#71 NOW August 21, 2005, 0234 Zone Time UTC +11 hours (New Caledonia Time) S23’20.1 E163’17.5, Temp. 67.1, Pressure 1020 mb, Heading 239’ magnetic Wind from 130 degrees @ 17-20 knots, Seas 10 feet, Para-vanes down, Miles Completed 186, Miles to Go 618, SOG (speed over ground) 4.8 kts. 1500 RPM Greetings, The ride this morning is rough with whitecaps everywhere glittering under the full moon. There is an annoying current right on our nose slowing our speed down by over a full knot. What was to be a six-day run between New Caledonia and Brisbane is turning out to be a seven-day run. The problems with the engine were just what we expected, o-rings in the transmission cooler had failed, and another one on the fitting between the coolant reservoir and exhaust manifold. Unfortunately, this later one required the removal of the coolant reservoir and exhaust manifold in order to replace it. The parts arrived from the US in record time by FedEx, and with the help of mechanic Pascal we soon had things up and running. We had spent the week in Noumea enjoying wonderful weather and making friends with some other “yachties.” One couple, Peter and Nicole, invited us over for some tea and wonderful zucchini bread. They have been cruising for over six years in their all-wooden cutter that was in absolutely mint condition. Peter, a German, is very meticulous about everything on the boat, and Nicole, who is French, provides some wonderful things out of the galley. What a great combination they make. Interestingly, neither one spoke the others native language. So, they both conversed in broken English. We left Noumea, New Caledonia Friday at 12:30. There was the usual hassle of paper work getting departure clearances from customs, immigration, and the Port Authority. We paid off our bill at the marina which was quite reasonable ($20 per night) compared to the prices of most things here. A quick stop at the wonderful fruit and vegetable market provided us with some more papaya and tomatoes. Of course, we picked up some more French bread and cheese and for me just a little ice cream. OK, so I spent $20 US on ice cream. We all have our weaknesses. Pulling up to the fuel dock, we took on 2668 liters (705 gallons) of duty free fuel. The bill came to approximately $1830 US, or 2.60 per gallon. This is not a bad price for this part of the world, and from rumors considerably cheaper than Australia. When you consider, that we last filled up in Pago Pago, American Samoa and traveled through Western Samoa, Tonga, and New Caledonia, as well as ran the generator for 223 hours—that is not too bad. We should arrive in Brisbane around noon on Friday. This will complete the crossing and will be the start of a new adventure—exploring Australia. Unfortunately, Carol will be leaving (something about work), and I will really miss her. She has been a tremendous help over the last couple of months and I cherish her friendship. Life is a Cruise, Larry and Carol -- Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/ Email: donedream@pacbell.net