Eastern waters of French Polynesia 16 Aug 2010 16.5034S 153.2675W

We’re sailing again. I always have a hard time lifting anchor, one more day in a beautiful spot, one more day to tackle tasks without the added challenge of a lurching world, one more day of excursions, all seem so desired when the anchor is nice and settled. Frank on the other hand is ever ready to go, so he surprised me on Saturday morning – we had planned on leaving if the wind came from E/SE, the weather had turned as predicted, and we had perfect wind for leaving (with a little rain) – and HE suggested waiting a day. I of course did not hesitate to agree with this rare unsolicited proposal from him. So we stayed an extra day and left our quiet little spot in Huahine yesterday (Sunday) morning. We’re not going as fast, since the winds calmed a bit during that day, but we’re making comfortable way, running along with 10-15 knots of wind pushing the boat to 6-7 knots. Everyone is feeling good, I even slept some last night.

I don’t know why I get gripped by the desire to stay – I like being underway, there’s a subtle and pleasant shift that happens the second we’re clear of major land obstacles, and sailing along on the open sea. Something in my mind adjusts from feeling like I need to fill the time with tasks, and not waste precious daylight hours at anchor; to feeling like we have all the time in the world and it’s just fine to kick-back and daydream awhile. There’s something in making way, that gives one license to stare into space and dream, listen to music – really listen – discerning the poetry behind the lyrics, or have conversations with Frank and the kids that flow from serious to silly and back again. It’s the same feeling you get on long roadtrips, sometimes singing, sometimes talking, sometimes just watching the milemarkers go by. Red Hot Chili Peppers captures the essence well:

“Road trippin’ with my three favorite allies, fully loaded we got snacks and supplies, it’s time to leave this town, it’s time to sail away. Let’s go get lost anywhere in the USA. Let’s go get lost let’s go get lost…”

I’ll have to play that song next time I’m reticent to lift anchor. So we’re off to Suvarov (Suwarrow)to get lost in a new paradise. Friends on Totem, a boat we met in the Marquises, are way ahead of us now in Tonga, but they spent 10 days in Suwarrow, and said it was fantastic, with two very friendly rangers and epic snorkeling. (Kennan is concerned about the “epic” part. The Illiad and the Odyssey were epic tales and there’s lots of bloodshed in those stories…he’s a little worried about sharks).

That extra day at anchor? Much like the others. Lesson? Don’t waste any time, just go get lost. I’m hoping you’re all getting some time to get lost on your summer vacations.

xoxomo

P.S. I sent a brief email before we left Moorea, announcing that I’d posted pictures on http://picasaweb.google.com/margoreveil and we started posting the Scurvy Report at www.silverliningacademy.org. If you sent me a response, I have not had internet since, but I’ll look forward to reading your updates when next we are connected – likely to be in a month, depending on if we go straight to Tonga, or if we do a side provisioning trip to American Samoa.