Now 24 yachts inside North Minerva Reef, which is a huge oval "lake" measuring 5km by 5.5km across, so plenty of room for all. The rim of the reef itself is 900m wide and only has one small gap in it, just big enough for yachts to pass through into the middle, which is like a lake in the middle of the ocean. On the outside of the reef the ocean is 2000m deep but on the inside it is only 20m deep and a good anchorage. At low tide the reef is 1m or so above the water and at high tide the ocean waves trickle over the top, but the waves loose their force in the process. A large low pressure system is over us bringing 30-40 knots of wind and light rain, but everyone is safely anchored away from the ocean swells. Made some "William" bread today for lunch, it turned out perfectly(yum!)so it looks like we are getting used to this oven. Good day for reading and playing bridge! Yesterday was better weather, caught up on some washing, went swimming and snorkeling. Karl went for a dive t o retrieve a towel that had blown off the line. The towel that Steph gave Heather for her Birthday went to the bottom of Minerva Reef! Happily it was only 18m deep and Karl retrieved it easily. Weather clearing a bit tomorrow but we will probably stay here until Tuesday before departing for Tonga. The sea outside the reef will still be a bit lumpy on Sunday and Monday but inside is it nice and calm!