Hawaii - August 8-13

Seems like a long time ago already that we pulled in to Ala Wai Boat Harbor on Oahu! We apologize for the interruption in Blog posts - a combination of computer problems and just general busyness has kept us quite occupied. It is now Wednesday August 13th and all is well.

 

So - here is the rundown since the last post from Thursday August 7th.

 

Friday August 8:

 

We were in sight of land as of late Thursday night and after a lively night on watch for all of us, a grey dawn finally arrived. A few showers and then the sun came out as we made our last miles into Oahu. The wind picked up, blowing more than 20 knots as we approached the harbor and navigated our way in. After the calm rythym of our watch system and life on passage, we had to be extra cautious manouvering among all the boats and docks. By 11:57 we were tied up to a mooring ball and dock at Ala Wai Boat Harbor right smack in the middle of Honolulu/Waikiki.

 

Beer, showers and then a meal on shore were the order of business that afternoon. We came back to the dock for an afternoon nap and just as we laid our heads, Cress and I heard a loud "POP" - then Cress yelled "All hands on deck!!! - the mooring line broke!!!" Within a few seconds, our bow was drfiting down onto the boat beside us. Cress was up in a flash and jumped onto the other boat, and managed to hold us off. Cress and I then switched places so that he could re-attach a new line (no small feat). Al and Don manned the dockside lines, while Leona and I held us off the other boat and helped Cress get a new line secured - it was by the grace of God that we happened to be on board and on deck when the line broke. Since then, we figured out that the line broke in the first place because it was rubbing against a very old metal ring on the mooring buoy. We now have 2 heavy shakles and lines attached with chain and have had not problem since. Thank you, thank you , thank you.... After that last burst of energy we all collapsed and were in bed by 8 PM.

 

Saturday August 9 - Wednesday August 13:

 

The next day we started with boat cleaning, inside and out, and looking for alternate moorage since we will be leaving the boat for several weeks while we return to Singapore. Sunday we took a day off to tour the island and do some snorkelling - great stuff! Since then it has been back to boat cleaning and boat projects in preparation for the next part of the passage. Leona and I have managed to sneak away for a bit of shopping though - a well deserved break!

 

Paul and Jordan have been squeezing in some swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and surfing over the last few days as well.

 

And oh yes, we are all enjoying our daily lattes and walks on the beach :) - now, I need to rest up so that I can head back to work next Monday, although I cannot imagine that at this moment!!

 

Cress will send an update soon regarding the route and timing for the rest of the passage to Singapore. Anyone interested???

 

Irena