Weeks 3 and 4 - Hilo
03 May 2020
• Hilo Harbour, Hawaii
by Brian Short
Wash, rinse repeat. Like many of you, I am idling away. I get to town about twice a week and madly dash around on my bike to get food, drugs, alcohol, parts, hardware and the odd bakery item. Still haven't run out of boat projects, I am not sure if that is even possible. The daily radio net is down to 2 - 3 boats but my mainland phone calls and visits between boaters helps keep me sane. The State has extended the fairly rigid restrictions until the end of May so sightseeing is pretty much out. The restaurants are mostly closed. Those that are open are take out only. Big Box stores are all open, but limited to the # of people allowed inside, and everyone must wear a mask.
I have decided to replace all my house batteries as they are not charging well. This will keep me busy as I lug eight 60 lb batteries from the bowels of the boat to shore. A very helpful person on shore is going to deliver the batteries in his truck in two lots so I can lug them back to the boat. That will keep me busy for a couple of days.
On weekends especially, kayakers are out on the water in droves. They often stop by for a chat. Generally real welcoming people that are sympathetic to my plight, if plight it is. The barges and supply ships come into harbour almost daily, reassuring me that the world is producing and consuming to some extent. Shortages are rare and more of an inconvenience.
Ten cruising boats have come and gone, and five remain. Cheyenne left yesterday for San Francisco, and my weather synopsis looks like the Pacific High is starting to form. That formation is the key to my return and gets me giddy. Plans are afoot!
Take care all.
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