weather patterns

The wind had done it's 360 now and is coming from the west. Tuesday we're expecting it to go back to the standard SE trade winds, which is what we've been anxiously awaiting since Saturday when we wanted to leave. I think there are 5 boats departing tomorrow for Palmerston. We're all loaded up like a supply ship, ready to meet this remote group of islanders. Last night it poured rain, as expected after a cold front passes. The next one is not due for over a week, so we have time to sail and enjoy Palmerston before it's time to head out.

Lots of boat chores are getting done this week. I think we've been slacking for a while and getting a bit behind. Access to hardware stores generally sparks a spree of repairs and maintenance. They do say that cruising is just doing boat repairs in exotic places. Pete is resealing some windows and the kids are making story books.

Our adventure for the day was a trip to the whale research station nearby. They have irregular hours, so we have been trying to see it all week. The kids enjoyed the library of reference picture books. The founder, Nan Hauser, is an American lady who lives here full time. Check out her info at www.whaleresearch.org. If any of you have spare $$, and looking for somewhere to donate it, this would definitly be a worth cause.

The bugs seem to be under control now and everyone has clean sheets, so I can relax a bit. A local lady offered to take me to the grocery store tomorrow to finish my shopping and the shopping for the Palmerston family. Riding in a car instead of carrying 40 lbs of sugar and 20 lbs of fruit, is a terrific offer. Her sister in law lives on Palmerston, so she loaded up Dolphins with supplies for that family.

Just another day goes by in the South Pacific,

cheers kellie