[password] TwinkY6433
[position] 18 41.675S 173 59.925W
[weather] SE 11 knots, 1020 baro
[speed] Anchored in Aisea?s Beach, Vava?u, Tonga.
[heading]
[status] We had the best sleep since leaving Opua! Dead flat, even with a bit of breeze, was pure luxury. Nothing like a surrounding coral reef to block out those open ocean swells. We did some washing and then went for an explore around this little bay. Most of it is cliffs covered in trees, but there is a small beach that seems to have a cut through the cliffs - this might be the way to walk into Neiafu that some guides talk about. We will investigate more tomorrow. In the mean time, we scooted around the bay. There?s a bit of seagrass, and some volcanic rocks, but not much coral. We saw a whole squadron of bats overhead and followed them to three trees up on top of the cliff. They all seemed to land there and then chatter and quarrel with each other - very amusing to watch. We investigated a local long boat wrecked on a rocky headland, and then headed back. We stopped in to Varekai for a chat and to tell them about the bats (which they later checked out themselves), and then headed home to chill. Sundowners was on Varekai, and after a few G&T?s, Nigel and Amanda both cut Steve?s hair for him. The original aim was a Mohawk, but I think he/they all chickened out and it ended up a a very short back and sides and the blonde locks left on top! (Which I prefer and think looks great). We are now back on board for a small dinner and a movie - after an amazing look at all the stars out, the sparkly phosphorescence in the water, and the sight of more bats overhead going out to feed.

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