And we're off...

[fenixrises]

Hi all,

I've spent too many months and way too much money on my unexpectedly long stay here in American Samoa.
It is now time to go after dealing with a long series of equipment failures. Samoa is not a bad place to stay.
Regardless of what some report I think it is a very worthwhile stopping point. The people are great.
And the ability to get parts from the U.S. easily and realitivly quickly are a real bonus.
I had my motor shipped from LA for $250 that was $50 less than from VA to LA.
The "Cost You Less" is a big box store and very handy for reprovisioning. There are also a number
of other markets around and between them good food can be had easily. The Ace and True Value are adequate
hardware stores and along with a few others make it possible to get some things often needed by cruisers.

About 12 boats stayed thru the season and two where here from before the '09 tsunami. We went through another and a small hurricane during our stay. A few exciting moments but no serious damage was suffere by anyone.
New for me this time is the McDonalds here in the harbor. It is a short walk from the small marina where we tie up our dingys. The McDs also has wireless internet for free but it is often very slow. "Blue Sky" is the local internet provider. For some reason their $20 one-week card is good for 168 hours and doesn't expire after one calender week, that's a good deal. A bus trip to the Carl's Jr which also is a wireless access, is right next to the Blue Sky office. This can often yield very good downloas speeds.

I met two friends from long ago, my stay here in '92-'93. And of course the other cruisers.
Mike has lived here for 35 years. It was his boat that I rewired. He is an aspiring cruiser.
All in all an enjoyable if long stay.

As before the plan is to head out Thursday AM for Marjuro in the Marshall Islands then on to Cebu Island in the Philippines. I will be reporting my positions on the Pacific Seafarers net.
So those who desire can follow along on Ship Trak. Remember KI4MMB, thats Kilo India 4 Mike Mike Bravo.

Spring is upon most of you and I bet many are thinking of their cruising plans for the coming summer. I wish you all well and that you have as good a time as I plan.

Take care,
Fred