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.)


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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

Nuka Hiva....usually cruisers first stop...

Good Morning! If we were home now, we'd be prepping for our 8th annual 4th of July Festivities. We'll miss celebrating with you...pre parade breakfast, parade(FOCUS will shine as usual), VFW for hot dog & dancing, pre fireworks' barbeque, then the walk over to the premier viewing spot on the green. And, can't forget the return to our house for the post fireworks nightcap. Knowing that our country is challenged with divisive political views, concerns for our economic well-being & safety from terrorism, I reflect on our ( USA) accomplishments & value for our freedoms. My reflections of islands we have visited include the joy & pride of the Marquisians, I also observe their challenges. However you celebrate our nation's birthday, I know you' ll join me with gratitude for all who have served & those who have chosen to protect our freedoms today. Dad, Paul, Bob, Kevin, Gary, and Mike ( & all who have served) I salute you with pride. I also think about those who contribute
to our well-being & making the world a safe,& supportive place for living in so many ways.

Back to Nuka Hiva ( I hope I didn't offend anyone with the above reflections but I've had time to observe other cultures & think about my hope that all ( (children especially)) will live in & contribute to making the world a safe, healthy place.)

Nuka Hiva...our planned first landfall before diverting for repairs to Hiva Oa. Photos Rocinante anchored in Baie de Taioae, fresh produce from local market, Paul doing one of many projects while here before departing for the Tuamotus hopefully on Tuesday.

I'm enjoying fresh pamplemou and watching the sunrise(and maybe our solar panels will finally see some action today). I love mornings wherever I am. Looking forward to walking around today & hopefully finding a restaurant ( only 3) open for dinner. Without rain maybe yesterday's wash will dry. It's had additional rinses thanks to the rain yesterday. I hear stirring below....time for breakfast with my captain who I adore. So glad we've made this trip together. Happy Birthday Faith & Happy Anniversary Scott & Nancy!
Have a wonderful 4th! Bonnie, sorry we just can't make it back in time...next year we'll continue the tradition.
Love, Leslie