You don't always get what you want......

There is so much to write, I started a story! But that will take me quite awhile to finish SO...here are the highlights so far.

After the first sailing trip to Oahu, I took the superferry back to Maui and then a couple days later took the superferry back to Oahu where I stayed for a week. Living in the harbor is like a whole nother world. You meet people sailing all around the world from a ton of different locations. Some sailing solo even. You hear horror stories of sailing and heroic tales. Mostly there is an abundance of information spread whether it be true or not. It makes me think about how they used to sail the trade routes and how harbors were a great place for people to spread information about what they had seen in foreign lands. More than anything it's a great introduction and extreme learning experience that gives me information about what I am about to embark on. I have been through every emotion possible dealing with this trip. This journey is a journey. Yes, it's my mode of transportation to the mainland but more importantly it's a time to reflect on my life and where I want to go next. It's time to get away from society for 23 days (hopefully). Oh and I was wrong about the boat....it's a catch with three sails - mizen, jib, and main sails.

I have met so many characters along the way. Another thing that is common on docks is that there these folks who live on their boats year round.....usually unemployed, always drinking and smoking, and very nosy. They watch everything you do on your boat and judge you and talk. It's quite annoying. But they are nice...don't get me wrong.

So, we went shopping at all the stores trying to find all the parts we needed for the boat and ended up so overspending that my friend has no more money. We crammed the subaru station wagon so full, people were pointing at us. The one thing I learned is that boats are expensive and stuff breaks all the time. That makes me quite nervous but my friend says...you just deal with it when you are out there....and if something major breaks it could take you two months to get to shore....that sounds pleasant and all.....but I am praying nothing breaks.

After spending a week of cramming supplies in every nook and cranny of the boat, we take off Sunday morning at 6 am and sail upwind back to Maui. I love watching how the wind powers the boat. I didn't realize the practical application of geometry in sailing...I would have learned it better when I was in high school. We are doing great on time until we hit Molokai and then the wind stops dead. Crap. We motor for 4 hours to find wind....no luck...so we tack and tack and tack again till we ride alongside Lanai past Shipwreck beach all the way down till we tack again straight for Lahaina and arrive at 12 midnight. We pass out from exhaustion and then I take the bus back to deal with repacking my bags BECAUSE....we are leaving too late for me to do Costa Rica so now I canceled my trip there. I am bummed but I can go to Costa Rica anytime...sailing across the ocean is something I may never get an opportunity like this one again. I am a beginner sailor and I am testing my own limits. I have made many mistakes so far but I am not giving up.

Challenges.....There are two challenges that are quite hard for me and they are the easiest thing to do on land. One is cooking on a moving boat with a swinging stove and stuff sliding every where. You have to brace yourself just to do anything on a sailing boat...and usually you are on an angle. I boiled my first pot of water. That was a feat and I am proud of myself that I didn't spill or pour it on me. The second challenge is going to the bathroom....haha...you laugh...it's hard....I have to hold on for dear life....and pulling up your pants in a little bathroom is hell. Sounds silly I know...but after 23 days I will be a pro.

So I will be sailing to Washington, staying there for a week or two and then heading to LA for a week or two and then back to Maui. You don't always get what you want and you can't always have it all. I learned to be happy with my choice and not be too bummed out except for the $150 dollar fee to change my ticket. Oh well....hey maybe I should submit this.....

$150 - Change fee for Costa Rica airfare so that I can sail across the ocean
$200 - Foul weather gear for Sailing trip
$400 - Two months supply of food for Sailing trip
Sailing across the ocean - PRICELESS

Money is money, but experiences that challenge you are worth every penny you spend.

love ya all!