September 17, 2007 - Monday
Captain:
My birthday was a real non-event, wet and very windy, we stayed at Tahaa an extra day for it and because the weather conditions were awful. A sane mind would not sail out in the "snot" outside the reef. Even inside the reef it was blowing. A couple using a Charter boat (Sunsail or Moorings-I don't remember which) tried to anchor within a boat length of us in 100' of water. We would have creamed them at some point, we being both bigger and made of steel. However, my biggest worry was that they would snag our anchor chain as they dragged and dragged closer. That would have been a real nightmare. As it turns out, they tried again to reanchor, and proceeded to just about ram a 90' sailboat. The crew of the 90' sailboat (s/v Mustang) finally boarded the charter boat and safely anchored them away from everyone else. Spending your birthday in the cockpit on anchor watch wasn't much fun, but it's the job of the Captain. My crew seems overly confident in me. Leaving me to the watch by myself.
Sometimes, I wonder if they even know that there is wind blowing and boats bearing down on us? But in their defense, they spent the day essentially being busy with getting together, a warm birthday celebration including another fabulous meal with birthday pie made of butter, fresh coconut and fresh vanilla beans. In addition, I did get another Polynesian, inside-out print shirt, to replace the one I had liked so much and has since become a boat rag (a much loved second-hand shirt bought on the streets of El Salvador made by Cooke brand-Perhaps, Debbie or Leslie remember this shirt? It lived a good life for a mere, $4 find.).
Crew Anya:
We're celebrating the Captain's birthday but also…I finished "The Dress". It is red and white Polynesian flower print cotton fabric, cut into the pattern of a Marilyn Monroe (see the movie: Some Like It Hot) style halter mid-lengthen dress. It twirls nicely and I'm sure it will be very appreciated in Holland where the temperatures are soooooo …what's this about a cold front and winter approaching the Netherlands!