Just in case, Gemini's fuel tanks are full and 20 gallons of extra diesel is strapped to the deck. We're on a time schedule. Its the first week of October and everyone is saying that the north swell is about to kick up and make anchoring in Hanalei Bay dangerous. But I have some good friends, Mike and Haesung from Okinawa, who are anchored there now for the next week or so and they say it's fine.
This is where the winds die, so Gemini's engine comes to life. Around Barber's Point and past Ko Olina, Gemini churns and burns diesel on a magnetic course of 300 towards the northeast cape of Kauai, over the horizon and not yet visible. The day comes to an end as the lights of Oahu's Waianae Coast replace the sun as it sets over where we know Kauai is hiding.
Did I mention this was a solo voyage? Well, not really. I have friends waiting in Kauai but on the water out here, its just me and the sea birds. At some point in the night, still with absolutely no wind and the engine rumbling along, I'm really struggling to stay awake. Scanning the horizon once in awhile and checking the diesel fuel level every few hours, once in the night emptying a fuel can into the main tank is all I can do to stay awake. Trying to micro-nap with one eye open, crammed into the corner of the cockpit with my foot on the helm to steer, I think I'm starting to hallucinate. What is that? Is that the lights of Nawiliwili in the distance? That's no hallucination, finally in the early morning hours Gemini passes the point in the channel where Oahu's lights to the east give way to Kauai's lights to the west.
Soon, there are boats. Fishing boats all gathered around a FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) buoy that attracts fish. There's birds all around too. The birds are the one constant companion when you're sailing. They're attracted to boats and of course to schools of fish so it's exciting to see a huge flock of them diving in the water. Oh and there's fish jumping out of the water, too! Yeah, I'm going to surprise my friends in Kauai with some fresh fish when I arrive...
There's a line of constant rain, just on the shoreline, but where I'm sailing I'm dry. It's such a beautiful coastline. Putting it behind us, Hanalei Bay gets closer. Dolphins come to play and escort Gemini part of the way.
We need to use the dinghy to get around and to visit Mike and Haesung on Second Jump, but they come to visit me first to bring drinks and food. Another local friend, Heather joins us too and we all enjoy an impromptu dinner party aboard Gemini at anchor in Hanalei Bay.
After a circumnavigation of Kauai via the Na Pali Coast. It's a beautiful day and we have good wind.
The sun is setting now again and the colors come alive, as dolphins come to jump in the orange and red sunset glow. My camera just can't capture the image, but maybe if I'm lucky can catch a splash from a jumping dolphin.
Paying Larry $20 to drive me to town, so I can pay $100 to fill 4 diesel cans, I have to wonder, how much is a plane ticket to Kauai??
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