As we approach the island of Raiatea I am reminded of a similar arrival so many years ago. This was the island that I stepped on a “piki” or sea urchin and got the shock of my life as five or six island boys instantly peed on my foot to help the “piki” come out. Today as I glanced over my blond crew all in various locations around the deck, some reading or playing ukulele  music or card games I smile to myself, it could be Shaina, Naomi and Tyson. The difference is that we seem to attract a male dominated crew. We have two new crew members with us for a little while. We have Norm’s mom our dearest Omi with us for another week. At first I was a bit worried that the boating life would be too hard for her or that she might get sea sick but she loves it here. She is constantly reminding me how beautiful everything is and makes connections with all kinds of people even though she speaks no French or Tahitian. It is hard for people to resist her sincere generous nature and she is loved by many.

Omi took sea sickness pills which she insisted she wouldn’t need but I think they helped her sleep better that first night we sailed out of Papeete. She seemed refreshed the next day and instantly started doing dishes and fussing with anything she could find to clean. Not only did she bring sparkle shoes for Teyauna and cute a cute shirt for Alyssa she brought all kinds of goodies from sun shirts to chocolate and skittles for the kids. She even brought Norm his favourite peanut butter from home. She loves all the island fruit and constantly keeps the fridge full of chopped fruit depending on what friends had brought us that day. She laughs at all the kids ridiculous jokes and they love to have her on board. Too bad we cannot keep her forever.

We also have a young man named Frederick with us for a little while. He is a sweet addition to our crew and although there is a bit of a language barrier he has been fun for everyone to have aboard. We would love to keep him forever but I think he will leave us in Bora Bora.

Earlier this morning I peeked out on deck and there were a few shirtless boys doing pull-ups and weights. My boys tanned backs looked positively white next to Frederick but they were having fun trying to keep up with their P90X workout as the boat rode up and down on the ocean waves.

Just before we entered the pass we had a HAPPY CANADA DAY celebration on the boat. We baked red and white pizza with fresh French cheeses. Alyssa even made a perfect maple leaf in the centre out of tomatoes. Dailin baked a yummy banana cake and decorated it with icing and strawberries to look like our national flag. Frederick liked to see all the food but was a little surprised when we explained to be a true Canadian we have to paint out faces or tummy’s with maple leafs before we can eat the dinner. It was good to hear all the kids voices sing out our national anthem. It made me just a tad homesick until I looked up at the arriving paradise and I was happy to be on this south sea journey. I am not sure what adventures we will have the next few days but it an unexpected gift to have these two new crew to share them with.