Voyage of the Good Ship Westward

Our last update, sent via HF radio, was without images of some of our treasured memories at Kapingamirangi; some photos are now included below.

After a three-day windward passage to Pohnpei (with occasional squalls bringing torrential rains & wind gusts exceeding 50 knots!) we entered Kolonia Harbor on Phonpei Island (Federated States of Micronesia) on Sunday evening (16th) and cleared inward Monday morning (with a massive delegation of pleasant, uniformed, but otherwise idle, functionaries) before shifting to an inner anchorage below Sohkes Rock:in Kolonia Harbor.

Spencer flew home to Seattle on Monday after a memorable three-weeks aboard & countless excursions & adventures.  Amid frequent tropical showers (for which Pohnpei is deservedly renowned), I spent two days more in Pohnpei turning Westward, and the attendant responsibilities, over to Frank, Beth and John (& Marley!) for the duration of our absence.  This able crew will have six weeks to cruise the Federated States before our early-February return onboard——to see a bit of the FSM ourselves & continue our journey to the Marianas & Japan.  Today Westward reports being anchored “in a snug SE corner Ant Atoll”  (a few miles west of Pohnpei).

Teresa & I are happily reunited & relaxed on Kauai for the holidays with family before returning to the Pacific Northwest in January.   The change of scene, and of responsibilities, is most welcome; the climate here (at 22 deg. North) provides a comfortable transition—–from the equatorial heat of the Solomons & Pohnpei to the winter wilds of home at 48 deg. North!

We’ll likely be  “off the air” until mid-February but will renew these missives after our return to Westward; in the meantime this is sent will all best wishes for the Holidays & for the New Year!

Westward
KAPINGAMIRNAGI - Dec. 12/13, 2007