On the Way to the Tuamotus

We have been sailing since 4 PM yesterday afternoon, and we have gentle light wind and waves pushing us to our destination slowly but surely. The weather is beautiful and our spinnaker is flying well, so we have no complaints. We still have just a little ice left from the huge block we got in Taihoe last Saturday, so we are fishing with hopes to find yellowfin tuna or mahi for dinner; that would be soo nice! We had two more glorious days in Daniel's Bay, just enjoying the peace and quiet after most all the boats left, and swimming with the mantas was so cool. Wish we had a lens that would capture the essence of the valley, but one just has to imagine a bit of true tropical paradise, with palm trees swaying in the gentle warm tradewind breezes, a few little open-air houses nestled in the green on green valley, colorful flowers everywhere, fruit trees ladened with papaya, grapefruit, starfruit, lemons, and oranges, horses feasting on lush grass, and dogs and cats everywhere, enjoying the good life. 


David wrote about the Monday luau to Casey and asked him to either send it to you or post it on the blog, so I do hope he followed through. David got way into helping Mai and Maria dehair the pigs, butcher them, dig the pit, build the fire, place the pigs in the pit with banana leaves, and finally drink cold beers with them after all the work was done. It was a wonderful party and all the cruisers brought side dishes and had a great evening. It reminded me of our many cookouts and, again, I thought of all our wonderful friends we are so fortunate to have. I know this weekend will be another gala affair, and I will try to sailmail the Obrands with a congratulation message for Jessie. 


We think we are heading for Manihi first but it will depend upon the wind; we would like to sail the whole way, and right now we are heading that way. Freedom and Savannah are stopping at a different island, and then we will all eventually head for Fakarava for surf and snorkeling. We are also going to Toau, where there are moorings and awesome diving. We have heard that internet is hard to find in the Tuamotus, so thank goodness for sailmail!!! 


Paula asked me to send her a wishlist from TJ's, and I know she is visiting California for a few weeks. I have her new email address in my gmail address book which I cannot access, so could you please send it to me? If not, I will send you the little list. All that I really need is TJ's 21 Seasoning and don't want to burden them with anything else. I sure hope that we can connect. The eclipse is happening there in Moorea on July 11, and the French Polynesian dance competition is in Bora Bora on the July 14; Paula certainly knew what she was doing when she made those reservations!