So we are enjoying our time in Hawaii. Too much. There is so much to do that I don't even get to write the blog.
We had a wonderful couple of days in Maui. After the waves had changed a bit it was not too bad out at the mooring. And during the day until after sunset we were always under way, travelling and taking pictures. We had extended the rental car for a day because a higher northerly swell came in and I did not want to miss the chance to get nicer wave- and surf pictures as well as nicer pictures of the blowhole. Unfortunately I still did not manage to process all those pictures.
Ever since we arrived on Oahu / Honolulu we have been so busy. On the one hand we're busy with some socializing at the Yacht Club (which we are leaving tomorrow), on the other hand we have to walk quite a bit to get some groceries and to organise a harbour spot for us. And that's not easy. Everything is so different here. The harbours are full and expensive. The Yacht Club is very nice and they were kind enough to accept us in (we rafted up to a Danish cruising boat that left yesterday), but we can't afford to stay here those 2,5 months. We were super lucky to get a spot in the state harbour here, Ala Wai Harbour, but it is not secure and ugly and dirty. Our slip as of tomorrow is at the street in front of the Charthouse. Ok, the good side about it is they are filming for a scene in "Hawai Five O" right in front of our slips there so we have a good chance to end up on the screen in April. In order to be able to stay in the harbour we need to have a security check on the boat and drive with the inspector and a harbour master out of the slip, around a buoy and back into the slip to show that Alita is still swimming and able to move in the water. Really? How did we get here from New Zealand? Ok, well, it's the rule, and they stick to it. I mean it's ok, where would they draw the line - from the office?
We were looking into another marina, a private one with a connected resort. But they take it to the next level. The require an application with photos of the boat and the owner (to make sure they do not get an ugly boat/people into the marina) as well as a FULL survey, which requires a haul out. This is to find out the real value of the boat - which should be non of their business. All harbours require to have their name on the insurance paper. For what I don't know. I don't understand that American system. But, we have to comply with the rules, even if we don't know how. But we'll find a way, it's a sport ;-)
When we are not looking for a place to leave Alita we are cleaning her. Room by room. And by that chance we also take pictures of the interior. Gosh she looks so pretty.
And then when I find time I sit down and work on my photography and watch tutorials for that new software. And, most important, one nice SHOWER a day. Yay.
Tomorrow we're sailing out of the harbour to clean the hull. So I will need to make a construction on my leg which protects my wound. I HAVE to go into the water, can't wait. And I need to help Marcus clean the hull. After that we go into our new street-front slip. And on monday we'll discuss with the Yacht Club on a better monthly rate so that we can put Alita here to the dock at least while we are gone - for security reasons.
Well, I don't have much material, but here are some pictures from Maui and here. Enjoy.
