Paw Paw - Log Day 194: insights into Island Life in American Samoa

So, what did today hold? Generator oil, oil filter and fuel filter replaced, port engine oil and oil filter replaced, starboard engine oil and oil filter replaced, replacement diesel  engine oil purchased, two propane tanks filled, diesel tanks topped off with jerry cans and parcel posted at the post office. 



Getting things done here is very easy. For our propane tanks, we dinghied ashore, caught a bus within five minutes which then dropped us off right outside the propane facility.  Ten minutes later both tanks were filled and we hopped right back on the same bus, since the driver had waited for us. We were there and back in less than half an hour. 



However, before we had even got on the bus, we had a gentleman approach us and offered to take us to the propane facility if we could wait about an hour.  Completely unprompted, he saw us standing at the side of the road with our tanks and came over tooffer some help. While we didn't mind taking the bus as they are so festive and relaxing, we were just so astonished to have received the offer and thanked the man profusely for his kindness.  It's mind-blowing just how lovely these people are. 



Once we had all our choress out of the way, we visited the Jean P.Haydon Museum which depicts the history and culture of the islands and has artifacts, like a woven mat that is 500 years old as well as a small Samoan flag that was carried to the moon by the Apollo Moon astronauts. It together with three moon stones was presented to the territory by President Nixon,  acknowledging American Samoa's link to the missions.  Specifically, five of the missioms spashed down in the territory's waters and all the astronauts transited through Tutuila on their way back to the US mainland. It also had a very interesting photo gallery which gave a great insight into island life here.



This evening though, we've said our goodbyes to Do Over and don't expect to see
  them again until New Zealand,  given that they are heading for Tonga and then Fiji, whilst we are heading for Samoa and only going as far as Tonga before making the passage to New Zealand.  Also,  we probably won't see Nina again either until New Zealand as they have changed their itinerary and will be heading straight to Tonga from Bora Bora and then to Fiji as well. 



As such, we're feeling a little sad tonight, since the "WARC dropouts", as Dan calls us, have had a great few months sailing together and have shared an experience of a lifetime since leaving St Lucia. Fair winds and following seas to both yachts. We'll miss you guys!