Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Leaving Hawaii
Ka'sala and her crew will leave Honolulu mid morning today. The winds and seas are looking great for leaving Hawaii and hopefully will continue throughout the passage. We expect to be in the Straits of Juan de Fuca sometime around July 21. Remember you can follow our passage through the Pacific Seafarers' Net or Yotreps as I described in the previous entry. We really appreciate your support and know your positive thoughts help us along the way. Aloha!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Smita patil hot video
Smita patil hot videoOne of the best Indian artistic actress smita patil is seducing the actor in this sexy video clip.
Parizaad Zorabian Hot video clip
Parizaad Zorabian Hot video clipParizaad Zorabian seducing the angrej by removing saree.
Aamna shariff dance video
Aamna shariff dance videoBollywood actress Aamna shariff doing dance at Indian tele awards.
Divya bharti death video
Divya bharti death videoDivya bharti died very young. South indian actress made it big in bollywood in very short time with films like Shola aur Shabnam, Deewana and others. If she was alive today , without she would have been no.1 bollywood actress of all time.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hot India bath video clip
Hot India bath video clip of Negar khan from the indian reality show Iss jungle se mujhe bachao
Shweta tiwari bath video
Hot Shweta tiwari bath video from the tv reality show , Iss jungle se mujhe bachao.
Priyanka Chopra Bikini Video
Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Bikini Video from the bollywood movie DON
Katrina kaif boom video
Katrina kaif boom videoAs a new entrant of bollywood Katrina kaif wanted to create some buzz. And she did it with the bold movie BOOM.
Indian women video
Indian women video.Mandi. Watch film made on indian women who are into notorious business.
Dimple kapadia hot video
Watch Indian babes video : Dimple kapadia hot videoThe wet dimple kapadia is seducing.
Rekha hot kiss video
Watch Indian kiss videos : Rekha hot kiss videoRekha had good kiss with Shashi kapoor.
List of Indian film awards
List of Indian film awardsFilmfareZee cine awardStar Screen AwardIIFANational Award
List of Top Indian business schools
List of Top Indian business schoolsAll IIMsMDI GurgaonJamna Lal bajaj under MHCETSymbiosis SIBM and SCMHRDICFAI JyderabadNirma UniversityMICAIRMAIIFTBK SchoolTAPMINarsee MonjeeSydenham
Top Indian Music composers list
Top Indian Music composers listA R RehmanAnu malikPreetamHimesh reshmiyaIsmail darbarSanjeev darshanBappi kahirikalyanji anandjiAmit trivediShankar mahadevanBappa lahiriVishal ShekharAadesh ShrivastavAnand raj anandNaushadR D BurmanLaxmi kant pyarelalRam laxmanAnand milindAvinash vyasGaurang vyas
Comedy Indian songs list
Comedy Indian songs listFatela Jeb sil jayegaKyu paisa paisa karti , paise pe tu kyu marti haiHum kale hai to kya hua dilwale haiMeri MarziStop that
Indian Wedding songs list
Indian Wedding songs listBabul ki duaye leti ja ja tujko sukhi sansar mileBabul ka yeh ghar behna from DataMeri pyari baheniya banegi dulhaniyaBade bade bhaiyo ke chhote bhaiyaWah wah ramji jodi kya banaiAaaye hum barati , barat lekebabul jo tune sikhaya , sajan ghar mein chaliDikri to parki thapan kehvay
Indian holidays list
Indian holidays listDiwaliBhaidujDussehtaRamnavmiKrishna jamasthmiRakhiEidCHristmasMahavir jayantiPatetiLohdiNavratriHanuman jayantiShivratriAmbedkar JayantiGandhi jayanti15th august Independence day26th january
Indian music instruments list
Indian music instruments listSITARTABLASHEHNAIMRIDANGAMHARMONIUMTANPURA
Indian TV news channels
Indian TV news channels NDTVAajtakCNNIBNETV NetworkZee newslive IndiaIndia tvSahara samayStar newsDoor DarshanTimes nowCNBCET NOWUTV
Indian languages list
Indian languages listHindiMarathiPunjabiUdiyaKannadteluguBhojpuriMarwadisindhiGujarati KutcchikathiyawadiMalayalamTeluguTamilAsameeBengali
List of Best Indian Comedy films
List of Best Indian Comedy filmsJane bhi do yaaroHerapheriGolmal oldchupke chukpe oldPartnerPhir HerapheriWelcomeKhata meethaGolmaal newBade miya chhote miyaAndaz apna apna
Best Indian movies list
Best Indian movies listSholayHum Aapke hai kaunDDLJMaine pyar kiya3 idiotsHerapheriMother IndiaLagaanUdaanAmar akbar anthonyAbhimanJane bhi do yaroGolmalDevdasTridevDilBetaMannGhayalAgnipathKrantiveerTirangaBorderSahenshahHumNaseebSharabiZanzeerGuideHare Rama Hare krishnaWaqtRaja babuPakiza Mugh le AzamRozaSil silaAankhenAndaz Apna Apna
List of top Indian Business tycoons
List of top Indian Business tycoonsNarayan Murthy of InfosysNandan nilekani of InfosysMukesh ambani of Reliance IndustriesAnil Ambani of ADAGKumar manglam birla of Birla groupTulti tanti of Suzlon groupGautam adani of Adani groupRatan tata of Tata groupRahul bajaj and Rajeev bajaj of Bajaja groupVijay Malaya of Kingfisher groupKarsan bhai patel of Nirma groupGautam SInghaniaAdi godrejAzim premji
List of Indian Chief ministers 2011
List of Indian Chief ministers 2011Narendra Modi - Gujarat Chief ministerShiela Dixit - Delhi chief ministerShivraj singh - Madhya pradesh chief ministerAshok gehlot - Rajasthan chief ministerMayawati - UP chief ministerYedurappa - Karnataka chief ministerMamata Bannerjee - West bengal chief ministerArjun Munda - Jharkhand chief ministerPrithvirak chauhan - Maharashtra chief ministerRaman singh -
2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Review
2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Review
Time For Real Adventures
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com
The spirit of adventure beckons you to new destinations. To new sights, sounds and sensations. The V-Strom 650 ABS is built to get you there with more enjoyment and excitement, in greater comfort. Performance. Handling. Styling. Redesigned throughout. Upgraded throughout. The V-Strom 650 ABS. Time for real adventures.
In 2002, Suzuki introduced the V-Strom 1000 in a new motorcycle category, the Sport Enduro Tourer. Its running performance and packaging earned worldwide acclaim. In 2003, Suzuki released the V-Strom 650 targeting a wider range of users. This versatile model covers not only daily use such as commuting, but also weekend touring as well. With the addition of an ABS-equipped model in 2006, the V-Strom 650 has always been the best-selling model in its class. To further improve its running performance and riding comfort, Suzuki decided to develop a new model.
For 2012, Suzuki is introducing the new and improved V-Strom 650 ABS. The development concept for the 2012 model was "The Comfortable Adventure Tourer". While enhancing the proven running performance and in-town versatility of the current model, Suzuki improved the riding comfort even further on the 2012 V-Strom. Its new V-Twin 645cc engine features improved overall performance in the low-to-mid rpm range and the styling and bodywork design was revamped for better wind protection. In addition, fuel economy and environmental performance were also enhanced.
2012 will mark the 10th anniversary of the V-Strom series since its introduction. Suzuki hopes the new V-Strom 650 ABS will be enjoyed by many more riders.
Redesigned 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS
The highly anticipated redesign of the V-Strom. See it now. Total Motorcycle has the MOST information on the new 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS anywhere. More photos, more features, more specifications, right here: 2012 Suzuki Motorcycle Model Guide
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Suzuki-VStrom650ABS.htm
2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS - International Specifications/Technical Details
MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing.
Engine Type 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90°V-Twin
Bore x Stroke 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.2 in x 2.5 in)
Engine Displacement 645 cm3 (40.2 cu.in)
Compression Ratio 11.2 : 1
Carburetion Fuel injection
Oil Capacity (overhaul) 3.0 L (3.2 / 2.6 US / Imp qt)
Starter System Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication System Wet sump
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.088 (71 / 34)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.133 (47 / 15)
Rake/Trail 26°/ 110 mm (4.3 in)
Suspension Front Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc, twin
Rear Disc
Tires Front 110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear 150/70R17M/C 69H
Fuel tank 20.0 L (5.3 / 4.4 US / Imp gal)
Overall length 2,290 mm (90.2 in)
Overall Width 835 mm (32.9 in)
Overall height 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Wheelbase 1,560 mm (61.4 in)
Seat height 835 mm (32.9 in)
Curb mass 214 kg (472 lbs)
Price, Specifications and photos may change without notice.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Suzuki-VStrom650ABS.htm
Time For Real Adventures
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com
The spirit of adventure beckons you to new destinations. To new sights, sounds and sensations. The V-Strom 650 ABS is built to get you there with more enjoyment and excitement, in greater comfort. Performance. Handling. Styling. Redesigned throughout. Upgraded throughout. The V-Strom 650 ABS. Time for real adventures.
In 2002, Suzuki introduced the V-Strom 1000 in a new motorcycle category, the Sport Enduro Tourer. Its running performance and packaging earned worldwide acclaim. In 2003, Suzuki released the V-Strom 650 targeting a wider range of users. This versatile model covers not only daily use such as commuting, but also weekend touring as well. With the addition of an ABS-equipped model in 2006, the V-Strom 650 has always been the best-selling model in its class. To further improve its running performance and riding comfort, Suzuki decided to develop a new model.
For 2012, Suzuki is introducing the new and improved V-Strom 650 ABS. The development concept for the 2012 model was "The Comfortable Adventure Tourer". While enhancing the proven running performance and in-town versatility of the current model, Suzuki improved the riding comfort even further on the 2012 V-Strom. Its new V-Twin 645cc engine features improved overall performance in the low-to-mid rpm range and the styling and bodywork design was revamped for better wind protection. In addition, fuel economy and environmental performance were also enhanced.
2012 will mark the 10th anniversary of the V-Strom series since its introduction. Suzuki hopes the new V-Strom 650 ABS will be enjoyed by many more riders.
Redesigned 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS
The highly anticipated redesign of the V-Strom. See it now. Total Motorcycle has the MOST information on the new 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS anywhere. More photos, more features, more specifications, right here: 2012 Suzuki Motorcycle Model Guide
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Suzuki-VStrom650ABS.htm
2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS - International Specifications/Technical Details
MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing.
Engine Type 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90°V-Twin
Bore x Stroke 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.2 in x 2.5 in)
Engine Displacement 645 cm3 (40.2 cu.in)
Compression Ratio 11.2 : 1
Carburetion Fuel injection
Oil Capacity (overhaul) 3.0 L (3.2 / 2.6 US / Imp qt)
Starter System Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication System Wet sump
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.088 (71 / 34)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.133 (47 / 15)
Rake/Trail 26°/ 110 mm (4.3 in)
Suspension Front Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc, twin
Rear Disc
Tires Front 110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear 150/70R17M/C 69H
Fuel tank 20.0 L (5.3 / 4.4 US / Imp gal)
Overall length 2,290 mm (90.2 in)
Overall Width 835 mm (32.9 in)
Overall height 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Wheelbase 1,560 mm (61.4 in)
Seat height 835 mm (32.9 in)
Curb mass 214 kg (472 lbs)
Price, Specifications and photos may change without notice.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Suzuki-VStrom650ABS.htm
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Oahu and Preparing for Crossing the Pacific (yet again)
Where does the time go? We’ve been in Honolulu for a little over a week and in less than a week we will be embarking on the next big leg home . It seems like only yesterday we touched land in Hilo after 23 days at sea. Will it seem the same when we arrive back on the mainland? I have a terrible feeling that one day, very soon, I will look up from my desk and remember this entire year aboard Ka’sala as a dream that happened to someone else – at least I’ll have this blog to remind me!
We have continued work on Ka’sala to prepare for the voyage. Doug’s been up the mast twice to inspect the rig – in great shape – and to remove and replace the trilight and wind indicator. We installed an LED bulb in the light to help reduce our electrical draw. The indicator has always been sticky and a smart cleaning should make it work a lot better. Doug has added a second antenna which has greatly improved our radio reception. We've replaced our batteries so should not have the same electrical challenges we had on our way here. Ray, the young lad from Freedom, cleaned our hull and scraped off the barnacles that were starting to collect. A smooth bottom will make for faster passage.
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We’ve bought an Aqualink to add to our emergency equipment. (For more info: http://www.forgesurvivalsupply.com/index2.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=tpflypage.tpl&product_id=217&category_id=23&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=3)
We’ve topped up our diesel, refilled the propane and cleaned out lockers. Cold weather clothes have been brought out to air. I’ve done the first dry/canned provisioning and have prepared my last minute lists. Our crew, Tony, joined us for a couple days before continuing on to the Big Island. He will rejoin us Monday for the final preparations before continuing on.
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We’re almost ready to cross the Pacific again.
The weather continues hot and humid, but comfort is saved by the continuous breeze that flows down out of the mountains that frame this city. Most days we have brief misty rain showers that have us scrambling to close up the port lights, but also reward us with spectacular rainbows.
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Our fans are running constantly below and, while I was sick, I was sure I would spontaneously combust with the combination of the climate, my temperature and hot flashes! I know I will miss this weather when we are back in Comox, but some days I really long for winter and imagine myself crawling into the yacht club’s ice machine. Doug has taken pity on me and replaced most of the fans. Now, instead of squealing and clattering, I am spoiled by the smooth sounds of white noise.
One day we were told by Chris, the club manager, we would have to move off the Aloha dock because Honolulu was expecting a big southern swell to hit the coast later in the day. He was worried about the strength of the dock after it had been damaged in the March tsunami. As it turned out we stayed put and Sequoia was moved to the other end. We had been told that when these big swells come in they break across the entrance to the harbour, so we decided to go have a look. We strolled out to the breakwater and watched in amazement as surfers crested the waves between the entrance bouys. No one in their right mind would leave or come in to the harbour that day!
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It hasn’t been all work and no play. Apart from a couple slow days nursing a cold, we’ve been out and about this windy city. Because the days have been very hot, so we have tried to do our walking at the beginning and end of the days. One evening, after dinner in the cockpit (a real pleasure now our barbeque is fixed!), we headed off toward Waikiki.
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We only have to transverse a parking lot before we are by the Hilton Lagoon and a paved walk that stretches pretty much unbroken all the way to surfing legend, Duke Kahanamoku”s statue.
The pathway winds its way through hotel gardens and pools lit by tikki lanterns on one side with the sound of pounding surf on the other - even in the dark people are frolicking in the water.
We wound our way around to the street and returned home through avenues of designer shops and boutiques. It was interesting to people watch as we went along, feeling quite scruffy and out-of-place in our cruiser’s uniform of baggy shorts and t-shirts.
On another day we took the bus to Chinatown. This area, right downtown, is about 8 blocks square and is filled with little shops and markets.
The fresh vegetables and fruit gleam on the stands and the catfish are still squiggling in the fish markets. Girls poke blue crabs to keep them lively and little kids stare at the giant frogs in the aquariums.
Duck, chicken and pig are readily available, and all around, is buzz and chatter. Your eyes see accents of red, lots of elderly ladies with their little shopping bags, housewives hurrying along with babies, and older men gambling by the river.
The buildings here are all two and three stories high and somewhat dilapidated, surrounded by high rise offices. There are the requisite, questionable alleyways and a tiny red light district worn from a century or more of continuous use.
When Barbara and I were there - scouting for fresh and less expensive provisions we even managed to take in Yum Cha at Mei Sum. Mmmmmmm - love those little dumplings!
The ghosts of the early Chinese may be still be in the shadows, but today the streets are filled with people from many walks of Asian life.
We rented a Honda Civic for our last week (booked through Hotwire and hired from Enterprise) which has given us a great deal of mobility. One day we decided to circumnavigate the island.
We headed east past Diamond Head and through the wealthy Kahana neighbourhood where Doris Duke has her famous middle-eastern inspired mansion. Farther, around Koko Head we were delighted to recognize scenes from the Lost series.
Stopping at the blowhole lookout by Sandy Beach we saw a tiny private beach where the famous love scene with Debra Kerr and Burt Lancaster in From Here to Eternity was filmed.
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On the other side was some decent surf where dare devil surfers strut their stuff.
We continued on to Kailua, a beautiful town with an incredible backdrop of folded mountains that apparently cascade with waterfalls in rainier seasons. Several more scenes from Lost were filmed at the nearby Kualoa Ranch. (as well as Jurassic Park and Godzilla)
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We stopped at a little park near Waimanolo and wondered what it would be like to live in such a gorgeous place.
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Later, we continued north, passing by many small beach towns until we came to Kahuku where we stopped for a delicious lunch of macademia/coconut shrimp and salad. (Imagine a large shrimp deep-fried in a macaroon and you get the idea – definitely NOT for the waist conscious!)
The owner of the Kahuku Grill was quite taken by the idea we had sailed to Hawaii and joined us after lunch. He brought with him a gift of some of his wife’s banana bread that really distracted us from the conversation. It turned out this area of Oahu is the home of many Hawai’in Mormons and ta branch of the Hawaiian Brigham Young University. Our host, Art, is a Mormon surfer who was proud to tell us about his life on the island with his seven sons and 5 daughters-in-law.
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Feeling very stuffed, we crammed ourselves back into the car and rounded the northern end of Oahu and along some of the most famous surfing beaches in the world with names such as Pipeline, Shark’s Cove and Backyards. The day we were there the seas were flat, but apparently in the winter the surf around Waimea is absolutely amazing. We have seen videos of these athletes on the waves that are hard to believe. We’ve been told that in addition to being super-fit, surfers also have to be able to hold their breath for the long periods of time they spend under the waves. Not a sport for the feint of heart!
Leaving the surf beaches behind, we continued on along the Farrington Highway to Molule’ia Beach where the beach scenes from Lost were shot. We saw no evidence of sets, but the stunning scenery was even more awesome than portrayed in the TV series. We looked, but we didn’t see any black smoke.
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We retraced our route to Hale’iwa, then headed inland through fields and fields of sugar cane and pineapple arriving at Schofield Army base.
We had read that we might be able to transit the base through Lyman Gate to follow Highway 780 through the Kolekole Pass to the leeward side of Oahu. We were able to get very close to this famous pass - where the Japanese Zeros traversed to make their surprise attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 - but could not continue past a locked gate. Too bad.
Once again, we doubled back on our route and continued south to Honolulu, passing multiple gated communities, golf courses and suburbs before reaching the freeway. By the time we got back to Ka’sala we were pretty tired.
Being docked at the Ala Wai is pretty cool. Every day we watch the young sailors in their dinghies. There is a lot of sailboat traffic – catamarans, mono-hulls, and fishing boats of all sizes come and go. However, one of the most remarkable events is the legion of fit people of all ages paddling various types and sizes of outrigger canoes. They are most often seen in the early morning and evening – either honing their skills and working out, or racing each other. It’s quite a sight! (This series of photos compliments of Barbara)
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However, the days of R&R are coming to an end. We’ve been watching the weather closely and it looks like the time for us to leave will be Wednesday (June 29) or Thursday (June 30) of this week. We may, or may not, stop at Hanalei Bay on Kaua’io n our way north – depending on weather and seas. Traditionally cruisers have anchored there to wait for a weather window and enjoy the last few days of rest and sunshine before beginning the northward passage. We have heard there will be about 6 boats who will be making the passage around the same time as us and many of them will stop there before continuing.
We will be participating in a casual morning net with them as we make our progress across the Pacific, as well as checking in to the Pacific Seafarer’s Net as we did on our crossing to Hawaii. We hope you will follow us on Yotreps as we make our way. Knowing there are family and friends thinking of us while we are at sea is a real morale booster for us. All you have to do is check http://www.pacsea.org/ hit on "Current Roll Call" and find the information for VE7KSL. If you scroll to the bottom of this page and insert our call sign (VE7 KSL) and hit submit, you will automatically be taken to our position map on Yotreps. You can also track the weather we will encounter by going to http://www.passageweather.com/ and clicking on "North Pacific Ocean". I will post once more the day we leave Honolulu. As before, we will not be able to send or receive email, so the next entry after that will not be until we arrive on the mainland.
The passage home is approximately 2500 nautical miles and we expect it will take us 21 to 28 days. A lot of our planning will depends on the position of the Pacific High. The usual sailing profile, from Hawaii to the Straits of Juan de Fuca, is to go straight north from Hawaii, taking the easterly flow of the trade winds on the beam until reaching approximately 30 degrees north. There, the wind should start moving in a clockwise direction under the influence of the High. At this point, windless conditions can occur, forcing cruisers to motor. (we have about 500 nautical miles of fuel) At about 40 degrees north the westerlies should kick in, allowing the cruiser to follow an easterly course. These winds give similar conditions to the trade winds that flow between Mexico and Hawaii, but come from the opposite direction. Westerlies can be boisterous and, sometimes, really strong winds can blow at these latitudes. However, during the summer months the Pacific High generally forces these hardy winds higher north making this the perfect time of the year to make the passage. We plan to make our landfall on the US side of Juan de Fuca,. We may land at Neah Bay (48.21 N, 124.41 W) or Port Angeles (48.0N, 123.5 W), before continuing on to Port Townsend (48.1N, 122.7W. (The latitude and longitude of Honolulu is 21.16N, 157.49 W.)
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We have continued work on Ka’sala to prepare for the voyage. Doug’s been up the mast twice to inspect the rig – in great shape – and to remove and replace the trilight and wind indicator. We installed an LED bulb in the light to help reduce our electrical draw. The indicator has always been sticky and a smart cleaning should make it work a lot better. Doug has added a second antenna which has greatly improved our radio reception. We've replaced our batteries so should not have the same electrical challenges we had on our way here. Ray, the young lad from Freedom, cleaned our hull and scraped off the barnacles that were starting to collect. A smooth bottom will make for faster passage.
Robert, Kaylita and Ray from Freedom (in background)
We’ve bought an Aqualink to add to our emergency equipment. (For more info: http://www.forgesurvivalsupply.com/index2.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=tpflypage.tpl&product_id=217&category_id=23&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=3)
Aqualink Emergency Beacon
We’ve topped up our diesel, refilled the propane and cleaned out lockers. Cold weather clothes have been brought out to air. I’ve done the first dry/canned provisioning and have prepared my last minute lists. Our crew, Tony, joined us for a couple days before continuing on to the Big Island. He will rejoin us Monday for the final preparations before continuing on.
We’re almost ready to cross the Pacific again.
The weather continues hot and humid, but comfort is saved by the continuous breeze that flows down out of the mountains that frame this city. Most days we have brief misty rain showers that have us scrambling to close up the port lights, but also reward us with spectacular rainbows.
(photo by Barbara)
(photo by Barbara)
Pot of Gold
View from our cockpit
One day we were told by Chris, the club manager, we would have to move off the Aloha dock because Honolulu was expecting a big southern swell to hit the coast later in the day. He was worried about the strength of the dock after it had been damaged in the March tsunami. As it turned out we stayed put and Sequoia was moved to the other end. We had been told that when these big swells come in they break across the entrance to the harbour, so we decided to go have a look. We strolled out to the breakwater and watched in amazement as surfers crested the waves between the entrance bouys. No one in their right mind would leave or come in to the harbour that day!
Note the far end of the breakwater to the right - I tried to include the buoys in the pictue but they are hidden behind the break.
Dadadadadundah Dadadadundahdah - Hawaii 5-0 here we come!
Dual outrigger just outside of the breakwater
It hasn’t been all work and no play. Apart from a couple slow days nursing a cold, we’ve been out and about this windy city. Because the days have been very hot, so we have tried to do our walking at the beginning and end of the days. One evening, after dinner in the cockpit (a real pleasure now our barbeque is fixed!), we headed off toward Waikiki.
The Hilton Village Lagoon is at the end of the parking lot - Diamond Head in the distance
Inviting boardwalk follows the beach at Waikiki in fits and starts
The "Duke" - this statue is contraversial because the famous surfer is facing the shops of Waikiki instead of the surf
Every Friday night the Hilton explodes a phenomenal number of fireworks - just for the fun of it!
We wound our way around to the street and returned home through avenues of designer shops and boutiques. It was interesting to people watch as we went along, feeling quite scruffy and out-of-place in our cruiser’s uniform of baggy shorts and t-shirts.
And we didn't look much better after it rained!
On another day we took the bus to Chinatown. This area, right downtown, is about 8 blocks square and is filled with little shops and markets.
Duck, chicken and pig are readily available, and all around, is buzz and chatter. Your eyes see accents of red, lots of elderly ladies with their little shopping bags, housewives hurrying along with babies, and older men gambling by the river.
The buildings here are all two and three stories high and somewhat dilapidated, surrounded by high rise offices. There are the requisite, questionable alleyways and a tiny red light district worn from a century or more of continuous use.
When Barbara and I were there - scouting for fresh and less expensive provisions we even managed to take in Yum Cha at Mei Sum. Mmmmmmm - love those little dumplings!
We rented a Honda Civic for our last week (booked through Hotwire and hired from Enterprise) which has given us a great deal of mobility. One day we decided to circumnavigate the island.
We headed east past Diamond Head and through the wealthy Kahana neighbourhood where Doris Duke has her famous middle-eastern inspired mansion. Farther, around Koko Head we were delighted to recognize scenes from the Lost series.
(the lighthouse for example).
Stopping at the blowhole lookout by Sandy Beach we saw a tiny private beach where the famous love scene with Debra Kerr and Burt Lancaster in From Here to Eternity was filmed.
Can you imagine them on the beach?
On the other side was some decent surf where dare devil surfers strut their stuff.
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Sandy Beach Park - not for swimming!
We continued on to Kailua, a beautiful town with an incredible backdrop of folded mountains that apparently cascade with waterfalls in rainier seasons. Several more scenes from Lost were filmed at the nearby Kualoa Ranch. (as well as Jurassic Park and Godzilla)
Mountains behind the Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch mountains
The landscape sets the mood and is always one of the main characters in any film made in Hawaii
On the other side is a large bay, protected by reefs and sandbars. 
Is this a character from Lost?
We stopped at a little park near Waimanolo and wondered what it would be like to live in such a gorgeous place.
Could you live here?
Coconut/Macademia Shrimp
Cool dude at the Kahuku Grill
Feeling very stuffed, we crammed ourselves back into the car and rounded the northern end of Oahu and along some of the most famous surfing beaches in the world with names such as Pipeline, Shark’s Cove and Backyards. The day we were there the seas were flat, but apparently in the winter the surf around Waimea is absolutely amazing. We have seen videos of these athletes on the waves that are hard to believe. We’ve been told that in addition to being super-fit, surfers also have to be able to hold their breath for the long periods of time they spend under the waves. Not a sport for the feint of heart!
Surfing Waimea - the photos speak for themselves
Leaving the surf beaches behind, we continued on along the Farrington Highway to Molule’ia Beach where the beach scenes from Lost were shot. We saw no evidence of sets, but the stunning scenery was even more awesome than portrayed in the TV series. We looked, but we didn’t see any black smoke.
Molule’ia Beach
We retraced our route to Hale’iwa, then headed inland through fields and fields of sugar cane and pineapple arriving at Schofield Army base.
Sugar cane fields cover central Oahu
We had read that we might be able to transit the base through Lyman Gate to follow Highway 780 through the Kolekole Pass to the leeward side of Oahu. We were able to get very close to this famous pass - where the Japanese Zeros traversed to make their surprise attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 - but could not continue past a locked gate. Too bad.
Kolekole Pass
Once again, we doubled back on our route and continued south to Honolulu, passing multiple gated communities, golf courses and suburbs before reaching the freeway. By the time we got back to Ka’sala we were pretty tired.
Being docked at the Ala Wai is pretty cool. Every day we watch the young sailors in their dinghies. There is a lot of sailboat traffic – catamarans, mono-hulls, and fishing boats of all sizes come and go. However, one of the most remarkable events is the legion of fit people of all ages paddling various types and sizes of outrigger canoes. They are most often seen in the early morning and evening – either honing their skills and working out, or racing each other. It’s quite a sight! (This series of photos compliments of Barbara)
These paddlers are so focussed - one time one of them hit his head on our dinghy!
We see lots of teambuilding activities using these outriggers
This is hard work - the paddlers fly down the channel, but have to work against current and wind on their return
They're certainly fit!
This gorgeous bay will be hard to resist!
We will be participating in a casual morning net with them as we make our progress across the Pacific, as well as checking in to the Pacific Seafarer’s Net as we did on our crossing to Hawaii. We hope you will follow us on Yotreps as we make our way. Knowing there are family and friends thinking of us while we are at sea is a real morale booster for us. All you have to do is check http://www.pacsea.org/ hit on "Current Roll Call" and find the information for VE7KSL. If you scroll to the bottom of this page and insert our call sign (VE7 KSL) and hit submit, you will automatically be taken to our position map on Yotreps. You can also track the weather we will encounter by going to http://www.passageweather.com/ and clicking on "North Pacific Ocean". I will post once more the day we leave Honolulu. As before, we will not be able to send or receive email, so the next entry after that will not be until we arrive on the mainland.
The passage home is approximately 2500 nautical miles and we expect it will take us 21 to 28 days. A lot of our planning will depends on the position of the Pacific High. The usual sailing profile, from Hawaii to the Straits of Juan de Fuca, is to go straight north from Hawaii, taking the easterly flow of the trade winds on the beam until reaching approximately 30 degrees north. There, the wind should start moving in a clockwise direction under the influence of the High. At this point, windless conditions can occur, forcing cruisers to motor. (we have about 500 nautical miles of fuel) At about 40 degrees north the westerlies should kick in, allowing the cruiser to follow an easterly course. These winds give similar conditions to the trade winds that flow between Mexico and Hawaii, but come from the opposite direction. Westerlies can be boisterous and, sometimes, really strong winds can blow at these latitudes. However, during the summer months the Pacific High generally forces these hardy winds higher north making this the perfect time of the year to make the passage. We plan to make our landfall on the US side of Juan de Fuca,. We may land at Neah Bay (48.21 N, 124.41 W) or Port Angeles (48.0N, 123.5 W), before continuing on to Port Townsend (48.1N, 122.7W. (The latitude and longitude of Honolulu is 21.16N, 157.49 W.)
Here's the proof - the Pot of Gold is in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Netto Has Everything
A common conversation between Oliver and myself would go something like this,
"Hey, Oliver, where do you find X?"
"At the Netto."
"But I was just there, and they didn't have it."
"Try again. It's there. The Netto has everything."
or maybe
"Hey Oliver, where do I buy Y?"
"At the Netto."
"Oliver, buddy, I swear to you I looked those isles up and down and I didn't see anything like Y, just Z--lot's of Z."
"Try harder, it's there. The Netto has everything."
This is not a problem you have when visiting other states in the US. In America, there are national brands, and certain algebraic constants of 'style' 'color' and 'formula' that you are trained to that helps you find things. Even though the 'placement logic' of milk-nextto-butter-nextto-yogurt-nextto-cheese-nextto-meat stays constant, I've found it incredibly difficult to see things. This is not me going blind. I'm reminded of a Doctor Who episode where the Doctor rigged it so he and his friends had the same kind of protection field as the TARDIS--making them invisible not by distorting light, but by making them unimportant to the human mind.
I would literally walk by the milk, ignoring it, reach the meat and think I've walked too far, walk back the other way--past the milk again--to the bread and think I've walked too far again, but I know it has to be between here and there! The problem is that the shapes, colors, and names of all the products are completely different. Scanning the shelves doesn't work--period.
I can't imagine why this wasn't a bigger problem last year, but I think it may have to do with how I didn't have to buy many groceries last year (I ate in the cafeteria)--but now I have to buy and prepare everything I intend to eat.
So I developed a technique to combat the illusion--just keep staring. When I've found the place between the bread and meat where I know the milk has to be, I just keep staring at the shelves until I can sort out the barrage of strange shapes and colors. I found the milk, not in plastic bottles like at Publix, but in cartons in crates on the bottom shelves.
I have found butter in the oddest of shapes.
Chocolate is its own timezone.
Ume Pflaume is still the best thing ever made.
There is no mayonnaise in Germany, only Miracle Whip, no matter what they claim.
But, in spite of that, I've come to find The Netto Has Everything.
"Hey, Oliver, where do you find X?"
"At the Netto."
"But I was just there, and they didn't have it."
"Try again. It's there. The Netto has everything."
or maybe
"Hey Oliver, where do I buy Y?"
"At the Netto."
"Oliver, buddy, I swear to you I looked those isles up and down and I didn't see anything like Y, just Z--lot's of Z."
"Try harder, it's there. The Netto has everything."
This is not a problem you have when visiting other states in the US. In America, there are national brands, and certain algebraic constants of 'style' 'color' and 'formula' that you are trained to that helps you find things. Even though the 'placement logic' of milk-nextto-butter-nextto-yogurt-nextto-cheese-nextto-meat stays constant, I've found it incredibly difficult to see things. This is not me going blind. I'm reminded of a Doctor Who episode where the Doctor rigged it so he and his friends had the same kind of protection field as the TARDIS--making them invisible not by distorting light, but by making them unimportant to the human mind.
I would literally walk by the milk, ignoring it, reach the meat and think I've walked too far, walk back the other way--past the milk again--to the bread and think I've walked too far again, but I know it has to be between here and there! The problem is that the shapes, colors, and names of all the products are completely different. Scanning the shelves doesn't work--period.
I can't imagine why this wasn't a bigger problem last year, but I think it may have to do with how I didn't have to buy many groceries last year (I ate in the cafeteria)--but now I have to buy and prepare everything I intend to eat.
So I developed a technique to combat the illusion--just keep staring. When I've found the place between the bread and meat where I know the milk has to be, I just keep staring at the shelves until I can sort out the barrage of strange shapes and colors. I found the milk, not in plastic bottles like at Publix, but in cartons in crates on the bottom shelves.
I have found butter in the oddest of shapes.
Chocolate is its own timezone.
Ume Pflaume is still the best thing ever made.
There is no mayonnaise in Germany, only Miracle Whip, no matter what they claim.
But, in spite of that, I've come to find The Netto Has Everything.
Party with Julia
Sorry for taking so long, the only thing in my defense are the pictures I posted--though it's not really an excuse for two weeks without an entry.
On a Sunday after my first week, I went to the Flea Market with Bernard and his family. It's really much less than it sounds--it was just down the street, really. I left my coat at home, thinking it was plenty warm (a mistake). I got there early, and wandered around a bit by myself. The Flea Market was a somewhat special occasion (as in it doesn't happen every Sunday) and I found it most notable for what I did recognize rather than what I didn't. I saw quite a bit of 80s and 90s nostalgia, some VHS, a few Lego sets and other oddments--besides the German dishware, decorations, and clothes.
I met up with Bernard, had a coffee, and got rained out--people started packing up as things turned cold and started drizzling.
On a nearby Monday, I went to Osnabruck to see Julia. It certainly wasn't difficult to get in contact with Julia, or to find her, but I don't have any particularly strong memories of her from last year. Which is interesting, because I found her to be such an agreeable person this year. She the kind of person who will ask you about yourself, but will also swap stories with you about living in Scotland with a German accent. I found myself able to laugh freely around her, which is something rare among people I don't know well.
We, and two girls I didn't know, went grocery shopping together and had entirely too much fun buying dinner. I got a Deconstructed Donor Kebab from across the street (a big tray of meat shavings swimming in red sauce, with a side salad and bread strips). We ate at one of their apartments, where there were five girls and I was the only guy--but I felt remarkably welcomed. It was mostly talk and a few smokes, before I had to try and leave on the last train out of Osnabruck.
I'm sorry to say I caused some trouble for them--this was only the second time I'd gone to Quakenbruck by train. The trains are labeled by destination, Oldenburg and Bremen (Bremen going off in the wrong direction) and I knew that one of them was wrong. I also saw the train pull up, and it appeared to be going the wrong direction--but it turns out Osnabruck is an End Station (didn't know that) and the trains turn around here (before, I didn't see the train pull up and I was just pointed at it and told it was correct--so I was missing that crucial piece of information). The arrival and departure times were different, so I thought this train would leave and my train would come after. But I asked people nearby anyway, who didn't understand my question--I even called Julia and co. but by the time they understood my question the train had pulled away. I had to impose on Julia to drive me home (thank goodness I could direct them through Quakenbruck, I'm not totally useless), and she was very nice about it.
Julia went back to Scotland, and I'm not sure she'll be in Osnabruck again while I'm here--but she's a good friend to have.
Eat your heart out.
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Project Kahn Audi A5 S-line Convertible 2011 Pictures
Move over R8: Project Kahn’s A5 S-line is a chip off the old block. The finish and equipment in this motor is really something special. Everything from the R8 inspired vented bumpers with their mesh inserts, to the billet steel detailing on the bumper lips, Nappa leather inside, Kahn aluminum pedals and dials, red calipers, cruise control, Audi parking system, and privacy tinted glass points to the level of care taken over its development. .
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