Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

So the dreadful weather lets up and at last there is a nice day. In Okinawa you expect the weather to be wonderful all the time and we are left bewildered by poor conditions. Luckily Emily is free to crew … Continue reading →

My best friend died suddenly on Sunday. I am desperately sad. Sandy was the most entertaining man I have ever met. He lied about everything so convincingly that he created his own universe of hilarity into which you were sucked … Continue reading →

It hosed down last night. I get to the boat to find the grating floating around on over 2 feet of water. I install the new Gulper. At the moment she only pumps out the bilges but Kiyuna san and … Continue reading →

There are 2 pumps on the boat, a hand pump that can pump water from the bilge and the cockpit well and mighty Gulper who blasts the stuff from the bilge automatically. Both break down within days of each other. … Continue reading →

Whoa, this season has been rainy! I am dying to get out on the boat but opportunities have been few, as the weather has been awful. There have been a series of major thunderstorms, heavy rain and a lot of … Continue reading →

Today was the second Graduation Ceremony at OIST. Such fun! This blog is archival so do not feel obliged to read it. I wish I had taken more photos. The students spent 5 years with us. They got married, they … Continue reading →

I set off in the truck with two goals, visit Lassen Volcanic Park and fight my way along the Ponderosa Way, renowned 4 wheel drive trail. I achieve neither. These places are in Northern California. The weather turns bad with … Continue reading →

The Web Conference is in San Francisco bringing together a lot of pioneers. It is almost tear jerking to meet many people from the good old days. That evening I am inducted as a Compagnon du Beaujolais. https://www.compagnons-du-beaujolais.com Hilarious evening … Continue reading →

This is initially a serious race that slowly degenerates into a procession of colorful folks prancing around having drink taken. It goes from the Ferry Building – Bay- to Ocean Beach – Breakers. The race passes right in front of … Continue reading →

A few details that have been overlooked due to the blazing light of the first sail. The water pump in the galley had died after years of rubber withering heat and humility. It is a Whale pump, made in Northern … Continue reading →