Before writing my next epistle I was playing on the Internet and came across a blog that truly gave me a new appreciation for how I take each day. It is estimated that I have approximately 10,950 days to live!( actuarial tables used by the US social security system)
Knowing a number ,somehow makes each day and who we spend it with, and how we spend it all the more precious.I do truly appreciate being able to spend my time in discovery and not wasting time procrastinating!
After returning to NZ in April with Callisto painted ,repaired and provisioned we set off from Whangarei on May 2 ( Callisto's home for 6 months). Arriving in Opua a couple of days later ,we spent the next 10 days glued to the weather gribs! With all the other yachties waiting for the weather window to leave and venture north to the islands. This was a tense decision making time,avid discussions formed every 6 hours with old friends gathered here ,all waiting to leave for the next season in the pacific. Our newest crew member Terry ( this being his maiden voyage at sea) joined us to experience the journey. We finally decided to leave on Friday 13 th,NOT a popular day or date for superstitious sailors .
This journey was to be my longest single stretch at sea so far. 6 days and 22 hours before seeing land. I dosed up on my usual scopolamine and was more or less ready for a journey of rough sloppy seas ahead. Our poor novice Terry and Captain Bligh lay tethered and prone out from the cockpit, loosing their meals down the deck and looking extremely ashen during our first 24 hrs. Yea for drugs!
You could liken the experience to riding a mechanical bull inside a washing machine. This was a journey where the waves ,wind and rain were totally unpredictable ,changing at a moments notice. It was a very comforting feeling as we finally entered the harbour at Suva ,Fiji . Terry bravely took it all in his stride,he left us and Josette joined us for the next 7 weeks. We left soon after and began exploring the islands in Fiji.Wonderful warm scents ,tropical rains,noisy insects,delicious spices from the markets,friendly people from these tropical islands purvey throughout our exploration,leaving very fond memories .Delicious curries dominated our diets. Julie joined us in the last 2 weeks making the experiences shared with our girls all the more precious.
Fiji was where i experienced my first day with 40 knots of consistent wind with 50 knot gusts!
Later In July we left Fiji for Vanuatu ,this would be another first for me ,the longest time I have sailed with just the 2 of us,4 days 3 nights. This was another journey with foul weather gear,torrential rain ,sloppy seas,cold winds,no moon, no stars! Where was this calm Pacific they always talk about? Surely that is where the name Pacific is derived from.
We arrived in Anatom in a storm ,this is the most southern island in the Vanuatu chain,it was good to rest safely in a safe anchorage. The highlight of the Vanuatu chain was our next island ,Tanna. This actively volcanic island was truly spectacular. The journey by 4 wd to get to the volcano was a thrilling experience in itself. As the sun set we were drawn towards the crater,climbing up , hearing the thundering sounds as we approached,the ground vibrating the smoke spewing everywhere, ash in our eyes and noses. Flames flying high in the sky randomly was mesmerising.
After the volcano experience we sailed overnight to Port Vila where we spent the next couple of weeks, enjoying the baguettes and other good food,all left over from the French influences. We celebrated Michaels birthday with good friends from Kilkea and Tahina.
Another first for us both this season was waking up to an almighty shaking from the earth ,whilst sleeping on board in the water, an earthquake of 7.3! A very strange sensation .
My next journey was just Michael and I again ,this time to New Caledonia.(NC)
A much more delightful trip,weather much better. An excellent change for me.Arriving in NC alongside Kilkea was a good experience.
NC is the best of both worlds, a wonderful pacific setting,this island chain has the second largest barrier reef in the world, pristine clear waters, and reefs. Perfect islands with soft White fine sand,and yet wonderful markets,infrastructure,cheeses ,baguettes, nespresso ,pain au chocolat.etc etc We should have stayed longer!
This was my last sailing destination this season. I then began my 6 week circumnavigation by air to England/ San Diego and Oz .where did the year go?
Everyone always asks me ,"where is your favorite place so far?" this is a hard question as there are so many different experiences that are memorable and enjoyable,during this last season I would have to say Tanna and New Caledonia stand out as my top 2.
The most friendly people would be in the more remote islands of Fiji.
Best food would be the curries in Fiji and the French food in New Cal.
What was the most scary, again it would have to be out at sea with unpredictable storm winds and gigantic waves at night in zero light conditions( although I have become much braver with more sailing experience).I have also become more assertive aboard Callisto ! I have been able to voice my needs and I have started to help in the decision making(for example something as simple as stating my favorite seat when underway) this has made me much happier. :) Thank you Steve for your advice.
My most unusual invented recipes this season were 2 recipes for green unripe papayas! These fruit are on every island we visit. And often green!
Savory: peel,de seed,chop into cubes use as you would for a potato curry ( an excellent substitute )
Sweet: peel ,slice in half, seed and slice in the shape of half moons ,( like an apple slice) toss in a pan with butter, brown sugar,cinnamon and vanilla,cook ,but take off heat when still firm, place in a jar when cool and fill with rum ,put on the lid and place in fridge for a week or so. Then use in a pie, or a fruit bread,a great substitute for apple!
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving from Sydney.
Grey kangaroos spotted from Roger and Janice's yard in
