Thursday, July 28, 2005

Ellie's turned 8

On Tuesday the whole kid boat fleet set out for Tahaa Island to celebrate Ellie's birthday and make a little progress west. All the boats flew their sails, but it was really the engines that got us across the 20 miles. Everyone took pictures of each other under sail, and no one will ever know by the photos that the engines were purring away.

The only beaches here in Tahaa are on the motus (tiny islands) out on the reef. We're all anchored behind one in the lagoon, where it's quiet and pretty. This motu however has been turned into a park of sorts with picnic tables, volleyball and bathrooms. We were charged $6 per family for the afternoon. The birthday party succeeded wonderfully though, with 12 kids, 11 adults, bubbles, cakes, volleyball, tag and face painting. The only thing missing were the loved ones from home that I miss so much on special occasions. New friends make this lifestyle worth it, but there is no substitute for family and old friends.

We're very much enjoying not being on a time table now. We're in herd mentality, just following along with friends and taking it easy. This afternoon we'll move to the north end of the island where there is hopefully a free beach and groceries. Wyndeavor has headed off for Rarotonga today, so we're not sure when we'll see them again. We had thought to go there next, but have heard some things about the cost that has us second guessing our plan. There is no anchorage there, and they are charging $20 per night to tie at the wharf. There are plenty of free places to go, so we're looking over the chart books for inspiration.

I was thinking that I haven't written much about boat stuff like sailing, maintenance etc. Pete usually covers that, but lately the boat has been performing great and there hasn't been anything breaking. Our sailing days have been fewer and farther between, but in the next month we hope to cover the 1300 miles to Tonga, so I'm sure the sailing stories will pick up if that is the type of thing you live for. Personally I'm happier at anchor.

-kellie

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home