This morning there was a request from the villagers on Swains for old DVD movies that the crew could donate in exchange for gifts. When the supply boat had returned, Mr. “R” had homemade necklaces made from bits of coral that he passed out. He indicated that the villagers had made the necklace this morning and was finishing the last batch as they were readying to return to the boat. I have seen these before and it is Polynesian custom to exchange gifts for kindness and visit. I will hang up the necklace on one of my ship pictures on the fireplace mantle when I get home. A gift such as these has much meaning as you know it was from the heart. I will cherish this along with the seed necklace I got from Nuku Hiva five years ago. In fact my fireplace mantle has Polynesian influence written all over it.
Coral necklace gift from the good people at Swains Island
Another hot day but humidity was in the mid 60’s with temperatures in the 80’s. I spent most of the day indoors doing scheduled preventive maintenance as well as work on the data acquisition system. The radio that was giving me problems yesterday on one of the small boats was monitored as well. It misbehaved once or twice but OK afterwards. I will talk to the coxswain in the morning and ask all what happened.
Tonight they had a stargazing party on the bow of the ship. It reminded me of nights of dark moon at Dugway during tests. In between trials, which some time could take up to three hours, I would lie on the hood of the truck and watch the stars. Falling and shooting stars were all over the skies. The difference between tonight and the nights at Dugway was the ability to see horizon to horizon without mountains obstructing the full view. Nevertheless, it was nice and clear and nature was gracious of not having a cloud in the sky.
I am listening to classic Sinatra as I write this blog. Not that I am a big Frank fan or into the big band sound of what was called “popular music” in the 60’s. It reminds me more of Bill Murray’s character “Nick Winter” the loveable lounge lizard who never got beyond cocktail bars in airports or hotels from classic Saturday Night Live skits. It also remind me of Navy days when “RR” and I used to impersonate Nick Winter with rock songs instead of classic Frank. It annoyed the hell out of others in the shop and that was our intent.
People are counting down the days until Pago Pago. Some of the science crew is going home and for ship’s company it will mean that ASRAMP portion of the cruise is over and we will be on our last leg for the island hopping trip home. For me, it means I will be leaving the Samoa area until it is time to go back to get my stepson. The break should do everyone good. Even though I will be working long hours, I will be satisfied with the feeling of accomplishment. I will go out and have a few beers and then turn in for the night. I will not have a car so am limited to where I can go. If this was Western Samoa, yes I would get a car and head back to the village for nights. But it isn’t so that is that.
It seems like I am saying this all the time but I bid you goodnight from starry skied South Pacific in the vicinity of Swains Island. Manuia-po and talk to you tomorrow!
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