tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344074510345352822024-02-18T22:27:46.515-08:00S/V Free SpiritS/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-17176347100858896112009-11-25T15:08:00.000-08:002009-11-25T13:09:08.808-08:00Happy ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving!<p>Our plan is to have a stuffed chicken with all the fixin's since it will be just our little gang. Since we last wrote the kids have been busy taking Karate lessons and love it. We have been unloading the boat and watching the water line rise. The weather has been fantastic or maybe it's because we have the heater on in the morning and are not suffering like last year. To all our family and friends back at home who are enjoying family on Thanksgiving....you are in our thoughts and enjoy every minute of being together. Missing you all very much.<p>The Grego's<p>----------<br>radio email processed by SailMail<br>for information see: <a href="http://www.sailmail.com">http://www.sailmail.com</a>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-52027719913790738232009-11-15T15:44:00.001-08:002009-11-15T16:01:34.969-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBGq4Stt73VNvC51evi-Om4NeehQG6dgHfcNx5ygaD6KawLDjL1dSMzj6-HXub7yCrMeOjGX2IdN10BKu2c8TyH3kxsM0EuHZqb8DeVzkjAs7zz-xhlHOehoiqjT46EKSLLfh-CBEug/s1600/P1060057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBGq4Stt73VNvC51evi-Om4NeehQG6dgHfcNx5ygaD6KawLDjL1dSMzj6-HXub7yCrMeOjGX2IdN10BKu2c8TyH3kxsM0EuHZqb8DeVzkjAs7zz-xhlHOehoiqjT46EKSLLfh-CBEug/s200/P1060057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404484107810619538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGYZIiboVVYkVn96rlXEAWAI2AjYscvxIIImiqtl4LRPgm_psQZvn3obaGhS0ajV2V2kTi1ETjCTvvDaPeJtimgOs1WHLwE36xZKAYJPQGIZeU8eH_n-49jTLX1_YTwj8eCXbJFbQVQ/s1600/P1060050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGYZIiboVVYkVn96rlXEAWAI2AjYscvxIIImiqtl4LRPgm_psQZvn3obaGhS0ajV2V2kTi1ETjCTvvDaPeJtimgOs1WHLwE36xZKAYJPQGIZeU8eH_n-49jTLX1_YTwj8eCXbJFbQVQ/s400/P1060050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404483149377372018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vqr2gejH0oMaaFfc49n2CJHI2YH9IEyrZQG-3rbAV6_A-_XL5Rj7LPhR87Wdoiu5JrSfV6SSHzK5No5DdvU2dmHPxvuYqwlLXXrypGjAmUEPTa5mbyq4_q2gtE6GyxQME5D79Xycug/s1600/P1060044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vqr2gejH0oMaaFfc49n2CJHI2YH9IEyrZQG-3rbAV6_A-_XL5Rj7LPhR87Wdoiu5JrSfV6SSHzK5No5DdvU2dmHPxvuYqwlLXXrypGjAmUEPTa5mbyq4_q2gtE6GyxQME5D79Xycug/s200/P1060044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404481854383901586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNbqH7X1mGw1tcNy1DtHun1mDupGoEPy_0Z-nlFGXQxsSpDFDapZCRuMwcXbz7T9kyZ0qmVKcUpc5ljVm-PQytglbm0IPfwEq-LHfkkrePJaRULOLmRi-IsQFsc5blUqeqoi6grWe_Q/s1600/P1060036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNbqH7X1mGw1tcNy1DtHun1mDupGoEPy_0Z-nlFGXQxsSpDFDapZCRuMwcXbz7T9kyZ0qmVKcUpc5ljVm-PQytglbm0IPfwEq-LHfkkrePJaRULOLmRi-IsQFsc5blUqeqoi6grWe_Q/s200/P1060036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404481410808604418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJoOYm2d9-imQ0kX_SzU_xjV3_w51LNm9c2kjJhfZoke_L2YrBUKgvk17ou-fplq9tFsiLyWjEB_wuBd6TgGjr6eQmzbZIonEnNvA6NYpL_pOn0LqRBsLGKp9s4bOl4tVT0e3X2YQIA/s1600/P1060035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJoOYm2d9-imQ0kX_SzU_xjV3_w51LNm9c2kjJhfZoke_L2YrBUKgvk17ou-fplq9tFsiLyWjEB_wuBd6TgGjr6eQmzbZIonEnNvA6NYpL_pOn0LqRBsLGKp9s4bOl4tVT0e3X2YQIA/s200/P1060035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404480877241929122" border="0" /></a>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-13508623593101789842009-11-10T13:48:00.000-08:002009-11-10T11:48:54.092-08:00Underway to Gulf HarbourAnchor up, sails out and we are underway once more. Our next destination Gulf Harbour. We will do it in two long days with a night stop in Tutukaka. After spending the night joking about the name Tutu"KAKA".... We are now moving along on our second day and should be into Gulf Harbour Marina this evening at 6pm. The view of New Zealand coast is story book beautiful. Rolling hills, green grass, spectacular rock formations and cool crisp air.<p>Opua - After checking into Opua. We spent a few days of "celebrating" with friends, cleaning up the boat after 6 months out at play and grocery shopping. The weather was great this year compared to last year which made it much more pleasant. We cruised out through the bay of islands and once we passed the pierced rock we heard a call of a boat that just spotted killer whales near by. Our eyes where peeled all day but no whale spotting. We will keep looking.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-31013986376901135882009-11-03T15:11:00.000-08:002009-11-03T13:12:36.304-08:00Land Ho! Cruising down the coast of New ZealandMagical, just magical! As we rounded North cape the sun light was beginning to color the sky pink and red and the Moon lit my trail behind me. We are motoring with no wind and flat glossy seas. The sea birds are in full force looking for breakfast...skimming over the water dipping a wing here and there for fun. We made a "BeBe Special" breakfast this morning with bacon, eggs and toast. Should be arriving in Opua this evening along with a group of others. Looks like there will be a party on the Q dock!S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-79680580488981558922009-11-02T12:51:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:52:18.459-08:00Day 2 - Beautiful day in the middle of nowhere land360 degree view of the ocean, can't complain. I know people back in the states who pay a fortune for a view like this!! Today was a spectacular cruising day with speeds well into the 9+ knot range. We made enough headway to make it into New Zealand Wednesday night. The winds have clocked around to our stern and we are motoring along now at 7. Ha, imagine yourself driving over 300 miles at 7 mph down a highway. Well, when it comes down to moving my entire house this way it's pretty amazing. It's cool to never have to pack a bag and travel as much as we do. Don't like the neighbors? lift anchor... Tired of the same view? move on... Ready for a new experience? raise the sails. But, can't pickup the phone and call mom :(. We are very happy and doing great. Looking forward to landfall.<br>P.S. We caught a nice Albacore Tuna today.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-3632227906928752612009-11-01T08:31:00.000-08:002009-11-01T10:44:33.857-08:00Next stop New ZealandWe are underway to New Zealand after spending a magical 5 days in Norfolk Island. Norfolk is on our top list of favorite stops. On Saturday morning we got a VHF call that Tony, one of the teachers I met at school, and his family were wondering if we wanted to go to the local market. Now, if you saw how the boat was rocking and rolling you would understand why we jumped on that offer. Tony and Lucy Janssens and their wonderful 4 children (Marley 7, Inaia 5, Ruben 4, and Romany 2) made us feel like part of the family. Unfortunately, Paul had to stay on the boat due to the conditions:(. The day we spent with them is a day we will cherish for the rest of our lives. To top things off, it was Halloween and a few of the residents really put on a great show. My kids entered haunted houses, drank potion and loaded up on "lollies". I can't wait to upload some pictures of our stay in Norfolk. When we departed this morning, our friend John Buffett hailed us on the VHF to say good bye and to let us know we will not soon be forgotten. Just an added cherry to the already heavily frosted cake. Norfolk, my hat goes off you all of you.<p>As I write we are 70 miles from Norfolk heading south into 15 knots of wind at a close reach. The seas are decent and we are enjoying our first day out. We expect a 3 to 4 day passage into New Zealand. Not 100% sure if we will land in Opua or Mardsen point. There are a few people we need to meet but we also want to get the kids into school and settle down at Gulf Harbour Marina. At this point we will let the weather dictate our first NZ destination.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-58346359861977048462009-10-30T13:26:00.000-07:002009-10-30T13:27:17.220-07:00Bumping along in NorfolkThe reason why most people miss out on this wonderful island is because the island doesn't have a decent bay to shelter from the wind, waves and swell. Cascade bay is the best one on the island and if you could see us now you would raise your eye brows. We don't have the 4.5 meter swell that is out there but we have the wind coming into the bay and a good wind chop. Mom and Genevieve, it's like the anchorage in Fiji when the storm blew through and then we had that steady uncomfortable rock all night long!!!! The good thing is Merric won't have to go through the adjustment phase the first day out. It looks as though we will have a nice passage down to New Zealand. Tonight is Halloween and we have been invited by a local family I met as school the other day to go Trick or Treat. The kids are so excited!<p>Let me back up two days ago..a teacher, Susanne Evans, stood on the wharf until someone could come out and get us. She wanted us to come to school and tell our story. We ended up visiting 4 classes and had a fantastic time. The schools have incredible (touch screen) smart boards!! They pulled up maps off the internet and we were able to manipulate them on the board. My kids even had the chance to play T-ball. LOL! You should see what happens with cruisers on land.<p>Norfolk Island -- most of the residents are decedents of the famous Christian Fletcher -- ala Mutiny on the Bounty. It eventually reached a point that Pitcairn Island could no longer support the population and most of the people were relocated to Norfolk Island many years ago. Susanne Evans and her family are the descendants from Pitcairn island. She helps celebrate and preserve the rich history of Norfolk island, the original language and filled us in on some ghost stories from the "Convict" days. She is someone I will not soon forget and hope to see again. Thank you.<p>As a side note: As we were walking down the road yesterday, we were picked up by John Buffett. Of course we asked if he had any relation to Jimmy and he said he wasn't sure but that Jimmy Buffett did come out to the island, with some of his family, a few years back and held a concert. There is a large amount of Buffett's here on Norfolk . Correction: Local population-1800.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-3370854857508438372009-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:002009-10-28T13:10:19.894-07:00A little history on NorfolkAfter touring the island yesterday we were so captivated by it's beauty and rich history that I had to put my hands on the past. Captain Cook made first European discovery in 1774 and named this place "paradise" in his journal. I understand now what he meant by that. In 1825, a penitentiary was built and the island became what us Americans call Alcatraz. These prisoners were part of a chain gang and housed in pairs in a 6x5 foot cell. They tended to put those who didn't get along together to make life on this prison island even more torture. We also learned along our walk through the ruins is that some prisoners were sentenced to life, death and even dissection. They had a room where doctors would dissect a body to try and learn about insanity, what made them different that the average human, and also parts of the body in general. The view outside the "New Gaol" ruins is just breathtaking with the massive waves smashing against the rocks. It gives an eerie feeling of what was. It felt like I could close my eyes and smell the dark, dank and wet Georgian building coming to life. I can hear the screams of the prisioners and the chains. I could see the dread on the prisoners faces as they walked through the threshold.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-78264348469196868622009-10-27T22:40:00.000-07:002009-10-27T22:41:23.979-07:00Norfolk IslandThis little rock in the middle of the ocean has been such a delight. Our first impression upon arrival is a barren rock with cliffs and littered with Norfolk pines. Little do we know that it is populated by 2000 of the nicest people in the South Pacific. One of the locals left us a car on the wharf for us to use as we wish. Today we spent 7 hours shopping, eating, touring and enjoying this "Honeymoon" island. We are waiting for a few more days for the weather to improve to head south to New Zealand. The anchorage here isn't the calmest (we are rocking side to side as I type) but it's the only and best one here so I shouldn't complain. Today we outfitted the kids with new sneakers and warm clothes before we head south into the cold. We want to be ready!!! 29.01.1S 167.58.5ES/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-42701691870119717692009-10-25T22:32:00.000-07:002009-10-25T22:33:21.674-07:00Glitter on the oceanAfter enduring a rather bumpy start we are enjoying a great two days of light wind and glossy seas. Last night the stars were so bright and the glitter from the fluorescence lit up the night. The temperature is dropping and it's rather chilly in the evening but we are prepared this year. Our plan is to sit out a few days of strong winds that would be on the nose for us in Norfolk and then head out for our final leg. We are very happy so far with the weather pattern we picked out for this passage. All is well on Free Spirit. 27.58S 167.30ES/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-74906301175329737022009-10-24T11:44:00.000-07:002009-10-24T11:45:17.473-07:00Leaving New CaledoniaFor the past week we have been living and breathing weather gribs. Every morning is the same. I get myself up, say good morning and ask...."What's it look like?" We analyze the weather like scientist, we plan our plays like football, and prepare ourselves for the storm. We have spent the last week doing play by plays with wind angles, speed, distance, possible stop over and just hauling butt to NZ. It's a passage that 99.9% of cruisers dread. We finally came up with a play we liked and set out this morning at 0600. We will have crap for the first 24 hours, then light winds and will motor and need to get into Norfolk island by Tues morning or we will get slammed with 25 knots of wind on the nose. We will wait in Norfolk till the strong low down there passes and we will ride in on a high. The seas right now down in that neck of the woods is 25 foot. We are lucky to have Norfolk as a stop over. Google Norfolk Island (Australia) and see the little rock we are headed to. We are with 6 others and keeping tabs via VHF but as of tomorrow we will communicate via SSB. It's always nice to know your not alone. Our current position is 24.40S 166.13E and getting cooler.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-44073680218032547792009-10-19T18:23:00.000-07:002009-10-19T18:33:21.080-07:00Meeting up with friends and reviving old storiesWhen we first started our journey, almost 5 years ago, we met a couple in St. Martin. After crossing paths many times we finally had a chance to sit and chat again. What we didn't realize is we would leave them with a story that has traveled with them. They wrote about us on their website and this is what they wrote:<br /><br /><div class="post" id="firstpost"> <h2 class="title">Friends at Sea - Blueprint Match</h2> <p class="postdate">Saturday, 30. September 2006, 17:37:04</p> <div class="content">BLUEPRINT MATCH<br /><br />This sailing adventure has been a steep learning curve not least of all is bringing the fragile skin of our boat up against the rock hard and unforgiving dockside. As we approach the dock it has been a case of adjust the fender, move this one left that one right a bit. Now the height is not right, untie and redo. Now the next fender but quicker the gap is closing. Rope is knotted and fingers fumble. Still have to organise the docklines so leave fender and coil rope. Now no-one on the dock to catch the line so I will have to jump. One leg over the safety rail. Not yet, too far, too high. Back over the rail. Whoops! Move a fender quick. Jump now. No! Too far I’ll never make it. Go forward. Where’s the rope? Rope stuck, drop coil. Look for end of rope. Jump with rope, NO! Put rope down and prepare to jump. No good, I won’t reach rope from the dock. Step back over rail. Fender too low. Start untying. Throw rope… into water. Recoil rope with one hand while retying fender with other. Can’t do either. Throw fender NO! Jump rope NO! Recoil nerves. We have had moments of sheer panic and it has taken time learning to manage these manoeuvres without too much terror. Having said that each time throws up a new set of parameters for us to deal with, but at least now there is minimal yelling between us.<br /><br />Way back in February while “Mind the Gap” was high and dry on the hard we watched from the safety of the land as “Blueprint Match” approached the dock. A catamaran with one engine down is even more difficult to manoeuvre and the gusty wind was blowing them onto the shore. Already tied to the dock were other yachts leaving just enough space for them to squeeze into. They had to negotiate a tricky exercise of parallel parking.<br /><br />Closing the gap to the hard rapidly, and a space where a fender needed to be, it reached a stage when things looked like they could go horribly pear-shaped.<br /><br />It was at this critical point that he (Paul as we found out later on meeting them) left the steering and without a word walked across the deck to adjust a fender. Michele, over on the foredeck, skipped with the sprightliness of youth and the grace of a ballet dancer over all the deck hardware and called out sweetly “ It’s okay Honey, I got it”. With that Paul went back to steering.<br /><br />We were aghast! Where were the popping eyeballs? Where was that throbbing vein standing proud on the forehead, the foul language, and other “pleasantries” yelled loud enough for the entire bay to hear? (sound travels so well over water). Where were the stubbed toes and bruised shins? Where was the PANIC? Later we realised they had two under four year olds aboard to boot! Not a peep out of them. Had they been drugged or what!<br /><br />It was a moment neither of us will forget soon but most of all we learnt a fabulous catchphrase. – “It’s okay Honey I got it”. For all our following tense moments on our learning curve one of us would use these words to diffuse a stressful situation. Admittedly sometimes they were uttered through gritted teeth with an eagle eyed stare and a voice thick with sarcasm and sometimes they were said after the panic but they always managed to lighten the mood. Most of all they always bring a smile.<br /><br />So, here’s to you Michele and Paul.<br />Thanks.<br />Happy sailing<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gregoadventure.com/" target="_blank">www.gregoadventure.com</a> </div> </div>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-64742298699967050172009-10-11T22:41:00.000-07:002009-10-17T13:55:22.941-07:00Priceless moments - Kuto, Isle of Pins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUpN1BY_6VRRNkYHfoxZCsdXgVCaoCqiIi0Q-0Skw9Do3qt775CrbbWv5ES2TL45auX7JowYqTxOX5ewO-g5-bNccFfvoQ2CmpPjQT-TTKyA4eR7az8ZEcHbtZSnWLlWUfD_us98gGw/s1600-h/P1050823.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUpN1BY_6VRRNkYHfoxZCsdXgVCaoCqiIi0Q-0Skw9Do3qt775CrbbWv5ES2TL45auX7JowYqTxOX5ewO-g5-bNccFfvoQ2CmpPjQT-TTKyA4eR7az8ZEcHbtZSnWLlWUfD_us98gGw/s200/P1050823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393673556369561826" border="0" /></a><br />Things have been very relaxing and beautiful here. Today I spent one of the most magical afternoons with my little family. There is a hike around the point where we are anchored called the "Knob". I packed a lunch and we headed out for the trail. As we started our hike we came across a large sea snake just below the trail sitting on a rock in the water. It had beautiful black and light blue bands and Merric was explaining to us the design of his tail which helps his swim in the water. It was just an amazing experience for all of us. As we continued on we found a little clearing with<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62s8DDAkq0HD8fNm9XVXELwlsg2FCexfdFiNdxkZn5puMU4q1iluyN9Sd8oGSBgK6hg5N8dV3ramiOHRvDX1cx4OLbD_edU7xpRGr1OZUKeDMW2PKXyEO8fuRsq2dgBzDOkgEriJN1g/s1600-h/P1050827.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62s8DDAkq0HD8fNm9XVXELwlsg2FCexfdFiNdxkZn5puMU4q1iluyN9Sd8oGSBgK6hg5N8dV3ramiOHRvDX1cx4OLbD_edU7xpRGr1OZUKeDMW2PKXyEO8fuRsq2dgBzDOkgEriJN1g/s200/P1050827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393675352145333314" border="0" /></a> an incredible view of an island in the distance and the swells pounding along the jagged rock ledge. It was priceless to hear my kids tell me how much fun they are having and how beautiful it was. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg553Fbt8eH2Q_vwPUjzdKaXyzXOonQ5mOIntytHuGLI1L7vEg6Hwtrc9OWZwbdYsAIAnPxn9cBD3nvnyZbyqkeVnq7pvoTuT8C8C8ViehNE0NkYbm70tCRlW9I4JghjFU_TnaRDYRT0Q/s1600-h/P1050826.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg553Fbt8eH2Q_vwPUjzdKaXyzXOonQ5mOIntytHuGLI1L7vEg6Hwtrc9OWZwbdYsAIAnPxn9cBD3nvnyZbyqkeVnq7pvoTuT8C8C8ViehNE0NkYbm70tCRlW9I4JghjFU_TnaRDYRT0Q/s200/P1050826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393674064130087506" border="0" /></a> Paul and I couldn't help but smile. Seanna LOVES picnics so this made her day. When we started hiking again we found so many beautiful shells and at one point it felt like we were looking for easter eggs and pointing them out everywhere. Merric was having a blast looking at dead trees and discovering termites and other small creatures. Seanna kept saying, "Mom, this is the best day of my life". As we were looking for shells on our trail we came across another sea snake. It was slithering by a near by tree just off the trail. During the hike I kept thinking that is must be easy for the sea snakes to just come right up here since we were walking right on a cliff. We quietly approached it from behind and watched him for a little while. When we felt is was safe we let Merric touch his tail and after Paul tried to pick him up with a long stick. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxyQn4ZKQJrCh9Ljh7W5P1ZW2jmEhAohu2Pc99hn2e8WmUtRbwSR1xbUjs4I5r17Bj5O9FwrenljgYkx_ds7DEG1BPjCcpwoOvPoKPyTgu_1OKc9-BMOeqMNmTqvuqmn1mJ6OLBaLrA/s1600-h/P1050836.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxyQn4ZKQJrCh9Ljh7W5P1ZW2jmEhAohu2Pc99hn2e8WmUtRbwSR1xbUjs4I5r17Bj5O9FwrenljgYkx_ds7DEG1BPjCcpwoOvPoKPyTgu_1OKc9-BMOeqMNmTqvuqmn1mJ6OLBaLrA/s200/P1050836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393674577882585362" border="0" /></a>The snake was very calm and it was exciting to watch my two boys. Do I need to say how incredible it was for Merric??? A full bag of shells later and a walk through old prison ruins we made it to the beach and back to the boat.<p><a href="http://www.sailmail.com/"><br /></a></p>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-64139882274862095812009-10-07T18:33:00.000-07:002009-10-07T18:34:12.626-07:00Tsunami warning - New Caledonia round 2Just as we took a break from home-school we received a Tsunami alert from the local Gendarmarie (Police) to evacuate the anchorage. A report of another earth quake 7.8 in Vanuatu and a wave was under way. This really gets us uptight as we were just playing in Vanuatu for over a month and we are not too far away. We hope that our friends in Vanuatu are safe and hope to hear from them soon. We got a bit frustrated when we couldn't make out what the French coast guard was saying due to a loud hum on their radio. After repeated attempts by several boats to get information we think we heard it was safe to return to port. Upon our return we had the Gendarmarie waving us at the beach to return back out to sea. Just as we turned to head back out the VHF started the hum but I could finally make out what the Coast Guard was saying, "Tsunami warning has been lifted". We are now re-anchored and keeping our ears open to any info. Don't know any news about the devastation in Vanuatu as we wanted to get this email out to family asap so they don't panic. Please send any info you can about what happened.<p>Love,<br>MicheleS/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-38135867461404723022009-10-02T23:33:00.000-07:002009-10-02T23:34:15.270-07:00The unexpectedYou never know what to expect out here...<p>Our next destination: Ilse of Pins<br>Distance: 120 miles<br>Desired wind direction: E and anything north of E<br>Desired Speed: 15 Knots<br>One overnight<p>Our weather indicated a E wind shifting to the NE at 15 by midnight so all was a go. We headed out to winds on our nose (South) and sailing not in the direction we wanted to go. We sailed fast across to New Caledonia but needed to head way south to the Ilse of Pins. We decided to stick it out and see if the wind would shift. Paul called up more weather a few hours later only to get unfavorable information. Okay, so it's not going to be our best passage but lets make the best of it. Trying to keep a speed up so we will arrive during the day. As night approached we started to get ready to settle down and start watches. Merric was sleeping outside and Seanna was going down in our room and Paul was brushing his teeth when Seanna called out "I just threw up". Shoot, she is in our room and we just pulled out all the warm blankets since it's starting to get cold. So, now I am cleaning up Seanna and Paul is pulling off sheets and pillows. Poor baby. She usually doesn't get sick and if she does she is quick about getting somewhere easy to clean. At the last anchorage a boat friend of ours gave me some hamburger helper. Now, I am not one to use stuff like this but since we were under passage and it was easy I figured I would give it a try. Well, It didn't sit right with Seanna and probably will never touch that stuff again. Nothing is easy out here. Now we have to sleep on mattresses fully clothed until we reach our destination so we can do laundry. Fun Fun!!!!<p>We made it in safe and sound. It's just beautiful. I can see why they call it the island of Pines. It's full of Pine trees.<br>22.39S 167.26ES/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-32491517606570593092009-09-29T23:50:00.001-07:002009-09-29T23:50:47.802-07:00Tsunami WarningsLet me start off with saying that everyone on board Free Spirit is safe and sound.<br>Our morning started off as usual. Paul checks our emails and starts to make our coffee. I crawl out of bed (7:30am) to the wonderful smell of brewed coffee, sit in front of the computer with my hot steaming cup and read my "news" (emails). As I was reading an email from my mom we started to hear someone calling on the radio. We are currently anchored in the lagoon of Ouvea, New Caledonia 20.43S 166.25E with 30 other vessels who are in the ICA Rally. Solanjo was informing us of a Tsunami warning that was in effect in New Zealand. Due to the 8.3 earth quake in the Samoa. Yes, that leaves us in the line of fire so upon hearing the warning we, and all the other 30 boats, lifted our anchors and headed out to sea. After speaking with the French Navy our warning was till 9:16 am. It was a mass exodus with Free Spirit being the second boat out. We were not planning on sticking around to see what might happen. Now, half the boats were still asleep or didn't turn on their radios so luckily we have "LIZZIE" large trawler with a very loud bull horn that woke everyone up. All of us were out of the cut with in the hour and in what we considered a safe zone. We continued to monitor the warnings from the French navy. At this point we were getting all kinds of info from family back in New Zealand and Australia who said the wave was getting smaller and by the time it reached us it would be non existent so at 9:20 our head boat called in no effects in our location and we started to head back into the anchorage. It was a non event and we were thrilled! We are now enjoying some of our duty free booze we picked up in Vanuatu and are celebrating life.<p>P.S. School lesson today: What is a Tsunami?<p>Love you all,<br>Paul, Michele, Merric and Seanna.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-46022507873743614972009-09-28T21:08:00.000-07:002009-09-28T21:10:16.030-07:00Arrived in Ouvea, New CaledoniaAfter my eamil the wind died to nothing and we motored the rest of the way...<p>We arrived in Ouvea at lunch time and spent the last part of the trip enjoying the beautiful views around Ouvea. It reminds us our favorite cruising grounds in the Bahamas. The sand is bright white and the water is crystal blue. Not much more to report until we clear in and start to play.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-77138942518387571022009-09-27T18:41:00.000-07:002009-09-27T18:42:26.387-07:00Passage South to Ouvea, New CaledoniaWe had an early 4 am departure set to time ourselves for a daytime entry to the next set of islands (quick 220 mile trip but still an overnighter). With the forecasted weather we anticipated around 6.5 knots. We are in a fleet of 31 boats heading to a incredible islands that have been closed to all cruisers this year. The swine flu has made many, including our friends on Bebe, leave port even under unfavorable conditions. This is the advantage of traveling with the ICA rally this year. We left on time and motored the first hour in washing machine conditions. Then, it felt as though someone flipped on a switch and we had 20+ knots of wind and sailed at 8 to 9.5 knots for the duration. Instead of arriving tomorrow evening we will be in early morning and might even have to slow down. This passage will be on our top of favorites. We hooked a huge fat barracuda and threw him back. Then, our line started to scream out....We hooked a monster marlin. Paul was crying since it was on our "old faithful" lure and when Paul saw it jump out of the water he knew there was no way we would get it in while doing 9+ knots full sail. I quickly turned the boat downwind and got tons of slack in the line (something you would never want to do if you planned on keeping it) and after a beautiful jump the marlin spit the hook out. It was exciting but also a relief. Can you believe we didn't land one fish today??? There is always tomorrow. All is well on Free Spirit and looking forward to an incredible star gazing night. 19.17S 167.23E.<p>----------<br>radio email processed by SailMail<br>for information see: <a href="http://www.sailmail.com">http://www.sailmail.com</a>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-89976600675574652442009-09-15T00:36:00.000-07:002009-09-16T13:56:49.429-07:00Port Vila, Vanuatu<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfczpXtJOVkuNiD1fZkQwwN_xfamMSdtQ3ib4MDXSK3tpoMhUYLQPYBxeKzqftMWzTuvft5ArEH_w_h9Cd1dGyMK2IhuAplxr5hy0yI73LBBo5igSU2QtQwoCst7eSoHhWcx_GGOd5ww/s1600-h/P1050554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382162043805284674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfczpXtJOVkuNiD1fZkQwwN_xfamMSdtQ3ib4MDXSK3tpoMhUYLQPYBxeKzqftMWzTuvft5ArEH_w_h9Cd1dGyMK2IhuAplxr5hy0yI73LBBo5igSU2QtQwoCst7eSoHhWcx_GGOd5ww/s200/P1050554.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>After playing in the island for the past month it was nice to pull into port an get some civilization. During our month out we started to run very low on beef and had no pork or chicken. I substituted fish for everything!!!! When we anchored in Awai, Vanuatu we made friends with the family on the island, Solfren and Jossyln. Every day they would pop over and deliver us fresh veggies and fruit from their gardens and I gave her sheets and blankets. We spent one day with Solfren as he was building a new hut. It was incredible to watch the many used of Bamboo and natural building materials he used. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qN2Xk4M8I_-bP0p6EiwWdVk183jl8H0upGFxz5vzIuP43s3miTKmw1xjCGWlwVrhcTbcTQws5tDLImRCcDcXGG0atbraQ2h-dO6jeU9od4mGWdEjiN6A-NuLjn9nYhAYnFNezg5Aog/s1600-h/P1050569.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382168989933218546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qN2Xk4M8I_-bP0p6EiwWdVk183jl8H0upGFxz5vzIuP43s3miTKmw1xjCGWlwVrhcTbcTQws5tDLImRCcDcXGG0atbraQ2h-dO6jeU9od4mGWdEjiN6A-NuLjn9nYhAYnFNezg5Aog/s200/P1050569.JPG" border="0" /></a>Then next day Merric, Paul and Solfren went to go find a pig and the boys spent the morning cleaning and gutting him to be cooked in an underground oven. The girls did all the cooking while the boys sat back and drank Kava. That night while the boys drank the Kava Josselyn came over and had a ball checking out how we live on the boat. She loved the music, hanging out with us while I made dinner. We made friends for life and hope to stop and visit them again. We will be in Port Vila for a week getting ready to head out to New Caledonia. We had to apply for extended visa which will take 7 days to process plus they keep our passports. Looking forward to the duty free shopping the day before we depart. We already started to look in the stores to be prepared on what we want to get. All is well on Free Spirit.</div></div>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-68434761537895309662009-09-03T21:18:00.000-07:002009-09-03T21:19:10.637-07:00Black Magic, Taboo and the Rom - Ambrym, VanuatuOur last three islands we have visited have had their own magic... Black Magic! The beliefs are strong and the cloud of suspicion runs rampant in Asanvari since recently an important person (35 years old) just died from Black Magic. They will assure you that the most powerful sorcerers live on Ambrym. There is a sense of Mystery and credulity that happen to be lurking inside. This active volcanic island surrounded by black sand beaches was our next destination. As we anchored in Ranon we were quickly greeted by Jeffery. Jeffery and his father head up the tours here in Ambrym so we could easily find a guide to bring us up in the hills to experience a traditional Rom Dance. We planned for an early morning departure to watch the dance in the Fanla village. After hiking one hour up the mountain behind someone with very strong B.O. we reached the village. We happily accepted the fresh green coconuts to drink when we arrived. They explained the traditions for the Rom dance and local Taboo. It is Taboo to get closer than 3 meters from the Rom dancers and we are not allowed in the sacred dancing grounds until we are invited in during the ceremony. As we approached the dancing grounds, we peeked through an opening to watch the beginning rituals. The men were dancing and stomping in a circle with a banana leaf belt decorated with leaves and a wrap around only the penis attaching it to the belt, that's it. Everything else was exposed. Imagine our kids surprise when the dancers turned around. The great thing is they didn't comment until we got home. Two of the dancers came closer to us and turned around signaling our acceptance and allowing us to enter the sacred ground. Then came the Big Rom Dancers. They are big and domineering! The mask on their head is about three feet high and they are covered from the neck down in dried banana leaves. They carry a spear that resembles a outdoor torch with beads that make a tribal sound. They surrounded the other dancers and chanted. We felt like we jumped right into the pages of National Geographic.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-12595090291901701352009-08-29T09:11:00.000-07:002009-08-28T14:11:57.969-07:00We've been adopted!Oh, wow, where do I begin!!! Upon our arrival in Asanvari bay, Vanuatu, we were adopted by a local family. We were unprepared by the family generosity we would receive. Each year, when the ICA travel to Asanvari, they dedicate a family to each boat. Wednesday was the formal adoption. When we arrived in the open air hut we were greeted by the village chief, Nelson. He then called each boat in the bay and dedicated us to a family. He choose his son Jim and his family of 8 to be our adopted family. They came up to us with each our own home made bag, a beautiful woven rug for me and fresh fruits and veggies. Since the emotional adoption, we have had a blast with our family. We spent one afternoon with all of them having lunch on the boat, another day hiking the hills while our older sisters carried Seanna and daily visits. We shared Laplap with another village...more on the laplap later! Oh, and we drank Vanuatu kava. Mom and Genevieve, this is nothing like the kava in Fiji. The root is raw and grounded to a paste. It is then squeezed through a coconut strainer and diluted with some water. It is then strained again using the brown part of the coconut tree. I had a SMALL shell and felt like I just downed 3 shots of tequila...I was trashed! Paul, on the other hand, decided to do two LARGE shells and let's just say it was a really funny night after that. We spent the rest of the evening watching some cruisers stumble to their dingy's. Thanks to the missionary's who wanted to cover up the women back in the days, they make these huge (Moo) dresses for special occasions. Some of the women where given one as an adoption gift. During the pig roast and traditional dance night they all wore them. Before the night started my mom, Rachael, brought me to her hut and presented me with a dress. We all wore our dresses proudly!! There is just so much to say about the last few incredible days we've had here. I think I will do the rest in pictures when I get online.<p>A quick Laplap story:<p>Years ago, when cannibalism was common, there lived a ruthless cannibal in the next village up on the hill. When we visited his grave, we were told of the story which ended his life. A son was hiking up the hill to visit the village when we was captured by the chief and eaten. Laplap is taro root grounded into a slimy paste and baked in an underground oven in leaves. It is then topped with coconut milk and eaten. It resembles a firm smooth polenta. When the father and another son went in search for their missing sibling, they were greeted by the village and invited to lunch. While eating the laplap they noticed a piece of finger in it. They quickly realized it was their sibling. The following day,they had their chief and his village killed. He was the last cannibal on the island. So, when I was presented laplap the next day....it was hard to stomach.S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-91833344752473336942009-08-23T19:36:00.000-07:002009-08-23T02:00:51.803-07:00Ambe - Anchoring in a craterWe are currently anchored at Lolowai, Vanuatu 15.16S, 167.58E which used to be a volcano. Years ago the crater blew out one side and the sea level rose and created a 40 foot deep lagoon. The entrance is tricky and usually done during high tide since you do have to enter through the blown out rim. On a catamaran we don't need to worry about this as much but it's still scary seeing the reef in less than 9 feet of very clear water...which makes it look like less than a foot. We are surrounded by black sand beaches and sheer cliffs on one side. The village here holds the largest hospital in the NE islands of Vanuatu. But, if you need to check into the hospital make sure you bring your own plate, cup and utensils if you want to eat. It's an open air hospital and by the looks of things I could see, not somewhere I would want to be. We took a 3 hour hike along the mountain ridge today with spectacular views of the bays below. Fruit grows EVERYWHERE!!!! We met several people from the peace corp who have lived here for 2 to 4 years and have nothing but great things to say about Vanuatu. We caught another huge Wahoo and had a fantastic fast sail here yesterday with speeds steady 9 knots.<p>Quick safety tips we have learn here:<br>1. Always check with the village if it's safe to swim before jumping in the water. Some areas the sharks are fierce since it is where they clean their cattle.<br>2. Don't pick up shells as one might have the snail which will inject you with a poison which will kill you. If you make it after 6 hours you might live.<br>3. Black sand beaches are usually off limits for swimming since the gray sharks rule the area and are aggressive.<br>4. There are some resident crocs in some anchorages, another reason to talk to the locals first.<br>5. You have to be cautious on some islands because of Malaria...get local knowledge.<br>6. They have rocks that shimmer like diamonds in the water and when banged together they create a glow...legends have it that if you bang these rocks you are calling the storm gods. We won't try to see if legend is true!<p>These are some of the things I need teach my kids along with not talking to strangers.<p>----------<br>radio email processed by SailMail<br>for information see: <a href="http://www.sailmail.com">http://www.sailmail.com</a>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-37583037179212382342009-08-19T17:40:00.000-07:002009-08-19T18:06:56.732-07:00At play in Vanuatu<div><br /><br /><div>Since arriving we have <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGlTkURyNo-RZqLvvo3XMnxF7uED2OuHWOMGopnIm2thDSSblmJ6VvGJG9IvUMSQYWG99ksJYqBIO74Skb6H1kQD0JPreAf5ljPyw0w_PdUy1EKpeWSsB_bzRFOOwcIsiFoXHcnr3Dg/s1600-h/P1050063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371842808104180466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGlTkURyNo-RZqLvvo3XMnxF7uED2OuHWOMGopnIm2thDSSblmJ6VvGJG9IvUMSQYWG99ksJYqBIO74Skb6H1kQD0JPreAf5ljPyw0w_PdUy1EKpeWSsB_bzRFOOwcIsiFoXHcnr3Dg/s200/P1050063.JPG" border="0" /></a>been busy playing. During the passage they annouced a fishing tournament which we were happy to participate in. We ended up catching 16 fish (Tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, a spear fish and a barracuda). We won the first price with the biggest fish which was a night at the resort burre on the water. Our friends on a beautiful trawler named 'Lizzie' offered to have the kids sleep over so we could have the night to our selves. What a treat!!!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hQAowHsQpMxR2ntApeUOPM2QguBawNFC-CcKyMiT9QjYR7iCc8Py_CUPE90VVUWuUrQwkA8v-_0CtUg7SkRdVu1Vk_SddXNMOZY7y2i1BGG-lMDJcq9sTVzijuJVwZY6J9GH0UYH9g/s1600-h/P1050054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371844195656670674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hQAowHsQpMxR2ntApeUOPM2QguBawNFC-CcKyMiT9QjYR7iCc8Py_CUPE90VVUWuUrQwkA8v-_0CtUg7SkRdVu1Vk_SddXNMOZY7y2i1BGG-lMDJcq9sTVzijuJVwZY6J9GH0UYH9g/s200/P1050054.JPG" border="0" /></a>We all had a blast in the open air shower with continuous running water. A luxury we don't have on the boat. The next day, Red Thread pulled up. It was raining pretty heavy so we decided to bumper up so the kids could go back and forth without us having to jump in the wet dingy. We stay that way for four nights. We are now anchored in a beautiful bay off the island of Espirto Santo. As we pulled up a Dugong (manatee/sea cow) popped up beside the boat, Paul went for a snorkel and saw a 10 foot sea snake and we are flying on the internet from the incredible house we are anchored near. Like couldn't be better! </div></div>S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-82328216024508295912009-08-10T16:21:00.000-07:002009-08-09T21:24:03.493-07:00Arrived in VanuatuWe are now anchored and drinking a cold beer at Oyster island Vanuatu. It's a bit grey and wet this morning but we can see some stunning beaches and lush green vegetation. Merric has just informed me that on his Shark videos it shows Vanuatu and the large diversity of sharks in the area. GREAT!S/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934407451034535282.post-83985805318015933382009-08-10T16:20:00.000-07:002009-08-09T21:22:33.432-07:00Last day out - in VanuatuWe are now with in hours of our anchoring destination. We had a very calm passage with one burst of wind and tons of motoring. Our current fish count is 5 Wahoo, 7 Tuna, barracuda and 1 sailfish. We will donate half the fish to the resort that is hosting our arrival in Vanuatu. As I watch the sunrise and the sky loose it's dusk pinks, I see an island to my left with a gradual peak welcoming us. We are very excited to be here.<p>15.30S<br>167.44ES/V Free Spirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049503883425574018noreply@blogger.com0