In Vavau Group, Neiafu Tonga

Hello All,
We got in here yesterday at 1100. The crossing was wet to say the least. We were on a close reach the whole way with a southwesterly swell so we were pounding into seas the whole time. Not my favorite point of sail at all. We got in and picked up a mooring from one of the sailing charter companies. The anchorage here is very deep so it is easier to just get a mooring. The price with the exchange wasent to bad. Compass Rose, the American boat we met in Pago Pago was here so after getting settled in we went over and had a sundowner with them. Their son Nick took us out last night into town and we watched some of a rugby game at one of the local bars and after that just walked around town. They have been here for a few weeks so they know the place well.
We will be here long enough to get my sails fixed buy a local sail repair guy and fix a few things on the boat, then we will do some anchorage hopping. There is dozens of Islands in the area all protected from the sea. It kind of reminds me of Prince William Sound because of the protection and the many Islands and bays,just on a smaller scale. There are Humpback whales here right now up from the south to give berth to there calves so there is alot of whale watching and the amazing thing is you can also swim with them. Compass Rose did that the other day and said it was awesome. You have to be with a guide boat and it is a little expensive but I am told it is worth it. There is no guarantee to swim with whales but most I have talked that did it have. We will be here for a week or 2 before heading to the central group so alot to do with little time.
Ok well I should get going so I will keep you updated as we go.
By the way,there is internet here but it is very slow so uploading pictures will have to wait for now.



PEACE