Along with many of the boats we have been watching the weather forecasts for favorable winds to travel north to the Tuamotus. The time has come and this week everyone is preparing to pull up anchor and head off.

We've gathered some fruit and topped up our stores. The paddle board is deflated and the dinghy is up on the foredeck. Yesterday we had a farewell luncheon with several of the boats we have become friendly with. It was very nice but not too hard to say goodbye as most of them are heading to the same place as us. Except IETA who we hope to see again in Fakarava in June. If not I think Peter has talked them into turning right and sailing to the Pacific Northwest one day.

La Boulangerie opens twice daily at 5:00 and at 14:00. Our departure was planned right after collecting 4 baquettes for the trip.. We pulled up anchor at 14:45 and sailed off into 10-15kt winds from the south. We are headed to the atol called Amanu just north of Hao. We expect to arrive in 3 1/2 days. Seven Seas departed about an hour behind us and Sweet Charriot and Rebel planned to depart the next morning (today). We are all checking in with each other on the SSB daiily at 18:00.

La Mer est agitee with swells of 2.5 meters rising to 3.2 today. The wind picked up last night and was mostly 20 kts. We started off wing on wing with one reef in the main but had to furl in the gib as the strong winds and waves made it too uncomfortable. Neither of us got much sleep last night. The wind has gone a little more east today so we have both sails on a starboard tac and we are flying at 5.5-7kts.

I must admit the night was scary. I am happy to see the sun this morning.