Tropical Cyclone Daman

December 8, 2007

Some of you might have heard that the first cyclone of the South Pacific Season has come our way, so dubbed, Tropical Cyclone Daman. We don't want you to be worried. We are fairly confident that it has passed us and continues to weaken. However, today we heard reports that the cyclone reached a category 4, hitting the island of Cikobia, but missing the two major main island groups of Fiji. The damage reported is that 69 people took shelter in caves, the island was severely destroyed and there were
possible casualties. We can only pray for the safety of those who survived and the rebuilding ahead of them. Today's latest report is that Tropical Cyclone Daman decreased to storm force and is now headed to Tonga and then we hope, out to sea where it will die.

Over our several years of cruising, as many of you know, we have encountered near misses with hurricanes several times. For me, I have been heavily reliant on the Captain and his knowledge. He has done well to take care of us. Best of all, he helped educated us so we are no longer ignorant or benign crew. My initial sense to panic are restrained by my learning more about these demons of nature and the course of action that we need to take to prepare ourselves before a hurricane reaches us. Never
to confident, the force of Mother Nature humbles us, but we are also prepared, as best as we can be.

The cyclones-called typhoons in Asia and hurricanes in the Western hemisphere-are large scale rotating storms that generate high winds and typically form at sea before moving inland where they weaken with the "blow" (no pun intended). Cyclones are rated throughout their development in categories ranging from a low of 1 to as high of 5, where winds can be sustained upwards of 130 mph. Yikes!  Typical season for the tropical storms in the South Pacific are from November to April. So, 'tis the season!!

As this is not likely to be the only tropical cyclone of the season, s/v Encanto's position is: 14°S, 170°W, Pago Pago, American Samoa. By knowing our position, you can then check any number of weather sources on the Internet, and watch a cyclone's track and our relative relationship to it.

We have been watching Tropical Cyclone Daman's travel path and its increased velocity for a few days. We experienced heavy rains and winds that blew through the anchorage at over 35 mph, this wind speed was recorded by s/v Hot Ice.  We are the only two occupied boats of the eight at anchor. The rest are vacant and that's not great, but it is what it is. When the winds get fierce we worry about things flying or a vacant boat breaking off of its anchor or mooring. With many of the boats vacant or abandoned,
we have no choice but to try to maintain our distance and hope that if they get loose, they'll go swiftly pass us and not hit us.

Let me reassure you, that we were never in danger, although many precautions were taken in case the cyclone suddenly changed direction and hurled back at us. Captain John busted his "butt" to make sure we were secure and safe before his departure.

Which brings me to some sad family news. Last Sunday, John's father passed away. Bob Amber was a gentleman, perhaps an old fashion word, but an accurate description. He was a man of few words, a wonderful listener, and an observer of people. His love for his family was primary and thus he became a remarkable father, husband and grandfather. His legacy lies in the children he loved and raised as well as the community that he supported in countless school board meetings for several decades. We have
warm wonderful and happy memories with him. We will miss him.

On John's behalf, he thanks our friends and family who have sent their condolences. We appreciate their support. We are reminded that a gift given to John from his parent's was these sentiments: "You can do anything you want to do. You need only put your mind to the charge." For the Captain and crew on s/v Encanto that can translate to: "Live your Dream". We hope you are doing that every day of your precious lives. We hope this web entry finds you well.

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