Hi
from Clare, Friday
10th
June 2016
WHY
MAKE PLANS
So
things don't always turn out the way we plan. Last Sunday we left
Nuku Hiva and foolishly I waved good-bye commenting that I would
never see the island again – ha ha.
We
sailed twenty five miles to the island of Ua-poa. The weather was
perfect, the water 28 degrees and crystal clear. The
island is very mountainous and is a favourite for rock climbers.
From a distance some of the pinnacles look like big chimneys on the
mountain; rather spectacular. We
anchored in a lovely bay and intended staying there until the weather
was right to sail to the Tuamotus. We had both manta-rays and
dolphins swimming by the boat. However after two peaceful days we
found ourselves heading back to Huku Hiva. Andrew had grazed his
shin some five days earlier and whilst at Ua-poa his leg became very
inflamed, swelled up and his temperature rose to 38.2 degrees. He
wasn't feeling too well and so back to Nuku Hiva and a visit to the
hospital.
The
Dr said these tropical infection are very common with the Cruising
Community, and prescribed a course of antibiotics and the necessary
disinfectants to treat the wound; Andrew is now feeling much better.
A
FEW PROBLEMS
Our
water maker is only producing half as many litres per hour than it
should. So Andrew has pulled it apart twice now searching for the
problem. It is not the easiest piece of equipment to get to as it is
installed behind the engine. So he has been head down and tail up for
a couple of days and at the moment the water maker is in pieces on
the dining table.
We
are both hoping he has found the problem. Fortunately it has rained
every day and so the water tanks are full.
 |
| Andrew with all the 'O' rings |
PS
the watermaker is now in full production! WOOHOO
Another
problem we encountered was that the engine wouldn't start. One of the
earth connections had come off. It took a bit of finding but at the
time we were in calm water and not at any risk. The alternator
regulator that controls the amount of power going into the batteries
has died. This could have been a real problem but Tony on Tactical
Directions had a spare and was happy for us to have it as Andrew has
helped Tony on his boat on numerous occasions.
I
LOST MY SOLE
We
were busy cleaning up the boat and somehow we managed to throw out my
new Orthaheel thongs. This was a loss but not to worry I still had my
Teva rubber sandals, an essential piece of kit for a yachtie.
Although both soles were loose, I was running out of options and so I
wore them shopping in the pouring rain. The ground was muddy and one
sandal was flicking mud up the back of me. By the time I left the
supermarket It was nearly fully off so I removed it and put it in my
bag. When I was half way home I realised that I had lost the other
sole. I retraced my steps but could not find it; now I was in real
trouble. The following day, wearing the last pair of shoes I have on
the boat, I went for a walk with friends. It started to rain and so
we ducked for cover under the verandah of the supermarket. Low and
behold there was the sole to my sandal right out the front of the
supermarket. I guess I didn't find it the day before as there would
have been a car parked there. I am one happy person and my sandals
have been washed and waiting for repair so I can continue on my merry
way. Of course I had all these really helpful suggestions like making
a pair of sandals out of and old car tyre, but I didn't jump at that.
 |
| Kevin, the local Yacht Agent, and Andrew at Happy Hour |
SO
WHAT'S NEXT
Tonight
Tony on Tactical and his crew Garry and his partner Karen are coming
here for drinks. Today is probably the nicest day we have had for a
while so hopefully it won't rain. We are waiting for the right
weather to head for the Tuamotus. At present there is a big swell
coming from south of Tahiti so we will wait for that to abate.
Love
Candy xx
