Ready... set... ?

It looks like FINALLY the tradewinds are returning to an orderly fashion between the Marquesas and Tuamotus. For the past couple of weeks there have been some big low pressure systems SE of here that caused the tradewinds to go all wonky, light and from every direction on the compass. The outlook for the next 4 days looks great, with wind in the 10-15kn rance from the east, which is just perfect for a passage SW. We've really enjoyed our time on Ua Pou, but we're ready to move on, and looking forward to clear water and good snorkeling (visibility here is about 12" and there's no coral). The weather (or lack of wind) caused us to stay longer than we'd planned, but all in all it was good. We'll have to hurry thru the Tuamotus a bit, since we've only got 6 weeks left on our VISA's and want to spend a month in the Societies (Tahiti, Bora Bora, etc.). I think we'll aim for Mahini and Ahe as the first two stops, they're in the NE Tuamotus.

We've got about 40kg of lemons along since we've heard from many sources that they're appreciated there, and can't grow them. Also heard that they sell in Tahiti for $1 each!. We've got 15 large pamplemousse (grapefruit) for ourselves, a few hands of bananas, a dozen oranges and some mandarins... and half a cabbage that we bought when we got here (for about $8!). We've still got 10 eggs left from Mexico, so may buy another dozen. A fellow we met on the beach yesterday is coming back this evening with some sugarcane, more pamplemouse and who knows what else. We'll give him some toothbrushes and toothpaste (thanks Sid!) for his family (5 kids), and some toys and clothes our kids have outgrown. Locals don't seem to want anything in return for their fruit gifts, but hopefully these are things they can use.

-Pete