On our final full day at sea we travelled 145 miles, our second slowest day. The wind is definitely diminishing so we are happy to be here. Yesterday in the afternoon Shelby beat me for the first time in Boggle. We were all rewarded for this milestone as we were welcomed to the French Polynesia by a large pool of dolphins who played around the boat for about 45 minutes. We have not seen dolphins like this before, so we are looking forward to discovering what kind they are.
After a great steak dinner, we all settled in the cockpit to experience the final sunset of the crossing. Shelby (and the rest of us) were buzzing with excitement about our upcoming landfall. This morning on my watch, well before the sun came up, Shelby was up on deck. We could just make out Fata Hiva under the sliver of the moon and the dimming of the stars. Peter was sleeping in the cockpit, but woke up to our chatter. Two minutes later we had a squall hit us, so it was all hands on deck and all cushions, etc. got stowed below. It blew out almost as quickly as it blew in.
The sunrise was a little less dramatic because of the cloud cover, but what a wonderful gift to see the large, volcanic island less than 10 miles away. We have sailed the whole way here, which has been a great bonus. Total travel distance time is 17 days and 19 hours and 11 minutes to the bottom of Fata Hiva, which we will be rounding soon. I'm doing the blog now rather than waiting for us to anchor, since we will be jumping in the water right away, then inflating the dinghy and heading in to town. Will be a change to put on sandals and walk on solid ground. We have one excited young lady anxious to call her Mom from the only phone booth on the Island.
What a great crossing we have had. As many of you know, I was very nervous (okay understatement) about the trip. I did visualize each evening a safe and peaceful crossing for many months prior to departure, so perhaps there is much to be said for "manifestations". We are all very fulfilled, happy and content and thank our Captain Peter for bringing us safely across 3,000 miles of open ocean. We feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment (and huge relief!).
Thanks again for following us along and sending us your positive vibes. Since we are now safe and sound, I will update the blog, as per usual, on a weekly basis each Friday.
Until next Friday.....have a great weekend and hug someone special.
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