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Day 556

Gone Sailing: The Tuamotus – a.k.a. The Dangerous Archipelago

Jun 18

Written by:
6/18/2010 10:30 AM

Before I crossed the Gulf of Mexico I sweated details and prepared for months in anticipation of the 650 mile trip to Mexico. In contrast, today I am setting sail for Rangiroa some 580 miles to the Southwest and I’ll prep for about four hours before weighing anchor. The scale of South Pacific sailing certainly changes your perspective on what constitutes a long passage.

The Tuamotu Archipelago is made of hundreds of small coral atolls and tiny islands. Many of the atolls have large, protected lagoons inside providing safe anchorage if you can thread your way between the small passes in the barrier reefs. Singlehanding, it may be difficult to thread my way between the coral heads meaning I’ll be sticking to one island with well defined channels, Rangiroa. It is the second largest atoll in the world and I’ll easily be able to spend a week there exploring the clear blue waters of the lagoon.

Yesterday I woke up in a funk and couldn’t put my finger on what was bothering me. In the end, I sorted through it by putting a rough outline together that would take me home again. I’ve never made a plan that came off as expected, but here is the general idea. New Zealand by Dec. 2010. March/April 2011 depart for SE Asia working through the Northern Indian Ocean. Arrive Aden/Red Sea by Dec. 2011. Organize or participate in Super Convoy through the Suez into the Mediterranean in February/March 2012. Cruise Mediterranean/North Africa/Southern Europe arriving Gibraltar December 2012. Atlantic Crossing January/February 2013 arriving somewhere in Caribbean or USA. I’d like to close the circumnavigation loop in Isla Mujeres in March 2013 if time allows, but who knows.

Clearly, I have a few years to go yet, but it feels good to have sorted out just how long it will take to get back home. I left the States January 10, 2009 at the age of 32 and will return a little over four years later just in time for my 37th birthday. Well, that’s one possible outcome anyway…

Now, let’s go sailing.

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6 comment(s) so far...

Re: Gone Sailing: The Tuamotus – a.k.a. The Dangerous Archipelago

Souns like a great adventure.At you are doing it.Go for the goal and give it all you have soke up every experience and know your memories will serve you forever.

By Patricia on 6/18/2010 7:01 PM

Re: Gone Sailing: The Tuamotus – a.k.a. The Dangerous Archipelago

just something to help you smile your way out of your funky day. We have adopted a 3 month old full blood female German Shepard puppy. Her name is Patti Ann. She is so sweet and gets along with our other 2 dogs and cats. Can you tell we love animals. They are our children when our grandchildren aren't around. Teresa now has 1 by Jeremy and I have 4. You've planned out 4 exciting years ahead. Its great to share your adventure. Your in my prayers and I send you angels for protection.

By LaHoma and your cousin Teresa Winters Jennings on 6/19/2010 9:33 AM

Re: Gone Sailing: The Tuamotus – a.k.a. The Dangerous Archipelago

can't wait till you upload new pics!!! i love reading about your adventure!

By lourdes on 6/21/2010 9:39 PM

Re: Gone Sailing: The Tuamotus – a.k.a. The Dangerous Archipelago

Captain Ron:

I trust the delay in reporting your adventures are due to a meeting a beautiful distraction. I hope you are well and that we all can continue living vicariously thru you soon.

Ed

By Ed on 6/27/2010 5:58 PM

Re: Gone Sailing: The Tuamotus – a.k.a. The Dangerous Archipelago

Wait for it...... Painfully slow internet here in the middle of no where, but updates coming soon. Not much to report, but have some new photos and maybe a video page up soon if I can ever remember how to navigate my own web pages! Otherwise, all is well.

By Lee Winters on 6/27/2010 6:40 PM

Re: Gone Sailing: The Tuamotus – a.k.a. The Dangerous Archipelago

Lee,
Are there any SOS village visits in your near future?
I really like hearing about this organization and how they are helping children around the world.
Marcus

By Marcus on 7/1/2010 2:05 PM

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