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Niue

Oct 7

Written by:
10/7/2010 4:55 PM  RssIcon

Niue is a beautiful island filled with some amazingly friendly people. The island is very isolated with only one flight per week from New Zealand. Cargo ships are few and far between. The island is one massive coral rock with very little soil suitable for growing local produce. Total population, just under 1400 people.

I’ve spent my time here alternating between motorcycling round the islands roads, hiking along the coral sea tracks, and swimming in the many tidal pools exposed and protected at low tide. The days would typically end with the crews of the few boats here gathering at the Niue Yacht Club for a beer and to relate the days highlights. It’s been a great island, but all the same, I’ve been in a funk that I am having difficulty shaking off.

The reality is that I am in one of the most beautiful places in the world few people seldom get a chance to see and explore. Ironically, I can barley muster the motivation to explore one more coconut island. The long Pacific passages have taken a toll on Jargo and I, but there is more to it even than that. I am finding that my old professional drive is starving and as a result, there is a certain aspect to my personality that is unfulfilled.

Day by day the money runs slowly out and I am becoming frustrated with my own inability to find a means of income over the past two years. A complete lack of routine has made it difficult for me even to sit down and write as I hoped I would. There is more to it, but I am going to cut this off. I think what I need more than anything is to get this old boat to the marina in New Zealand, secure the dock lines, and enjoy 3 – 5 stable months of shore life.

With this blog up I’ll start stowing for sea. If progress is good I’ll leave this morning for Tonga. If not, then I’ll go at first light tomorrow. Not much for wind so it’ll be a good two day motorsail. Cheers,

Lee

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6 comment(s) so far...


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Shave

One word, shave.
That helped me when I was feeling strange after being out cruising for a while.
I shaved and started running 8 miles a day while in port.
It was strange to miss work while sitting on your boat in paradise.
Then beginning to think about too much. What does it all mean, is there a purpose?
Good luck!

By Marcus on   10/8/2010 3:34 PM
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Re: Niue

Dateline between Niue and Tonga is at 172.5 degrees West

By Coop on   10/8/2010 4:02 PM
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Re: Niue

Pray! Know that there is a God and you are not alone,..ever. Also remember why you did all of this in the first place, to help others. I don't know if you are a relegious person, but pick up a bible and I think you will find what you are really in search of. Cheers, D. :)

By David on   10/10/2010 6:54 AM
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Re: Niue

Pray! Know that there is a God and you are not alone,..ever. Also remember why you did all of this in the first place, to help others. I don't know if you are a relegious person, but pick up a bible and I think you will find what you are really in search of. Cheers, D. :)

By David on   10/10/2010 8:49 PM
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Re: Niue

Reflect What are you looking for?

Strength of purpose turns adversity into success.

By Patricia on   10/11/2010 9:05 AM
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beyond the coconut isles

I think we've emailed about this before, but it takes a certain kind of person to get their act together to go sailing at a young age, and that same drive and ambition will undoubtedly lead to thinking: what's next? Is there more? There is more. But what is it?

Hans says: go to medical school. I say: pretend that you want to go to law school, change your mind and find out what you really want to do. (Writing and embracing the aspects of the cruising life that are the best.)

I bet you're right: time off the boat will be good. But believe me, if someone starts asking me about Whisper and our travels, my eyes look to the horizon, I get a dreamy look in my eyes, and often I get choked up. I'm afraid I have no great solution to your conundrum. Hans and I have both been dealing with it, talking about it, working our way around it and with it.

All I can really say: good luck!
Kristen

By Kristen on   10/11/2010 8:14 PM

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