[password] TwinkY6433
[position] 18 43.315S 174.06.039W
[weather] SE 4 knots, 1013 baro
[speed] Anchored off Vakaeitu Island, Vava?u, Tonga.
[heading]
[status] After my update yesterday we had a local dugout canoe visit with a guy and a couple of kids. We spent quite a while chatting and he was promoting a feast they do for yachts, which seems to be a big thing around here. Of course, all the proceeds go to the local school - or so they all say. We?ve had enough feasts already though, so just wanted to trade some fishing gear and other items for some coconuts. We arranged that and then the next morning went ashore to see them and get the coconuts. They also gave us some bananas which was nice, although we made sure it was only a small bunch as you wind up with about 20 ripening all at the same time!! Everyone?s always talking about new and ingenious ways to use them - it?s a bit like the scene in Forest Gump about how many ways you can cook shrimp!

We then moved across to another little bay which is world famous for its ?coral gardens?. We?ll check that out if it?s fine tomorrow, but plan to stay here for the weekend as it has good shelter from the winds coming on sat/sun.

A whole bunch of other rally boats have turned up, so we organised drinkies on the beach and some ukulele playing. Unfortunately the weather didn?t play ball, and it started raining before we?d left the boat. We rain checked the beach get together and then Bobcat offered to have drinkies on their boat. That was cool as we?ve not socialised with them much yet. They built their cat themselves on their property in Hamilton. It took them about 6 years and they have photos of the whole thing which was very cool.

We?re back on board Seaforth now, so time for dinner and maybe a movie. Lots of plans have been made for the weekend, so let?s hope the weather plays ball this time!

[END]