Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Pohnpei

Well we enjoyed our stay both the time on shore and on the surf and under. Gavin has pushed the novice surfers to charge the large world class surf with minimal injuries on the surf the real culprit is staph infection which has flared up claiming 8 victims!

Pohnpei has a great vibe friendly people and beautiful waterfalls and for those who are inclined my sample Sakau a drink derived from a local root that when consumed causes a calming effect over the body. Since the legal distribution of Sakau the amount of violent crime has gone down significantly aside from a fight that broke out in Flamingo night club, it is quite entertaining style of fighting involving slapping! (yes a proper man slap Island style)

Our next major stop is Majuro Marshal Islands for mid October.




Saturday, September 26, 2009

Arriving in Pohnpei, Micronesia

We are now in Pohnpei, Micronesia, enjoying the surfing, diving and the beautiful green island. A longer update is coming up soon. Fair winds, Stephanie

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Oraluk

Oraluk
A week at sea and we arrived at a amazing lagoon teaming with the best underwater wildlife the pacific has to offer; Sharks, sea turtles, Spotted Eagle rays, Puffer fish, Large bump head and grouper fish, lobster and pristine coral. The Island currently occupied by four individuals, the Chief two teenage boys Lionel and Larson and Dixon a large effeminate male who fell in love with a few of the male crew. At one point Dixon blurted that he was going home and that "YOU (Ralph was to) COME!"

We shared a wonderful pasta dinner with Lionel and Larson we were informed that there was another dinner to come which consisted of 12 boiled lobsters. WOW what a treat! Of course we had a renewed appetite. What a lovely night spent enjoying each others company. It is a basic life consisting of weaving baskets (a famous trade of Kapingamarangi Atoll which populate this Island) collecting bread fruit, copra, (cocoanut used for trade) water run off, and bringing up pigs and green sea turtles, spear fishing in the lagoon.

The Lagoon itself is many miles in radius in comparison to the Island that spans a couple hundred feet. Discovered by Japanese and Maintains by the Islanders since the 60's the island has flooded under the stewardship of the native Kapingamarangi but is not attributed to global warming nor has any of the residents heard of the term "global warming" The people are quite content with this lifestyle with out the modern comforts of electricity, plumbing and local amenities. In fact accounts meeting Islanders now living in larger centers come to find opportunities pine for the comforts of simple Island life.












Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Truk

Pit stop in Truk
We ended up motoring to Truk due to unfavorable gusty winds which tested our sails workmanship and unfortunately ended with the tearing of the baton sleeves. ready to work on the maintenance of the boat including sewing the baton sleeves all the crew put in three long hot days of work (quite a difference to our day to day activities!)

We amused ourself or perhaps were entertained by skits and ballerina dances. We have also learned and sea tribe song and dance that we plan to share with the upcoming villages.

Truk (formaly known as Chuuk) is home to some of the best wrek diving in the the World. The Japanese occupied the territory during WWII was bombed heavily by the US sinking 60 plus war vessels 65 years ago. The majority of the wreks are great condition and plays habitat to various sea critters. The first highlight of the trip (for me) was a tour of Thorfin a fully functional steam powered vessel! The engine room was three floors high! Thorfin provides accommodation (live aboard) during scuba diving trips. The second highlight was diving the wrecks seeing small japanese fight pilot planes in side of a large carrier ship or fully intact interiors of the vessels including galleys with dishes and utensils.

Our next stop is any small Islands along the way to Pohnpei.



Thursday, September 10, 2009

Puluzuk Island, North Pacific

After 11 days at sea and not much wind, Infinity stopped in the very remote island of Puluzuk and met with the local Tribe. We discovered the beautiful island, interacted with the children, danced with the islanders and walked through the village. We enjoyed their smily faces and beautiful vibes.

The expedition goes on, we are now in Chuuk getting ready to go wreck diving and also finishoing our costumes for the Sea Dance Festival. We said goodbye to Josh, Sophie and Tarunn who are leaving the Infinity Sea Tribe to pursue a new adventure. Best luck to the three of them, you will be missed !

A very warm thank you to Tarunn who took amazing pictures while he was onboard Infinity. Hopefully we can upload them soon when the internet connection is better.
Bon vent Sophie.
















Infinity stopping in PULUZUK Island and meeting the local Tribe