Kylie and Taylor have gone to Canada

Mano Island - a South Pacific piece of heaven



Our second week with Taylor and Kylie was lots of fun, but seemed to fly by. After spending a few days at Musket Cove, we headed over to Mano Island for a couple of days. We went diving again to a great site called BarrelHead, which had some really healthy live coral. The three minute safety stop on ascending was right at the top of the reef, so we saw lots of fish as we swayed to and fro in the current just skimming the reef. My confidence is increasing with each dive.

Kylie and our future son-in-law Taylor



We had planned on going to church to show the kids the local culture, but the only church on the island was 7th Day Adventist, and with my earlier experience with a type of evangelical church, we decided to take a pass. The kids did lots of kayaking and snorkeling, while Peter and I traversed the island. Kylie’s knee was still bothering her so hiking was not an option for her. Taylor broke his little toe somehow on the boat, but luckily didn’t cause any real problems. Both of them are going home with a few more bruises, just part of living on a boat.

The simple moments in each day that make for a joyful life



We went back to Musket Cove for three nights because it is a great smooth anchorage and provides lots to do on land. Each night Taylor and Kylie would head to the Island bar and party with the locals. Peter and I would have some quiet time to read (we are getting boring aren’t we?).

Local kids playing with our kayaks with Taylor and Kylie enjoying their excitement



I had quite a good sales week with my book. I think it is so cool to be out here sailing in South Pacific and getting daily sales reports. What is most rewarding is that one reader (you know who you are) bought his FIRST house at 42 years old after reading the book and finishing the 12-week program. Another reader lost 15 pounds in 3 months (a nice side benefit since I use financial and physical fitness as analogies) and yet another reader told me that she increased her net worth by 3,200 during the 12-week program. These are the kind of success stories that make me feel warm and fuzzy all over.

Biking around the island at Musket Cove



Our dinghy on its last legs - note the duct tape on the pump. So many leaks and the only answer is blowing it up the old-fashioned way. We've ordered a new dinghy due to arrive tomorrow.



We really enjoyed having Taylor and Kylie with us. We had lots of laughs during our many early evening card tournaments (hearts). It was sad to say goodbye to them last night.

Leaving QuickStar to head to Canada



They are heading back to Canada to begin the next chapter of their life. Kylie starts a new job on August 17th as a travel agent for Silver Star Accommodations (and hopes to get some substitute teaching jobs, athough the supply exceeds the demand at the moment). They are spending two nights in Abbotsford with brother Ryan, then heading to the Rodeo to watch brother Danny ride bucking broncos (don’t get me started on that!). Looks like lots of friends will be going to watch and visit with Kylie and Taylor, so should be a good Canada reunion.

A very sad Dad saying goodbye to his baby girl



Our final farewell from the taxi enroute to the airport



We will be staying at Port Denerau for the next week and having the boat lifted out so that we can do some maintenance, get the systems tuned up and just general upkeep. Looking forward to a week of elbow grease and getting lots of projects completed.

Until next week…..Happy Birthday Lori – can’t believe it was 44 years ago that I moved to Oakville with the family and I came knocking on your door selling candles (your entrepreneur at ten) and asked if there was anyone my age that lived there. We’ve been fast friends ever since and have shared lots of joys and sorrow together. You are my hero – 5th-time breast cancer survivor and dear, dear friend. Love ya!