I'm not talking perfect attendance - I just haven't missed working.


I'll get my 1st social security check around May 9th, then I'll be officially retired. I still don't think I'm old enough to get that big-ass Cadillac, in high-school when 40 was the measure of a old guy, I knew I'd be driving one by age 50. I suppose my mom was right - if you haven't grownup by age 50, you don't have too. SO no big-ass Caddy for me.

Made it to Rangiroa a couple days ago, been snorkeling, diving and paddling on the SUP. There are actually a lot of new fish and these are not as squeamish as those in Fakarava. These let you swim right up to them, at least most do. There were less sharks while diving, which is just fine with me. Saw a spotted ray, a couple black rays, a school of barracuda and dolphins, at least the others did, I sucked up all my air and had to surface before the dolphins showed-up. Yesterday and today there were 3-person outrigger competition, with our boat anchored 4 boat lengths from one of the turns. Some racers passed us on our stern, but majority came across our bow, we were in the middle of the mix. Very exciting.

Today I rented a motor scooter (don't tell Lance) and motored around for a couple of hours. It was good practice, since traffic was light, and I plan to rent one in Tahiti. I saw maybe 4 cars and 6 other scooters in two hours, must of been rush hour. Again these islands have no traffic signals, not even a stop sign. Speed limit 60 KPH, but I never got over 45, didn't see a reason to go that fast. The people are very friendly, everyone waves or at least gives a head-bob to acknowledge you. The few people I stopped to chat with knew enough English to communicate and were super friendly. Yea, my French lesson didn't get me to far.

We head to Tahiti tomorrow, should arrive on the afternoon of the 17th. At that time I will be saying good-bye to Kevin and Jane on Lebeccio and checking into an AirBnb for a couple of days while I put together a game plan. I suppose I've had plenty of time to plan this out, but I haven't - just haven't. Part of that plan is to commit to another boat, book land accommodations and then play... or play first. I know I should deal with the boat ride first, but I probably won't, suppose to be some awesome surfing, hope I can catch a few waves.