E14: Exploring Dominica, Fixing Dinghy Mast, Creating Rainwater Collection System

If you want to support me, check out my Patreon account (thank you so much!): / windhippie
I am a 27-year-old female solo sailor beginning my circumnavigation. My boat is a 27 foot sloop named Gecko. Follow me on my journey as I learn about heavy-weather sailing, the trials of being solo, and my adventures in paradise.
Follow my weekly blog on: Windhippie.com
For daily photo updates and boating life, check out my instagram page: @boatlizard
Also, if you're interested in learning more about my childhood and my parents' circumnavigation while raising kids, go to: iceblinksail.com
Thanks for watching and subscribing! You guys are the best!

[@robertlee8042]

Your voice over audio is perfect. The technical quality is up and close and intimate sounding. I’d love to know how you do that technically. Your audio with the video camera is very very good. Only slightly less intimate than the voice over. I also think your narration about the river was perfect. Did you write that first or are you a natural story teller? Your narration is worthy of being written without video. The thing you say are interesting. The way you say them is engaging. You are a very talented young lady.

[@Mick675-i8e]

You're a bloody legend, I'm binge watching your vids from the beginning. Love your ingenuity and humour

[@robertlee8042]

You ever think about how much water there is in our world? Vonnegut wrote a book that dealt with something called ice-nine. Read it. I think you’ll love it. I do not remember the title. I read it 50 years ago. But being a genuine water baby you’ll love it. The idea is such an obvious gotcha. All the water of the world is connected! And there’s so much of it! I subscribe and support several sailing offerings but yours are by far the sweetest.

[@cosmowerkstapes]

Dominica looks like my cup of tea.

[@sailingeh3734]

You're doing a great job with the videos, the images you're taking, and the narration :) I was in Spider Bay Marina in the north channel of Lake Huron and met up with a sailing family from the states and we both brought you up as a channel we were enjoying- marvelling at your background, passion for following your dream, and the things you've done to make it happen. In talking about you, however, we also brought up your folks and so I'll be checking their adventures out next! So there ya go, 15k subscribed and you're now becoming the topic of discussion!

[@trtnhpics]

Thanks for sharing. Peace & love from N.H. U.S.A.

[@Trevorburk1]

You are such a brave girl. As a father I hope my little girl grows to be just as fearless and strong as you. But as her father I will probably go crazy with my fear for her. Love the videos. Stay safe and enjoy

[@WindHippieSailing]

Wow thanks so much! Best part about raising a fearless daughter is that you get to go on adventures with her when she gets older!

[@kevinhildum9186]

You're always so calm at least in your videos but I think this tells what you're like in real life I believe you'd be a very special easy person to get along with thank you for sharing your adventures upon the ocean

[@KenBlackRifleAmerica]

Hey Holly, another great video! Great job on the sailing dinghy mast! Thank you Tish, we also appreciate your hard work to upload Holly's adventures for us! Cheers 🍷🍺👍😎

[@DavidBridger1]

What a beautiful river you took us down. Deep peace there. Thank you.

[@estrelladelmar6466]

I just got my first boat and learning is challenging and fun. Seeing your success and struggles keeps me stoked!

[@jabariterrence4539]

Pro tip : watch movies at Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching lots of of movies these days.

[@josiahcohen7428]

@Jabari Terrence yea, I've been watching on Flixzone for months myself :D

[@aquawoman6475]

Looking forward to your question/answer video. I’m more of an off-season kinda girl as well. No distractions, no waiting, just Nature and sweet sweet Peace. ☮️ ✌🏻

[@frederickoning191]

Dominica certainly is beautiful! You are moving through many splendid experiences. I'm impressed by your sensitivity to the environment!

[@r.michaeldunwiddie2449]

I went to Dominica twice in the early 90s on SCUBA trips. I hope you had time to see the Boiling Lake in the interior of the island. It's a dificult hike and took us 7 1/2 hours to complete. The Emerald Pool was amazing all in all it was one of my favorite islands to go to. We would dive in the morning and hike with a guide in the afternoon. Great place to visit!

[@2bitrasputin793]

I've never even HEARD of Dominica. So that is always a good sign.

[@strietermarinesurvey1415]

Been to Dominica before and did the cable car tour what an amazing place! Very friendly people very primitive! You might consider filling the bottom of the mast with solid epoxy with some 404, 406 filler, that might keep it from bending so much! Thanks for sharing! Be safe girl!

[@davidwoods304]

For some reason I read wild hippie for about a week lol. Wind hipster makes more sense . Love yr work .

[@ndanieltx]

When solo ossible to mount a GoPro front of boat maybe in the water connect wifi to tablet to spot better anchorage and sandy spots hollowed out in the grass.

[@thomasalexander8499]

My favorite island in the Caribbean

[@thefarmerswifeknits6190]

I love Dominica!

[@timfarmer648]

Super cool

[@frankrice5364]

Thank you for sharing ma,am

[@trevorward1690]

Love your videos always beautiful

[@pdutube]

The little bit of Dominica you've shown us is gorgeous! I love polite and curious sea creatures, like that little jellyfish at 11:35, that has slightly less pigmentation than I do.

[@thomastaylor6991]

Hmmm,pondering..... Windhippy = Poseidon's Godchild, Neptune's warrior,or Calypso, mayhaps. Most definitely a Siren of the righteous.

[@LouCipsLife]

Great job. thanks

[@mattMcLovinisbae]

nice pirate hut🧜‍♀️

[@CaptainJohnmaddux]

Thanks for this week report! And thanks for making our lives better. John The Limo Driver from Kansas city

[@chipw4622]

Wow, Monday already! And you made my world a better place. Thanks

[@furtherahead5867]

What a great place to take some zeros. Thanks for sharing. Your getting stronger everyday and The world is yours

[@janiceworkman7144]

Good information!

[@omegamanprivate7132]

Hooray for boat fixing! Keep us up on it. Want to see how well both the raincatcher and the sail dingy works. You should buy a model sailboat and tie it to the back of the sail dingy. Funny to me.

[@lightman489]

At least you care about just throwing an anchor and tearing up the bottom thanks for making me look forward to Mondays

[@jerryvinson5840]

Those waterfalls were beautiful. I always look forward to your videos and wish you could post many more. I wish I were there sailing too!!!!

[@patrickgoff9514]

Thank you! I lived in Portsmouth for 9 years. Mostly better weather. I miss it there.... Will go back😄

[@bertski60]

your channel's growing on me so decided to subscribe just now. thanks for the videos. they're pretty damn good.

[@WindHippieSailing]

Yay thanks!

[@herberttorojr7640]

Omg i love your videos and want to sail to some of the spots you been too but we need to seriously do a gofundme to get your frig fixed or get you a domectic freezer/frig cooler

[@tghounsell]

Wow, Dominica looks so incredibly beautiful. And i really liked your anchoring talk. Well done!

[@ImNotADeeJay]

you are very resourceful and self-reliant. Tons of respect.

[@superisupera]

Thank you for making these videos Holly! I really enjoy watching them :) Both you and your boat seems fantastic! I'm currently getting to know how to solo-sail my own small boat (23 feet Magnifik Midget) and recognize some of your struggles, but also that amazing feeling of freedom being out on the water just you and the boat

[@danielbarbee7712]

Hey hey it's Monday.. love your videos.

[@Burger1097]

When I saw your bucket hanging on the boom, I pictured the hose adapter in the bottom of the bucket. That way you could fill up any jug or holding tank.

[@barbiesboats4522]

I like watching your videos. Thank you for posting them. ☺

[@Maveryksllc]

good times holly martin!!!!!!!!!

[@JoelWelter]

Well, you've done another great, personal vid of your daily life. Cheers!

[@mucuchnatasoon]

Thank you again for uploading these videos! You are an inspiration to me! I wish you well and fair winds.

[@drrhill]

I so enjoy your insight, skills, and sense of humor! Sail on, Holly! Happy Adventuring!

[@goofsaddggkle7351]

PLEASE post more of your experiences in Dominica - it seems to be an amazing place.

[@timhardman4764]

Another excellent video...you have great skills in many areas!! I love this sailing channel.

[@budbuddybuddest]

Anytime you use a new piece of any kind of plastic for contact with water or food, wash it with soap and water first. Because manufacture process leaves traces of toxic substances you can't see. Also note heat may release chemicals.(heat from sun or stove) Also note most/many toxic things you won't feel sick now but accumulate in organs over years and you get nasty sick 10-20 years later. Nice job making the water catching rig.

[@robertdonnell8114]

Ya know what I like about you kid? Your vocabulary.

[@somadevo]

'Love seeing you there. " Hope you have a great dose of the natural beauty and meet special friends. Highest Blessings

[@unclebob6728]

Righteous waterfalls. nice job, Holly!

[@oliviapatricia5573]

Hi Holly. Your channel was suggested to me (EP 13) today. I'm so happy I clicked. I watched, subscribed, then started watching from the beginning episode. Wow! I just am enjoying your sincerity and inspiration. I look forward to follow your adventures. Stay safe, take it easy, have fun. Sending love from The Bahamas.

[@WindHippieSailing]

Yay! Thanks so much!

[@grahammewburn]

Thanks for the info Cheers Gray Australia

[@elroysteele4949]

Thank you for making these videos Holly! I really enjoy watching them

[@salpairadice]

Nice non-touristy look at Dominica . I finally did a little internet poking and now I understand why you are so good at what you do and so fearless. Very cool upbringing. As some others have said, you seem like a very calm person. I sail with an old guy who was a cruiser many years ago, way before the internet, and his description of Dominica was just like your pictures. Great shots of natural landmarks, beautiful and empty. Very cool! Thanks. Sal Cuciti Highland NY

[@TheTishh]

Very nice :) I always look forward to seeing your videos. Thank you from Tropical Scotland!

[@jimcartwright850]

I look forward to Tuesday's, you and your vlogs are awesome! Be safe.

[@theislandpackrat]

Thats a great way to get water, If you put it up at night then no birds pooping and you get really good water!

[@turdferguson236]

Keep up the good work an be safe absolute love watching your adventures

[@frankk.1071]

Love your videos.. Thank you so much for posting them.. You are making Monday's something to which the misses and I look forward.. Keep it up.. flk k

[@WindHippieSailing]

Yay!! That's what I've been hoping for!

[@samdemello6103]

It's another Holly Shack MacGyver episode.... Yaeh !!! Love them water falls when your at the bottom looking up. I think the only falls I've seen are Niagara falls, on the Maid of the Mist.. Lol Holly you are spot on about anchoring. 7 times the depths for scope normal, but 10 time in a blow or more if you have it... The milk test makes funny faces, but the smiley face yellow cup on the counter with the chimney got my attention too. Holly ! what the "F" are you smoking???? Lol You are so cool lady . I would go to war with you !!! ARRRRR !!!!!!

[@osilva2367]

Monday! Yay, always look forward to your videos. Thanks you for sharing your journey! Blessings to you Holly😊 Be well

[@davidharris8797]

Cool

[@joelabriola6289]

Thanks for sharing your adventures. You are very handy and not afraid to tackle all the repairs to your boat, very impressive.

[@jeromefoenander613]

beautiful scenery.impressed by your skillset.

[@johnduncan9749]

With all the camera gear sailors have these days you should just rig one up via blue tooth to your phone or tablet when looking for the best place to drop anchor you can run a rope through a pulley back to the helm to pull the pin and drop it if you do not have a windlass. Stay safe. Thanks Holly and thanks to your sister for helping you upload your adventure:)

[@walterschoppmann6038]

just discovered your channel.verry impressed with your ambition. your are on wonderfull journey.

[@lydiaajohnson]

Dominica sounds like my kinda place.

[@garyrahn2172]

You're awesome.

[@jtray8315]

Thank you for all you do. You brighten my Tuesdays. Looking good

[@theoldfarmerswife5915]

Your videos are amazing

[@blankpagemarketing3603]

Love watching your channel. My family and I have a 29 foot sailboat on Lake Ontario, in Toronto Canada. We just got back from a family weekend staying on the boat at a nearby marina which was about a 1.5 hour sail each way. Our two kids are under the age of 6 and love being on the water. Keep safe and have fun!! I have not yet tried anchoring so your tips have inspired me to give it a try!

[@frankrice5364]

Georgous

[@paxmagellanic498]

Great video! I'm anchoring my boat for the first time today in a muddy river. Wish I could dive on it but I don't think it will be safe. Wish me luck!

[@WindHippieSailing]

Good luck! You're gonna do great! Mud is awesome holding :)

[@depleteduraniumcowboy3516]

Even the nasty days look pretty good! Thanks for sharing!

[@dustinfagg4555]

Aeropress represent! The superior coffee prep tool!

[@CatchRocks]

Why a plow CQR, Bruce ,they're all so heavy and cumbersome. Have you ever tried a Danforth? "Fortress" makes a Danforth out of aluminum. A 35 pound rated Fortress only weighs 7 pounds. Also, a Danforth sets much easier. Save that plow of yours for a hurricane anchor! Fair winds and following seas🤙

[@johnclendaniel3313]

Always look forward to your videos. Really enjoyed this one as well.

[@bevantweedie5129]

Just keep doing what you are doing.Love your videos.

[@worminators1]

LOVE your video’s, Keep up the Great Work.

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

Mast Foot. The original failure was most likely because there is nothing to spread the load, the load being pure compression at the very foot. You need a plug to transfer the load from the mast tube to the foot. Nylon is good for this, shaped to the footing for the bottom 1/2" or so and profiled to the inside of the mast for at least 1" preferably 1 1/2". If it is a reasonably tight fit that should hold it when the mast is unstepped. A hard wood plug is easier to make but not as strong or durable. Have fun.

[@SailingWithVampires]

Mmmm sour milk in the sink drain! lol Beautiful place to hang out! Can’t wait to get out there.

[@funwelldone]

I thought the same thing when she dumped the spoiled milk down the sink, LOL

[@SailingWithVampires]

funwelldone Oh it just goes away... lol

[@urabus7875]

nice

[@edmilsonsilva7283]

You are any incredible sailor. Congratulations!!

[@Jakfilm]

I think the PAYS guys have rebuilt the witches cabin since I was there in January. It had been flattened (along with most everything else) by Maria.

[@WindHippieSailing]

Yeah this was the rebuilt one. It's nice that they care so much about their community

[@tomwilliams8675]

Thanks Holly, for another beautiful episode. I bet your water is going to taste like plastic 😋😊 But at least you'll have clean water! Have a good week.

[@Medic5175]

Thank you for the video. I am eagerly awaiting next week. Keep up the good work. Be safe.

[@apripassion]

Love your videos. Thanks for visiting my home town.

[@mowhoknow5098]

Be safe and stay loving your an amazing girl, these days your generation seems to only want what is given them, you went out and seized it!keep going!!!!

[@user-oy5nk9es4d]

Hi! I am impressed by you.

[@CliffTopp]

Another great video. Welcome to the Nature Isle. Looking forward to next week

[@lauriechilds6819]

Still keeping me entranced, great vlogs

[@wanaraz]

Could you make two videos a week? Some things might be mundane to you but others find it quite interesting boating and all.

[@tbar5270]

I just came across your exciting adventure! You are an inspiration! I have never subscribed to a channel before, but I have now. I will follow you with prayers and high hopes. Peace.

[@michaelg7076]

Comments for the algorithm, 3 years ago you, very cool.

[@BreezyRider66]

Holly Martin love & look forward to your videos, would like to see & hear more about Grinde 27s, one came in to our marina the other day as I was going out for a sail, they look great and are a bit out of the ordinary. I have a 50 years old this year Bowman 26, she's a long keel folkboat derivative, there are videos of her on my channel if you want to check her out. Best wishes from Brighton UK...

[@WindHippieSailing]

Woah that's so cool! So I actually have a little tour of my boat video somewhere on my channel if you want more info :)

[@jorgthomas9508]

Hello, I am new to this channel and wow, I am very impressed with you, but not only of you but also of how you show everything. Greetings from Germany Tom

[@rwburke8551]

Vt

[@micheldawes1]

Ha ha ha, loved the tongue poking out and the look on your face when you tasted the sour canned milk! :-D