Taking the Easy Way Out

Ladies and gentlemen, I have officially chickened out! 

The morning that we left to make the actual crossing of the Alenuihaha, we had some motor problems (starter solenoid was going out, motor was uncooperative!) Luckily, my handyman father was awake at home 6 hours away, and was able to help Jon out a bit with diagnosing the problem over the phone. The repair would require a port that actually had resources nearby, instead of the relative remoteness of Manele Bay on Lana'i. Nonetheless, we decided to venture on and cross the channel. 

Once beyond the protection of the northernmost part of the big island, the swell started to pick up and get pretty choppy. I was uneasy, queasy, and had the motor issue in the back of my mind. I voiced my doubts, and admitted that I really didn't feel up to this crossing. Jon acquiesced, and back to Honokohau we went. 

After the issue with the starter was fixed (thanks to our friend Peter for the ride to the repair shop, and the excellent Thai food!) we needed to look for crew. A friend of ours, George, who is also visiting from the mainland (even though at one time he was a long time local here, for at least seven years) has volunteered. 

So what about the "Dani" part of "Shenanigans with Jon & Dani"? I no longer feel up to making any transits...I'm a bit weary of the stress and not feeling very safe. Exciting at first, but not so much anymore. It's funny that crossing an entire ocean without freaking out was possible, but once we start sailing the Hawaiian islands, I'm over it. 

Well, it's a good thing that we did this practice run first, before starting our huge south pacific trip to New Zealand! That would be quite unfortunate to discover this weariness of cruising far from home, compared to the relative closeness of Hawaii to home. Will I ever feel up to long term sailing again? Hm, I'm not sure...

So as we speak, Jon and George are making the 231 mile sail to Nawiliwili, Kaua'i. They may stop by Ala Wai marina on O'ahu for a bit, to say hi to a few more friends. I'll be flying into Lihue on Kaua'i Thursday morning. 

Don't worry! Blog updates from the actual sailors living in the action and adventure shall continue. Dani, however, shall be bowing out of this dance for now. 

What about eventually getting Shenanigans home to California? Yet another friend, Matt, will be up to the challenge. He does a lot of racing, has a ton of experience on the water, and leapt at the offer to bring the boat home with Jon. He'll be flying out to Kaua'i on the 20th or so, and may tour the island for a few days with us, before I fly home and they both begin the great transit back. Who knows, there may even be another person who wants to help sail the boat back as a third crew member?

Crossing the pacific once is quite enough for me!