We went from being pretty great bloggers (a post everyday or every couple of days) to those sucky sort of bloggers who have nothing new to read. Sorry about the lull in the action. It's not that we've left Palau, and it's CERTAINLY not that there's nothing new to post.

We've actually had quite a bit happening. We've taught a few people to stand up paddle.

Fuanes said it was love at first sight. It was probably more like "love at first stroke," but you get the idea. He's a native Palauan who has been a tour guide here for 17 years. We met him during our visit here last May. We did some kayaking together back then. Fuanes and his dog, and faithful paddling buddy, Sally, took right to stand up paddling. They both loved it so much, we've decided to leave all the boards and equipment with Fuanes. He's going to be the stand up paddle guy here in Palau. He's starting his own company Stand Up Paddle Tours (www.standup-paddle-tour.coms should be up in a couple of weeks)!!! Yippeee!!!!

 We were talking with our friend Ron Leidich about stand up paddling a few days ago. Ron is "the man" when it comes to paddling the waters of Palau. Though he doesn't stand up paddle, he does kayak and runs the best kayak tours and expeditions in Palau through Paddling Palau and under Sam's Tours. When I say he's "the man" I merely mean that he knows the best places to paddle, the hidden gems and places to explore, and is an expert on the flora and fauna.  He takes his kayak groups to the best places to paddle and snorkel, so when he gives Shauna and I insider tips, we really listen.

We were talking with Ron about Nikko Bay and the things we've seen there while paddling lately. He mentioned that sometimes he does lunch from the pillbox at Pillbox Channel and gets an amazing view of sharks and turtles from up there.

Guess where we headed on our next day of paddling at Nikko? You guessed it - Pillbox Channel. First of all, we had seen the concrete and limestone pillbox, a leftover from the Japanese occupation here during WWII, perched atop the island as we paddled by in the past. It's about 20-30 feet above the water, all nestled into the foliage, and you have to really look to see it. We didn't know you could  actually get up there.

This was it. Our big day! This was our first day to get out and do some stand up paddling in Palau. Let me cut right to the chase and tell you ---- it was everything we had hoped. It was utterly fabulous, wonderful and I feel like I'm living a dream.

We Mickey-Moused a way to secure our boards to our roof. We stuck a couple of boat fenders underneath and made our own tie downs (bought straps and cams and put them together).

Well our boards have arrived!! It's such a great feeling knowing that our boards have completed their long ocean journey and are here, just miles from our house. I can just picture them now, sitting in their boxes in a warehouse.

I know they are just aching to see us. They set sail from California way back on October 29^th. I'm sure they have been in shock for these last weeks, wondering what happened to us. They were accustomed to being taken out for a paddle just about every day, then one day it all changed. They were packed up and taken away. No explanation. They may even think that they did something wrong. Poor babies.

We are aching to reunite with them too. I see the beautiful waters each day and imagine us out there paddling. It was easier to handle the wait when we knew our boards were still en route. Now that I know they are here in Palau, I'm a bit antsy.

We are waiting for them to clear customs. We thought Customs might give us a call on Friday if they had any questions, but they didn't call. See we didn't just send two boards. We sent 12 total.

Today is September 3rd, 2008.  Rachel and I have purchased our tickets - one-way tickets, that is - to Palau.  Yep, we're diving in, taking the plunge and just going for it.  See, we recently picked up the sport of Standup Paddling and we recently returned from a month-long adventure in Palau.  So, we've decided to try both at once.  We're heading to Palau to start a business, rather an adventure, called Standup Paddle Palau.