Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

Okinawa has a season called the Rainy Season because it rains a lot. It more or less comes after the Tax season. So, we really have 5 seasons here: Winter, Tax, Rainy, Summer,  Autumn. Last night it rained like crazy. … Continue reading →

Actually, I do not mind paying tax er that much. I do pay a lot as I have to contribute to the both Japanese and U.S. coffers. However I absolutely hate getting together all the documentation that is needed to … Continue reading →

I have lots of socks. Socks are cheap in the U.S.  I cannot resist buying them. The anxiety comes when, post washing machine, I have to pair them off. I only buy black socks. I do not know why. I … Continue reading →

I realize that I have an entirely free Tuesday afternoon and because of my vast professional experience I immediately take it off. I want to take my sail to a local sailmaker to find out if he can make me … Continue reading →

Nautical terminology is abstruse. Every part of the boat has a name and it is an entire education to know them all. The Scaffie has two bits of wood sticking out at the stern between which the traveller is rigged. When I … Continue reading →

Do not feel obliged to read this. It is really an archival document related to the the great rudder project. I spend all day sanding and applying wood treatment stuff to the Scaffie. This is a very social occupation as people … Continue reading →

So, Greta moves on. She has been with us as a Science Writing Fellow for the last 6 months during which time she has sprinkled happiness and joy, like fairy dust, on us all. She has gone over the Okinawan … Continue reading →

I start this long weekend with a visit to the Toya fish market, which is just down the road. I buy big Octopus in anticipation of future  social gatherings. So, an entanglement of rope has arrived on my beach. I … Continue reading →

I go to Hiroshima on Monday afternoon and come back on Tuesday afternoon. This is a boarding confirmation. If you can see the small print you will see, “Please be at the gate 10 mins before departure.”  I am still … Continue reading →

Those of you who are bored with rudder stuff, please switch channels. Mixing the epoxy is highly technical. It is a 100:1 mix, which means 100 parts epoxy to 1 part hardener. Great precision is needed to get the mix … Continue reading →