We've avoided the authorities thus far and have decided to be good little cruisers and check in to French Polynesia. We are headed over to Atouna, Hiva Oa in about an hour. Ian, a Canadian single-hander, is going to be our French crutch when we hit the Gendarmerie, Bank, and Port Captain this afternoon. Dad and I still have Spanish on the brain and are slightly less than pathetic when it comes to speaking zee French.

We've spent the past two nights in Tahuata. There is a beautiful beach lined with palm, lime, and noni trees. Does anyone know what nonis are actually good for? I've heard that they are used to make an elixir that cures almost any ailment from impotence to indigestion. I'm skeptical.

I spend most of my time in the water swimming from this boat to that and then on to the beach and back. It's fantastic. I feel like I'm revisiting my childhood. My parents used to have to pull me out of the gulf or the swimming pool to make me eat or go to bed.

My birthday is right around the corner and I am seriously considering a Marquesian tattoo. I have never seen such intricate, personal, funky designs. I am infatuated. The captain said he was thinking about getting one too. Ya, sure. Right after he shaves his head, gets his ears pierced, and pillages some villages.

Q flag is up. French flag is up. All systems go. First mate needed on deck. Stat!

Cheers y'all, cass