January 13, 2026

Today felt like we were inside a Computer Screen Saver! You know how everybody has one of those amazing beach shots on their home screens ? I am guessing we were in the place where most of them are filmed! Rangiroa is the 2nd largest atoll in the world, and its lagoon feels like its own ocean, it's huge! It is famous worldwide for "drift"  diving and snorkeling, due to its fast moving current,  crystal clear water and excellent visibility. We joined a group of 44 Residents in an all day adventure.

Janette, who is kneeling down in front of me in above photo organized the tour with the operator, (which turned out to be a bunch of cousins, as super large families are the norm here in Rangiroa )and they were so accommodating and entertaining. It was a really fun day. They made all the ladies these fun hats. Lunch was delicious on their private atoll and they serenaded us - a talented group!

The day started with us tendering in from Ship to Rangiroa dock and getting into 4 waiting speed boats. Then we were off too our first drift snorkel. The drift went sooo fast, that none of my fish photos came out clear, but I did get these cool visual shots .

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After the drift snorkel we went 45 minutes through bouncy, choppy lagoon waves to get to the Blue Lagoon . Which is a cluster of small atolls, that enclose a small lagoon with the most amazing blue turquoise water. This area is also  the nursery for hundreds of baby sharks. I think we counted 15-16 in this video, sooo cute ! Really! This is where we had lunch and chilled checking out all the creatures.

Just when we thought the bouncy boat ride couldn't get worse, we had to head back with strong winds and a storm coming in. Poor Bosco was green and motion sick for the next hour! He never heaved, thank God, but they had a bucket at the ready. I thought it was poetic that the Puka Runga boat was in background as we got off to enjoy the last spot of the day.

Sad Passing of ODYSSEY Shipmate

By Pat Patrick • October 11, 2026
During our two years of sailing we have had several Shipmates come and go for a variety of reasons. Their health, has sadly been the reason for many departures. Cindy Harvey , would have loved to have lived out her days here on the Odyssey and even bought a second cabin and had an adjoining door added, to have a care provider, stay with her full time. However, Cindy's limited mobility, pain and confinement got to be too much - so she left us a few months ago. She went to an assisted living facility, on the coast of Oregon, to be near her family. Tragically she fell, was trying to recover, slipped into a coma and sadly passed away this week.

SANCTUARY OF TRUTH MUSEUM, CHONBURI, THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • October 8, 2026
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum is the world's largest hand carved wooden castle, located on the coast of Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand . Conceived in 1981 by Thai visionary Khun Lek Viriyaphun the structure is built entirely from 4 types of wood - Teak, Mai Daeng, Mai Takien & Mai Panchaat and put together using Thai nailless wood joinery - mainly dovetails, carrying poles and tongue & groove. We started the tour in the workshop where the artisan, mainly woman, were hard at work. Since conception, the Museum has been an active construction site, thus we all wore hardhats! The artisans continue handcarving sculptures and columns, daily and will most likely continue for years to come.

PATTAYA , THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • October 7, 2026
We just had 5 days in the Port of Laem Chabang , Thailand. When we were here in mid-July, we spent that time exploring Bangkok, which is about a 2 hour drive NW of Port. This time we went to explore Pattaya which is south of Port on coast just about 45 minutes drive. Our fellow shipmate, party planner Eddie put together a fun Friday night touring the Pattaya walking street drag shows. He even recommended a hotel he had stayed at before that was right in the same area and a great location for the beach, bars and restaurants. All we had to do was book a room, show up & have fun!