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Our
voyage of 2002 started with a circumnavigation of the southern island of
New Zealand.
This was our idea of a shakedown cruise. It seemed like a good idea at
the time and in many ways is was a good idea. It certainly gave us an
idea of how the Quest would withstand storm conditions. For me, I was
looking or "heavy weather" experience. And this trip was certainly an
example of how one should be careful of what they wish for! At the right
we're anchored in Precipice Cove in Bradshaw Sound in the fiords of
southern New Zealand. You wouldn't believe that there's a storm raging
outside just a couple of miles away. We were certainly enjoying a couple
of nights of rest and sunny days to explore.
 The
next leg of our voyage was from Auckland to Papeete, French Polynesia.
It was our first bluewater ocean voyage with Quest and my first every
bluewater trip. It was mid April when we finally left New Zealand. We
had hoped to leave earlier, but getting a boat ready for a big trip like
this can sometimes take years, so we should be glad we were able to
leave when we did. As it was though the boat was seaworthy she wasn't
"perfect." What I have since come to understand is that if you wait for
everything to be perfect you will never leave the dock. One has to have
an understanding of basic systems and know what is essential for safety
and what is superfluous.
We arrived in Papeete in May of 2002 in time to meet my two sons.
Their Christmas present that year was a trip to Tahiti, so I thought it
would be a good idea if we actually showed up for their arrival. This is
a photo of Matavi Bay - a historic location where both the Bounty and
the Endeavor had anchored. In fact, an old anchor is displayed on the
shore which is purported to be from the Bounty. This is also one of the
few black sand beaches in Polynesia. Our travels and exploration with
the boys included both Tahiti and Moorea.
 We
continued west through French Polynesia to the Leeward Islands of Huahine, Raitea,
Tahaa and Bora Bora. People often ask, "What was the most beautiful
place you ever visited?" That is nearly an impossible question to ask.
Often I think, "It's where we are at the present." But I know this much
too esoteric an answer for most, so I think Bora Bora is high on
the list of fabulous places to visit. I would add that it's much more
beautiful from your own boat than from a tourist destination. Not
everyone can be so fortunate! This photo is of the Quest at anchor on
the east side of Bora Bora at sunset. It doesn't do the scene justice.
Santa brought me a new camera this year and perhaps that will help me
convey the essence of such an evening at anchor - but I doubt it!!
We continued north through the Line Islands to Hawaii, arriving in
Honolulu on the 4th of
July. The trip took us 28 days and included a couple of "drive bys" -
which is what I call a visit to an island when the conditions make it
impossible to go ashore. We were able to stop at both Christmas Island
and Fanning Island. These islands are part of the Kiribati nation - a
proud English speaking people who are spread over many thousands of
miles of ocean. The photo at the right is of Dan, one of our three crew.
He is dancing for joy at our safe arrival at Christmas Island.
Alaska
- what a magnificent trip! There's nothing quite as grand as Alaska (I'm
sorry for the affront to you folks from Texas!). First of all, our ocean
voyage was the best ever. We'd been sailing uphill for eight months and
now to have a trip around the Pacific high right into Sitka with almost
no alteration of wind direction and normal seas was more than we could
believe. It was a great trip and a wonderful tour of Glacier Bay (thanks
to Debbie who made our reservation with the Park Service in the middle
of the night at exactly 60 days before our expected arrival!).
Entering
the Lower 48
Entering the United States for the second time in 2002 (the first
time, being Hawaii) was quite a thrill. After being at sea off of the
Oregon coast (which is known for it's storms and treacherous river
ports), we were happy to be sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. |
