Monday-all is well

All is well in Ua Pou. We're staying in one place for a bit, having a rest, discussing the future and getting to know the town a bit better. One of our constant decisions is how to answer the question, "Is it better to stay in one place longer and get to know it better, or to see several places for only a brief stay?" It's a hard question, that usually gets answered by circumstances out of our control. We move because of weather, or because we want to go with or to friends. We move because we need supplies or because of bugs, pollution, boredom, or dirty water. This time we like the bay, like the people and are enjoying exploring this island rather than sailing a lot to see them all. Just as we were on the verge of moving on, Wyndeavor arrived and the kids are enjoying some intense beach play time. Kelly and I are also enjoying having a friend around.

We have hired a car and driver for tomorrow to take us to another bay. We get lunch and a day excursion for a good price. We tried to sail to the bay last week, but it was too rough to stay and Pete wants to see the volcanic rock there. I think it will be a nice day. We're going with 2 other boats, Wyndeavor and Aurora B, so the kids will have playmates.

Yesterday we took our sandcastle building book to the beach and built a star fish about 12 feet across. We attracted much attention from the local children and Ellie and Carter got included in their play. Our boogie boards were a huge hit as well, and helped firm up the connection. It's the first time we've been included in local activities and it was really nice. My limited French broke the ice, and introductions were made. Little girls are the same everywhere I think, giggles transcend all languages.

We attended church on Sunday morning. The Marquesans sing accapella in a volume that reaches out into the town. The church has open air eaves and beautiful carvings up front. French and Marquesan were spoken half and half in the service. The ladies wear flowers in their hair and the men wear tropical print shirts. Although the message was foreign to our ears, the beauty was not lost on us.

We're watching for a weather window for the Tuamotu trip. It's been unsettled for a week or so and forecasting light for the next 5 days. One of these days we'll just have to leave anyways and hope for enough wind to sail. It's been raining every night, as the clouds stack up against the mountains. Hopefully the motus will be drier.

-Kellie