Merry Christmas 2011 from Dennis, Carol and Josh aboard s/v
Evergreen currently located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, USA.
Yep,
it is hard to believe how fast this year has gone by and the number of miles we
have put under our hull. Like most years, 2011 has had ups and downs,but
overall we have had a spectacular year. 
From the now familiar sights of
Mexico to the picture postcard lagoons of French Polynesia there are just not
enough words to describe what an amazing experience we have had this year. It has definitely been a life enriching
experience for all of us.  |
| Where's the T Rex? Fatu Hiva |
The
Marquessa’s with their lush volcanic peaks reminded us of Jurassic park – right
down to the staked out goat. Kind of eerie actually…. After a 24 day crossing
we were happy to see land and have fresh food.
We began practicing our French, learning Polynesian words for things and
orienting ourselves to cruising in FP. We
caught up with Doug and Carla on s/v Moondance in Nuka Hiva and were fortunate
to buddy boat with them the rest of the season.
 | |
| Dennis on the hooka - Tahanea |
The
Tuamotus gave us our first experience of entering lagoons thru the reef. The entrance to Makemo was a little exciting
between the current and waves. We had no
problems, but it was similar to eddy lines and waves on the river, only in a
sailboat. Josh broke out his spear gun and provided several yummy dinners. We voted the Tuomotus as best place to
snorkel. We did lots of snorkeling, one scuba dive and several dives with our
hooka. The water is so clear and there is an abundance of seal life – including
sharks.
 |
| The Lagoon at Bora Bora |
Tahiti
and the Societies were next up. By the time we got to Tahiti we were ready to
see a real grocery store. We socialized
with other Puddle Jumpers, provisioned, did laundry and boat projects; then
headed out to explore the rest of the societies. We spent about a month in BoraBora – the
lagoon is beautiful. Josh said goodbye
to kid friends there and had to put up with just us grownups until our final
stop in the Tuamotus on the way to Hawaii.
We made our way back to Tahiti with stops at Huahine and Tahaa. We reprovisioned in Tahiti, and then headed
out to spend some time in Moorea waiting for a good weather window to head back
to the Tuamotu’s.
 | ||
| Toau Josh, Doug, Carol, Valentine, Dennis and Gaston. |
Our
last month or so in French Polynesia was spent in the Tuamotu’s on Toau and
Rangiroa. Toau was amazing – the
caretakers there, Valentine and Gaston, made our stay special. Rangiora was our last stop – Josh met up with
his friend Max. They fished like crazy
men keeping us in a steady supply of fish. Again, had to wait for a weather
window to leave, but made it to Hawaii in 17 days, just in time for
Thanksgiving.
 |
| Josh with the Big Fish kids, Alex, Max and Ayla |
So, here we are. Hawaii is beautiful, feels cool to us but I
guess it is winter. The marina is nice
and our neighbors have been very welcoming and helpful. We will be here until June – ish, so come see
us.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy 2012,
Dennis, Carol & Josh
