Goddard Hot Springs

We had a few more things to do in Sitka before we could push off and explore. But most of it had to wait until working hours. So we decided to head to the local Hot Springs for the weekend. Our fishing friends had told us that it can be busy with tour operators during the day, and fisherman at night, but we weren't worried. We were looking forward to a good soak.

We had a beautiful day for the 16 mile trip. Of course, we ate cheese dogs for lunch.

We set our hook in 45 feet of water (much deeper than we're used to...but we're trying to remember how tides work again), among two fishing boats. There were also three kayakers camping nearby.

We were impressed. The tubs were clean. And there was always at least one tub to soak in, we were never crowded or rushed out. They were HOT. We relaxed and didn't do a spec of boat work. It was lovely.

Windsurfing!!

We have done enough of our boat chores to escape to a small islet across the
lagoon for some R&R this weekend. Somehow being away from the hardware store
is enough to put a stop to most ongoing projects. We even rigged up the
windsurf gear and spent a morning ripping around (John) and flailing around
(me). Good fun.

We also spent some time testing out our storm trysail.

Kanton - lost in time

I don't really know where the days are going here. In fact, yesterday, I was
sure it was Thursday. But according to ABC news (Australia Broadcasting Corp
on the High Freq radio), it was definitely Friday. Great...another day lost.
I have no idea where.

How do you lose a day when you keep a daily journal? Sheesh.
Kiribati is on the same side of the date line as Australia and New Zealand.
The date line take a huge right turn to encompass the country, so although
north and south of us is Friday today, we're one day away from another day
of church and another feast.

This week has been pretty mellow. We had a few quiet days in the anchorage,
but lately the winds have been picking up again, and we're once again
dealing with intermittent squalls with winds in the 30+ knot range. Not
often, but a couple times a day. It has been great for collecting
water....we were getting low on washing water!

But...because school here takes place in an old warehouse with a leaky roof,
school was cancelled because of rain. Too bad. I was planning a school visit
with the kids. Oh well. Next week is exam week, so not sure if I'll be able
to visit without being too disruptive.

It's been a good week, though. We've done some exploring, lots of boat
projects, sewing, shelling, reading, snorkelling, playing dice, etc. The
boys have been out each afternoon to be sure we have fish on the table for
dinner. In fact, the last grouper they got was humongous!

Kanton - A bouncy anchorage

We've had consistent squally weather since arriving here at Kanton Island.
Our passage was fast with fresh winds, and the winds have continued while we
have been here. Some days we prefer to stay on the boat to be sure that she
doesn't move from her holding. Or simply because a rough and wet dinghy ride
doesn't sound like fun. We've had a few days where the winds have blown over
30 knots and our two boats are bouncing up and down over the swells that
have built up in the lagoon.

Here we are, setting a second anchor

We have set a second anchor, and haven't moved, so we're feeling pretty
confident in the setup. To be sure, Eric dove on both of our anchors to
inspect the connections, and be sure they were well set. Our primary anchor
was buried so deep in the sand, it was almost invisible. At least we now
feel very secure.
Now that we feel better about our anchor, we're contemplating a bit of
windsurfing. Wow.