[p]beale12.4
[s]
pos: 23 39.3s 178 53.8w
Date: 26/05/2017 07:00 gmt+1300
MINERVA!
We entered into this amazing, huge lagoon at around 11am Thursday. It was a blessed relief to get into its lee and get some respite from the large pacific easterly swells that had been relentless the last 5 days.
The pass is huge, but even so it was wierd and a little scary to see jagged rocks and coral lurking so close after days of empty sea and sky. Two spotters on the bow and we motored in without incident, to find this perfect patch of sandy-bottomed turquoise water stretching for 2-3 miles across.
First order of business after anchoring was to dry out and clean up. Manutaki very shortly resembled a large clothes line, with wet weather gear draped across and tied to every available holder, and the laundry tub pressed into action to deal with a somewhat "scody" clothing situation.
We were first in to Minerva of the 8 or so boats heading this way, but only by a few hours. By mid afternoon there were 8 boats anchored here. We found out later that Riada and Mahia had gone into South Minerva and anchored there roughly the same time we anchored at North Minerva. So it is remarkable how even in speed all the boats ended up being.
Then it was time to retrieve the dinghy from its hiding place under the forepeak, reassemble it and go be social with Tony on Taranui.
Their fresh tuna sashimi and 4 reef crayfish went down especially well with our champagne, beer and potato chips. At low tide the boats rocked gently in a perfect anchorage, although the wind remains 15-20 easterly and the swell outside the reef is still huge.
As the tide rose, the protection of the reef diminished, and the roll set in. Nevertheless, we had our first flattish nights sleep for several days. Even learned a few new card games in the saloon on manutaki after a splendid dinner - the last of Joanne's pre-prepared meals. Have to learn to cook soon.
We will do a few boat tasks today, and go onto the reef for a look and hopefully to find a few crayfish for dinner.
The weather looks to be north-easterly for a couple of days now, so I think we will wait to leave till Sunday or Monday.
All being well, We hope to arrive at Pangai in the Haapai, Tonga, on Wednesday 31 may, or even possibly the day before.
The sun is up and shining on a windswept but extraordinary place; our private infinity pool in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
More tomorrow...

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