Later Sunday

Bill shorn and weather looks good.

Hawaian Sunday

We just took communion at the oldest church in Hawaii founded 1820. The service started at 1030 and we arrived at 1045. Tom and I had been up since 5 am. I spent 5 hours fixing the head then changing fuel filters on the engine while Tom got the electricity going to the Hamm/SSB radio giving us access to offshore weather. Being filthy from head and engine I jumped overboard and swam around the boat seeing a really large box fish and a school of blue fish. After I got to rinse off the with shower and have the shower pump take away the water. When I came out in clean clothes, Alfred was on his boat holding the plunger arm from his head.
"The cruising world is all about doing boat work in exotic places," I said. He agreed going on to recommend a lagoon and a Fiji Island he'd come from. "All the people do there is eat and procreate and the women take really good care of the men."
For the first day this week, Tom having only been working on electrical, could get away with just washing his hands. Now it's time to look at weather reports to plan passages.

The GIRI is in the WATER!

What excitement as the travel lift lowered the GIRI into the water! She floats. No leaks!
Next it was getting the engine started. Tom had a time with the old fuel and we've concerns to come. No one is polishing fuel on the island any more and only a coffee plantation sailor may pick up old fuel. We couldn't reach him so are making do.
Leaving the lift bay and the rusty helm skills began returning. Backing up and turning with a full keel to land along side a dock with just enough wind and current to remind me of past encounters of the third kind.
After a night at dock we put on the sails this morning and moved the boat to the fuel dock where we did mediterranean moorage rafted up with Waterhoen. I actually dove into the clear blue warm water with mask and fins to retrieve a moor buoy rope. Tom got out a 2 x 8 board and walked the plank to get back onto our boat from aft.
Alfred and his crew, whose name means "little waves" are returning from the polynesian south about to passage back to NA.
Tom and I have been visitting the first church on the islands set up here by the missionaries including Brigham and Thurston. A nice break from our earlier time in the bilge from hell.

Kona Boat Work

Flying into Kona the volcanic nature of the island is readily apparent. Tom said he thought he was landing on a moon scape. The lush palm trees surround the airport though along with all the exotic vegetation that the island is famous for. Tom was there to meet me and it was a great reunion. Laughter and that great manly handshake hug.

It was good to reunite with the GIRI too. For two days now we've been working and outfitting, hauling all that is necessary for an ocean crossing from Kmart, Home Deport and Walmart. I even found Reed's Ginger Ale. The engine part has arrived and Tom's fixing that tomorrow. I've been doing inspections and wood work and cleaning tanks. Only wasps got in so my fears were unfounded. Lots of superficial rust to be addressed and bottom painting to be done. A few more days before she goes in the water. I"m aching everywhere from the physical exertion. Good feelings of accomplishment as each day brings us closer to going into the water. Right now we're at the Bad Ass Coffee Co enjoying the sound and sight of the night surf. In the distance a great big ketch is all lit up.

Aloha

Dawn over Honolulu. Aloha!

Honolulu!

Arrived with all bags accounted for. Flight made better by MP3 Monty Python, Third Day, Sarah McLaughlin and Anne Murray. I could not hear the two babies demanding first class service in coach. The couple beside me were on their honeymoon. Hot humid tropical air hit when we landed. Though I've been to Hawaii several times it was Saipan that I first thought of. Next the airport itself brought to mind my last transit here with Scotty dog Stuart and calico cat Angel in tow. 12 coconut meeting tomorrow at 7 am in Kapiolani Park. Now for bed with Jimmy Buffet's book, A Salty Peice of Land. Can't imagine why I just don't feel like dancing all night. Might have something to do with Saturday's 250 km Ride for Dad, with the 1020 other motorcycles Laura and I and Harley joined which raised over $100,000 for prostate cancer research. Tom's calling me in the morning to let me know if Kona's Yanmar engine distributor can access the exhaust part that he found we needed yesterday. If so I'll be hopping on Hawaian Air. If not I'll be sourcing the part here before I fly over there.

BILL TO GO!!!!

It's time to board the plane. Tom's been phoning each night claiming to be working on the boat while no doubt lying around on the beach. Time for me to join him lying around on the beach to claim to be working on the boat. Thanks for all the help and encouragement. Hawaii here I come. All's well I'll be on the boat tomorrow.