June 5

Hit the water flipping (doesn't translate well from land) this morning starting with an out-tide dive briefing on Bamboozle (useful to avoid ending up in Tahiti sans boat). Had plans for snorkeling before lunch, an inbound dive this afternoon and outbound tomorrow (there is a counter current to bring you back and a chase boat above). A shower dampened early enthusiasm, but, although yesterday's snorkel was actually better, later dive was great. Have now been led to believe that knowing how and where to go in a wider, deeper, faster flowing area, north pass is even more exhilarating. So many places, so little time.

Have snookered.. er, convinced Bristol Rose and Inspiration Lady to make five hour sail this end of atoll if a couple of maintenance gremlins can be expunged, so hope they can make it and are equally impressed. Keep thinking each parting with the Rose will be last, but fortunately for friends, they dawdle.

After scuba, went by one of two dive operations to ask a very rude individual about air fills and possible dives. Perhaps he had a bad day or we're not French or he is, but suspect it's because we dived without him. Must have missed that class in grad school where antagonizing potential customers who will certainly spread the word to others who are likely to be is a clever strategy. Suspecting a paucity of receptivity, refrained from inquiring if he had considered other industries besides service.

Jack