Our Final Post....Day 23, Home Sweet Home

Dear Family and Friends,

We've already been home for 23 days….so it's time to post for the final time on the Pacific Puddle Jump Blog.  In reflection, there are so many memories, learnings, and people during our trip that I thought the best last blog would be to summarize it with our FAVS and the statistics. 

  PPJ, April 12-August 19, 2017

The Stats:

Days Crossing 27 Total days on trip 129

Miles of Crossing 2,878 nm Best day sailed  169 nm Sailed 73 nm on slowest day

Engine Hours   10

Crossed Equator 5/2 at 10:04:20 PM Longitude at Crossing 134*45.697W Speed at Crossing 5.4 kts.

Islands Visited Marquesas:  Hiva Oa, Tahuata, Oa Pou, Nuku Hiva Tuamotus:  Tahanea Society Islands:  Tahiti

Favorites:

Island - Tahuata

Meeting friendly, helpful locals and cruisers from all over the world 

Fresh local fruits,   $.59 baguettes, Pain au chocolat (Paul),  Almond croissant (Leslie)

Sunrises, sunsets & rainbows 

Roosters…so colorful, cheerful & everywhere!

When asked if we would do it again, YES we would.  The crossing was our favorite part of the trip despite the challenges.  

Paul and I are grateful for everyone's support.  Your emails brightened our days.   With special thanks to our AUX Crew:

Susan & Dad-Provisioning, communication, resources & troubleshooting…."so can you get a helicopter to pick up Paul?…"

Geoff-Home security, Blog tech support, & always ready to help with last minute questions  in route …"so what is slack tide for …."

        Steve-Technical support, procurer of parts, BEST banana bread recipe!

We are truly blessed to have such loving family & friends.  We missed you & are happy to be home!

Love, Leslie & Paul 

Photos:. #1 Rocinante is being well cared for per photo below as supplied by Capt. Mathieu in Papeete awaiting transport home.  #2 Surprise Welcome Home Party!  #3 Us at home sweet home, day 23.

Back in the good ole USA....

Dear Family & Friends,

Just a quick note to let you know we are home. Sad to leave Rocinante behind but once we landed, got our welcome home hugs from dad in route, then a surprise welcome gathering at home, we knew what we had been missing...there's no place like home.

Below are some photos from yesterday. Dinner was provided by dad and Susan....dad's baked ham & pasta salad (& he stocked the refrigerator full of our favorites) and homegrown tomatoes flown in from Susan's garden in Bellevue, WA. A pre dinner celebration with champagne was awaiting us as we pulled into the driveway.

Somehow, once we settle in, I'll probably close this blog with some culminating thoughts (hopefully from Paul, too) and with thanks to all of you that supported us along the way. For now, I'll close and either check out mail( which Linda has been collecting daily), unpack or nap....hmmm such choices. Look forward to seeing you soon. Love, Leslie
PS Did you know that you can view pictures in the Galley section on the blog...bigger that what you see here?

Leaving Rocinante behind....

Leaving Rocinante behind...It's not easy to do....but it will be in good hands while in Papeete awaiting transport home in December.

Photos:
Pickling the water maker...part of boat prep
Paul briefing Mathieu, the captain who will check in on the boat and deliver it to Papeete to board the ship. What an interesting guy....from Cannes, ..a licensed captain who has also established a research project on the environmental changes to the atolls and marine life in the South Pacific....working with a professor from Scrips
Paul, Mathieu & Pascal who is the agent for the transport....and then there's Phillipe, (no photo) the marina manager....somehow this has gotten complicated & of course no one does this for free.

Leaving tomorrow night. for home sweet home...why is it always good to get away but even better to return home?

See you soon., Love, Leslie

Tropical Beauty Even on Tahiti...

Bonjour....Enjoyed the weekend driving along the coast ( the only road) from Tahiti Nui to Tehiti Iti ...started with pastries at a local cafe then enjoyed the drive through many village communities. This must be the source of the wonderful fruits/veggies we see at the roadside stands and Papeete Market...such beautiful green fields. We were looking for the white sand beach per our Hertz rep....but that's another story. Ended up at Tahiti Iti, the smaller of the two which is hosting the Billsbong Surf Tournament. Finals will be on tv this weekend. Taxi boats take surfers and viewers out to the reefs for the big surf. Just getting set up for & beginning first rounds.

No snorkeling for Paul but sited nice spots (near our marina) which we went to on Sunday.

We checked off final Visa verification ( another long story) & met our captain who will monitor the boat until he delivers it to the transport in December. Today is packing day and final boat prep. We are listed on an Air Tahiti flight for Friday, departing 11:24 pm and arriving in LA Saturday morning around 11:00 . The drive from LA will be a quick reminder of our return to the real world....hmmm.

While we have marveled at the day to day island/ cruising routine and amazing natural beauty, we are awaiting our comfy bed and modern conveniences....but mostly being with family and friends....who have supported us on this journey.

There will no doubt be a couple of additional blogs before we we say finis. Love, Leslie

Sunday Event for Spirit of `45!....update from Marina Taina...

Hello from Marina Taina, Tahiti!  

I'm forwarding information about this wonderful event.  Paul and I will be missing it this year but know first hand the significance of celebrating the end of WW II along with many of the greatest generation that are still with us.  Their stories and spirit are inspiring....but then you've heard that from me before.  Invite a veteran and enjoy this event on Sunday.  Put your dancing shoes on because the big band music keeps your toes tapping and there will be veterans that would love to dance.  Dad and a friend will be there.  

It's a beautiful sunny day here.  Just sitting outside waiting on laundry....and Paul is starting the prep from bow to stern.  Going to explore beaches this weekend before returning to the process.  Been hearing that it's very hot in Coronado.  Thanks to Susan, Dad, Linda, Doug, & Teri for keeping our plants alive.  And, thanks to Geoff for turning off a running toilet along with his weekly checks.    It sure took our friends & family's support to keep us afloat.  Are we ever blessed!  Love, Leslie

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 11, 2017, at 2:04 AM, Honor Flight San Diego <dave@honorflightsandiego.org> wrote:

What could be better than a celebration of the end of WWII and a mini Honor Flight San Diego reunion?  "Honoring the legacy of the men and women of America's Greatest Generation on the anniversary  of their Greatest Day" On Aug. 14, 1945, President Harry S. Truman announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. In 2010, Congress unanimously voted for a national "Spirit of '45 Day" to preserve and honor the legacy of the men and women of the WWII generation - their example of national unity, shared sacrifice, can do attitude, and service to their community and country continues to inspire future generations of Americans. Please join us this Sunday to celebrate the end of WWII and ask our Greatest Generation, "Where were you on Aug. 14, 1945 when the war ended?"  The event will be held at The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park from 11 am to 2 pm. The formal program begins at noon. There will be more than 200 WWII veterans (some in their 1940's era uniforms), big band music, swing dancing, food and much more! The event is open to the public and free to attend. There is free parking, lots of handicap spaces and wheelchairs next to the entrance to the event. Look for the Sea Cadets when you turn on to President's Way to direct you to the drop-off location. There will be plenty of shade, restrooms and bottled water. WWII veterans will be provided a free box lunch before the noon ceremony and there is a nominal charge for all other attendees. Come to reunite with your veteran or your guardian, or to meet the team leaders and volunteers who make Honor Flight San Diego possible. If you have been on a flight, show your Honor Flight San Diego pride by wearing your veteran or guardian t-shirt and lanyard with your name tag. If you have not been on a flight, come meet the volunteers so you can get signed up to go on our next flight or go to: Honor Flight San Diego to complete an application. If you know a WWII veteran, bring them too! Directions to The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park (2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101): From the north - take 163 South to exit 1B (Park Blvd.). Go left at light on to Park Blvd. and right at next light on to President's Way. From the south - take I-5 North to exit 15B for "B" street. Go left on to "B" street to Park Blvd then go right on to Park Blvd. Go right at light on to President's Way. For more information, contact the museum at (619)239-2300.

Honor Flight San Diego, 9423 Keck Court, San Diego, CA 92129-3534 SafeUnsubscribe™ lesliegranger@rocketmail.com Forward this email | Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by dave@honorflightsandiego.org in collaboration with Try it free today

What a difference a day makes...

All is well...just thought I post a few photos from the last two days. Weather is the same but we are tired securely to the dock....getting our land legs back.

Day 118....Celebrating in Papeete

Dear Family and Friends,

Just a quick note to let you know we're in Papeete...arrived yesterday afternoon after our final passage of the trip. And, what a passage it was! We experienced our most challenging weather but Paul and his "trusty streed"" (Don Quixote's horse) arrived in Papeete where our journey ended....with mixed emotions indeed.

Some passage photos to follow after a walk to the laundromat and search for a boulangerie.

Love, Leslie

Position Report - August 7

Monday, August 2

8:42 PDT (17:42 GMT)
17 22.313 S  149 08.929 W
Course: 4.5 kts, 263° true.

Approaching Tahiti and Moorea
Image from Papeete-based AIS station

Pancakes in Paradise....

Just a quick post to let you know we found it....our paradise of white sandy beach, aquamarine to periwinkle water, wind bent palms, no bugs, breezy comfortable temp. ......

No hurry this morning...will put up dinghy and kayak for walks on the beach. Unfortunately, I can't go In the water...have cuts still healing on my leg. Paul checked out our anchor in (25") and enjoyed seeing colorful fish & perfect water temp.


So, I said this would be a quickie but then you know that I usually talk in paragraphs....

Photos-last pkg of pancake mix and Vt. syrup )heated like mom used to do in a pan of hot water not microwave)
#2-One view from bow.

Happy weekend! Love Leslie

PS....taking votes on the gray hair.....have Miss Clairal aboard....

Position Report - July 29

Saturday, July 29 9:08 PDT (16:08 GMT)
At anchor in Tahanea
16 51.044 S  144 41.512 W
Course: 0.0 kts, 0° true.

Position Report - July 28 6pm

Looks like they are in an anchored. Can't wait to hear how it went.  Geoff

Position Report - July 28

Friday, July 28, 9:08 PDT (16:08 GMT)
16 08.376'S  144 31.439'W
Course: 6.2 kts, 213° true.

133.7 nautical miles in last 24 hours, 5.57 knots average

Passage to the Tuomotus...

Hi Everyone, Thanks for hanging in there with us...after 107 days since we left family, friends, and all the comforts of home, we are sailing into the Tuomotus. Fellow cruisers say the best is yet to be.

We've decided that we're not young enough ( or are too old) for selfies but have made the exception to show you a "must have" when finding your way (safely) through and into atolls. Also, used for anchoring which eliminates the happy hour entertainment that anchoring can be for the other cruisers in the bay. Ours are not entirely 100% but most importantly the person on the bow can communicate with the helmsman/helms woman

We left Bae d'Anaho( northern Nuku Hiva) on Monday.. We expect to enter the pass for Tahania mid day tomorrow. So think of us tomorrow night on the hook in a beautiful auquamarine bay with white sand beaches.

Stay tuned for our first photo and tales of passing through the opening at slack tide with sun overhead.

FYI Until we reach Tahiti, we will continue to not have access to wifi. So, send your newsy emails to this address. Looking forward to hearing about your summer, favorite ball team and/or a laughable news event.

Love, Leslie and her Capt. (napping now before today's big event & after another one of those unexpected squalls.)


.

Position Report - July 27

Thursday, July 27, 9:08 PDT (16:08 GMT)
14 14.570'S  143 19.184'W
Course: 6.4 kts, 212° true.
148 nautical miles in past 24 hours, 6.17 average knots

Our wingman returned...

As we near the Tuamotus, we were visited once again by this lovely, friendly bird. Previously, he hitched a ride on the bow railing. Today, he chose to rest on the solar panel. Later, the captain discovered a mess he had left behind (evidence that this was not his first trip.).

Another hitchhiker is still aboard....a gecko. Probably hopped aboard at the boat yard in Hiva Oa. And our little Pepe has tried to be rescued by Chris & family but as you can see he's with us everywhere.

More updates to follow. Love, Leslie

Position Report - July 26

Wednesday, July 26
9:08PDT (16:08 GMT)
12 07.222 S  142 02.092 W
Course:  5.2 kts,  209° true.
132.7 nautical miles in past 24 hours, 5.53 knots average speed

Position Report - July 25 - On the move again

On the way to the Tuamotus,
Destination: Tahanea,
Anticipated arrival: Thursday, July 27,

Tuesday, July 25,
9:00am PDT (16:00 GMT),

10 10.119 S  140 58.954 W,
Course: 3.7 kts,  202° true

Back in the cruising mode....Day 2

Day 2 Cruising Again

Yesterday, we broke away and sailed to Bae d'Anaho testing our sea legs and return to wellness. It was a blustery day sail through 18-25 gusting to 30kn during a squall ( which drenched us & leaned the boat). Seas were 2-3 meters (6-9 ft) 7 seconds....not the easy sailing we wanted.

It's a beautiful bay with some dwellings off the beach. Looking forward to a long walk and swim. Best news, we both had a full night's sleep.

Going to make some banana bread first while Paul sets up the dinghy. Did I mention how quiet it is here? But wind and low from is returning so we can expect some rain. This is a protected day so we are minus the swells.

Stay tuned for some pictures from the beach. We'll probably depart for the Tuomotus Friday.

Happy Birthdays to Luca and Jenny.

The good, bad & ugly....Taiohae

The good....lovely German cruiser brought us homemade bread( still warm).....We saw a Festive Bastille Day Parade that had full community participation ( just like Coronado's)....efficient, caring (& affordable) medical care for what we believe are bacterial infections.

The bad....still rains every day & bay is muddy brown, 30 kn winds and swells that keep Rocinante rocking & rolling.

and the ugly....being sick and delaying our departure for the Tuomotus where cruisers we know are experiencing white sandy beaches & turquoise water.

We know that we'll be moving soon. Almost done with meds & 2 days without the ugly symptoms . Just need to get our strength back.

It's Sunday, and we'll go up to the quay for some local musicians jamming including our cute young French doctor. Looking forward to that.

Are you getting your hats ready for Opening Day Del Mar?
A fun day for the ponies and people watching. Where do they come from? Time for your best bets, dad.

How am I doing at Rummikube, ladies?

Love & miss you all! Leslie

Sunday Morning at Daniel's Cove

Good Morning!

We are here at Daniel's Bay(Baie de Taioa) location of a Survivor episode a while ago. An aquatics/ cultural arts teacher we met on Ua Pou had his music chosen for it. Today, it's quite humid. We had to move inside ( and close the hatches)to sleep last night when it rained. It brought out the "nonos".

Paul is recovering from flu or Deet poisoning ....fever spiked at 102. Intestinal symptoms are not easy when on a boat. Slowly regaining energy/ability to eat.

Photos-Me cleaning the water line and rudder. Paul rebuilding the sump pump. He had all the parts and knew how to do it. He's amazing. Dad, you would have liked this project. Pancakes ...if you've been a Sunday guest at our house you've had Paul's. I made these & they were light/tasty served w/ bananas & mango( from provisions not great- it's out of season now). Dad, wished we had the pepper bacon!

After Paul checks the rest of the sump pump parts, we hope to dinghy around the corner up the river to the a valley with many historical ruins. Probably won't hike...too many bugs. Then, hopefully, prep the boat for departure early tomorrow for the Tuomotus. Studied charts/ tide tables last night. Most require passing through openings at slack tide with noontime sun to navigate the currents & through coral heads. Fakarava & Makemo look good at this point. Should take us 4 days to get there. Looking forward to being underway again & getting to the sunny, white (& pink) sandy beaches w/ clear, warm water supporting amazing marine life.

Anyone have an easy bread recipe the uses self rising flour instead of yeast? I'm willing to try again. The bread mixes are just not rising for me. If so, please send. Out of bread and won't have access to provisioning for a week or so. Bananas are just right so will make banana bread. From the family living here, we can buy bananas, pamplemousse, & goat.


Hope you're having a relaxing, Sunday enjoying your favorite summertime fun! While we're enjoying the cruising, we do miss summer concerts, barbecues & baseball. Go Padres....I've heard they're joining the race.
Love, Leslie

Island Fresh....

Just before leaving Baie de Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, we stocked up on local veggies and fruits. The fishermen were just preparing their day's catch for sale. We bought yellowtail for $7.00 a kilo. Paul grilled it, and we now have enough already cooked to use for fajitas and fish burgers for 2-3 days.

We entered a cove, Baie de Taioa, just a few miles from where we were. What an amazing treasure! We entered a small passage which opened up to a set of anchorages both surrounded by beaches and steep walls. There is access to Vaipo waterfall that they say is the 3rd largest in the world. Unfortunately, everyone that we've seen after going there is covered in bites. We have decided to just enjoy these secluded bays before the passage to the Tutumotus and Google the waterfalls. There are 3 other boats here. Comfortable & secure here. No bugs so far.
A good place to study the charts and plan our next sail.

Thanks Ethel for sending the FOCUS parade entry unfortunately I can't open it here. Great to have FOCUS represented thanks to Lorna and all who made it happen!
It's a long walk in the heat!

Love, Leslie

Island Fresh....

Just before leaving Baie de Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, we stocked up on local veggies and fruits. The fishermen were just preparing their day's catch for sale. We bought yellowtail for $7.00 a kilo. Paul grilled it, and we now have enough already cooked to use for fajitas and fish burgers for 2-3 days.

We entered a cove, Baie de Taioa, just a few miles from where we were. What an amazing treasure! We entered a small passage which opened up to a set of anchorages both surrounded by beaches and steep walls. There is access to Vaipo waterfall that they say is the 3rd largest in the world. Unfortunately, everyone that we've seen after going there is covered in bites. We have decided to just enjoy these secluded bays before the passage to the Tutumotus and Google the waterfalls. There are 3 other boats here. Comfortable & secure here. No bugs so far.
A good place to study the charts and plan our next sail.

Thanks Ethel for sending the FOCUS parade entry unfortunately I can't open it here. Great to have FOCUS represented thanks to Lorna and all who made it happen!
It's a long walk in the heat!

Love, Leslie

Project Day

A beautiful day in Baie de Taiohae, Nuka Heva. For all you boat owners, past & present, I'm sure you can relate to "time out" for boat projects. We went ashore for breakfast before filling fuel cans and problem solving at the SIM card store, Vini. I'll be provisioning this afternoon before we depart for the Tuomotus. Paul will be refilling fuel cans so we leave with everything full. For Susan, Scott & dad, the food bins are full after consolidating from other storage places. Best news for Paul, still more Oreos and for me the Trader Joe chocolate coffee meltaways have not melted. Still yummy! Picketed up the laundry this morning. The dry lines are in the shop attic. I fully expected to have bugs, dust....but actually just came back with one lacy bra, clearly not mine. I'm thinking that the clothes we brought will be too worn/gray to even give away. Sure would like to find some cute sundresses. Nothing to even temp me. I hear I should leave time in Papeete to
shop. Going back to the quay, then provision & dinner if we can find a place open.

Have a wonderful 4th! We'll be thinking of you. Love, Leslie