Day 219, Year 1: A Little Delay in Tahauku Bay, Hiva Oa, Marquesas
Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Weather: Mostly Sunny Weather Has Returned With A Few Showers
Location: Tahauku Bay Anchorage, Hiva Oa Island, Marquesas
We had hoped to leave this afternoon to do an overnight to the next island, Ua Pou. But things happen and we are still here. We got off to a great start this morning. I was doing the laundry and getting ready to head to town with Doug and Sylvia from Windcastle. And then the “tweak” happened. That “tweak” was in my lower back and meant that I needed to slow down and lie flat with an ice pack for most of the day in order to avoid a real back breakdown. About two years ago my lower back started giving me problems, but I found a wonderful chiropractor who was able to help me keep things aligned. But when we left Concord, NH, in October, I had to leave Charlie Saggiotes behind. I asked if he would like to stow away on Windbird, but unfortunately for me, he declined. So today when I had the first indication of a returning back problem, I followed Charlie’s directions-relax, lie down, and use an ice pack . . . then relax, lie down, and use an ice pack again. Taking care of this problem took precedence over moving on to a new anchorage today, so I spent my whole day with an ice pack until about 4 PM. I was tired of relaxing when Sylvie from Windcastle called over to ask me if I would like to go for a walk. I was certainly ready to do something, so off we went to walk to a hotel at the top of the hill above the anchorage. We actually got a ride for the last part of the trip and then spent a wonderful hour sitting in the hotel restaurant that sits atop this part of the island. It was dark by the time we walked back to the anchorage, and Mark was there to pick us up. We had Doug and Sylvia over for dinner and had a great time. Doug is a scientist by occupation, but a musician by avocation. He brought a tape of one of his favorite songs that he has recorded and we had a great time listening. The song was about growing up in Illinois in the 1950’s, and he and Mark enjoyed reminiscing about those times.
Doug and Syliva will leave for Huka Oa in the morning and we will leave for Ua Pou late tomorrow afternoon. My back is much better tonight, so we think we are ready for the overnight sail to Ua Pou.. Mark worked all day carrying jerry cans of fuel and water to the boat, so Windbird is ready to move on. After my late afternoon walk my back is feeling much stronger. Let’s just hope that slow and gentle exercise will keep it that way.
We are thinking tonight about my sister, Patsy, and my grandniece, Jessica. Patsy has been my constant companion on this voyage, e-mailing most everyday. I hadn’t heard from her for a couple of days and found out today that her 15-year old granddaughter Jessica has just been diagnosed with diabetes. Add to that the fact that Patsy is having knee problems. Our every positive thoughts are sent to North Carolina to Jessica and to Patsy. We love you so much and hope that things look brighter soon.
