Touch and Go

Today Danny and I went sailing. My big goal for the day was to get by without using the motor. Since I am on a mooring ball and not a slip on the pier, it is a big hassle if I use the motor. The reason being that I don't have a salt water specific motor, so I have to flush the system after each use. I didn't even know they had salt water motors before I bought mine, but seeing as they are twice the price of regular fresh water motors, I probably wouldn't have bought one any way.

We made it to the sand bar without motoring, but we had some trouble landing. On the second pass I got the anchor out, but it didn't grip and we ended up almost T-boning another boat. We didn't hit the boat, but we had the anchor dragging behind us and it was a little weird, truth be told.

We tried once more to hang out on the sand bar, but it wasn't to be. We made our way back to the mooring ball and landed on the first try, without the motor. Funny how that works. A mile strip of sand isn't do able, but a 12" floating ball is.

After that we returned to the fine tradition of sushi Sunday. Good times.

K Bay

K Bay
Originally uploaded by Come to Hawaii.

More sailing on Sunday. I didn't get to sleep in yet again, but we went to Maunawili Falls early and then to K Bay later in the morning. It was a good time, although the Sandbar was very crowded and our neighbors on the left were really snobby. At least the neighbor on the right lent us his ladder. Note: I need to make/buy/improvise a ladder.

Changing Locations

We did it. It took 9h40m, but we successfully sailed from Ala Wai Harbor (Waikiki) to Kaneohe Bay (Windward). It was a trip of 30 miles, 5 gallons of fuel, 6 chicken thighs, 1 stomach of vomit, and multiple naps. We are going out again tomorrow, but just to the sand bar. I need to sleep. Tomorrow will be the first time in almost three that I won't have to wake up to an alarm. I am excited.

Progress

Still no new pictures. I couldn't find my camera for a while and then I forgot to bring it to the boat. I have gotten some work done, though. I sanded, stained, finished, and put a protective coating on the tiller, door panels, and all of the stowage covers. Unfortunately, I decided a bit late in the game that I wanted to go with a lighter color. The colonial walnut is a bit too dark for a boat in Hawaii. I am going to go with oak for the table and leave the natural color of the walls. This would be much easier to explain with pictures.

My motor should be in on Friday. Also, I get to move up to Kaneohe Bay. The spot didn't open up a moment too soon. I am getting kicked out of Ala Wai because one of the docks for the liveaboards broke, so they are kicking out all of the temporary boats (me).

We are going to make an attempt at sailing from Ala Wai up to Kaneohe Bay on Saturday morning. It's way over 20 miles. The fact that I don't even know the distance could be seen as a bad sign. I will hopefully buy a chart before I leave. I will also bring water and food this time. I've got plans. Also, no more reefs for this guy: polarized sunglasses will solve everything.

Table and a Wedding

Today was fairly eventful. I got the table installed, but not without a few hiccups. I have so many practice holes in my table that I'm not sure the structural integrity remains. Not only that but my clever plan for folding legs turned into a not-so-clever wobbly table. It did drive home a point: keep it simple. All of the problems began when I thought I was getting clever. In the end, I will need a pliers to fold the table into a bed. Close enough.



In the afternoon, Derek and Nicola got married. It's a pretty cool story; Nicola was coming out to Hawaii (2 weeks ago, and as Derek's girlfriend). Derek went to England to surprise her right before she came out and he proposed (she said yes). They left England for Hawaii and decided to get married today (she leaves tomorrow). It all worked out.

Job #1: Fix the Table

Today I spent about 4 hours messing around in the boat. I now have measurements of everything. One of the biggest things I want to get fixed up is the table. That is key to success. Then, if nothing else, we can play Chutes & Ladders. Or Memory. Maybe some Uno; who knows how crazy things might get.