Civilization?

September 11

Unsure what happened with awaited shipment, but all items were available for pickup this morning at 0900. Huh! Pretty soon, Post Office will be able to deliver mail and packages all over the U.S. as well.

Since business in Pago Pago was finished, might have struck toward Samoa this afternoon but for wayward crown dislodged by floss last evening. Sole practitioners in American Samoa are on call at the one hospital. After paying $10 to register as a patient (I have a card), spent all afternoon turning brain into mush watching Disney channel (gaps in laugh track might have provided clues to intelligent snippets had there been any) to eventually be informed that dentists only respond for emergencies. At 1705 caught late, last bus back to harbor's heady aroma with admonishment not to swallow or inhale the piece until arriving (or presumably somewhat thereafter) in Apia, which is reportedly knee deep in dentistry.

Fifteen hour sail to next destination requires weighing anchor late afternoon to arrive daylight Monday, so conscientious duty before then would involve utilizing newly arrived pieces for appropriate mends. Really diligent crew would also perform many previously bagged tasks. Although no such individuals are currently available, a smattering of such activity is not entirely out of the question with such as are.

Jack