June 30, 2024

Ship Update #4

DANG RUTTERS!!!

I know in a few months this will all be a distant memory and it' paramount that SAFETY IS FIRST! But Dang the rutter stock replacement has really been problematic in allowing us to set sail! Tuesday night we got the news that the milling and final fittings for the new rudder stocks was extremely slow going and that we are going to be further delayed in our Belfast Dry Dock. The latest prediction for being able to sail is now somewhere around July 20th. They will continue to keep us in the loop - we typically get updates on Tuesday and Friday each week, and being a Founder member, I get addition insights along with other Founder's (small group of about 40 of us, who gave additional funds to have a financial stake in the company and have a share in the company ownership).

By Patricia Patrick December 16, 2025
This is an usual day, it's our second December 15th! We crossed the international date line last night around midnight and therefore we get to live December 15th, twice in 2 different locations. Freaky Monday! We also lose our 18 hour time difference of being ahead of the east coast of the USA, and will now be behind them in time. Time zones drive me crazy on this trip - trying to coordinate with the folks at home and keeping a relevant calendar!
By Patricia Patrick December 16, 2025
Today we went to see giant clams and turtles at a protected reef area on the southwest side of Upolu , very near where Return to Paradise is located. We would have done yesterday, but it is protected by a village and like almost everything in Samoa , closed on Sundays. Sunday is just for Church and Family in Samoa ! Our guide was Chief Tuti and he had his son driving one of the vans with 5 of us and his daughter in law driving the other with our 4. He was so animated and ran a first class operation. The SUV was comfy and roomy, he provided snorkel gear and towels, that they handed to you as you came out of the water. His information and insights were fascinating as were the local tales he shared with us. Would highly recommend him!
By Patricia Patrick December 16, 2025
After Mass on Sunday, I traveled across the island with friends to enjoy the Return to Paradise Resort. The ride took about an hour and unfortunately, it was pouring rain the whole time. So our day pass vision of relaxing pool and beach side got replaced with day drinking yummy cocktails and playing phase 10 cards in a beach side palapa. They filmed a movie here in 1953 and this remains one of the nicest resorts on the islands of Samoa.