Today Ann is writing the blog to give Bob a “Father’s Day break”. I also made him breakfast (eggs and spam – as requested). But his highlight was most likely texting with his girls. This is one of the hard parts of cruising – we do miss our families and on special days we think of them all day long.
And today is doubly special because my son, Greg, celebrated his 26th birthday today. I am very thankful that we were somewhere that had cell coverage so I could be part of his special day too! Yes, even on these remote motus there are cell towers powered by solar power set up to give the two families that live here and the dive shop some cell coverage. No internet but cell coverage. Pretty amazing in this remote part of the world.
Today was a quiet day with a few minor boat projects but as I write this the dinghy is folded and on the foredeck and we are ready to lift anchor and head to Tahiti tomorrow. Bob spent part of his day in the lazarette repacking the stuffing box. Important stuff to keep us from sinking. I spent some time polishing the stanchions because as we raised the dinghy I saw a lot of rust. Charisma is a little shinier now and ready for the next leg.
Our Charismas at sunset included reminiscing about our dads with lots of laughs and respect. We might have been near perfect children but probably not. So thanks, Dad (both of them) for putting up with us. And thanks for all of the great stories!
I also decided that I should share with you our “Supplies Needed” list as we head for Tahiti. As we provisioned Charisma we planned for Tahiti with some food stuff planned to last to New Zealand. It dawned on me that our Supplies Needed list tells us how well we provisioned. So here’s what’s on the list:
Shock cord, hooks for shock cords, and hogrings – all items needed for the current bimini -our shade for the cockpit. As we prepared to leave Berkeley I quickly placed an order with SailRite for these kinds of things but seriously missed on these items so thought we would point that out. Other items:
Spacer for headstay clevis pin or appropriate washers. We found that the clevis pin was not of adequate quality and had to be replaced. Luckily Bob had something that worked for now.
Bilge pump for dinghy – okay, we had one, but when we quickly relocated in Anahoe at sunset one night we flipped the dinghy and away it floated. Note to selves: secure replacement bilge pump in the dinghy.
4600 and 5200 adhesive – firstly you probably can never have too much adhesive material on a boat. These are adhesives that Bob says can solve most problems. The 5200 is specifically needed to repair the floor of the dinghy where a seam burst. I think it burst because I was pumping it to the wrong pressure. Luckily we have still been able to use the dinghy.
Reef walkers for Bob – oops, lost one overboard. Note to selves – secure ALL items on deck prior to voyage.
Rash guard shirts for diving – always helps to have protection against the sun and we didn’t even think of these.
Propane – this just got added today as our first bottle ran out while I was trying to cook some bread. Seems that our tanks last about 3 ½ months and we will need more prior to heading to New Zealand. We both agreed there was no way to have used much less.
Aspirin – we are not totally out but we find a lot of use for aspirin (it’s the old age penalty for the cruising life-hoist anchor, take aspirin, lol) so think we should restock in Tahiti.
Obviously fresh fruits and vegetables are a must too. We met some Tahitians at the local Pension the other night and have confirmed that we will be able to get all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Just for reference, a friend on another boat was able to trade bananas and mangoes for black pearls the other day – shows what a shortage of fruit they have in the Tuamotus. After running out of fresh fruit a week ago, (well, we still have a couple pamplemoose) we are looking forward to some great fruit in Tahiti – especially papayas!
The other item that we would have needed except we were saved by Orcinius was an alternator but we are not sure we would have had an extra on board anyway.
Not too long of a list considering we were guessing at what we needed. Our snack bags have been seriously depleted and will need restocking too but we expected that also. We hope that the cost of groceries is more reasonable in Tahiti than in the Marquesas. Fingers crossed and stay tuned and we will let you know! And we are very proud of the fact that our rum is due to run out just as we hit Tahiti – not too bad! (FYI – we restocked the beer in the Marquesas).
Happy Father’s Day especially to Bob’s dad, Tom but also to my brothers and our brother-in-laws! Hug your kids if you are close enough!
Since your provisioning list seems to have worked so well, are you willing to share, just as a guideline. We have been wrestling with storage techniques, but its hard to know what will work. Also, what size propane tanks are you carrying. We are still working and only cook one meal a day( more on weekends). Its hard to estimate, how much to carry. What about the different refill methods? Our date to leave is coming so soon.
Happy father’s day to Commodore Bob and, in the spirit of equality, happy mother’s day to First Mate Ann. I’m sure your parents are extra happy to have raised renegade, sailor-adventurers. Especially since they were hoping for conventional, mainstream lawyers and doctors. 🙂
Two other things I think you need on your purser’s list; “The Bounty” by Alexander (the most historically accurate account), and Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills, etc (it magically captures your adventure musically). I can email the second if you don’t have it.
Serious note: If you ever need anything I can procure and send to you, let me know. Your wish is my command – seriously Shirley.
Tomorrow, (in sympathy with y’all) Pat, the dog, and me are going fishing at Lake Chabot. First time for the dog. Should be interesting. At least we don’t have to dodge reef sharks, only the occasional aggressive goose. Maybe we’ll get a Mahi-Mahi.