cannot commit to recurring volunteer opportunities. However, we have discovered a solution that will enable us to make a difference: Global Vision 2020 is a company that provides glasses to people in remote areas without access to optometrists. With your support, we aim to purchase one of their kits, allowing us to give glasses to 250 individuals and provide 300 pairs of reading glasses. Join us in bringing the gift of better vision to those in need as we sail to Tonga and Fiji!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfizkweL2yQlFx0EmWUkSdS4uncr6j2YBbH0VUnsm_tM2oDgxPeVXlemFdxDnuWKxhggfo7ey2Xpf_UAe0owNSX00MzC-YQ8e2sj_norw9AJqwgg6FD5xYOSkOOHhtsVA9NpGo7QFmVE01yWvzi3saXVdjuldncLO5LcNb4hV2s3n7w6Syoz3dX2G/s4000/IMG_20230519_153937245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfizkweL2yQlFx0EmWUkSdS4uncr6j2YBbH0VUnsm_tM2oDgxPeVXlemFdxDnuWKxhggfo7ey2Xpf_UAe0owNSX00MzC-YQ8e2sj_norw9AJqwgg6FD5xYOSkOOHhtsVA9NpGo7QFmVE01yWvzi3saXVdjuldncLO5LcNb4hV2s3n7w6Syoz3dX2G/w453-h421/IMG_20230519_153937245.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://gofund.me/9f878ef9" target="_blank">Our GoFundMe page</a><br /></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Our Mission:<p></p><p>As someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of vision correction, this cause is close to my heart. Many individuals with poor vision express amazement at the newfound clarity and detail they discover when they first look through their new glasses. I still remember the awe I felt when I first saw the surroundings of a swimming pool with my glasses on after having entered the pool for many years leaving my glasses in the locker room. I noticed the signage, artwork, and lane markers that had previously gone unseen. I want to help provide others with a similar gift of wonder and amazement. Good vision enables an important confidence that helps us all to more fully engage with our world.</p><p><br /></p><p>Global Vision 2020 and How You Can Help:</p><p>Global Vision 2020 is an innovative, nonprofit organization that produces glasses for individuals in remote areas where access to optometrists is limited or nonexistent. By purchasing one of their kits, we will have the resources to create glasses for 240 people and provide 300 pairs of reading glasses. Including shipping the kit costs $2,700.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PbiTxRZKzK8" width="320" youtube-src-id="PbiTxRZKzK8"></iframe></div><br /><p>While this video from Global Vision 2020 is from Africa, this is similar to what we hope to accomplish in Fiji, bringing the world into better focus for those who need it.</p><p>Your generous contributions will directly impact the lives of individuals in remote islands of Tonga and Fiji, where English is widely spoken. With the language barrier lessened, we hope to be able to connect with local communities and bring the joy of improved vision to those who need it most.</p><p><br /></p><p>How Your Donation Makes a Difference:</p><p><br /></p><p>$10: Supports the assembly of one pair of glasses or one pair of readers.</p><p>$50: Helps provide vision correction for five individuals.</p><p>$100: Enables us to bring the gift of better vision to ten people in need.</p><p>$250: Supports the creation of glasses for an entire classroom or community center.</p><p>$500: Helps us cover the cost of shipping the glasses to us so we can take them to remote islands.</p><p>Any amount: Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring us closer to our goal and make a positive impact in someone's life.</p><p>Join Our Journey:</p><p>By donating to our campaign you become an important part of our effort to help where help is clearly needed. Follow us on social media and stay connected as we share stories, photos, and videos of the remarkable moments we can create together. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us!</p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you for considering our cause and helping us bring the gift of better vision to those who deserve it. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in remote islands, empowering them to fully experience the beauty around them.</p><p>To contribute click <a href="https://gofund.me/9f878ef9" target="_blank">here</a> to go to our GoFundMe page. Anything you choose to give will be greatly appreciated, and we promise to post updates about the project.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0F94R+6W Fa'a'ā, French Polynesia-17.5444307 -149.6076616-17.577164003946745 -149.64199387539063 -17.511697396053254 -149.57332932460938tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-29001251183728738212023-06-05T12:55:00.001+13:002023-06-05T12:55:31.793+13:00Hype or Reality? Exploring Bora Bora <p><span style="font-size: large;">Bora Bora, a name that evokes images of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts. It's a place often associated with dream honeymoons and celebrity getaways. . My son, Rivers, and his wife, Laura have a Screensaver on their TV that flashes up a scene from Bora Bora.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHEsdYIwzeZpfGWuoq6lz-V0mECse5omPJy4mCeW2kno5LcubbqNRf797AwEL3OAoss2fEb4OroHWofzPVQopaX3-hzLtw1MwUQsMZrTd-rHh02FqBTBPmbcAS0ZcoNQ81jXco0tmIdxjdmeGncNS1BkUcGSKXLb91FEgtz-pyNDrQRY2U8HwjWnW/s1920/received_631539125099108.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHEsdYIwzeZpfGWuoq6lz-V0mECse5omPJy4mCeW2kno5LcubbqNRf797AwEL3OAoss2fEb4OroHWofzPVQopaX3-hzLtw1MwUQsMZrTd-rHh02FqBTBPmbcAS0ZcoNQ81jXco0tmIdxjdmeGncNS1BkUcGSKXLb91FEgtz-pyNDrQRY2U8HwjWnW/w640-h360/received_631539125099108.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>I wasn't able to exactly replicate it for several reasons. 1) The peak of Otemanu is almost always at least partially covered by clouds. 2) This picture was taken from one of the resorts, across a reflecting pool with the overwater bungalows between the camera and the mountain 3) I did not see the "No Signal" sign floating in the air.<span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds5D-LZsGnDQF8e2Jb4L3aO7u3TMhEMziPig5SoJAQBRvg5f8nNnLqYvojTMyYUDmlTD5yuvm4rVvOl4NfKT_BrbttDuT8R7za4Ws0WWoPgm9quCXmKUlrxP7RsPiHSJ3LUnnLPHGm5zdR3FZ2RdyXLpTb5_KlJ74-WoPmIu0j26PLbch0Lzz2l8S/s3949/IMG_20230512_144105214_HDR~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3949" data-original-width="2962" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds5D-LZsGnDQF8e2Jb4L3aO7u3TMhEMziPig5SoJAQBRvg5f8nNnLqYvojTMyYUDmlTD5yuvm4rVvOl4NfKT_BrbttDuT8R7za4Ws0WWoPgm9quCXmKUlrxP7RsPiHSJ3LUnnLPHGm5zdR3FZ2RdyXLpTb5_KlJ74-WoPmIu0j26PLbch0Lzz2l8S/w480-h640/IMG_20230512_144105214_HDR~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In spite of all that, this was my attempt to re-create the picture from Rhapsody. This is taken on the East side of Bora Bora, looking west at the main peak of Bora Bora, Mount Otemanu.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, what is so great about Bora Bora, both by itself and in comparison to all of the other islands we have been to? Does it live up to its hype? One of our cruising friends referred to it as Bora Boring and I believe that is mainly because it is difficult for any place to live up to all of the hype about it, however famous it may be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of the first thing that anyone that has been there will tell you about Bora Bora is the water. The turquoise colors of the lagoon are stunning and the water is incredibly clear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uGmKIPUSz5EGoKdoXCVx-WBq3ksSlX924MMkLk_Yid7TFpR-UgST8l4LkexqVfWo9Q0H_s2bIw0-A2FeM2sowZOXFvwiumO2KBUkAMX4a_6tuCJZlB1WWkzNMw1qCHZay9FtGd-uXEgwBT5YNSPxB48RmVQ1Mt6YqkvH4kb3TX8lR5SD9FeyFwUX/s3264/20230508_143820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uGmKIPUSz5EGoKdoXCVx-WBq3ksSlX924MMkLk_Yid7TFpR-UgST8l4LkexqVfWo9Q0H_s2bIw0-A2FeM2sowZOXFvwiumO2KBUkAMX4a_6tuCJZlB1WWkzNMw1qCHZay9FtGd-uXEgwBT5YNSPxB48RmVQ1Mt6YqkvH4kb3TX8lR5SD9FeyFwUX/w480-h640/20230508_143820.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">This picture was taken on our first day in Bora Bora. The water here is probably about 20 feet deep and the coral heads, or bommies as they are called, provided some excellent snorkeling right off the back of Rhapsody. The incredible clarity of the water can make it difficult to judge the depth of the water.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fgur6lP3CJ3huW3ehbk0JOTwz5L3DosJsvh3FaTx5oUF5RiE9e8k8OujgCONVn5lWHgqGFYyISPafdK0BqwPgg2CLuthA6YTAZmN_y7uclP_iptf7Yz_5xwb7vfAdTJxuV7FyG2QiHoz3au25l4yhMjm8qq9SZk4Yp8TDEeHwdl6LmD4lx21fO34/s4000/IMG_20230514_073934173_HDR~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fgur6lP3CJ3huW3ehbk0JOTwz5L3DosJsvh3FaTx5oUF5RiE9e8k8OujgCONVn5lWHgqGFYyISPafdK0BqwPgg2CLuthA6YTAZmN_y7uclP_iptf7Yz_5xwb7vfAdTJxuV7FyG2QiHoz3au25l4yhMjm8qq9SZk4Yp8TDEeHwdl6LmD4lx21fO34/w640-h480/IMG_20230514_073934173_HDR~2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>This is the small island of To'opua within the greater lagoon of Bora Bora. This picture shows the pass within the lagoon that we first sailed Rhapsody around and then returned to dive a few days later.</span><span> There was quite a strong current in the pass on the day that we dove. As we were making our way up current we looked up and saw a fever of eagle rays (yes, that is the name of a group of rays) appear before us. We counted an astonishing 50+, swirling around us, gracefully navigating the sandy bottom of the pass. They hovered in place, just above the clear sandy bottom at nearly 50 feet below the surface. They seemed to be flying, their pectoral fins, looking much like wings, constantly flapping, as they moved against the current, always maintaining their position. They moved effortlessly and gracefully as we hung on to the sand and any outcropping rocks, trying to hold our position so that we could watch them.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk807gBxcPK54YRt8sKVZDvA1C-S34lNh_fJuL5kkz5Unqq2xMjrMEXg4o3Qa6zMN4VsOZfNcldi4S7qF_IZZfRZTjKtrqPr9yDy3ugMVTBTwnqryoPtMbgpHZh6__0Clhzhd5G1mXdMws8fc-lT0mf85ykDQeSLNQpOzQHQbbKsDcCLEkrcbj0iL_/s4240/DSC05475~2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4240" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk807gBxcPK54YRt8sKVZDvA1C-S34lNh_fJuL5kkz5Unqq2xMjrMEXg4o3Qa6zMN4VsOZfNcldi4S7qF_IZZfRZTjKtrqPr9yDy3ugMVTBTwnqryoPtMbgpHZh6__0Clhzhd5G1mXdMws8fc-lT0mf85ykDQeSLNQpOzQHQbbKsDcCLEkrcbj0iL_/w640-h428/DSC05475~2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bora Bora offers an opportunity to "cabotage," a French term for exploring the lagoon within the fringing reef. We had a chance to cabotage Bora Bora, which certainly has some very shallow portions that need to be navigated and at times it felt a bit like slalom skiing, as we passed to the right of one marker, to the left of another, and back to the right to avoid an exposed reef,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU_sROsnWXTRicg1eOrgYUam_oI5_7BFBOGzrofN8Vvyn9YRcK8vNuN0UU_npyNkO-uqi79FdRbTXZNqfnsKKmUK1rj2VvkTxDq12gTb5E9Y9jG-MciOhFClcMg0wSR2fGcX53URrOrN6rKjE24Y_vzMs37WlWDXl7YZqBofnodxtwqeC7jF1DDc5/s1779/Screenshot_20230528_173543_Boating.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU_sROsnWXTRicg1eOrgYUam_oI5_7BFBOGzrofN8Vvyn9YRcK8vNuN0UU_npyNkO-uqi79FdRbTXZNqfnsKKmUK1rj2VvkTxDq12gTb5E9Y9jG-MciOhFClcMg0wSR2fGcX53URrOrN6rKjE24Y_vzMs37WlWDXl7YZqBofnodxtwqeC7jF1DDc5/w432-h640/Screenshot_20230528_173543_Boating.jpg" width="432" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The yellow line was our route, weaving through the red and green markers. </span><span>With our keel measuring 7 feet 2 inches (2.2 meters), we had to navigate through areas where the water was less than 10 feet (3 meters) deep. It was a bit nerve-wracking with Bob at the wheel, watching the chart plotter, and me in the bow watching for the coral reefs and the shallow areas. It is definitely a team effort! We weaved our way around ensuring the safety of our boat and arrived safely in the far southeast corner, about as far away from the crowds as you can get on Bora Bora. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwD3effG90ell8wlB5-VkhdrALnfZ4ReTZiAddYjz0H3vsd-nWJG3t9DEtl3lonESaDAHFMZLcwSs_7LGUV' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> Bora Bora is primarily set up as a destination vacation, with a focus on luxury accommodations and commercial activities. Many people choose to stay in the extravagant hotels and overwater bungalows, indulging in the amenities and services they offer, both for the beauty and experience as well as being able to say "I went to Bora Bora"</span><span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bora Bora is known for its exclusivity, which comes with a higher price tag. Compared to other islands in French Polynesia, both the restaurants and the local fruit and vegetable stands tend to have notably higher prices. It's a destination where the expectation is to indulge in the luxurious offerings and commercial activities. The grocery stores were smaller and not as well stocked as those on other islands. Even the prices at the local fruit and veggie stands were quite high but perhaps due to the shocked look on our faces, or some sort of guilt for charging us so much, every vendor added more to our bags after we had paid, more tomatoes or more bananas, or more of whatever we had bought, even though we did not want more as we had carefully chosen the amount that we thought we could eat before they went bad. Oh well... I guess we'll figure out something to do with all these extra avocados. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Part of the draw of Bora Bora is hoping to see or be seen with the rich and famous. Bloody Mary's is a restaurant that feeds on that idea and has a reader board outside listing all the names of people that came there but you didn't get to see! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dysYSi0mI09XUdyJAJnNnqlpGH--Qoya5PrnxV7tw67ylgpyXzU2XYryqvJfCNjmj7jnrOVh5p2w3iLMKCq' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>More names if you care!</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzj_ND-10FIqY0AbbTW2lokCujXHTTjaJcbk0oB-U55ev4BV4z9nVNY256NMHl1oiRtkJlcnR0lgMy7xF02' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzWpsd36vS60tf0dbqewcghVBQ9xtDkOTWlTOtUv2wGE1I4902E75cK_VBtFuz-ITv2TzapZFw-f_VJZnylexAT-aVcJqU5PchlKTDj0sk1fOoL1GoSyenhUn1eg1ii5m0qbOaewRCLXjEdwEY9U4yXQaQWaP5iBhBp-lcYCFDlp1vrhu3Q4XXo-2/s4000/IMG_20230514_073851761_HDR~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2579" data-original-width="4000" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzWpsd36vS60tf0dbqewcghVBQ9xtDkOTWlTOtUv2wGE1I4902E75cK_VBtFuz-ITv2TzapZFw-f_VJZnylexAT-aVcJqU5PchlKTDj0sk1fOoL1GoSyenhUn1eg1ii5m0qbOaewRCLXjEdwEY9U4yXQaQWaP5iBhBp-lcYCFDlp1vrhu3Q4XXo-2/w640-h412/IMG_20230514_073851761_HDR~2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">This picture was taken from the clearing for a communications tower above Bloody Mary's, looking across the lagoon at Mount Otemanu. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you find Rhapsody? Good luck with that. We are actually 5th from the left in the very back row, just where we like it, in the back of the pack.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The island, though beautiful, may not fully live up to the overwhelming expectations surrounding it. We enjoyed our time in Bora Bora, but as is usual, we were ready to move on and explore other places, ready to uncover the hidden gems that await us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you are enjoying our blogs you can get emails to notify you of our latest posts by clicking <a href="https://follow.it/rhapsodyontheblue?leanpub">here</a></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Bora Bora, French Polynesia-16.5004126 -151.7414904-20.89003337599857 -156.13602165 -12.110791824001431 -147.34695915tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-89396748184259259922023-05-21T10:32:00.002+13:002023-05-25T22:55:36.293+13:00Sharks!<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Sharks are fearsome, sharp-toothed predators that can smell blood from miles away, and they have been known to attack and kill humans with their powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth. This is the picture that many people have of sharks and the thought of diving with them can be rather daunting. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XjTLHGJVQ0xpU1emtsPwgw83QvxExtjKektvyhyPtRkj05266tFn_c907tjYgTwfbdTfw5Qv9_uytDdY4BHSZwLmzH1Ve61NO9Qgoe1kUp0hcxfdCEJjTCnPGvN_d5m5d87-EJW91gt0mGH8xonySbZ3H2Z6O_VeH3trQycUaWTQHS_eSiz8tpEc/s4240/DSC04575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4240" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XjTLHGJVQ0xpU1emtsPwgw83QvxExtjKektvyhyPtRkj05266tFn_c907tjYgTwfbdTfw5Qv9_uytDdY4BHSZwLmzH1Ve61NO9Qgoe1kUp0hcxfdCEJjTCnPGvN_d5m5d87-EJW91gt0mGH8xonySbZ3H2Z6O_VeH3trQycUaWTQHS_eSiz8tpEc/w640-h428/DSC04575.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oceanic Black tipped reef shark</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>In reality</span><span> it's true that sharks are powerful predators, however, they are not mindless killing machines. Most shark species are actually quite docile and have no interest in attacking humans.</span><span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskVNlq8GexZ5yhaGwMfD90ZtLblbPHo244B3ndzGo9qg_eegHVOHkmTS2UWeeAG9l8jmOGIumdq1gjAaiaSUq9phU-Hk2X1w_BQumvkDcxPX2Kv14OMWA3-mOEKYY0BpeVjiCUrTuYDDn-zizq-IQ2AhzM8082jcEgOFkVcf1YGoMdDNoVcGGukju/s4240/DSC04557.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4240" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskVNlq8GexZ5yhaGwMfD90ZtLblbPHo244B3ndzGo9qg_eegHVOHkmTS2UWeeAG9l8jmOGIumdq1gjAaiaSUq9phU-Hk2X1w_BQumvkDcxPX2Kv14OMWA3-mOEKYY0BpeVjiCUrTuYDDn-zizq-IQ2AhzM8082jcEgOFkVcf1YGoMdDNoVcGGukju/w640-h428/DSC04557.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bob hanging out with a few sharks</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to diving the South Pass of Fakarava, where the water is crystal clear, and the sharks are numerous. As avid divers, this is an experience we didn't want to miss. We had been hearing from fellow cruisers about how amazing and numerous the sharks are here and we were very happy to get to see it ourselves.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1o06eF4XcT5JmSHyN3wgAwq1Z12QfcWCCWg0Yn_XEUYzStjLPaMP_qluN8M4j22ikpdGC59Wuqm93iv_Ds2zZCBhJPEvA67ykdRGmqbn68B7D-9B54-KelcdsL048_GoCO4UzXUyzuzfyFQymkjV8RvQed-ZfnPJhPN44UJvMoNVW34fNudlPfai/s4240/DSC04852.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4240" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1o06eF4XcT5JmSHyN3wgAwq1Z12QfcWCCWg0Yn_XEUYzStjLPaMP_qluN8M4j22ikpdGC59Wuqm93iv_Ds2zZCBhJPEvA67ykdRGmqbn68B7D-9B54-KelcdsL048_GoCO4UzXUyzuzfyFQymkjV8RvQed-ZfnPJhPN44UJvMoNVW34fNudlPfai/w640-h428/DSC04852.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Black tipped reef sharks, dappled by the sunlight, how many can you find?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Fakarava is an atoll in French Polynesia, approximately 40 miles long, and its South Pass is a world-renowned diving spot. The water is so clear and blue, and hundreds of sharks call this place home. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2kZXAEPnsNenjq-WoZLCp6-boAb5tHV4NSvZoES4plRZkXe9LoIJ-T9g_8SDXTWST8WKaCnTcG88C7Lf8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">We never felt in danger from the sharks, perhaps a bit of adrenaline rush as one or more of them are heading directly towards us, but they are just curious and always veer away as they get close.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzSw2_xzAXDqzJ8dKUB_dvTx6suumK-AMw7FD35WGyQZhtK8pXUBqRjinxhETZtFBPI5x14ePdd2guPhqFJ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>Some closer views of the sharks and a gratuitous photo bomb by a surgeon fish.</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHq4YVL01HP1cpbqdYXW1-VYEk5_Np3L6p9S-xBqXea1wfyacCptwGpo8lypKxc0ZflrAabg5kt51G5snd9p5wBi6LVsy4bW1X7g3j5DL4cuZ0YN9Dhl_ZPstUuqttnU9m_Yjy9GPpiszVMIOmITyyjkuuxh5jzFMvV_ZZIjwJIBWsKfpZhhMU3Z0/s1245/Screenshot_20230517_183653_Maps~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1110" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHq4YVL01HP1cpbqdYXW1-VYEk5_Np3L6p9S-xBqXea1wfyacCptwGpo8lypKxc0ZflrAabg5kt51G5snd9p5wBi6LVsy4bW1X7g3j5DL4cuZ0YN9Dhl_ZPstUuqttnU9m_Yjy9GPpiszVMIOmITyyjkuuxh5jzFMvV_ZZIjwJIBWsKfpZhhMU3Z0/w570-h640/Screenshot_20230517_183653_Maps~2.jpg" width="570" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The dive itself is a drift dive through the pass, which means that we needed to take the tidal current into consideration when timing our dives. It was tricky trying to get the timing just right. Diving the South Pass of Fakarava is tide and current dependent. You have to dive on the incoming tide, ideally at the end of the tide, so the current is not sweeping you out to sea, nor is it so fast that you don't have time to enjoy the fish watching. The best time to dive is shortly before the lowest tide, moving into slack tide when the current is manageable. It was amazing to watch the tide turning when underwater. A curtain of cloudiness starts to approach and you know it is time to turn and go with the changing current rather than trying to fight it. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dweHy-pM7f8Y337OwY6m6er8AVg3rhTn7ROi9k8xXcjyMcX2HCg7e9e1675QtWELf2u5BJtLeF_zjGBy2n3' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>Occasionally we saw remoras attached to sharks. They eat the parasites on the shark's skin and hope for any scraps flying by from whatever the shark is eating. We have heard they can latch onto divers, but this one was just swimming along with our friend Andrew from SV Waveriders. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>In addition to the sharks, the other marine life in the South Pass of Fakarava is also breathtaking</span><span>. </span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-0_uPPVsxiOmwW2B2EKUiZumIzhZ3ro4i-62Qf8Ad2x0HyzDTng4Ei6lbepmXajhNWCOLgDHKRx_5yN0e23GD7C5yaiqOifBiFCAdW8cWGq1jiOvp8brJol8tNIhIkQbNXFg6SYWzehmLk9jdWVKaxLlAqSSxtEk6cyx7g1E9xn5F977MesNejby/s1920/Sarah%20and%20big%20fish%20in%20Fakarava.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-0_uPPVsxiOmwW2B2EKUiZumIzhZ3ro4i-62Qf8Ad2x0HyzDTng4Ei6lbepmXajhNWCOLgDHKRx_5yN0e23GD7C5yaiqOifBiFCAdW8cWGq1jiOvp8brJol8tNIhIkQbNXFg6SYWzehmLk9jdWVKaxLlAqSSxtEk6cyx7g1E9xn5F977MesNejby/w640-h360/Sarah%20and%20big%20fish%20in%20Fakarava.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sarah with a Humphead Wrasse<br /> (picture courtesy of Lianne on SV Waveriders) </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We saw several very large Humphead Wrasses, up to 5 feet long, although there have been reports of Humpheads as big as 7 feet. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaGROEAh14m9vBWvjVRwWCj0B8pAaM5bxhU38Nzvys2JvnW_kaNYKojpjq6PjHLz0qKwXrJAJmOkE1qxUDLLONv2ciLDVWvQ2_wY0d5obxthkXwhxfWluRDnwxjhiPZ6B8gIAFx_jPPyp1zVjIf81aEoFmBOQEKczstzZTzHBYw20PDFY9llhMdx6/s3143/DSC04412~2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="3143" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaGROEAh14m9vBWvjVRwWCj0B8pAaM5bxhU38Nzvys2JvnW_kaNYKojpjq6PjHLz0qKwXrJAJmOkE1qxUDLLONv2ciLDVWvQ2_wY0d5obxthkXwhxfWluRDnwxjhiPZ6B8gIAFx_jPPyp1zVjIf81aEoFmBOQEKczstzZTzHBYw20PDFY9llhMdx6/w640-h568/DSC04412~2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>The older they get the more pronounced their brow gets and the bluer their face gets.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw3t9ueVmbv28fsFyzhp0Qx75hRuHIOjPGcnWelUGMsbycxARmkV70Uyz3MZkJF9u8GPoxSLRvNPCQ3rCUj' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>It is very satisfying watching these large creatures swim by.</span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxmysgkZe3dA5ypsG7W5qdMw4LlmQjBXOokoaqZoHPo6UZnrxQGkYnrPRfNEEa3a5858kKCR4qf8EsgoXsy' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We saw many other types of fish, all of them seemingly oblivious to the sharks swimming around them. Apparently many of these sharks are here in this pass because it is a good place for them to sleep. Sharks can sleep on one half of their brains while the other half is alert. I have been trying to work on this skill myself with very little success.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxlgKjWZeAXdeT5PXt3sy7Svmh1uM-NtGHSqMy0cwyKUlOi6eT2eupQsEfL_Ff4gLCuffsL9RMEVZmlUCfy' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">Watching the fish swim in unison was like watching a choreographed dance. Large schools swam by as if they had someplace in particular to go, and then suddenly they would turn and swim in a completely different direction.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia18ByxzUwXXLfr1EZJMGniN8rQ4c-z34kwTNUgEHjYoxNqBxquaATh4ntl1rwJWT9vtIbtLvJ8uykukNni9ka697O1Zjrcx__ug0bXpsUKwTjRGfWmL0DuAdtBT9B1qbyufcK73je5elyYm8m_DD-bfh1vZkwYcTexRU8SRmcvfyogjZ1rQ4XAWRU/s2485/IMG_20230328_071234324~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="2485" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia18ByxzUwXXLfr1EZJMGniN8rQ4c-z34kwTNUgEHjYoxNqBxquaATh4ntl1rwJWT9vtIbtLvJ8uykukNni9ka697O1Zjrcx__ug0bXpsUKwTjRGfWmL0DuAdtBT9B1qbyufcK73je5elyYm8m_DD-bfh1vZkwYcTexRU8SRmcvfyogjZ1rQ4XAWRU/w640-h408/IMG_20230328_071234324~2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We finished up our time in the south of Fakarava with this rainbow illuminating the pass and reflecting the incredible experience of diving with the sharks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/rhapsodyontheblue?leanpub">following us</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-66808510906808694212023-03-28T11:00:00.002+13:002023-03-28T15:56:16.677+13:00A Blue Passage<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space: pre-wrap;">Embarking on an overnight sailing passage is not my favorite part of sailing, especially if it's only for one or two nights. It is </span>just </span>enough to time disrupt my sleep and definitely not long enough to get into a good watch and sleep rhythm. Our latest passage was two nights, leaving in the late afternoon from Tahiti, and arriving two days later in Fakarava, approximately 250 nautical miles. We had been watching the weather carefully in the days preceding our passage as there were some potentially scary winds that we wanted to avoid.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We made our preparations, shopped for groceries for a potential 6 weeks stay in the remote atoll, filled up our fuel tanks and headed off from the Society Islands to the Tuamotus. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H_4N9K_mG7oNLhlNl6pzl2FDvK4sQnEHGaIDHAVgCul61BjyzwhdYVoBNr4DZjsQuWFfD5WSVwRWDFYAs8_yAfdjEbqxwMAkVyZv6b664PRAqBrS3KZ-7zj5g7SexbA5cqQrlE6-I7Mn7f7Hs7bGxGNOf0nGhwnUtby68QWbeXlLqg2NmrLqM3jj/s1214/Screenshot_20230327_113846_Boating.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1198" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H_4N9K_mG7oNLhlNl6pzl2FDvK4sQnEHGaIDHAVgCul61BjyzwhdYVoBNr4DZjsQuWFfD5WSVwRWDFYAs8_yAfdjEbqxwMAkVyZv6b664PRAqBrS3KZ-7zj5g7SexbA5cqQrlE6-I7Mn7f7Hs7bGxGNOf0nGhwnUtby68QWbeXlLqg2NmrLqM3jj/w632-h640/Screenshot_20230327_113846_Boating.jpg" width="632" /></span></a></div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There were some very impressive clouds forming behind us as the sun was setting.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq-kJVYx6O2yEWg-MiIzdXP4v301x_zrVP03L-YHwDhEfwbj5UD8-yTBUB350f4JBK8RS80hDCc0G-CX7cYWk1TZ2onIu0ofWxc2I-ZQbKAWKhkozBUofvdQ8kwSK-tE_HhngQ5mm8o-NRk1eKpnhWgNF0auJ3r-AobEai3goOOLI-xqEqvl1yWcC/w480-h640/original_fa11c5fe-5c31-4f0b-a349-3e76f4e58841_IMG_20230315_153026746.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a watercolor I painted attempting to capture the feeling of the clouds.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq-kJVYx6O2yEWg-MiIzdXP4v301x_zrVP03L-YHwDhEfwbj5UD8-yTBUB350f4JBK8RS80hDCc0G-CX7cYWk1TZ2onIu0ofWxc2I-ZQbKAWKhkozBUofvdQ8kwSK-tE_HhngQ5mm8o-NRk1eKpnhWgNF0auJ3r-AobEai3goOOLI-xqEqvl1yWcC/s4000/original_fa11c5fe-5c31-4f0b-a349-3e76f4e58841_IMG_20230315_153026746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The squalls threatened us most of the night, but they never quite found us, passing behind us and to the side of us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The next morning there was a gentle breeze and fairly flat seas, absolutely wonderful sailing weather. The wind was behind us which allowed Rhapsody to sail much flatter, instead of being heeled over to one side or the other. This allowed me time and energy to exercise and get some boat chores done, neither of which are typical on a passage.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwG1nmlenR-zF0ayz-udW3FrNaVAzvS4Ogql_KEhhbNi5GuOmUuwOTtSgUbKEdLP1FYQh4Y4lsEAr9emYfZ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Looking out across the water I was struck by the color of blue. It was an incredible translucent lapis in color. This video almost captures it, but the depth and quality of the translucence all around us cannot be digitally conveyed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This passage rates as one of my top short passages. It was so easy, so smooth and so blue. Usually arriving at a destination after a passage it takes a day or two to recover. After one particularly memorable passage a fellow cruiser described us as looking like "hell warmed over". Not this passage, we arrived and were ready to go, ready to start exploring the atoll and all the beauty that it has to offer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Note: This was an unusual passage from Tahiti to the Tuamotus. Typically the winds blow from east to west. The passage from Tahiti is a west to east passage, meaning the boat is going into the wind making a slower and bumper ride. This time, because of the squalls and systems we were trying to avoid, the winds were blowing west to east, pushing us nicely and smoothly to our destination. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB3apVjZP-dqyd8dxEwErNfv8YKq1UcAHHwBq9ppQFHq7IhUHNrgONOotBoz_uIE-xvmkYYkHV0Wb1edgVMPLwPRCW7DCPF4VKHmb51AFDO7TV_nvM4Rc_tG-S1EUsyuquio2JykLrGTw3W6bYf7ffRJ5vf48nqzrVsQCQnvaLak5tBXu5LK4GfJc/s3264/20230314_130003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB3apVjZP-dqyd8dxEwErNfv8YKq1UcAHHwBq9ppQFHq7IhUHNrgONOotBoz_uIE-xvmkYYkHV0Wb1edgVMPLwPRCW7DCPF4VKHmb51AFDO7TV_nvM4Rc_tG-S1EUsyuquio2JykLrGTw3W6bYf7ffRJ5vf48nqzrVsQCQnvaLak5tBXu5LK4GfJc/w640-h480/20230314_130003.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The waters inside the atoll are calmer and a slightly lighter blue, reflecting the sandy bottom with a rich turquoise hue, lighter or darker, depending on the depth.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One of the best parts of this atoll, and the end of this passage, was that we had our friends Andrew and Lianne on Waveriders waiting for us upon arrival.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbE0RCAxZngkJ5vBUyI-XC7DWNVgjn9SaHf-CnnFrvgLJiG8L1d0HA7ScMNB6ubd8RMUUkHj7SKOF9DyeeTaeqzgZ7683xlpo2lUV_jfPIa81nz_dxYSAmmkRmYc_CpsE0F0-lNJ6fcdOSoajeILfORkQHe9U9mm7sYFEpJjSs7giYCyYxHBHlv85/s2437/20230314_125941~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2095" data-original-width="2437" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbE0RCAxZngkJ5vBUyI-XC7DWNVgjn9SaHf-CnnFrvgLJiG8L1d0HA7ScMNB6ubd8RMUUkHj7SKOF9DyeeTaeqzgZ7683xlpo2lUV_jfPIa81nz_dxYSAmmkRmYc_CpsE0F0-lNJ6fcdOSoajeILfORkQHe9U9mm7sYFEpJjSs7giYCyYxHBHlv85/w640-h550/20230314_125941~2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It's always nice to share the experience with others.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Next up: Diving the Wall of Sharks!</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-10045919185820416552023-02-23T10:22:00.001+13:002023-02-23T10:33:18.401+13:00Guest preparations, a long list gets longer!<p><span style="font-size: large;"> We love to have guests come visit us, to share our experiences and to enjoy the wonderful countries we are visiting. However preparing for guests to visit on a boat is never easy, even in the best case scenarios. There's a lot to consider, from deep cleaning the boat and ensuring there's enough space for everyone to sleep to making sure everything is in working order. Beginning with changing our pantry/ storage area to a guest berth,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">from this:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbX99NPo5-j2qTzFQ-oCEYMFf00623U-DpplxXCpyHJ67NUUjTQiMNe1xzfSnsQQD8LfsXBcxKthPou4KvxMxFbcQTjARKWgo3dBY7Ip9WnOCOKFf7xJXYJ4AE-l9uLfNu3-gsKwRCI7tqx4QKEoY-tfL6AB3TLtkhMQBijGjdJ8W0gqiHXpPiYWn/s4096/IMG_20200719_130351066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbX99NPo5-j2qTzFQ-oCEYMFf00623U-DpplxXCpyHJ67NUUjTQiMNe1xzfSnsQQD8LfsXBcxKthPou4KvxMxFbcQTjARKWgo3dBY7Ip9WnOCOKFf7xJXYJ4AE-l9uLfNu3-gsKwRCI7tqx4QKEoY-tfL6AB3TLtkhMQBijGjdJ8W0gqiHXpPiYWn/w480-h640/IMG_20200719_130351066.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">To this when a single berth is needed, or opened up more when a double is wanted:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSqbmikAUFHQrJkOBNB7bb-sXI4-oMlnMi--kp9NqYmhP6oGWS6xOBytsoF7Q-Edd6YXUAw81Iumw0koQU6t3CMhtydk2lsy7abmnyp0HYbYlhG0GfLrtTURt31Qh1zYCUmtv6ZcYZzg_4TXkUgNYGDAP0NbTvX5NPIou4C0-6WXuphN1I85dE5np/s3974/IMG_20230214_183155058_HDR~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3974" data-original-width="2723" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSqbmikAUFHQrJkOBNB7bb-sXI4-oMlnMi--kp9NqYmhP6oGWS6xOBytsoF7Q-Edd6YXUAw81Iumw0koQU6t3CMhtydk2lsy7abmnyp0HYbYlhG0GfLrtTURt31Qh1zYCUmtv6ZcYZzg_4TXkUgNYGDAP0NbTvX5NPIou4C0-6WXuphN1I85dE5np/w438-h640/IMG_20230214_183155058_HDR~2.jpg" width="438" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, just as we were getting ready for our guests' arrival this time, we ran into a few obstacles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Firstly, a few weeks prior to their arrival, the spring for the starter cord on the dinghy motor broke. Our dinghy is our car, we use it to get to shore, to go diving, to transport ourselves and our guests, it is not something we can be without. Bob was having to start the motor by winding a cord and pulling, in the manner that lawn mowers were started in days of yore. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezbNpQZYpcz1pwpRYWHltoEavjf8aN9ZYi8MeuXo799XbpPc_cVBFJCB2S8Txz_d60KWnTJVSkwa37j_AdhgulIkSCt8KQe8VNQcu0e7GFHGU6iUYfAeb_C5qxkPS_urhEi4y-YirO_uaqaZFsPbrj6GvG2g_JxzdG9Vwje12rmqrcLAetOyllV6l/s3108/20230219_190038~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3108" data-original-width="2963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezbNpQZYpcz1pwpRYWHltoEavjf8aN9ZYi8MeuXo799XbpPc_cVBFJCB2S8Txz_d60KWnTJVSkwa37j_AdhgulIkSCt8KQe8VNQcu0e7GFHGU6iUYfAeb_C5qxkPS_urhEi4y-YirO_uaqaZFsPbrj6GvG2g_JxzdG9Vwje12rmqrcLAetOyllV6l/w610-h640/20230219_190038~2.jpg" width="610" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Ahh, the joys of fixing things on the water!</span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Next, we found that the watermaker had become clogged with floating plant life, requiring us to clean the water intake strainer and change the filters. This was not a difficult job once the reason for the lack of fresh water was discovered, it just added more stress knowing that we needed extra fresh water with extra bodies aboard.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">To make things even more challenging, the toilet stopped working, and we had to replace some parts to get it working again. So much fun working on a toilet anywhere, compounded in tight spaces on a boat!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KcYCSMJ_cCLGO-ZUxYobVbAEdbkY6p6GAOvZya-0a4WoJ8GnMkVuhO-qhvxdo0lURX2m-z1Pe7j41TrK9Q4ws_pQRK-EnNfahO8k6ra_hlqr_YEXdeVA3homawZFAjvqcKPJb9dsFWzNQ9WhnMgMEf0vj49O9OmOZk_ov1ez-kucdSihVqFQGEdj/s4000/IMG_20230214_134329918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KcYCSMJ_cCLGO-ZUxYobVbAEdbkY6p6GAOvZya-0a4WoJ8GnMkVuhO-qhvxdo0lURX2m-z1Pe7j41TrK9Q4ws_pQRK-EnNfahO8k6ra_hlqr_YEXdeVA3homawZFAjvqcKPJb9dsFWzNQ9WhnMgMEf0vj49O9OmOZk_ov1ez-kucdSihVqFQGEdj/w640-h480/IMG_20230214_134329918.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> And just when we thought things couldn't get any worse, the freezer started acting up, as in refusing to cool properly. We defrosted it to see if that was the issue, it began to behave a bit better, but not well enough. It turned out the issue was tied to some unexpected electrical problems. The breaker kept flipping, causing all the lights and fans in our berth to go out. It was frustrating to deal with, especially during hot nights when we needed the fans to keep us cool. We traced the wiring and ended up removing one set of wires. This seemed to fix the lights and fans in the berth, as well as the issues with the freezer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As if the maintenance and electrical issues weren't enough, we also had to deal with a bird problem. Local birds had made our boat's mast their favorite perch. The birds decided to turn our mast into their personal restroom. It was like they were playing a game of "let's see who can poop the most" all over our deck and bimini. We had to scrub and wash the entire deck, removing all the bird droppings. To discourage the birds from returning, we used one of our halyards (a line used to pull things up the mast) to swish them off the spreaders. They were not easily deterred, and we even had our good friend Lianne from SV Waveriders swim over to shoo them off the boat while we were ashore. (Thanks Lianne!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Cleaning up after the birds was yet another task that we had to add to our already long to-do list.</span><span>When things are being fixed on a boat, the contents seem to explode because parts we need are buried deep under the seats, making the salon (main living space) look like this:</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX_QCsCVfKld28Dh6OxNBTkEeHLBTYYlRRG2hCFdtmaUBJ1daYYiJeWq-2h9hVHGBqzgDyAyZXCVInkmmd7feP6FhmtXzxtS8tdtp2kGbDAERmTqacviFQxPgzctHXRrRmGoZ5ccriOS6-iFyJ1hHCTWWeoh6cRFNUNC8Sne3X1qiJ19mXUiAOzPt/s4000/IMG_20230214_141551062_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX_QCsCVfKld28Dh6OxNBTkEeHLBTYYlRRG2hCFdtmaUBJ1daYYiJeWq-2h9hVHGBqzgDyAyZXCVInkmmd7feP6FhmtXzxtS8tdtp2kGbDAERmTqacviFQxPgzctHXRrRmGoZ5ccriOS6-iFyJ1hHCTWWeoh6cRFNUNC8Sne3X1qiJ19mXUiAOzPt/w480-h640/IMG_20230214_141551062_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Despite all the setbacks, we managed to fix everything up just in time for our guests' arrival and got our space looking like this:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkqEt9oJ6eD5GN-M728ef1cxlr1q85_YrWVFLwFiQChLKie8QLBOldvEHXbmQ5jgSxXkMCt-R6G5Iur40DqzFdAV2OsRf7Y8r-WMSrJ3J2eSJ_d-N5cycaG6Zui-98V7wyjYuZgGYWsIynfbH_wWCpZ9P6tXxXbqlI5ocqv2yx5eH69eZ4sbIn3Ya/s4000/IMG_20230214_164959504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkqEt9oJ6eD5GN-M728ef1cxlr1q85_YrWVFLwFiQChLKie8QLBOldvEHXbmQ5jgSxXkMCt-R6G5Iur40DqzFdAV2OsRf7Y8r-WMSrJ3J2eSJ_d-N5cycaG6Zui-98V7wyjYuZgGYWsIynfbH_wWCpZ9P6tXxXbqlI5ocqv2yx5eH69eZ4sbIn3Ya/w640-h480/IMG_20230214_164959504.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Life on a boat is full of surprises, if it is not one thing it is six others. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Bring on the guests and all the joys and trials that will bring!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life is good.</span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-33472630765072519952023-01-02T13:51:00.000+13:002023-01-02T13:51:03.087+13:00Coconut bread on the beach<p><span style="font-size: large;">What a fun way to spend Christmas day, beginning with gathering coconuts and ending with warm coconut bread, fresh off the grill.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The coconuts were lying all around so we had our pick. We looked for brown coconuts, not green. The green ones have more liquid, which is good for drinking, but not enough flesh which is what we needed for the coconut bread. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On the beach was an iron rod filed to a point to facilitate peeling the husk off the coconut.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iQKqitjQCDMbz1l6h7w-6-4aXwbWhJ2WHyQ3GmNrLLzG4BTnUmthPIOrpkZldaVCW61mDxubSXB1-63-VJikmp01d9uJ7b7gfO-fvSYlLuxsM-KW0r1PE81RGACsv5Q4c0bb3xNQtraI79FqyiUUJZ4-Et9pZ_OQtCnNOEVkDQijIfUq_IMQo9nh/s4000/IMG_20221225_133914068_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iQKqitjQCDMbz1l6h7w-6-4aXwbWhJ2WHyQ3GmNrLLzG4BTnUmthPIOrpkZldaVCW61mDxubSXB1-63-VJikmp01d9uJ7b7gfO-fvSYlLuxsM-KW0r1PE81RGACsv5Q4c0bb3xNQtraI79FqyiUUJZ4-Et9pZ_OQtCnNOEVkDQijIfUq_IMQo9nh/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_133914068_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><span style="font-size: large;">A series of whacks and then you can pull the husk off, being careful to keep your fingers away from the pike, as demonstrated by Florence, our friend, who was sharing this skill with us.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw54xv5uYd8i07otzJwoEAvSqWsTPV3Vk0jRmP9uTx1B4pkLHZq1_K6KYmek0jbB6RzrMJMhoptPEBI408j0zvlllBPHuqztulEmsF7JQPHJSAvi33qIccXEkiNTnwmMjdypiZ8h1X3TsGtpMPNiO141xj2PhQQppGnbBDdhPm83NYR1kr01dnXtN/s4000/IMG_20221225_133439413_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw54xv5uYd8i07otzJwoEAvSqWsTPV3Vk0jRmP9uTx1B4pkLHZq1_K6KYmek0jbB6RzrMJMhoptPEBI408j0zvlllBPHuqztulEmsF7JQPHJSAvi33qIccXEkiNTnwmMjdypiZ8h1X3TsGtpMPNiO141xj2PhQQppGnbBDdhPm83NYR1kr01dnXtN/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_133439413_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP4bKqnYrPeFE7eRltzbkgvBbJcZI3H927UVHn4xZd0zmqKT99__927P3ZbGH9xUAU6uW5COtwLlcUAXud1Y1Cxq52e6d10w4N8gZl4fw9XHm91vtXUX-O0siJ0416gIXLGXqRJOOCzp4PCz2WLI10LZdAM-iyhh9LqhtCzfZk0n3P6EzD-K-szNu/s4000/IMG_20221225_134006775_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP4bKqnYrPeFE7eRltzbkgvBbJcZI3H927UVHn4xZd0zmqKT99__927P3ZbGH9xUAU6uW5COtwLlcUAXud1Y1Cxq52e6d10w4N8gZl4fw9XHm91vtXUX-O0siJ0416gIXLGXqRJOOCzp4PCz2WLI10LZdAM-iyhh9LqhtCzfZk0n3P6EzD-K-szNu/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_134006775_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJGrobT1bnmxX3g6gs88ossL11tqOZUbZP1UZ6_wB-Yz4U5cUKeGft9Yq42YcYepab_8zAKGJ2E7awdTI8KI0o4dK5ODTJEonNSvs_tBa6SC90_X9yh5zmQqrvTu9EUWVa9rh4WL2WLeXCQ8yFHRIrnalm2rQY9_pFdQdYGRmbR9qfPNivTY7x0LM/s4000/IMG_20221225_134123058_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJGrobT1bnmxX3g6gs88ossL11tqOZUbZP1UZ6_wB-Yz4U5cUKeGft9Yq42YcYepab_8zAKGJ2E7awdTI8KI0o4dK5ODTJEonNSvs_tBa6SC90_X9yh5zmQqrvTu9EUWVa9rh4WL2WLeXCQ8yFHRIrnalm2rQY9_pFdQdYGRmbR9qfPNivTY7x0LM/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_134123058_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The next step was to crack open the coconut with a machete.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiW2l9ApbzMlxBiJZoIlKXOwIW7GwxNZIwuJihvh6WpBD9bfC8Wr9-JQiyRF17LbVXYW0_zYaeEjnKSpnvWSb7fLx-ZtGSumuIJOWTx16KgxtKqSQSfrCCaG5VqU-3Tko3_Ks0icYSTgDSl7ndA_owdwR6BUsqyJ9nSmibXWMyPTfmrAnd6VCzmGN/s4000/IMG_20221225_140110680_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiW2l9ApbzMlxBiJZoIlKXOwIW7GwxNZIwuJihvh6WpBD9bfC8Wr9-JQiyRF17LbVXYW0_zYaeEjnKSpnvWSb7fLx-ZtGSumuIJOWTx16KgxtKqSQSfrCCaG5VqU-3Tko3_Ks0icYSTgDSl7ndA_owdwR6BUsqyJ9nSmibXWMyPTfmrAnd6VCzmGN/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_140110680_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Use the back of the machete, look for the two eyes and the nose, and either whack it hard on the top of the head, or, as I preferred, a series of whacks all around the coconut until the liquid starts coming out. A few more whacks and the coconut is split into two. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_03pEVrb2S7TYgOdc1HoHpyXseblJTWzP8rBnlECwIsJq2QGSLyG_4vJfNHgRjB7UvGdt3oGa-BTVezEjjOp-DGk7dRfgWFqOy6D6jH5MhuJyfajlklXGflsw15UI4tzRuvm2v3ZP8_Awc7DVvV1h3wjhMLNcpmF7GIemgu9nXvvUAGjSuUnMR5HD/s2904/IMG_20221225_142146116_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2904" data-original-width="2053" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_03pEVrb2S7TYgOdc1HoHpyXseblJTWzP8rBnlECwIsJq2QGSLyG_4vJfNHgRjB7UvGdt3oGa-BTVezEjjOp-DGk7dRfgWFqOy6D6jH5MhuJyfajlklXGflsw15UI4tzRuvm2v3ZP8_Awc7DVvV1h3wjhMLNcpmF7GIemgu9nXvvUAGjSuUnMR5HD/w452-h640/IMG_20221225_142146116_HDR.jpg" width="452" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Next we used this board to scrape the coconut out. We sat on the wide board and scraped the coconut half on the round metal scraper on the end.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxztDLTYzhkCcvhlJNOSrlFeipEOV4OKJThuxyiHuAyohUho_CyrUfLnqTpsWxLr7iL1g6pkyjCMW8s6-xF' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E1If8NnokCyd6mKaPplKVTev1o88MelQuUT2TENzCUVKdKeULNLDZaMeOq76DoOuB_So5XxHl0306YqySSJoxqCOupLAwooqrsJyUpJrYgEPs9KY9I4lfU0EjWxnp05PhR3SeW1EQpPiLEDvqtm6Dx-JzghLAcB4NEYaB2SDofdBGKS1eB_2n7dz/s4000/IMG_20221225_142151094_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E1If8NnokCyd6mKaPplKVTev1o88MelQuUT2TENzCUVKdKeULNLDZaMeOq76DoOuB_So5XxHl0306YqySSJoxqCOupLAwooqrsJyUpJrYgEPs9KY9I4lfU0EjWxnp05PhR3SeW1EQpPiLEDvqtm6Dx-JzghLAcB4NEYaB2SDofdBGKS1eB_2n7dz/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_142151094_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until you get a nice big bowl of coconut flakes.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG4UhdCXoymXjFrx5wHznVLIfLShnWpG9JQtZWm5UkQRIz7TRHL5EKIPXB-5_ggfxp4AeQbI6ThErfhuezlOYPk4JVTl9UIYkVRcSGmTLrD1fbgtvIcNiNpxaKhnQaH6hAmcmKCsf9O3ERY8zr_e77U16pQkB5wrnh5Xb_VPzhwehxnpPU11-LZ60/s4000/IMG_20221225_142234975_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG4UhdCXoymXjFrx5wHznVLIfLShnWpG9JQtZWm5UkQRIz7TRHL5EKIPXB-5_ggfxp4AeQbI6ThErfhuezlOYPk4JVTl9UIYkVRcSGmTLrD1fbgtvIcNiNpxaKhnQaH6hAmcmKCsf9O3ERY8zr_e77U16pQkB5wrnh5Xb_VPzhwehxnpPU11-LZ60/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_142234975_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">And leftover coconut to munch on.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzYW8905uonCCP0kGuNCoCzOwdVv10Tp-JMwvnO_0Mo5E6oY_nbvnX-JEAWZlQ9RAeaUdAnN2kvjS8a9oGf' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Next the coconut shavings are placed in a nut bag (like a large tea bag) and the coconut milk is squeezed out.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDDtggIPpzMB8LanmYimky174eaxoqNyM2hR56lBr5LnqlE-WIJrxtyofarHQfqs3V5vWRHhaAPAP4Q-w8ROH3Bqqmoy12gwr5Qh_ipVOnAEwaQq-pM6PkK3aN0tpawbkcSSFULBKcWDH_ohqK72mfnTZ1hhm1qnujjR5yZy3lhOFDyorQez1H1Nq/s4000/IMG_20221225_144148777_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDDtggIPpzMB8LanmYimky174eaxoqNyM2hR56lBr5LnqlE-WIJrxtyofarHQfqs3V5vWRHhaAPAP4Q-w8ROH3Bqqmoy12gwr5Qh_ipVOnAEwaQq-pM6PkK3aN0tpawbkcSSFULBKcWDH_ohqK72mfnTZ1hhm1qnujjR5yZy3lhOFDyorQez1H1Nq/w640-h480/IMG_20221225_144148777_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Add self rising flour to the coconut liquid, salt and pepper and water as needed. Mix it all together until it is a solid mass. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We took a short break to go gather leaves from the Beach Hibiscus tree, or Purau.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcX8XfP8HjADC3MMjM7vvjCK2F3ywQkmiKkcwS_u7rpZZWiDkmUE8BjzvO19yu_MEP9ujCozduxIqnR1zjhL3odk21RJkxCNjcqianaOriSATXRnOgqhLLYtUNCsymarT7x1BVRdeaiTWSWhc2AblaBv4hNjOA67a8_6OFcF4Wz-2z2qol4dUArtvy/s4000/IMG_20221225_144002468_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcX8XfP8HjADC3MMjM7vvjCK2F3ywQkmiKkcwS_u7rpZZWiDkmUE8BjzvO19yu_MEP9ujCozduxIqnR1zjhL3odk21RJkxCNjcqianaOriSATXRnOgqhLLYtUNCsymarT7x1BVRdeaiTWSWhc2AblaBv4hNjOA67a8_6OFcF4Wz-2z2qol4dUArtvy/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_144002468_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqutE2yBUNuem6NakHniSGytIWZSvqSPf3u0ZRbF0k9p2quPbfIRTmkjxadif2fk2EypEjaqFmtEVrXptk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The leaves are used to make a sort of dough sandwich.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd-m-D5IBMU13F4xXHYXrfCc551Ef6NNmOSyDRf6NPZkZO_Ir20p6JMb8dfH00gE0f5jhcQ7uu-wOjZ5plaaokq2D66RKVJyYAAK3zeFdaAnERCY3-pVyMhMgjDxY_ZRFw0kNAwcKwod-iV6l7pTTNht-8MsHQmZ-ooP4EIIKwlUJk3bPm4Dyf87I/s4000/IMG_20221225_145352208_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd-m-D5IBMU13F4xXHYXrfCc551Ef6NNmOSyDRf6NPZkZO_Ir20p6JMb8dfH00gE0f5jhcQ7uu-wOjZ5plaaokq2D66RKVJyYAAK3zeFdaAnERCY3-pVyMhMgjDxY_ZRFw0kNAwcKwod-iV6l7pTTNht-8MsHQmZ-ooP4EIIKwlUJk3bPm4Dyf87I/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_145352208_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">and placed on the grill over the coconut husk fire.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Hxh9OOROFkWCzhhtyR1x7QekxF0RsxRcRqJ2XVdPmNafgo_k361DiwWHldPRm6ewYR8gzWYFkkGzVC5_uWl88jdcY2pxuQhF4mcI-f2wwCvX9mY3_UGozQ4Bo9JSh078nysvjNdl9SyitLsINHmIFnWsLICf2RuiBHpvllMIydl2jmol8_ymwOP/s4000/IMG_20221225_160108555_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Hxh9OOROFkWCzhhtyR1x7QekxF0RsxRcRqJ2XVdPmNafgo_k361DiwWHldPRm6ewYR8gzWYFkkGzVC5_uWl88jdcY2pxuQhF4mcI-f2wwCvX9mY3_UGozQ4Bo9JSh078nysvjNdl9SyitLsINHmIFnWsLICf2RuiBHpvllMIydl2jmol8_ymwOP/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_160108555_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Flipped a few times,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy5wPGu0fJx7qQ7NlpuHISxwvzuh0MTyNjQqnV9b9Xyc_7NeRxSxCQu5-aN8ezefQnX69kRRuzqlQSybpmxkp0zEeJe450Grd2iov3KXdEFgN5fam4qkNZRwxcSA3tzpwijYb-eF6hxbE6-u1esc9FLruHOT5lQ1fExml2hwcLhkSwMVLIJzM0jqw/s4000/IMG_20221225_150929909_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy5wPGu0fJx7qQ7NlpuHISxwvzuh0MTyNjQqnV9b9Xyc_7NeRxSxCQu5-aN8ezefQnX69kRRuzqlQSybpmxkp0zEeJe450Grd2iov3KXdEFgN5fam4qkNZRwxcSA3tzpwijYb-eF6hxbE6-u1esc9FLruHOT5lQ1fExml2hwcLhkSwMVLIJzM0jqw/w480-h640/IMG_20221225_150929909_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then thoroughly enjoyed!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsA3YbYi3O-QvJD2HEhKfvUf2I6gKiWCrCehOpSn_r0xZnBbiGDxlYKqj1QXrTjrGzHygxxRjUsUYU6_YOG0016K48jpMoOgl1qWBUQCs657evRop1g3oDNL-dQtZJ3QB7VFAYHEcTWF-lmE63DOMU3sV1h2WTG5BmV73ON-uZvo3FgeibAeBqAUE/s3221/image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3221" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsA3YbYi3O-QvJD2HEhKfvUf2I6gKiWCrCehOpSn_r0xZnBbiGDxlYKqj1QXrTjrGzHygxxRjUsUYU6_YOG0016K48jpMoOgl1qWBUQCs657evRop1g3oDNL-dQtZJ3QB7VFAYHEcTWF-lmE63DOMU3sV1h2WTG5BmV73ON-uZvo3FgeibAeBqAUE/w596-h640/image.jpg" width="596" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">What a great way to spend Christmas Day! I hope yours was enjoyable as well!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And now- the story told in poem form, written by artificial intelligence (AI)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">'Twas Christmas day on a tropical isle</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Where coconuts lay waiting for a smile</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We searched for brown ones, not green</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For they had more flesh, which was keen</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">With an iron rod sharp as a spear</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We stripped off the husk, holding it dear</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To our fingers, as Florence showed us how</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To avoid the pike, of this we vow</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Next came the machete, a fearsome blade</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We searched for the eyes, nose, and top of the head</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One swift whack or a series of taps</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Until the liquid flowed and the coconut snapped</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We scraped the insides, on a board so wide</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">With a round metal scraper, our hands did glide</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Until a bowl of flakes we had made</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And munching on leftovers, we were not dismayed</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The flakes in a nut bag, squeezed to extract</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The milk, then mixed with flour and the other specs</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Of salt and pepper, water as needed</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A dough was formed, our mouths greedy</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We took a break to gather some leaves</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">From the Beach Hibiscus, or Purau, as it cleaves</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To the sand, and with them made a dough sandwich</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To grill over coconut husk, a fine match</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Flipped a few times, and then we could see</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The perfect coconut bread, meant just for me</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope your Christmas was as delightful as mine</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Filled with fun, joy, and delicious food that is fine!</span></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-64172556150301209562022-12-09T20:28:00.004+13:002023-01-02T13:59:57.662+13:00Coming home...wherever that is<p><span style="font-size: large;">Traveling, exploring, seeing new things. This is the life that we have chosen. And even though we are carried by our home to explore new places and try new things, we still find areas that become more familiar to us. Returning to Tahiti after 3 weeks in Tikihau atoll I got the distinct feeling of returning home, returning to the familiar. A place where we know how to get around and where to buy groceries and boat parts. A place where there are groceries and boat parts that we can buy.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-o12LAELCf0PCtclLR_1zltcJjxMlgjBs-xyiucQ4vV1LlT4cdlCFfplPvCJ60ce8ev0-NSeUEmHTYJadKztNFL27OmxJzZHM_mRCsCkxfg8HNGMesFQYubiYwT6v5TVEZ70w0Cp3A498GDvpVBI1Wx3__JI6lPAUPgSfoiR-zew7GNGRXuyBUAo/s4000/IMG_20221125_083507292_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-o12LAELCf0PCtclLR_1zltcJjxMlgjBs-xyiucQ4vV1LlT4cdlCFfplPvCJ60ce8ev0-NSeUEmHTYJadKztNFL27OmxJzZHM_mRCsCkxfg8HNGMesFQYubiYwT6v5TVEZ70w0Cp3A498GDvpVBI1Wx3__JI6lPAUPgSfoiR-zew7GNGRXuyBUAo/w640-h480/IMG_20221125_083507292_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Approaching the Island of Tahiti. Our red fender at the bow adds a festive holiday touch!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">There are pros and cons to both being in the city and cruising in a remote areas. There are opportunities for entertainment, eating out and shopping for needed boat parts. With the city comes schedules and lists. Doctor/ dentist appointments, what day should we rent a car, what parts do we need and what do we need to repair or replace before we head back out to less populated areas. However, the city can also be loud, crowded, and hectic. Traffic can be a nightmare and the expenses are much higher.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the other hand, being in a remote area we get to can enjoy the beauty of nature, go snorkeling, or swim with the manta rays. The peacefulness and serenity of a remote area can be incredibly rejuvenating and allow us to disconnect from the modern world. However, being in a remote area can also come with its challenges. There may be limited access to groceries, fuel and boat parts, and it can be more difficult to get around without a car, relying only on our dinghy to get us to shore and then walking to whatever we can find. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxI5jPztRNWFRqkc9CVrlYHxQ06lODS2DX5h0Reo61_fEQlaJsvxmpRvBeWW3_fLKtCMODKJSOoqwpI5_QX' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While passing through a gap in the fringing reef, we returned to Tahiti and we pick up a hitchhiker. He used our boat's wake to draft and followed us along for a mile. We see many canoeists out practicing, morning and evening, training for local races.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">We try to find a balance between the two, enjoying the serenity of the remote areas until we have to return to the modern conveniences to stock up on food and make any necessary repairs so that we can head back to remote areas and enjoy their beauty.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On a separate note I am trying to find a balance that works for getting information out. In the past few months I have been posting more photos on Instagram and on Facebook and writing fewer blog posts. I would love some feedback as to what you would like to see, and where and in what format you would like to see it. Thanks for your input. </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-8789380429829542422022-06-27T11:04:00.003+13:002022-12-11T13:29:09.598+13:00Manfred the Chocolate Guy<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Combine a hike, a waterfall, and some delicious freshly made chocolate and you have the makings of a very good day. Setting off from the town of Hakahetau in the NE corner of Uo Pou we began our search for Manfred, the famous Chocolate Guy. The road lead us up to a small dirt road and we took off into the Marquesian woods. It had recently rained so we spent a good deal of time avoiding puddles and trying not to slip in the mud. We passed several people on the road and were usually greeted with the Marquesian "Kaoha" meaning "Hello", or occasionally the French "Bon jour", and always with a smile. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We were traveling up a valley, occasionally we could see through the trees to a ravine on the side of us. The vegetation was lush and green, the trees varied in size from the very small to the very large. Along the road there were some botanical signs placed telling us about the trees. Sometimes we could figure out which trees they were referring to, but more often than not, we were left guessing as to which tree we were trying to identify. The names of the trees were listed in Marquesian, French, English and Latin, however the explanation was only in Marquesian and French, neither of which I can read.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After about 2/3 of a mile (or 1 kilometer we) we reached a sign:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT1Y772nXlYspIBYsZZRg_JrsgXtY5Bn1dxIz0le2cvxCAwzkaVYX9Ph-rhM5cY3XGNotXmupuuI4q3_Qn7hGKHSDyXI_pN3y0EU5x4M85OIItrJfVWYBk9ktdF1PBnW_PRvWoGzNzic0297EiREDmJMH1na9_jJfXPXpT_Z_PSaWCP_VbXvij2BO/s4000/IMG_20220614_091904730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT1Y772nXlYspIBYsZZRg_JrsgXtY5Bn1dxIz0le2cvxCAwzkaVYX9Ph-rhM5cY3XGNotXmupuuI4q3_Qn7hGKHSDyXI_pN3y0EU5x4M85OIItrJfVWYBk9ktdF1PBnW_PRvWoGzNzic0297EiREDmJMH1na9_jJfXPXpT_Z_PSaWCP_VbXvij2BO/w480-h640/IMG_20220614_091904730.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">The sign was a little deceiving, it should have pointed almost straight up as that is how it felt making our way up to Manfred's place. Along the steep, muddy track on our way up, a pickup truck was coming down. It stopped, and the driver introduced himself. It was Manfred, the man we were headed out to see. He was headed to the next town over to get some cooking gas, but he said we should continue on our path as his wife was there, and she could sell us some chocolate. He told us that when we got to his gate that we should hit the bell and the dogs would come running, but they would not bite.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sure enough, we got to the gate, hit the bell, which turned out to be an old wok, with a large wooden dowel, and immediately the dogs began to bark and race down the hill towards us, tails wagging. Manfred's wife called for us to come on up, and sadly I do not remember her name. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEic27zSy1qOdSir7AUiCYMtwIHckmr57-DOQ_cIZ7XQrozLWJwB6DVdOfyE88H-QeScif8lMfmflsisA6-Dy70ClKpcFgZC2_aguBx9ALACdUSLWN54k-IZadaBdg5D-ZhhyhVhgqXqeaX1g5kP6s0B1m-9oGf05kqLkcldunaZCLTvhdfzbhJ-IG/s4000/IMG_20220615_093446393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEic27zSy1qOdSir7AUiCYMtwIHckmr57-DOQ_cIZ7XQrozLWJwB6DVdOfyE88H-QeScif8lMfmflsisA6-Dy70ClKpcFgZC2_aguBx9ALACdUSLWN54k-IZadaBdg5D-ZhhyhVhgqXqeaX1g5kP6s0B1m-9oGf05kqLkcldunaZCLTvhdfzbhJ-IG/w640-h480/IMG_20220615_093446393.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">We continued up the hill, accompanied by the dogs, past the chickens and roosters, the goats and rabbits, and the duck family with two little ducklings. We passed an area full of discarded cacao husks and into a garden area complete with drip irrigation.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUvpEQ5wv8dPud732LYVd0DNME1D8d_8AeOpSqZ7aznrUo3flARec3qvsEY6zXIMv3ARuQIQs4nVAmtTlFg0_JhKWhBAhXsX1ty52e9AIwCsMqgk6w9LVobAvJyVW1bxkkun8Xx42ObfcrSj_VBNrA9PLUcDTqGS1lmbkbUXRddMRkydIwRKLy99K/s4000/IMG_20220615_092630685_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUvpEQ5wv8dPud732LYVd0DNME1D8d_8AeOpSqZ7aznrUo3flARec3qvsEY6zXIMv3ARuQIQs4nVAmtTlFg0_JhKWhBAhXsX1ty52e9AIwCsMqgk6w9LVobAvJyVW1bxkkun8Xx42ObfcrSj_VBNrA9PLUcDTqGS1lmbkbUXRddMRkydIwRKLy99K/w480-h640/IMG_20220615_092630685_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Manfred's wife spoke almost no English, so we communicated with a combination of a few English words, a few French words, and lots of sign language. She offered us some samples, a very good marketing ploy because the chocolate was absolutely delicious! So many flavors, and each one bursting with rich chocolateness.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zrXxWeqd5GSDfowkbqYAk1TwHZVd3B3ajdx3xqK8-ewRjS4Jb1LCvn9SoeHcsetZuwWpltZgrw4tozxMXNq_49SbLd6leQYtdb-Xno1EBxARr2JBAxKBuz0t1PmnyPPuygMeI8xUnOjCnh1x9hvHOXuYnODX9ppl0VA1ftXmOgYAuBR_aQahskC3/s4000/IMG_20220615_091938815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zrXxWeqd5GSDfowkbqYAk1TwHZVd3B3ajdx3xqK8-ewRjS4Jb1LCvn9SoeHcsetZuwWpltZgrw4tozxMXNq_49SbLd6leQYtdb-Xno1EBxARr2JBAxKBuz0t1PmnyPPuygMeI8xUnOjCnh1x9hvHOXuYnODX9ppl0VA1ftXmOgYAuBR_aQahskC3/w480-h640/IMG_20220615_091938815.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">She brought out a list of the approximately 12 different flavors she had and we chose from it, wanting to try them all, but ultimately picking from our favorites. All the while she kept replenishing the sample box and encouraged us to try more </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate bars safely tucked away in our backpack, protected from the sun, we headed back down the mountain, back to the blue sign, and took the small path leading to the waterfall.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Winding through the forest with occasional cryptic tree identification plaques, crossing the stream several times, we arrive at the welcome sight of the waterfall.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1GWAQ9gR22m0vwBhxjMiRV2qcXObNKR-YRRkAllYAY59cv36sB_qpVZg4_llLRrBZlIlehOIxZDbScI5XnxqNZ8pxGzBzJKTx6r0dgTFYWWzaUVFSgKrnjVsvgr96_JxMoUq2qRFpLovUimUcEUGfnNDg2UBuclwfpjAeo079f6JMW1cM8Hl2JbN/s4000/IMG_20220615_101741447_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1GWAQ9gR22m0vwBhxjMiRV2qcXObNKR-YRRkAllYAY59cv36sB_qpVZg4_llLRrBZlIlehOIxZDbScI5XnxqNZ8pxGzBzJKTx6r0dgTFYWWzaUVFSgKrnjVsvgr96_JxMoUq2qRFpLovUimUcEUGfnNDg2UBuclwfpjAeo079f6JMW1cM8Hl2JbN/w480-h640/IMG_20220615_101741447_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">So refreshing after the hike up to chocolate and back down again.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzziqkS8R97jU9PGUuSdbvNzmTCA8-HNDYcIdKeZ_yK77JESRcNbcFrn00JDBs1UgLiW3n86CgFWOnorSJN' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">So refreshing and cool, until the mosquitos discovered us. We could dip ourselves in the water and they would temporarily leave us alone, soon to return. It was such a dilemma, stay and enjoy the cool water and get swarmed by mosquitoes, or run away from the pests and the water. At some point we decided we had had enough and exited the water. Once we were dried off, and away from the waterfall we had no more issues with mosquitos.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Such a pleasant day. Our friend Liane on the sailboat Waveriders even gained a friend, even though it was probably a bit large for their catamaran!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwx92cKXb__HAcamrYBLKB0yEXiUXUODKOw_SruZLC0Nj_ax4aqDrcCKkbG7RZRZBe3B9MM3F6C9hm8ERCc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-84386533981388727662022-06-25T07:36:00.000+13:002022-06-25T07:36:01.896+13:00Another day, another island <p><span style="font-size: large;"> Ua Pou</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Setting sail in a south westerly direction we reached Ua Pou in just a few hours. Our first anchorage was small, but the scenery was breathtaking.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5D85windqSygAcMSnHUMsiNagqGHeSFUNq-Ic5WESLaPYqVqeTRU3ITbivQKSFU3FVF83m8bjJN2koPbUSP8DAP_i07Ov4Ns9v1yiRLNisWbGjEzUj1PnOklFRQtIVj-5iwi_mztajX1YwwPBLlDyiYsS7tK0VeTiRBy4AfaaYNtCwtOokuVTiOs/s4000/IMG_20220611_074307813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5D85windqSygAcMSnHUMsiNagqGHeSFUNq-Ic5WESLaPYqVqeTRU3ITbivQKSFU3FVF83m8bjJN2koPbUSP8DAP_i07Ov4Ns9v1yiRLNisWbGjEzUj1PnOklFRQtIVj-5iwi_mztajX1YwwPBLlDyiYsS7tK0VeTiRBy4AfaaYNtCwtOokuVTiOs/w640-h480/IMG_20220611_074307813.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">The mountains behind Rhapsody were seldom completely free of clouds, but always impressive in their size and shape </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppaNlKlXZOdfofLg8vepUeVZAy74YrAwkACQDPAHRiC6aUKqT7zYiorNIi9t60-JlXYgbsfGjxGLDiJIWd8HYhm7CJcAZsGN_zJY3wxbL4DEadliJotgHsmEejqhKoW6-Kxo_yKGU99dSJRT569fyybB_8Qmxy7nAPOAzuOw3Mk_lxG7uWwnEv47q/s4000/IMG_20220611_082528990_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppaNlKlXZOdfofLg8vepUeVZAy74YrAwkACQDPAHRiC6aUKqT7zYiorNIi9t60-JlXYgbsfGjxGLDiJIWd8HYhm7CJcAZsGN_zJY3wxbL4DEadliJotgHsmEejqhKoW6-Kxo_yKGU99dSJRT569fyybB_8Qmxy7nAPOAzuOw3Mk_lxG7uWwnEv47q/w640-h480/IMG_20220611_082528990_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Each island that we have visited seems to have a way to "hike to the cross". These are usually crosses that are placed in some prominent spot above a village and provide wonderful vantage points, overlooking bays and valleys. Rhapsody is the boat furthest to the left. Now we have a running joke, "oh look, it's a hike to the cross!"</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v8EywGQzsZuJs72MRK-GLIpW47IKE3vkoKrLwPFemZCg-sKPxonUbW2DgN26FMZJ3v4gPVwVCRPuQDjRoioj9XxaAoacfrdKMr-ObBitjOFJEopGfDfL17XkuBWBmoGRBs0z3-Q4Zueh_JfWQLTCjZcTx240XQOyLl5l5K93xwNPTRRC_s3NY_M8/s4000/IMG_20220611_143835751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v8EywGQzsZuJs72MRK-GLIpW47IKE3vkoKrLwPFemZCg-sKPxonUbW2DgN26FMZJ3v4gPVwVCRPuQDjRoioj9XxaAoacfrdKMr-ObBitjOFJEopGfDfL17XkuBWBmoGRBs0z3-Q4Zueh_JfWQLTCjZcTx240XQOyLl5l5K93xwNPTRRC_s3NY_M8/w640-h480/IMG_20220611_143835751.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was so excited to finally see all the peaks without clouds! They are unlike any peaks I have ever been around. They are the plugs of the volcanos and the rest of the volcano was made of softer material which has eroded away, leaving these stunning spires.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVsIzWuIBr8aFjzW0ynnTxGSjQi6guNqeMWu8Nt5UsVms5hVROs_7Lu5oGZh8OkcXkNxF8WHNlkWMhNDen' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Wandering around the town produced many delights. One of these was standing outside the church on a Sunday morning listening to the beautiful voices so typical of both Polynesian and Melanesian church services. The picture in this video is not that interesting or well done, but listen to the sounds! I will try to post some more of these in the future.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw_DyJZTSJib2aeC5DBzGas67Chg23Yy42RLCsM5D4BeCBIB9UsbNnc8IJcCHUVQRbnEQ9qK8YF6rhhZP4U' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Another surprise was happening upon a group of people preparing for a dance competition. Beautiful and graceful, so obviously telling a story to which I was not privy to, but enjoyed watching none the less.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Like Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou also has many statues and carvings, but those on Ua Poa are unique in the stone that they used and the style of carving </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlWkPQIFLKdCVJtqvJfkbaJ8kZb5YCEGXksUPlZXyQfVPh9KzxoTxrWisrTpE_-oUU3D0O_aQOLulxBWnUrM-2bl8kAjLCQu8hXOBpsrXb6gOmH6p17qm7O6nekKfM6FSsdsyT5jTrN-ZnRD-MzJHQPpvOExKNJtDU-Q2T0itz8T7WabuFp1fsy_u/s4000/IMG_20220610_150719519_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlWkPQIFLKdCVJtqvJfkbaJ8kZb5YCEGXksUPlZXyQfVPh9KzxoTxrWisrTpE_-oUU3D0O_aQOLulxBWnUrM-2bl8kAjLCQu8hXOBpsrXb6gOmH6p17qm7O6nekKfM6FSsdsyT5jTrN-ZnRD-MzJHQPpvOExKNJtDU-Q2T0itz8T7WabuFp1fsy_u/w480-h640/IMG_20220610_150719519_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">The statues are intricately carved</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl41ZTAoPempLcsqBxrn3WbkHSRvWxJy1i3g_BzT2Ta3SPOF1IWDTySteYGScWkyjKStMYDVtzEonz0mZFGc3FIUe_57Dw3I0V8Y_rAP8N6CCozB4r27ZvfYUdWvQRMSJ5YpcLYWBtzY5sRwuY96fxP90hMynGiDB5K6s5d1_cIuaXPZwpbqqNjpF/s4000/IMG_20220610_151738136_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl41ZTAoPempLcsqBxrn3WbkHSRvWxJy1i3g_BzT2Ta3SPOF1IWDTySteYGScWkyjKStMYDVtzEonz0mZFGc3FIUe_57Dw3I0V8Y_rAP8N6CCozB4r27ZvfYUdWvQRMSJ5YpcLYWBtzY5sRwuY96fxP90hMynGiDB5K6s5d1_cIuaXPZwpbqqNjpF/w480-h640/IMG_20220610_151738136_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">with many traditional Marquesian tattoo symbols on the subjects.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the backside of the same statue</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SiD13bNFXZCZxyeHLz3pkjKAJ3w3LeEOYrMRuCZnHXo1ouFG03x_lC3rNj1Gtvs8TIHcqDiwk6SZ3iO6wfiWugWzzLRIk-b7Q6f3O5Ft-JnqZz5LX1adQ-oS2LaDXz0o6m3y3mLPzxtPULl0RRHXloTXS-_IZfRYLw4_2hEQfgoGlqcm-KQDbGVW/s4000/IMG_20220610_151750680_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SiD13bNFXZCZxyeHLz3pkjKAJ3w3LeEOYrMRuCZnHXo1ouFG03x_lC3rNj1Gtvs8TIHcqDiwk6SZ3iO6wfiWugWzzLRIk-b7Q6f3O5Ft-JnqZz5LX1adQ-oS2LaDXz0o6m3y3mLPzxtPULl0RRHXloTXS-_IZfRYLw4_2hEQfgoGlqcm-KQDbGVW/w480-h640/IMG_20220610_151750680_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorites was </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3pFpwOVY-PjKG04em6Ip2qFgnuoLG_tBoRcVfdxDoXRxVxrxbhDi5tq_Z0zrJTQSoShX3aweSKMv4D1DN1VSF_wDZfPTOIptS3wecUTA7ui8B7Aa1BCeSmK8uFW8wfCMVaX5Qq1ZuLGLQNcnfjAuCWTAr6Rqerr1gPU2buZIqfHI4FNITYLCabE-/s4000/IMG_20220610_162643136_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3pFpwOVY-PjKG04em6Ip2qFgnuoLG_tBoRcVfdxDoXRxVxrxbhDi5tq_Z0zrJTQSoShX3aweSKMv4D1DN1VSF_wDZfPTOIptS3wecUTA7ui8B7Aa1BCeSmK8uFW8wfCMVaX5Qq1ZuLGLQNcnfjAuCWTAr6Rqerr1gPU2buZIqfHI4FNITYLCabE-/w480-h640/IMG_20220610_162643136_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">this whimsical fish, all alone, sitting on the beach. Something about the expression just appeals to me!</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-35180571413986366822022-06-13T16:21:00.001+13:002022-06-13T16:21:25.479+13:00Tattoos anyone? <p><span style="font-size: large;">Nope, sorry, not going to do it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I know it is tradition, yes I know that it can be beautiful, and meaningful and a rite of passage, but just not for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Marquesian people are well known for their tattoos. The designs are unique to the Marquesas Islands but the practice was banned by the missionaries in the 1800's. It wasn't until the 1980`s that the Marquesians started reclaiming their heritage, and now the tattoos are seen as a rite of passage and a symbol of pride for their culture. The tattoos range from a small cuff around the arm, to full body, face included. Nuku Hiva even has a tattoo artist school where the skills and traditions are passed to the next generation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Marquesian tattoos are very geometric, and are designed to tell a story of significance to the owner of the tattoo. We were fortunate enough to be able to attend Nuku Hiva's Patutiki Festival. Patutiki is the name of the local group promoting and teaching the tattoos.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At the festival were booths set up demonstrating wood carving and teaching about the design tattoos.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjJilNqt8gAoX9LPTp0qCMLL2q6yKmmZMhC4Vln0RLKjIdRpVpUqX6h-JKbMvNzqHzjXGv85SO9wfQ81Vv4uKGGbKcEvmOoYaLy3Bc-CZbdv_RsAhRi62SIfOpcKd6SRC91Q9q5hs03fdMs86Iewh09KsZdkFm9dKcyelGN3YDJzXExJsixNUgGBI/s4000/IMG_20220527_143038701_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1918" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjJilNqt8gAoX9LPTp0qCMLL2q6yKmmZMhC4Vln0RLKjIdRpVpUqX6h-JKbMvNzqHzjXGv85SO9wfQ81Vv4uKGGbKcEvmOoYaLy3Bc-CZbdv_RsAhRi62SIfOpcKd6SRC91Q9q5hs03fdMs86Iewh09KsZdkFm9dKcyelGN3YDJzXExJsixNUgGBI/w306-h640/IMG_20220527_143038701_HDR.jpg" width="306" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">At every celebration the poles of the tents are decorated with braided palms, and at the fancier events such as this one extra flowers are added.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhZwVL1d31QriFhhl89UiX7Y820-ElELMyhetDdQCq1vQpgmlmoDlLIlseTjqvPtaXQfmqbw_ivw1RJqp9FSfvmYw-9JJvgxMoxxshU6M7PgodOV07PDriy7UscobmFyKLOMyKZd6cAVKzrNIE-_l4W2r2BBOaofLU1bBbBvahO0GB7hO_Imr7AGI/s4000/IMG_20220528_110508949_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhZwVL1d31QriFhhl89UiX7Y820-ElELMyhetDdQCq1vQpgmlmoDlLIlseTjqvPtaXQfmqbw_ivw1RJqp9FSfvmYw-9JJvgxMoxxshU6M7PgodOV07PDriy7UscobmFyKLOMyKZd6cAVKzrNIE-_l4W2r2BBOaofLU1bBbBvahO0GB7hO_Imr7AGI/w480-h640/IMG_20220528_110508949_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Tables were set up for people to work on designs.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5lDmetmQsf3NtUV-geJrZi8S3dikACQkGxtEq9V70PeoCwloKnZJCfv3qjQ4OTsHwtGMoOuxCV1TjvlWyT1Kwab7Se484CwYxwYPSGj2gzsyOAtnLNyFQv2xxtsSdM0Hwr3kV0hQ1aBG7W7am_1_cZHWqQFfQpUcWjq7uRBNudWRmY2sSzR2ozPL/s4000/IMG_20220528_110408753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5lDmetmQsf3NtUV-geJrZi8S3dikACQkGxtEq9V70PeoCwloKnZJCfv3qjQ4OTsHwtGMoOuxCV1TjvlWyT1Kwab7Se484CwYxwYPSGj2gzsyOAtnLNyFQv2xxtsSdM0Hwr3kV0hQ1aBG7W7am_1_cZHWqQFfQpUcWjq7uRBNudWRmY2sSzR2ozPL/w480-h640/IMG_20220528_110408753.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">With design sheets taped to the tables for ideas and explanations both in French and Marquesian.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_Y05sVYPJ0fdakoytCVrT7Q-TosdXjM0qf-FwVoRPBfFKvHk3pknkAMEbB7pmpsiyw4M8jbmc4oQZuzZEvTutOKTTZ5CUO-fvc_bNofXnidJU8jaYO3dAvs1GOry1uEWO5qFJU7skJq5zOiBD2SJir_AtPk_55zGrT5yF8nXrkeCduaiz0xYaM2b/s4000/IMG_20220528_110421596.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_Y05sVYPJ0fdakoytCVrT7Q-TosdXjM0qf-FwVoRPBfFKvHk3pknkAMEbB7pmpsiyw4M8jbmc4oQZuzZEvTutOKTTZ5CUO-fvc_bNofXnidJU8jaYO3dAvs1GOry1uEWO5qFJU7skJq5zOiBD2SJir_AtPk_55zGrT5yF8nXrkeCduaiz0xYaM2b/w480-h640/IMG_20220528_110421596.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">And if you needed more inspiration there was a book for you to peruse. Notice that this book is Volume II, part one. No shortage of images.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another option for designs was available, there was an entire area full of tattoo artists and people getting tattoos.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyO4sVEzDy644uIxu7cI1v7jRhw6f9kRROHUG06zs47No-ktJFWS9hit6bn68ydq4dVXXnwksjFxW5rMWng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The man singing in this video was both entertaining the crowd and getting ready to accompany the dancers coming up soon. As the camera pans across the area you can see all of the tables with the people getting tattoos. These tables had people all day for three days. People sitting and getting tattoos on their arms and people lying down and getting tattoos on their backs and legs. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The final entertainment for each evening was the dancing. The difference between the way the men danced and the women danced was striking </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxE5Kxi2UnXi8uhFwQCRvP-e3CZVkbdZTLdi3b8WmNcw24tL2WdBwMmiKlNc8nYZNYMn7l__gIdBglO_V5v' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The dancing by the women was soft and sensual and welcoming.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then there were the men...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwTzuUEG8IpSLM0Ux-GvdE6WOpBWIr9F7IteOk8LZf29ZZ4Y_1NpjMuIn9D9Tosl2lJYerZbKb30t8B_uKB' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Very aggressive with lots of threatening sounds and movements. Extremely Physical and powerful.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-258k0W47ZT1qzh46dDBCl4PnfDMsS9qh70lN0-PAp2_Oq5XVpmZ4AZncriSgHMBqZqSXsW94QHQP_gcq' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And seeing the blend of them together was uniquely interesting. The call and answer in the two different tones and emotions.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxfURXY7VN7v0NdhzUcHbB-Ix33_0ViJU5UUpdErMEHiHtNCAOUd4t9PE26I0VbZXtFlkHtd74upbhdlpnz' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>This final one was interesting with the interplay of the very graceful woman and the man she was dancing with. Note her fully tattooed legs.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, for me, the highlight of the evening was an unintended joy. A small boy was dancing along the sidelines and began to enter the central area. The lead dancer, who had been yelling his story and making very intimidating gestures as part of the dance incorporated into it all picking up the boy, taking him over to the drummer who was obviously his father.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwaQgXTWDEj6N9zo1rHXS47xm6_GNtuA7UQDArGUA551AnsB7vbsU4bDqlLCmw3CAxcHhlJsJRs6U5MJkbT' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The dad tipped the drum to allow the boy to play along. It was a wonderful juxtaposition of power and tenderness.</span></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-74134706517048840892022-06-10T12:24:00.000+13:002022-06-10T12:24:12.257+13:00Exploring Nuku Hiva<p><span style="font-size: large;"> It is always enjoyable to explore new areas, see new cultures and experience new sights, smells, tastes and sounds. Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas is where we have been exploring. (<a href="https://www.rhapsodyontheblue.com/2022/05/where-heck-are-we.html" target="_blank">This post</a> will help you place it on the map).</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfw1k6KZn4gjhF_oS8eltZt8bFBAMaMLwnIuSDQDwkMoQoecP5_tla7TKQ2TJbj8VFOeL7zErdNFZSttFimb-KSe1RJrUf_c6jBjyu2VzcTOy6Lxq0xLIh93hba1Oeiohscyi0i1Z--fUG0k_qPjc5AXlgbZuxwWXwLH2lm7ophtMazhUTzq-kMnl/s4000/IMG_20220514_070753701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="4000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfw1k6KZn4gjhF_oS8eltZt8bFBAMaMLwnIuSDQDwkMoQoecP5_tla7TKQ2TJbj8VFOeL7zErdNFZSttFimb-KSe1RJrUf_c6jBjyu2VzcTOy6Lxq0xLIh93hba1Oeiohscyi0i1Z--fUG0k_qPjc5AXlgbZuxwWXwLH2lm7ophtMazhUTzq-kMnl/w640-h380/IMG_20220514_070753701.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our anchorage is a long bay, culminating in the town of Taioha'e.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once ashore one of the things that surprised us was the number of statues and carvings all over town. The largest one is situated on a bluff above the anchorage.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28qAQScRgY2omIOt9RN27NDAot5rBiV6Vu49QN96qI8p8zoPTBX8D-hRPVnaemZRpjILnCu9_dQjOtPkcF0xUIUADu0WNZs-wqHXnRgcoUYShz33lOCh1YboWz-EGFvZn0r09T2JneYCn1lCWMp0sN2WV5YGCYyx0keXMmQptUtUDSFCGaTt6srP8/s4000/IMG_20220514_174452584~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28qAQScRgY2omIOt9RN27NDAot5rBiV6Vu49QN96qI8p8zoPTBX8D-hRPVnaemZRpjILnCu9_dQjOtPkcF0xUIUADu0WNZs-wqHXnRgcoUYShz33lOCh1YboWz-EGFvZn0r09T2JneYCn1lCWMp0sN2WV5YGCYyx0keXMmQptUtUDSFCGaTt6srP8/w480-h640/IMG_20220514_174452584~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bob is shown here for purposes of scale! The figure on the left, over Bob, is the male warrior. On the right is the female.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpjTfe7sLU-n05sTGmrSNdY0TR-Br2Bo4JpYI4DdpgB4F5OPMFZVVLQ8JLsUcXJNI0BaKJ7AeL4a38p7Xc2LUZ3HVFFTL3ytK0svSOLLdMxdzahD3Bu482NXgAFscGUj1oHUBCUFKO5UNIFvu7louHPrD4s-K0cu3KM-yCgJ8x_XHKpCXYsq1O8R6/s4000/IMG_20220514_174623548~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpjTfe7sLU-n05sTGmrSNdY0TR-Br2Bo4JpYI4DdpgB4F5OPMFZVVLQ8JLsUcXJNI0BaKJ7AeL4a38p7Xc2LUZ3HVFFTL3ytK0svSOLLdMxdzahD3Bu482NXgAFscGUj1oHUBCUFKO5UNIFvu7louHPrD4s-K0cu3KM-yCgJ8x_XHKpCXYsq1O8R6/w480-h640/IMG_20220514_174623548~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Behind me you can see the pass through under the statue. When you walk in and look up you are greeted with a surprise.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dieE0t9QXWDvs7MgT2aa2McAP3ZFSxfUrcI9POeKxi1G1uyL2EjzpZ56UPckTObRaVbZycBy6ODz8ECX2SnNIZPDLq81PmsbhkNHptdTjeZ-MHVUIx_0ktgxYCdbQGd5DXXS7gOQUezjuzdZPX6xAYQX7gAck8LbMmrv_VJx0SALUl0k6WRTi6kr/s4000/IMG_20220514_174715620~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dieE0t9QXWDvs7MgT2aa2McAP3ZFSxfUrcI9POeKxi1G1uyL2EjzpZ56UPckTObRaVbZycBy6ODz8ECX2SnNIZPDLq81PmsbhkNHptdTjeZ-MHVUIx_0ktgxYCdbQGd5DXXS7gOQUezjuzdZPX6xAYQX7gAck8LbMmrv_VJx0SALUl0k6WRTi6kr/w480-h640/IMG_20220514_174715620~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">An anatomically correct statue. Not quite sure what is growing out of it, but when a friend of mine was video taping it a gecko appeared as if it was being birthed!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2LTvYVhftDbR0Pv2jerFBULNlleHcR2EdVDFyedM0A6w_oFDhB__5MUDtU4fbk03ghy8prMT1w-ek8NdvMrQrwcU-qsO1-1QJ4yivUrkscFZhT110j6oXhw7vqe2PwexaW6Y3Aj4R9hA7CrwNWVUvdegCdxpsDwHPB3RWbRZkrvtzDpg1oFuyOOq/s4000/IMG_20220529_191157242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2LTvYVhftDbR0Pv2jerFBULNlleHcR2EdVDFyedM0A6w_oFDhB__5MUDtU4fbk03ghy8prMT1w-ek8NdvMrQrwcU-qsO1-1QJ4yivUrkscFZhT110j6oXhw7vqe2PwexaW6Y3Aj4R9hA7CrwNWVUvdegCdxpsDwHPB3RWbRZkrvtzDpg1oFuyOOq/w480-h640/IMG_20220529_191157242.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">This same statue is lit up every night, standing guard over the bay. It is a very impressive sight to see at night.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">All around town are other statues and tikis and carvings. Some are newer and others appear to be quite old, although no dates appear on the older ones.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvc7CWI6xvdXs9cUk518va4EZXppG7FP-xjg8KTpCKJTW8i5FvQJIqWVDUHWWKLJJ0DF3fPmW836oxpZgpLWScrx1oEr5jGRxuoypO60vwptxghn3-Zbfk1K6rcGa4T38tILk93yCDbvbU-wCTfPjhtafQxdS_b2R5S7n9UnZ_sSOFh2NNQ3ErtDA/s4000/IMG_20220516_173521478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvc7CWI6xvdXs9cUk518va4EZXppG7FP-xjg8KTpCKJTW8i5FvQJIqWVDUHWWKLJJ0DF3fPmW836oxpZgpLWScrx1oEr5jGRxuoypO60vwptxghn3-Zbfk1K6rcGa4T38tILk93yCDbvbU-wCTfPjhtafQxdS_b2R5S7n9UnZ_sSOFh2NNQ3ErtDA/w480-h640/IMG_20220516_173521478.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">We pass this statue daily as it is quite close to the dinghy dock and situated in the center of the fruit and veggie market that we visit multiple times a week, usually at about 6:30 AM, and even at 6:30 we are sometimes too late for the fresh baguettes and the best of the produce.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIutFF5DubsYHIu0yqKNqDbR5pErqlDC-a7Lsz69KpaF9bxwNsZiGYTr8GPXyqQAtWkP0gYkk7--fI1bQ7XHWaXswOME2ET5La1antOHJllwXyo6Hh9mCaH12Avm8heYhJEP3ecaTiH1_Mur1mCc1yzV1-T2PLC1zu9TF2Xm7MfdeL68s3f0juBtpL/s4000/IMG_20220526_170456930_HDR~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIutFF5DubsYHIu0yqKNqDbR5pErqlDC-a7Lsz69KpaF9bxwNsZiGYTr8GPXyqQAtWkP0gYkk7--fI1bQ7XHWaXswOME2ET5La1antOHJllwXyo6Hh9mCaH12Avm8heYhJEP3ecaTiH1_Mur1mCc1yzV1-T2PLC1zu9TF2Xm7MfdeL68s3f0juBtpL/w480-h640/IMG_20220526_170456930_HDR~2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately there is never a shortage of fruit here. This is just one of many pamplemousse trees. This one is next to the elementary school and is quite laden with fruit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the statues have a decidedly more modern flavor to them. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQjEEEug1OHkbr2bf6pyVKfODN9fVtEMikNxXXK8Uq4pDWiuKH-bhy2MZaYdMLMv4yKfF5GmRVImcVh-XRHhA5YGELx1cbK5meMFJnhcYzdg-R04JZ8DXq10eOsL9IrAlvnXHaS8_f7aEp5dgp1dzhsZte_99oLTCYMBfFhzOwEkO5_rzWF-VVdRg/s4000/IMG_20220608_090915404_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQjEEEug1OHkbr2bf6pyVKfODN9fVtEMikNxXXK8Uq4pDWiuKH-bhy2MZaYdMLMv4yKfF5GmRVImcVh-XRHhA5YGELx1cbK5meMFJnhcYzdg-R04JZ8DXq10eOsL9IrAlvnXHaS8_f7aEp5dgp1dzhsZte_99oLTCYMBfFhzOwEkO5_rzWF-VVdRg/w480-h640/IMG_20220608_090915404_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">I really enjoy the geometry of this one.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Many of the poles holding up placards or sheds or a variety of other items have carvings on them.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymvqteLm8XXPyAylzjmZUSt8pJ0tdtJ_ByyQfmX1r0PcRQ-GcBPDzju6I-NS3ol2BhZq_9Nw3U2NSb-vHdvncsfnKqGviW5TiEQbI6Jxk5Uem6NJB8M9emIB4ZnShGfU_jr94pyiqRKEoBnZAfJrFpXbgSD4vXeCklwP9-bo2wr7OfKPk7ovnUdoM/s4000/IMG_20220608_091016632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymvqteLm8XXPyAylzjmZUSt8pJ0tdtJ_ByyQfmX1r0PcRQ-GcBPDzju6I-NS3ol2BhZq_9Nw3U2NSb-vHdvncsfnKqGviW5TiEQbI6Jxk5Uem6NJB8M9emIB4ZnShGfU_jr94pyiqRKEoBnZAfJrFpXbgSD4vXeCklwP9-bo2wr7OfKPk7ovnUdoM/w480-h640/IMG_20220608_091016632.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybmTP-FhIBdGXWB5wOrXQTJrD_fAIqvd4qS07_xUz0Fh6S13pp_IV7k1EXVFjgzqGsBbMbE_0-2LtRMC5cEwooCC_Za1GbmuXeiOtoJPb9UEHCEBk6mmpvfvegwBY11Yo7wjjdGbVLlFNRp0aZ0_MhH_0-tuG0x0caDeFgBvg3ho0SnFZjCG6cnkS/s4000/IMG_20220608_091026285.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybmTP-FhIBdGXWB5wOrXQTJrD_fAIqvd4qS07_xUz0Fh6S13pp_IV7k1EXVFjgzqGsBbMbE_0-2LtRMC5cEwooCC_Za1GbmuXeiOtoJPb9UEHCEBk6mmpvfvegwBY11Yo7wjjdGbVLlFNRp0aZ0_MhH_0-tuG0x0caDeFgBvg3ho0SnFZjCG6cnkS/w480-h640/IMG_20220608_091026285.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">And finally, along the lines of the more modern sculptures</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwvo0FeoOX5u6VqUJYMtbfqkwJnew2wuO_c_YhFSV7fWGUDBIweSy6x0UatslsD9VEiP2Sz0QIDs6kLUw_3bUmRwH_vtxMPht7C2lWPStddQuOg6jUqmQnDXPqiDCnYF_txHui8mOjUF2tNQCdxlHz31SC-X08VyPyreyFNSqXIVdRzzdiahIPFBx/s4000/IMG_20220514_174317487.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwvo0FeoOX5u6VqUJYMtbfqkwJnew2wuO_c_YhFSV7fWGUDBIweSy6x0UatslsD9VEiP2Sz0QIDs6kLUw_3bUmRwH_vtxMPht7C2lWPStddQuOg6jUqmQnDXPqiDCnYF_txHui8mOjUF2tNQCdxlHz31SC-X08VyPyreyFNSqXIVdRzzdiahIPFBx/w640-h480/IMG_20220514_174317487.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">A great use of an old tree stump!</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-79638286224517120792022-05-30T07:38:00.000+13:002022-05-30T07:38:04.590+13:00Where the heck are we?<p><span style="font-size: large;">Taioha'e Bay, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, French Polynesia </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you are not sure exactly where that is, let me help you place it on the map.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABLP8-U2s0WYnTljLZmTy7w8QQOy6WipQKKyPl69gEJmNnf7UioFW2LO642Nros-DHAjqn4RcI9Zro8FeYiNkkZ74CH44Bf3xaJQIU0FY2e8H-DFiKTuPKeT6hI48J_fqCIet0IuuuByH1u2WCKeD9dEKGHWtqhfWLxPqvavWqZjibJqKMypwQZru/s1407/Screenshot_20220527-010829_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABLP8-U2s0WYnTljLZmTy7w8QQOy6WipQKKyPl69gEJmNnf7UioFW2LO642Nros-DHAjqn4RcI9Zro8FeYiNkkZ74CH44Bf3xaJQIU0FY2e8H-DFiKTuPKeT6hI48J_fqCIet0IuuuByH1u2WCKeD9dEKGHWtqhfWLxPqvavWqZjibJqKMypwQZru/w538-h640/Screenshot_20220527-010829_Chrome.jpg" width="538" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>French Polynesia</b> is both an overseas collectivity of France and its own country. It comprises more than 100 islands, and stretches for more than 2,000 km (more than 1200 miles). It is approximately halfway between California and New Zealand.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoSK2tGor0zIniRhgkbpon6yPXwk95hKri-JHRCmTGmWYAUQIJQmZfo-PqFruvji7EuGvZCn9-73__PRUWtShkzYWplPOra7op349HH-LuU-_GuNH26E2PER-tA_Iw-x9fjYt04KbtAuhAvMURNwNvslkAmMH_W9kAqITVe05qk6VsLzrk5WlJwvO/s1206/Screenshot_20220527-015634_Google.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1178" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoSK2tGor0zIniRhgkbpon6yPXwk95hKri-JHRCmTGmWYAUQIJQmZfo-PqFruvji7EuGvZCn9-73__PRUWtShkzYWplPOra7op349HH-LuU-_GuNH26E2PER-tA_Iw-x9fjYt04KbtAuhAvMURNwNvslkAmMH_W9kAqITVe05qk6VsLzrk5WlJwvO/w626-h640/Screenshot_20220527-015634_Google.jpg" width="626" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The <b>Marquesas</b> are one of five groups of islands in French Polynesia. The most well known of these groups are the Society Islands which include Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, the islands that most people think of when they hear French Polynesia. The other groupings are the Astral Islands, the Gambiers and the Tuamotus. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHegVJvEXbezMcaUFZTMnV-790f7Ug671eweUl2tEEAYLXBDQJGNgckr6kAxUXtMPhMqvA8xuX6CJsX5Q3AlqdChr0LIq-I0Dt9gGvVUmtYqLguar4fU1CD4lZZ-1dz55z7khzIIh7tzdG0IyfJ0T_Z9hunVKtIKzEFJvT-m3O7aJfuV1aHEIAMea-/s1532/Screenshot_20220527-010051_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1198" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHegVJvEXbezMcaUFZTMnV-790f7Ug671eweUl2tEEAYLXBDQJGNgckr6kAxUXtMPhMqvA8xuX6CJsX5Q3AlqdChr0LIq-I0Dt9gGvVUmtYqLguar4fU1CD4lZZ-1dz55z7khzIIh7tzdG0IyfJ0T_Z9hunVKtIKzEFJvT-m3O7aJfuV1aHEIAMea-/w500-h640/Screenshot_20220527-010051_Chrome.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Tuamotus show up much more clearly on a satellite map. They are very low lying, and very spread out across the ocean.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5PKbdJPjHIpEiPnJgMgp-uUDQEMnlVFFu0KZt2ny8aPjWXpUUyDnWsvItGMEwIyV5lLAa7n16ARtvf-Wzw9ZTlU-oOeiOSTMjwdp73BtcC36TwBRwdPBCi0s-ouhfJGjZmvIbW46p4oY6OQjhlQvq9srSoh-A2u1hS7U5htWZx2iLjB6AZYoxk5X/s1544/Screenshot_20220527-010502_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1185" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5PKbdJPjHIpEiPnJgMgp-uUDQEMnlVFFu0KZt2ny8aPjWXpUUyDnWsvItGMEwIyV5lLAa7n16ARtvf-Wzw9ZTlU-oOeiOSTMjwdp73BtcC36TwBRwdPBCi0s-ouhfJGjZmvIbW46p4oY6OQjhlQvq9srSoh-A2u1hS7U5htWZx2iLjB6AZYoxk5X/w492-h640/Screenshot_20220527-010502_Chrome.jpg" width="492" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nuku Hiva</b> is the largest of the islands in the Marquesas, and at the time that we left the Galapagos Islands it was the only place in the Marquesas that we were allowed to officially check in to the country. This restriction was removed while we were mid passage. We checked into Nuku Hiva anyway. Area: 131 sq miles, 339 sq km. Population 2951 (2017)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nuku Hiva was the setting for Herman Melville's first book, <i>Typee</i>. There is an interesting (and short) write up about Typee <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Typee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-14IKniphY3OlddIppe8o6QfObLuqS6B8YgJk3xVce1dF2owAgxE-oy73Houmgg-8DXRHtHv-jA9rvdVqpARQXyo-7SpACPConWqIy-TKlxMv-F31nf_8jL_TqF2oCHQvAISw5knLrB9SRx6q6-x1rrpHd3M0iR_pPUVuB0i_0qIUgLBIhKcBM2q/s1370/Screenshot_20220529-081546_Maps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-14IKniphY3OlddIppe8o6QfObLuqS6B8YgJk3xVce1dF2owAgxE-oy73Houmgg-8DXRHtHv-jA9rvdVqpARQXyo-7SpACPConWqIy-TKlxMv-F31nf_8jL_TqF2oCHQvAISw5knLrB9SRx6q6-x1rrpHd3M0iR_pPUVuB0i_0qIUgLBIhKcBM2q/w560-h640/Screenshot_20220529-081546_Maps.jpg" width="560" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">We are located in the south of Nuku Hiva, and have much of the island yet to explore.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_vE_djbGfsw87K2ta7fswJ_jXA23EqpfPcBhH87hbD7H73784ppt43Z7_IbW8XLbfW3BfBUZ8QLhAqsO7qsr1LFbYqSsyOjBct1yjlUikk0ijZglu0unOeX34E8v-uwCW-pZGvR4L8dSm27i5imUIpAXtoTSIQC1T_QqV03ozeIODTyDdskvbIQP/s1321/Screenshot_20220529-082255_Maps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_vE_djbGfsw87K2ta7fswJ_jXA23EqpfPcBhH87hbD7H73784ppt43Z7_IbW8XLbfW3BfBUZ8QLhAqsO7qsr1LFbYqSsyOjBct1yjlUikk0ijZglu0unOeX34E8v-uwCW-pZGvR4L8dSm27i5imUIpAXtoTSIQC1T_QqV03ozeIODTyDdskvbIQP/w582-h640/Screenshot_20220529-082255_Maps.jpg" width="582" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Taioha'e</b> Bay is our home for a while while we recover from the passage, make some necessary repairs and plan our next moves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So now you know. Thus ends your geography lesson for the day. </span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-74860498469733601112022-05-18T07:29:00.000+13:002022-05-18T07:29:55.128+13:00Your Questions Answered <p><span style="font-size: large;">In finishing up our passage from the Galapagos Islands to French Polynesia I asked my family if they had any questions for us. They came up with some great ones. My answers are in <span style="color: #2b00fe;">blue,</span> and Bob's are in <span style="color: #38761d;">green</span>. I hope you enjoy the answers, and please feel free to ask any of your own queries in the comments.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Starting off with questions from our son, Rivers.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What was something that you loved that you didn’t foresee and what was something you were worried about that you didn’t need to be? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Although it was not technically on this section of the passage, I loved the Doldrums. Admittedly we had a motor and so we were not relying on the wind to get us through, but I loved the stillness of the ocean. The absolute glassiness of it.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">The things that I worried about I am not sure that I didn’t need to concerned about. We worried about them so that we would do everything we could to stop them from happening. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Better than I thought was how fast the time passed, with special thanks to reading. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I worried that sleep loss could become a cumulative problem, but that wasn't really the case.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What was the best piece of advice you received prior to your departure?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">To stay safe.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">There have been so many cruiser friends that have offered advice along the way it is hard to pick one. I am always asking, and listening and learning an appreciating the help offered by others.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The voice in my head that said make sure to get along with Sarah.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How was your experience extending a strange alternating sleep schedule over the long time period? Did you ever fall asleep on watch? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Our watch schedule is a natural extension of our typical habits. Bob tends to fall asleep earlier than I do, and thus wake up earlier. We just push this schedule to its limits and it works well. Bob falls asleep as early as he can, sometimes as early as 7, then wakes up at 1 or 2 and takes over from me. I like to stay up reading, so I just push that to staying up later and later, then I get to sleep in the morning. There were certainly days that our rhythms were interrupted by weather or equipment breakage, but then we just take turns napping during the day.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">My experiences on previous passages prepared me well mentally, however on this passage the motion of the boat was a greater challenge to both getting and staying asleep.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Sleeping on watch- Interesting how this question popped up from several people. This passage was quite different from other passages we have done. The extremes would be sailing near the Panama Canal and the shipping lanes, vs being out in the middle of the Pacific. When there are other boats around there is no sleeping on watch, we are constantly vigilant. Crossing the Pacific we saw so few boats that we could risk a small catnap here and there. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">There are those people who have fallen asleep on watch, those people who are going to fall asleep on watch, and damned liars. The key is to steal a few winks, with your phone alarm nearby, to sleep lightly with an ear tuned to any significant change in wind, boat motion, sounds.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What would you do differently if you did it again?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">I would download more podcasts, they are great company on nightwatch. I thought I had done so, but most of them were gone by the time I wanted to listen to them.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I agree with more podcasts, but if we could find the right person, another crew member would be worthwhile.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What food that you provisioned did you wish you had more of and which food did you never actually eat?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We would have liked to have more non dairy ice cream but the freezer just couldn't hold any more. Also more lettuce would have been nice, but it is difficult to get it to last.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I agree with the lettuce and ice cream, and would add more hummus. We did not use many canned goods, but those are really provisioned for our remaining months before large groceries in Papeete.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What was the first thing you wanted to do upon reaching dry land?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Go for a walk and stretch my legs.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Walk, rest, walk, rest, meet someone new. Birds, blossoms, beer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did you think about people who had made this crossing before access to technologies you have? Anyone in particular? Did you feel connected to past explorers and sailors in some way out in the vast open blue? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Thank goodness for technology! To do this without GPS, our chartplotter and our Sat phone would have been a totally different experience, and not something that I believe it would have enjoyed. I did think about those who came before us and how their experiences differed from ours.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Certainly one cannot discount the advantages of GPS and the security that knowledge feeds you every day you are out of sight of land. When I think of the Polynesians, that for thousands of years, explored these same waters by reading the waves, the wind, and determining their location by holding their hand up to the stars, I am humbled. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">All who have gone to sea before us, and all our fellow cruisers today readily share information. Technology and information properly applied keeps us safe, and allows us to continue following in the path of the real explorers.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Sometimes I think about the early European explorers on boats not much longer than our, with 40-50 crew members aboard and I am grateful not to have quite so many crammed in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>At what point in your crossing did you feel most isolated?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">For a while our text messaging app was not working. When I wasn't getting any messages from the outside world I definitely felt isolated.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">When the autopilot had troubles twice in one day, along with battery charging issues, I felt we could be out there days longer with constant handsteering and maybe a loss of refrigeration. But isolation is relative when you know you just have to fix things the best you can and keep going.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Which of your children are you most grateful for answering your questions and communicating with you throughout you journey?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We don't feel that it is appropriate to pick favorites among our offspring. Those that have communicated with us know they are loved and appreciated. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I feel our first child was consistently helpful and supportive, however our last born was his typical slacking self.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Questions from my mother, Jane</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do you resolve differences of opinion? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Light sabers</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I didn't know I had the option to disagree.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">In all honesty, we discuss it until someone brings up a point that is slightly better, or Sarah begins to pout until I give in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you still love to be together?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Yes. I love sharing this with my best friend and having someone that I can trust implicitly. Someone that can fix my autopilot for me and change the fuel filters when the engine stops running because of crud in the fuel. And someone who I can explore with and who will share my excitement over seeing a rainbow or a shooting star or watching the sun set.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I wonder who she might be talking about...I think I'm jealous. Actually we do exceptionally well minimizing differences because we have to.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">From my aunt Moira:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What was the most: Fun? Rewarding? Emotionally moving? Boring? Challenging? Unexpected?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Wow, that's a lot! Boring is easy - the lack of being able to do many things I love to do, go for a walk, make art, make music. There was just too much motion of the boat to feel comfortable enough to do the last two.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Unexpected would be the number of small (4-5 inches) squid that would be found on deck in the morning at the beginning of the passage. At night I could shine a bright light into the water and see the light reflecting in the red eyes of the squid. They disappeared about halfway through the passage, but on our list of things yet to do is to clean up the squid ink on deck.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Most fun was ten minutes with dolphins swimming along in our bow wake. Most rewarding was finally getting to prove we could do it. Getting the battery charger and autopilot to work again, thus avoiding minor calamities was a real emotional lift. Most boring was the first third of a book by William F. Buckley I gave up on. Most challenging was remaining able bodied and more or less upright for 20 days straight on a broken carnival ride. Unexpected, was how quickly the time passed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Were there times when you were nervous or scared? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We have made enough smaller passages that I wasn't really nervous or scared, but as is often the case, the most nerve-wracking is usually at the end. In this case in the last 24 hours we had winds up to 25 knots and 3 meter seas. We have had continuing issues with our bio growth in our fuel and clogging the filters. We (and by we, I mean Bob) changed the filters for safety reasons for the last hour before entering the harbor at Nuku Hiva. The winds we gusting up to 22 knots and the waves were 3 meters and coming at us from the side. We were motoring at this point to get into the harbor. At the mouth of the harbor are two very large rocks they call sentinels that we had to pass between. We were making plans as to what to do if the engine failed at that point (pull out the sails and turn back out to sea). For me this was definitely the hairiest part of the passage. All ended well, the engine didn't die, we made it past the sentinels, into the harbor and safely set anchor. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Sometimes the way Sarah looks at me when she's handing me the hammer is pretty scary.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did you learn anything new about Rhapsody?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Just had our trust in her reinforced. If we take care of her, she takes good care of us. We did learn that we need to find a way to prevent the chafing of the halyard when we are flying our Code Zero sail!</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">We reinforced that a lot of our planning, preparation, and experience is valid for the boat we have and the way we use her. We need more back up autopilot hardware.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did you feel small surrounded by the vastness of sky and water? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Certainly at times, it was amazing to look out in all directions and see nothing but blue, sky and water</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Absolutely, but we feel small whenever we're on passage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did anybody fall asleep on night watch? (fess up now) And just how hard was it to stay awake?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">See above...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Favorite constellations as viewed mid-ocean? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Transit of Venus and Jupiter every morning just before first light.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">I loved watching the Milky Way and seeing the Southern Cross, but I have to admit that for all the hype that the Southern Cross gets, it is pretty small in comparison to Northern Hemisphere constellations like the Big Dipper or Orion. I think that the Souuthern Cross must have a pretty good agent promoting it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What did you miss the most? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Conversations with other people</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Long walks off the boat. and new voices laughing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How did the food provisioning work out?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Our freezer is not big enough for everything that we would like to bring, otherwise excellent.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Our chocolate stash of artesian chocolate from Chocolopagos lasted until the very last days, then we knew it was time for landfall. We still had some carrots, cabbage and potatoes left at the end, we did not have to resort to a totally canned meal.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did you learn anything new about yourselves? About each other?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Just a stronger confirmation that we're doing what we should be.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">And that we can count on each other when needed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's something else I just got curious about. What kind of medical just-in-case preparedness did you have along with you? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">A positive attitude is all important. Stubborn sense of good diet makes good health.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We have an off shore medical kit full of medications I hope we will never have to use.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And finally, questions from my Uncle Lee who submitted questions under false pretenses to be moved to the head of the line. For this reason he was bumped to the end</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dear Aunt Sara,</i></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>How do you handle sleeping -- both by day and by night? Do you ever </span><span>both sleep and let the autopilot handle the boat?</span></span></b></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">The autopilot is always handling the boat, unless there is a problem with it, but one of us is always monitoring the autopilot, making sure it is working, looking out for other boats and watching the weather and the sails, being ready to put out more sails if the wind goes down, or take in some if the wind goes up.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">What Sarah said. Awake or asleep you remain tuned into any significant change in sound, motion, or breeze.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do waves break over Rhapsody when you are crossing the Pacific?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We do occasionally have waves break over the boat. Just this afternoon we had a hatch over our bed open to get some fresh air and a big wave came over the boat, through the hatch and doused the bed, actually only Bob's side of the bed, mine stayed dry. As we were approaching the harbor, on the very last section of the passage we definitely had waves breaking over the bow.</span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I've got to remember which hatch to to close and which hatch to leave open next time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do you navigate? Do you shoot the sun just for fun?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">We have no sextant aboard. We rely on satellite GPS, either through our chartplotter or our handheld radios. GPS is worldwide accurate. Besides, too many billion cell phone users, militaries, and Uber drivers need it for it to fail. If by the strangest twist of fate GPS failed we would fall back to our compass, paper charts, the position of stars and planets if visible, and dead reckoning. You adapt.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We plot a course on the chartplotter before we depart and then over the length of this long passage we attempted to stay on course, often correcting for the wind and the currents which seemed to want to take us further south than we wanted to go.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>Do you harvest and eat seaweed? Is there any seaweed in the middle of </b></span><b>the South Pacific</b><span>?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">No, but small squid and flying fish offer themselves up on deck in frustratingly large and messy numbers.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We did not see any seaweed, as opposed to parts of the Caribbean which are covered with Sargassum, large mats of orangeish brown plants.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When crossing the Pacific, do you fly full sails all of the time?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">No. the amount and trim of the sails change to meet the conditions.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">If the winds were light we would fly full sails during the day, we would always reduce them at night because it was more difficult to see any approaching squalls.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>Do you carry all your drinking water or do you make it? Is your water</b></span><span><b>maker solar</b>?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">We make it, through desalinization.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">We have two 60 gallon tanks that we fill with our watermaker which generally is run by our solar panels. We have some difficulty on passage if the boat is heeled over too much, or the waves are too great and the intake thru-hull is not in the water. Fortunately we only needed a few calm days to make enough water for the entire passage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you bathe in seawater?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">No, we shower sparingly with fresh water.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">When not on passage we are swimming a lot if we are in an area of clean water, and the initial rinse/cleaning is with salt water and we just use our freshwater as a rinse. We are a much more frugal with water on passage. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What is the deepest part of the Pacific that you have crossed?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I think about 19,000 ft.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">When we are sailing over the top we can't really tell if the water is several hundred feet deep or several thousand, it all looks the same. And once the numbers go over several hundred feet our depth monitor just says: depth - - -</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And the final comment from Uncle Lee, which is what sealed his fate at the back of the pack:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PS -- nothing wrong with deception to jump to the head of the queue</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-33118407675916385482022-05-15T12:31:00.004+13:002022-05-15T13:08:06.760+13:00Sighting land at dawn.<p><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">About 3:00 am. Morning of day 20, graveyard watch as usual. Sarah mentioned seeing skimming birds feeding at dusk last night when we were just under 100 nm. from land. Birds are always our last send off and first greeters on passage. Also, as is usual since leaving Panama, a red footed booby has chosen our bow rail to rest for the night. We marvel at the flexibility and unwavering tenacity their webbed feet display in gripping slimy, salted 1” stainless steel pipe bouncing about for hour upon hour.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">I’m reading an ebook of another Pacific passage from 1987, ‘Racing through Paradise’, by William F. Buckley, the pompous and overly wordy arch conservative known to me, along with George Will, as the two persons most likely to wax eloquently, with great ponderous statements based on numerous supposedly irrefutable facts, using stout reasoning and superb language skills, in order to draw conclusions completely erroneous to me, and near totally lacking in empathy for other than the New England wealthy class. Buckley writes with a self centered air of unquestioned arrogance, name dropping past presidents and important people he must write to or skim over speeches for, I’ve quickly learned to skim over all but those parts that pertain to sailing on long passages, and still I can barely get past the ‘know it all’ tone of self indulgence and entitlement.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4:00 am. The chart plotter shows we are nearing our first possible glimpse of terra firma since leaving views of San Cristobal, the western most volcanic landscape of the Galápagos Islands, in our wake almost 3 weeks ago. UO-HUKU, at the eastern edge of French Polynesia, is for now just a lurking, dark, blurry shape resting nebulous on the southern horizon under overcast and moody skies. The waxing half moon set 2 hours ago. We’ve been getting scattered spit, drizzle, and mini squalls since sunset causing the need to put away cushions and pillows to dry corners only to return them minutes later.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyI1ho6GCbnrYkCvXkVsFhCs3i9fEcTdRctE94GL4gvuJPxuUrJ2gfTQpzo8Ol4LTBOlVaZwAI9Qj6onsy6WMhsx1TFk3NLheKgdAISAuDaAF4176JFLAZkBg6zBpRtEHUlwK1OGcYFyjEppILV5iJf-fIneRt73ZyK9CP-nZIT2fNOS_4wxpqbSl/s2160/279795411_2953985814893028_338682249251049488_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyI1ho6GCbnrYkCvXkVsFhCs3i9fEcTdRctE94GL4gvuJPxuUrJ2gfTQpzo8Ol4LTBOlVaZwAI9Qj6onsy6WMhsx1TFk3NLheKgdAISAuDaAF4176JFLAZkBg6zBpRtEHUlwK1OGcYFyjEppILV5iJf-fIneRt73ZyK9CP-nZIT2fNOS_4wxpqbSl/w640-h480/279795411_2953985814893028_338682249251049488_n.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5:20am. Land ho, in ochre/orangish semi dawn detail. Interesting how the outlines of large islands with some mountainous elevations appear a bit larger than appropriate on the surface of the undulating water. This emerging mass of land changes ones sense of scale a bit because we have become so singularly slanted to unimpeded horizon line gazing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>22 nm. to Nuku Hiva and safe anchorage. On one hand we are quite ready to be at anchor, with a much kinder, quieter roll to move about with,</span><span> but more so, we are anticipating time off the boat testing unused walking muscles, greeting fellow cruisers that have arrived ahead of us, seeing new lush valleys, waterfalls, flora, fauna, and meeting the locals. As I type this the sun’s first bright rays are fighting their way through the low surface clouds, and the feeling of being quite close to finishing 3200 miles across open water is setting in. We’ve come a long way with more than a few mechanical challenges, and delaying wind shifts, in order to experience new to us places like the Marquesas. In a few hours we begin to find out just how much it’s worth.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></div><div></div></div><br style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-90446219850703168122022-05-13T12:27:00.000+13:002022-05-15T13:09:00.955+13:00Land Ho!After 20 days at sea,
<br />over 3000 nautical miles,
<br />5 trips by Bob into the back lazerette to fix the autopilot
<br />One broken halyard
<br />One Code Zero sail retrieved from the water
<br />3 days of on and off hand steering
<br />A Refrigerator and freezer with decidedly more room and less food than 20 days ago
<br />Several rounds of picking up things that were not properly secured,
<br />Numerous bumps and bruises, also known as boat bites, as the boat lurches one way and then the other, reacting to the wind and the waves,
<br />and one entire box of Chocolopagos chocolate turtles
<br />land has been spotted!<div><span><a name='more'></a></span> You would think that would be the end of the passage story, but there is still quite a bit left to do before we can close the chapter on this passage. One of the first items of business is locating suitable clothing for public viewing. We have just spent 20 days with no need for shoes and a minimal need for clothing, less clothing than is generally publicly acceptable. As we enter the anchorage we will be seeing and being seen by boats and people in contrast to our time at sea where we saw no other people.
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<br />We will be entering an unfamiliar harbor full of boats. We will begin the search for the perfect anchoring spot, not too close to any other boat, and not too far from the dinghy dock. Not too shallow for the boat, not too deep for the anchor. Which way are the boats facing due to the wind and the waves, and which way will they be facing at 3 in the morning? How deep is the water and will there be a great enough tide change to make a difference in the depth, both for the water under the keel and the amount of chain we let out for the anchor.
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<br />Once we are suitably clothed and well anchored we need to begin the process of getting our dinghy ready to take us to shore to check in. Our dinghy, named Melody as an accompaniment to Rhapsody, has been upside down on the deck since we put her there in January as we were leaving Bonaire. Her outboard engine has also been stowed on the aft rail, unused since the last trip in to land to check out of Bonaire. We did not need the dinghy in Panama, and were not allowed to use it in the Galapagos, so now, after 4 months of being ignored we are asking both the dinghy and the motor to come into service for us again.
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<br />Removing Melody from the deck is done by hoisting her over the rails and down into the water. The halyard we usually do this with is the one that broke flying the Code Zero sail. Fortunately we do have another halyard running up the mast, just not quite as stout, but I am sure it will do fine. After lowering Melody into the water, one of us will climb down into the dinghy and walk it, hand over hand, to the stern of Rhapsody for the next operation, putting the motor back on and hoping it will run after months of not being used.
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<br />Now it is time to go ashore to check in to French Polynesia. We have been preparing for this for two years, to be able to check in and to stay for more than 90 days and now we are here, ready to make it official. To step on land after not feeling solid ground beneath our feet for 20 days. Let me describe a bit what walking has been like aboard Rhapsody. Every step has to be considered, where will your next step land? Will the floor be in the same spot when you put your foot down? Always holding on to some part of the boat with one hand, attempting to steady yourself. Often I am reminded of the rotating tunnel you have to traverse to exit a Fun House at the Carnival. Sometimes you can time it and run right through, but usually you end up falling down. Then, on this particular Rhapsodic Fun House, as soon as you think you have it mastered, the Fun House operator will switch directions on you and every movement now has to brace the opposite direction.Our bodies have adjuste
<br /> d to
<br />this motion, and I imagine that our first few steps on solid land may be amusing to watch.
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<br />Off to find the gendarmes to check into the country. We are healthy, we have jumped through all of your hoops, please let us stay! Off to find WiFi to connect with the outside world by more than the satellite phone. Off to check out what groceries are available to replenish the supplies in the refrigerator and the freezer.
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<br />Then finally we can relax and explore and enjoy this new country we have sailed so far to see. But not for too long, there are always boat chores to do and things to repair, but at least we get to do it in beautiful places!
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<br />Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.<span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67578293920322897.post-64385948342589452762022-05-12T09:30:00.000+13:002022-05-15T13:10:13.525+13:00It always breaks at 5 AMFour nights ago, while on the 2 to 7 am. watch, I heard a new, but faint, clicking sound I couldn't place. Over the next hour went from intermittent to occasional, and then it increased in repetitions and volume until I finally tracked it down as something connected to the steering. After a preliminary investigation by flashlight I found a wiggle in the bolt that connects the autopilot arm to the steering quadrant that was causing one to rub on the other...but only when a larger wave from the aft port quarter shoved our stern strongly to starboard. So waking Sarah from her favorite deep sleep session, (not happy, but ready to help), we emptied the aft port lazerette. This storage area is 5' deep and holds all our extra diesel and gas jerry cans so we don't have to store them on deck. We have knotted lines tied to the handles to help raise and lower the heavy cans when full as they are now, but in the dip and roll of 2 meter seas it can still be a challenge to empty the area safely. Finally, after collecting necessary tools, shims, and spacers, I got decent lighting set up and climbed down into the aft bowels of our boat, and stuffed myself into a seriously contorted position to access the quadrant. With Sarah hand steering and the autopilot off, I finagled a way to manipulate wrenches top and bottom, removed the nearly immovable nuts, and got the bolt released. After adding an additional spacer for just enough clearance, I had to time the reassembly with Sarah's turning us into the wind far enough so as to slip things back together as we fell off the wind, but quickly. I was truly relieved when all was tightened back down, the autopilot engaged, and no more rubbing cast steel on soft aluminum. But the final relief was getting my brittle old self out of that hole. After cleanup and repacking the lazarette, Sarah went back to bed, and I went looking for an ice pack. Just another chapter in the continuing saga of fixing your boat in the dark in exotic places.
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<br />Footnote: I've been down in that hole twice more since first writing this. Once to replace the same bolt broke in half, and once to retighten the nuts I had already installed as tight as I possibly can. Both times very near 5:00 am. I need more suitable hardware.
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<br />Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0