Escape from the Lagoon

After a morning of David changing the secondary fuel filter, Dave, from Soggy Paws, the one who really helped us fix our refrigeration system, helped David also, walking through the bleeding of the fuel system which ended up being the easiest part of the whole procedure. Each diesel engine bleeds the fuel system of air a little bit different, and since Dave's boat Soggy Paws has a Perkins engine also, it was great to get his input. 


So after raising anchor one more time, we headed out to exit the pass, running the engine hard to make sure whatever was wrong with it during our first attempt to leave had been fixed. It all worked great, so we entered the pass entrance and all that it had to send out way. The tide was still going out, so we were getting a big shove from behind which is helpful, but when this current hits the incoming waves it can stand them up and double their size. Thankfully we hit a lull in the swell so though a bit rocky and rolly, the exit was a no brainer. But just as we got through the pass we got hit by a squall with 25 knt. winds and lots of rain. Great way to be greeted by the wide open ocean, but it was still good to be out of the lagoon where we could relax a bit knowing there weren't any coral heads lurking out there waiting to take a bite out of our keel. 


We are now heading down wind towards Papeete hoping to arrive tomorrow late afternoon before we lose the light and have to go through yet another pass in the dark. Wish us luck!!!  Our current coordinates are 16 degrees 51 mins. South, 147 degrees 01 mins. West

By the way, Suzi and I want to wish everyone a happy 4th of July!!! Wish we were there to watch the fireworks and socialize with the crew; it will be a quiet one for us, I HOPE!!!  Oh I almost forgot, my tattoo is a band around my right ankle that gives power as per Polynesian lore. In the back running down towards my heel are two curved lines that look like the band is tied together. Very cool!! 
Love & kisses,  David & Suzi