Aloha All,

Ok, the city life finally took it's toll on the crew. Noise from constant traffic, container ships uploading/off loading cargo, emergency vehicles, and bad karaoke nights at the clubs across the street was getting to us. How much can any one person be asked to endure?

Our Tahitian friend, let's call him "Domi," came by after work on Friday. After explaining our situation to him he offered some sage advice. "You need to get out of here, man! Go some place! You have a sailboat, go to Moorea for a few days.

We are finally at a point where we can bolt for a little while. My visa extension came through. No worries about being locked up abroad. The new auto pilot is awaiting customs clearance at Papeete and won't be available for pick up or deliver until Monday. Why not?

So we bailed. A little day sail to the island of Moorea, only 15 nautical miles away. Who needs a stinking autopilot for that? You can see the place from Papeete.

Well guess what? The faulty autopilot worked flawlessly the entire trip. I mean, "WTH?" We turned it back on a day and a half ago, after totally giving up on it and ordering a new one, just to see it keep on working for 4 hours (a new record), then 12 hours (unheard of), finally, the whole trip to Moorea and nearly 48 hours of run time with no fault indicators. Impossible!

Anyway, we are relaxing with rum drinks, enjoying the peace and quiet, and looking forward to a fine weekend swimming, snorkeling, and and exploring.

Will keep you updated. Everyone take care and stay well. All our love.

mark rob zane