July 6

Outdid previous trip to US, returning with 151 pounds of toys for five boats - fun things like pump heads, gaskets, bearings and shackles. Neither airline objected to extra pound for each checked bag. Carry-on and computer were only 49 pounds.

Telescoping hatch adjusters made it through Tampa and Minneapolis OK, but LAX security thought they could be wielded as weapons. Not, the supervisor took pains to inform me, that I might use them, but someone could dig to the bottom of my carry-on and turn one or, if ambidextrous, both against me. Made top ten stupid statements in history of TSA. Forced to check bag with 'fragile' sticker attached. That could actually have helped as when soft-sided duffel arrived, a day late, nothing, for some bizarre reason, was missing or broken. Don't you just love happy endings?

Spent yesterday and today storing, installing or quizzically contemplating all the new bits. Also replenished gasoline (essence, sans plomb), fixed leak in pressure water system and unburdened wallet of 800 cfp for one small load of undried (word was that the driers don't) laundry.

After relinquishing clear-out documents to agent at 0730 in the morning, plan bus to Papeete for sightseeing, provisioning and duty free booze. Anticipate refueling and pressing out of the big island in afternoon or Thursday for either Moorea or Huahine. Undecided on location to watch Sunday's solar eclipse, but hope to be in Bora Bora on 14th for expected Bastille Day bacchanal. Still hoping for an unburdened few days of absolute sloth, but events keep intruding. When will the madness end?

Jack