70 miles out from Yap
28 June 2012 | Yap, Federated States of Micronesia. The Caroline Islands.
David
Now about 14 hours since departing Yap.
David another Australian yachtie and his companion May from the Solomon's helped get the dinghy up on board, pick up the anchor and waved me farewell which was very nice. David, a retired long distance truckie helped a lot in getting the boat in and out of the water. He has spent 6 months sailing from Townsville, Australia through the Solomon's and PNG and had lots of stories and useful information. We had a number of evenings enjoying the locally brewed beer and also exploring some of the island. Another couple from Seattle also joined us and I'll post their photo up on the next blog.
Was not feeling well for a few hours today. Not sure if was a bit of heat stroke, some bad food, anxiety about doing the 1,700 mile trek to Honiara on my own or a combination. A beer has helped! Unfortunately I only brought 6 and Richard's wine is down to one bottle. They sold Yellow Tail on Yap but at $33 I decided to go dry.
So many experiences recently it is hard to put it all down in a single blog. I have a few days to do that though.
It is good to be back on the water, sailing again and enjoying some freedom. And Yarramundi is sailing so well!! The Yapese are wonderful people and it was nice having some fame for a short while. But I got tired of having to give every second person in the street an update and make small talk the constant train of visitors. Yap is a place where even the taxi driver has time to stop and talk to his friend or relative even while he has a paying customer in the car.
One of my taxi drivers yesterday was the chief of Lamotek. He invited me to his island and has told his cousin Manuel who is acting chief that I might visit. I was supposed to take some mail out for him but he did not turn up before I left this morning.
More later. Pasta is ready.
David