Sitting on a park bench in the town plaza facing the Pacific swell that was crashing on the beach it hit me, I guess I am a sailor.  I've never dared called myself one before that moment.  Bred like most Americans to identify myself by what I held for work, I'd answer people's questions, "What do you do" with responses like professional vagabond, unemployed, wonderer, nothing, or simply, "I'm a bum".  Maybe it is because the sea teaches constant humility that I never dared consider myself a sailor.  Presumption isn't a trait this lady admires.  Only time will tell if I'll be able to call myself a sailor when someone else asks, but 15 months into my circumnavigation I am only just now getting used to the idea.

On diving.  There are three or four very reputable dive shops on Santa Cruz in the Galapagos.  Sub-Aqua was the most reputable shop going to  Gordon Rocks on the day I wanted to go.  So, I signed up and returned in the afternoon before the dive to fit my gear.  Upon discovering it had been several years since my last dive they informed me that it was a bad idea for me to try this dive.  They felt with the currents described above I would not be safe given my more limited experience.  Now, anyone who knows me well generally knows I can't be told what I can or cannot do.  So, I walked down the street, found another dive shop, and got my trip sorted.  Awesome.  I don't fault Sub-Aqua for being a professional outfit who was concerned about my experience, but if you want to make something happen, you can always find a way.

Eyes:  Greg, my buddy from s/v Coconut, is a pretty good artist.  Walking the docks several years ago in Kemah, TX I saw a boat that had a pair of eyes painted on the bow.  I thought they looked cool, but didn't really know what they were or where they came from.  A little research turned up the Eye of Ra.  This protective symbol is used to scare evil spirits away and provide safe passage for fisherman and boaters in the Far East.  The more time I spend out here the more mixing a little superstition into my normal practicality seems to make for a good blend.  Now Jargo can see where she is heading.

French Polynesia:  3000 miles away lie my next destination after Isla Isabella.  This will take 25 - 40 days from one island to another.  I should be underway by the end of the week.