Tears flow as I write these words. We knew when we left Mexico that the status of cruising yachts in French Polynesia was in flux. Like the rest of the world, the fear of a Covid-19 epidemic in their islands controlled theirs and our destinies. I’m quite sure that the history of colonization and the diseases it brought would play a part in their decisions. Why wouldn’t it - disease wiped out up to 90% of their island people.
And, islands are weird and vulnerable. Unfortunately, the cruise ships that bring tourists to Polynesia also bring their supplies. Stop the cruise ships and rationing begins. This is the backdrop of our decision to take a 90 degree jog north and head for San Diego. The options that the FP government offered us were not tenable. Either sail past to some other place that might take us - not sure where that would be. Or sail to Papeete (capital of Tahiti and another 1000 miles), surrender our boat so they can keep it safe and fly us home. We could not bear to lose Salpare.
So, we are headed back to San Diego. It will be a 7-8 day “uphill” passage; meaning upwind and not the funnest sailing to get there. We will be about 500 miles off shore as weather and the Mexican Navy preclude us from traveling the coast.
From there we will rest our hearts and minds and make a new plan. We have our home (Salpare) and each other - still a perfect world for me.
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