Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Day 4 (Monday, June 16) by Mike

Sailing with Dummies (Hawaii to Alaska Edition)

Today we began our first all-day-sailing day. The wind is still light but at least it’s going in a favorable direction.

At some point last night or this morning, we entered a national monument or something. It’s either:

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument,

Midway National Memorial, or

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument

Whichever it is, it comes with some special rules. Bob read them and that means I don’t have to. The most severe restriction is the no-fishing rule. That’s harsh. We’ll be under these rules until we get out past Midway.

The highlight of today was sailing by the island called Nihoa. It’s located about 120 miles west of the main “Hawaiian Islands.” It’s little (173 acres) and tall (895 feet). That means the sides are really steep. Most of one side is sheer cliffs. There are relics on the island that indicate that up to 175 people lived on Nihoa between the years 1000 and 1700. That makes me wonder if they got kicked off the main Hawaiian Isles.

It was cloudy with occasional rain most of the day. With temperatures in the mid-70s it was very pleasant.

For exercise we have a bicycle and a device that holds the back wheel still while it’s ridden. We also have a single barbell, but it’s buried beneath lots of Tostidos chips. There’s a jump rope hidden beneath the chips, too. But the bicycle is out and being used. With mostly calm seas it’s easy to ride.

Daily Cuisine:

Our bananas seem to have all gotten ripe at the same time. So I started the morning off making banana bread. Melinda made some gourmet guacamole. This resulted in us being one bag of chips closer to the barbell and jump rope.

Fishing Report:

No fishing allowed here.

Arts and Entertainment:

Melinda, Josh, and Cathy viewed the movie “The Life Aquatic” and said it was good. Bob attempted a selection of national anthems on the baritone. It was not so good.

Go Celtics!

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