Marau Sound, Guadalcanal

Hello All,
We made the 120 mile crossing without a hitch. The wind was very light so we had to run the engine most of the way. When we left the anchorage at Santa Ana and I gave Rafal and Paula a treat. They really love to sail and only sail. We had just enough wind to get us out of the anchorage so we put up the main and then I had Rafal get the anchor up. We got to sail off of the anchor and out into the bay without starting the engine, they thought that was pretty cool and I still get a kick out of it myself. It was not long after getting out into open water that the wind died. We did get to sail only a few times in the 24 hour crossing but it didn't amount to much. I motor sailed most of the way, meaning there was enough wind to keep the sails up but used the engine for a little speed. We had a beautiful evening last night without a cloud in the sky and the stars out bright. Rafal has been studying the stars and has heaps of constellations picked out now.

We arrived here at Marau Sound at 1100 this morning, position 09 49.39 S 160 41. 28 E. We dropped the anchor in sand and coral on the north end of a beautiful little Island. This place is located on the very east end of Guadalcanal. The sound is full of reefs, small Islands with white sandy beach's and clear water. It is like a mini Bay of Islands like in New Zealand. There is a village close by us and a small resort on the small island we anchored in front of. We got in the dingy and went to the resort Island first. The manager met us on the beach and told us there was a private wedding taking place and asked us if we could come back tomorrow. He told us he would be happy to show us around just not today. We told him no sweat we will go check out the village. We got back in the dingy and crossed the 100 yard lagoon between the 2 islands and met the Chiefs youngest son Charles. He was more than happy to show us around and we took a nice walk around the small village. Shortly after the tour Charles' dad showed up, Chief Justin. He is a really interesting guy and we plan to go back in tomorrow and visit more.

We have a really good feeling about this place and we will explore as much as we can before we leave on Sunday.

I will keep you updated.

PEACE