Don't be Fuelish
12 June 2010 | Toau, Tuamotus
June 11
Local boulangerie makes bagettes on spec, but loaves only by request before noon of previous day. Having made arrangements, still returned to boat at 0615 loafless (an inability to relax?) and would have been disconsolate but for compensatory pastry. Would assume a snafu in translation except proprietress is from New Zealand where a version of English is often spoken.
Doldrums persisted for eight hour motor to next atoll. Air molecules in close proximity upon departure from Rotoava, and apparently fascinated with the boat, traveled along at same speed all the way to Anse Amyot, Toau. So, well, sweltering stillness was unswell in two foot swell (sorry, tried too hard for that one).
Performed calibration of fuel usage underway at 1800 RPM and 5 knots to ascertain a bare sufficiency for traversing 300 NM from here to Rangiroa and then Tahiti. Diesel is reportedly available at the intermediate stop, but wouldn't bet Mama's egg money. Inspiration lady offered to share a few gallons for insurance. Confidence high that cannibalism of crew will be unnecessary given Monday wind forecast of howling eight knots.
Jack