signboards floating out here on the water. Not much traffic for the last
few days, Eduard had just spotted a ship but it was just a glimpse of
the port light. The wind has been fading a bit on us as we expected, and
we are motoring maintaining 6kts. At our current speed we should arrive
at Tahiti at about 11pm on the 10th of April. Our plan is thus to stop
at Fatu Hiva and spend a few hours there which will allow us an early
morning entry into Tahiti on the 11th. We are also stopping to shake off
a full month on the water since we left Panama. We could stop at one of
the more populated islands as well to get some water etc but at this
stage the plan is to push on through to Papeete, the capital of Tahiti.
Nick and myself decanted 500ltrs of diesel into our tanks and the sun
nailed us big time. One thinks one will just quickly set up the pipes
and run for shade again,but every now and then you spend a little longer
in the sun than planned. We pushed on through however and our tanks are
full, more than enough to motor the last 2000nm should we have to. We
are expecting a bit of wind again in two or three days time so all good
this side. Afterwards we had a nice swim and seashower to cool down
somewhat and also wash the bit of diesel off that inevitably always
spills a little on one as we were decanting out of 250ltr drums. After
nearly three months at sea My hair was getting a bit irritatingly long
and in my eyes. Nick volunteered to trim it a bit and did a splendid
job. Expressions For Hair in Constantia Village is apparently where he
gets his inspiration from. Check out there website or pay them a
visit.If he can do this well out here with just a pair of scissors,
imagine what the artists can do for you in their fully equipped studio.
I will certainly make a turn there when I am back in Cape Town for my
next delivery.
The last few days Eduard, Nick and myself have been involved in epic
battles on the chess board. Nick is leading Eduard 4/0 and I am ahead of
Nick 6/3. Eduard and myself haven't gone to battle yet. The games are
very evenly matched, sometimes ending in a draw. The scores don't really
reflect at all how extremely close these matches are contested. Just one
little slip of concentration and the downwards spiral begins. Sometimes
one is well ahead, having a feast with your opponents pieces, and all of
a sudden the tables are turned. Overconfidence also sometimes gets the
better of one, with dire results.
We are now all enjoying a big bowl of Jungle Oats every morning for
breakfast. Copious amounts of Illovo Maple syrup and YumYum peanut
butter and a dash of milk all mixed together really fills our tummies
with goodness. Now that we are no longer smoking our appetites are back
and can actually taste for a change what we are eating. Still not
completely over it, it is really a tough habit to break. But easy enough
out here with no tobacco and nowhere to get some for a while. I
sincerely hope we won't forget how enslaved we were to this addiction
and will abstain from it completely in the feature. Why on earth one
smokes, compromises one's health and waste your money I have no idea. I
am just trying to convince myself, to find a way not to fall into the
habit again. My greatest respect for those who have quitted smoking.
Easy enough to stop because we ran out of tobacco, but to stop while you
have or can get tobacco, well I don't know.
Our position at 9pm on the 27th of April was 06*39'S/118*50'W. We are
now 10 hrs behind SA time and UTC - 8. Distance to Fatu Hiva 1200nm and
Tahiti is 800nm further down the line. In two weeks time we should have
our mission completed, but lots can still happen in the interem. We may
even catch a fish.
Take good care
Capt Paul, as always standing by on one six
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