Be careful what you wish for

The much-anticipated departure date is now a week away!!!!!!!!
Torrid will be fueled- yes, sailors often rely on their "iron spinnaker" more commonly known as an engine.
The radio needs to be checked out by a pro and that pro needs to re-train me in using a Single sideband radio.
I hope to be able to post entries and photos via the internet while en-route. If unable now, I'll be making daily entries with photos and upload the info when I get to Fiji- or wherever.
It is forseeable that I'll stop in Pago Pago, American Samoa if I need food, repairs, rest or any number of other reasons.
Leaving Hawaii has been giving me some very mixed feelings.
I'm reminded of the adage; Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true!!!!!
Having wished for this trip for 41 years makes me glad I have stuck to my dream. It has come at a VERY dear cost.
Hawaii will soon be behind me and a new life, hopefully full of adventure, learning and living life to its full measure awaits.

CAP'N MAL

I will try to download 2 photos. One of Torrid and one of myself.

Both presented in the best possible light.

Mal

8 April 09

With a lot of help from my friend and fellow "live aboarder" Dave Long the Aerogen 6 wind/electricity has finally been re-mounted. Hopefully, "Torrid" can generate power again.
Now I await a windy day to make sure the thing is working!

Still test with new camera

Test of still photo with new camera

Fiji beckons. Savusavu is the target landfall. A schedule has been sent to the Fijiian authorities. Dry stores are at/near completion. 2 new coolers will allow prep work for perishables.
Wind generator ready for re-installation.
Cap'n Mal

Fiji beckons, Torrid is nearly ready-finally. Final preparations are underway and provisioning has begun. It is expected to take 25-30 days to sail to Fiji. Plans may change en-route as making plans is a good way to make God laugh.

It has been a long time, but things are coming together.
Plans have been changed somewhat. Tahiti is no longer the first stop. I flew to Tahiti in December of 2008 and cruised several islands. Tahiti is VERY beautiful but VERRRRRRRRRRRRRY expensive. Insultingly expensive. I still don't know how they justify their prices. $24.00 for a small watermellon!!
Fiji is now the goal. The voyage is a little longer but the islands and waters are just as pretty as Tahiti. The costs are far lower and the government is far friendlier to "Yachties".
More later.
Cap'n Mal (de Mer)