Garrett & Thom depart Pagan today.

Mindy writes:
Well, I prepared well, consulted scientists, government officials, former residents of Pagan, and others who had been there, and I was ready this morning before our 9am radio call, to give Thom the decision of whether to return based on the information I gathered. Also, I prayed, letting go and letting God. When Thom spoke to me on the radio this morning, he reported that they are coming back, so that decision was made easy for me. I wanted them to return for my peace of mind, but I also wanted their dreams to be realized in the adventure they planned, and I had resolved to just deal with it if they stayed on Pagan.

I spoke to a volcano scientist in Alaska this morning. It was confirmed that no seismic monitoring equipment is installed on Pagan. They are only able to monitor Mt. Pagan's volcanic activity through visual reporting by ships or aircraft who radio their observations or through satellite imagery (which is not visible at night or when clouds obfuscate the view). The scientist did not urge me to have them evacuate, but I was told that Pagan's volcano is considered to be "unstable" yet it is large enough that if their camp is kept some distance from the active area, they are "fairly safe" and this was confirmed by people who have been there. I was ready to feel better about them staying, but would want them to evacuate if the Alert level were to be elevated from Yellow/Advisory to Orange/Watch.

The reason they will return is not as much about the volcano. Garrett's ingrown toenail, which was fine before they left, decided to start festering and worsening during the voyage up to Pagan. They do have antibiotics and painkillers, but more importantly, the radio that they are using is unreliable. Not only is the antenna broken & temporarily fixed, the battery is failing to hold a charge for very long (charged by solar panels). In fact, our radio conversation faded out quickly; we had to standby while they recharged, then resume the call. This means that if Thom, Willie, and Garrett must call for help, they are at the mercy of an unreliable radio, thus they will reload the MV San Antonio at 1pm today (Sat.), and expect to return on Monday to Saipan, fishing Sat/Sun/Mon along the way. I'm making an appointment for Garrett at the clinic on Tuesday for his toenail. They will definitely develop their "sea legs."

By the way, very good news: the MV San Antonio's radio now works. I copied them loud & clear this morning, and they were able to read my transmission as well. They are in touch with EMO's base on Saipan. I feel much better about them being on the boat with a functioning radio.

The ocean looks just as calm today as when they left on Tuesday, and everyone tells me that April is the smoothest time of the year, the best for fishing and being out to sea because of the calm seas.

The adventure continues. I know Thom & Garrett have had an amazing experience and I can't wait to see their photographs and listen to their firsthand accounts, which we will share later.

Thanks for your prayers.~Mindy