When you live on a boat and cruise the seas of the world,
plans change all the time, even more so in the Pacific Ocean, where the
distances are long. Most people we have talked to the last year, did not stick
to their initial plans or schedules for one reason or another. Boat issues are
the number 1 incentive to stay longer in a place (it needs to get fixed before
being able to move) or leave immediately (to find parts). Some cruisers rush to
a haulout facility, others to Tahiti.
You stay longer than planned for packages to show up, because you enjoy the social scene, or because you are
finally in a city with all its useful amenities. Or, because you could use a
break from the boat.
Mark and I had been talking about a few options once we
arrived in Tahiti. After getting some things straightened out on Irie, figuring
out some health issues and catching up on internet tasks, we could move to shore
for a bit (hard to find a suitable place for one month near the mooring field,
and moving all our things would be a hassle), sail over to pretty Moorea (a
good option once we could pull ourselves away from the conveniences here), fly
to the States to see friends and family (very expensive and someone would have
to keep an eye on the boat) or take a vacation to Easter Island for a week
(yes, we do need a real vacation and haven’t had one in the seven years
aboard).
In the end, we decided it would be best for Mark to fly to
the US and for me to stay on Irie. He could take care of the things he needed
to take care of there, be with friends and family and have unlimited, fast
internet, and I could keep life going at this end. While he is being spoiled
with hot, pressurized showers, an efficient washing machine, a car to run
errands and family dinners, I am spoiled by cruiser friends around me. They
invite me over for dinner on their boat, give me a lift to shore, join me to
Happy Hour, include me doing fun activities and bring me fresh baguettes and
homemade cake. My days are so full that I barely have time for those leftover
boat projects and all those articles that need writing! :-)
Happy Hour at Casa Bianca with Rachel, Patrick, Cheryl, ...
... Chris, Mark, Rene, and Giorgio
Cleaning and fixing the raw water pump
Happy Hour with Gesina and Leo - more people we met before, all over the Caribbean and Pacific
Steve and Mark at a bar in Pape'ete
Liesbet and Lily at the same bar - we met the friendly folks of Liward in the Perlas, Panama
The roulottes in Pape'ete - a great evening out!
The roulottes (food vans) bring their own cooks, waitresses, tables, chairs and equipment
One of the roulottes on the waterfront in Pape'ete (only at night)
Have a smooth trip and stay in the US, Mark, and see you back on Irie soon!!!
