Squal after Squal after Squal to Vanua Lava Island

Hello All,
We left Espritu Santo on Thursday late afternoon to head to the Banks Islands of Northern Vanuatu. I was keeping a close eye on the weather and Thursday looked very good for an 80 mile crossing North to Gaua Island. As we were leaving everything looked good for the crossing, 12 knots of wind beam reach with all of the sails flying. A few hours into the trip all was well with a star lit sky and Freestyle sailing along at 5.5 knots. About midnight the wind became less and less to the point where there was no wind so we got the sails down and started the engine. We were under engine for about 3 hours when the wind came up again and we could sail and we did so and were sailing once again. It wasn't long after we got everything flying that a squall was brewing to our east and it was only a matter of time that it was going to hit us with either lots of rain or wind or both. The wind hit us first so we reduced sail and waited for it to pass. This happened all through the night and into the morning. We counted 12 sail changes of some sort and we were getting pretty tired. By morning we were double reefed with staysail only and on my watch I saw 45 knots of wind for 45 minutes. When we got to Gaua Island about 10 AM the weather was terrible and in order to get to the anchorage I needed good light to get through the reefs. So I made the decision to abort Gaua and head straight for Vanua Lava Island 20 miles farther north where we planned to check out of the Country.
We arrived at the anchorage of Sola, the most Northern place of Vanuatu to check in or out of the country and the seat of government for the Banks group of Islands. After a pretty rough trip of only 16 hours we were looking forward to anchoring in the protected waters of Petteson Bay, as it turned out not so protected. You are sheltered from the wind ok but the swell was like being out at sea. We made due and had a good nights sleep after all.
This morning we got the dingy off of the deck and went into town to look around. The first person we met was a retired priest, Father Lucas. He and his family have a small beautiful resort they run here. He caters to yachts that come here and gave us a very warm welcome to the Islands. We talked for a bit and took a walk around. There is not much here for being the seat of government but all of that being said how much do you need. We walked up a hill that has a cross on it and got some good views of the anchorage. Father Lucas told us to get the boat in a little closer so not to be in the swell. When we got back we did so and he stood on the beach waving us to where the best spot was to anchor and boy what a difference. Always nice to have local knowledge. With out having good charts of the area you have to depend on locals to tell you. I think Captain Cook was the last one to chart this place because after moving the boat I'm anchored on Father Lucas's house on the Island.
We were invited to go to church in the morning and Father Lucas told us that they are ordaining a minister tomorrow so it should be good.
We will be here until Monday and then check out, well that's the plan anyway. I will keep you posted.

PEACE