Today we worked on the waʻa all day, pulling anchor, breaking down the canopy, sponging out our holds, and bending the mizzen crab claw. But we didn’t have enough time to raise it, which is probably for the best because weather changes quickly and we get gusts from time to time.
Tonight we had a great dinner of chili, rice, and corned beef and Hokey Pokey ice cream for dessert. Afterwards, we went around the circle and each person said a few words. Papa Hector Busby said some nice stuff about how it feels weird when we say “thank you” because we are family; we are part of this place, we are a part of something that started 30 years ago.
As we mahalo our ʻohana here in Aurere and Aotearoa for taking care of Hōkūleʻa and her crew, we are well prepared for our departure to Australia.