As it was Sunday it was time for the Flying Cloud crew to attend church!
This part of the Pacific is religious and conservative so long
trousers for guys, dresses and hats for girls. Boys on the left, girls
on the right in church.
We met the lovely Sarah and Hinano - both 3rd generation and in their
late 70's - who welcomed us to Church and blessed our boat and the trip.
Despite the fact that there were less than 16 adults in church
(excluding us) the congregation mad the most fantastic sound with
their hymns. The music was beautiful, with complex descants and sounds.
I have to say if i lived on Palmerston i would become deeply
religious! It gets hit by around 4 cyclones a year, has had 3 Tsunami
warnings in the last month, stands only 7ft above sea level (excluding
Palms) gets maybe 2 supply ships a year, and only has fish and a few
pigs and chickens as endemic food. Oh yes, and the island runs out of
fuel in November - unless a supply ship comes.
Despite all this Edward and his family were remarkably cheery and
invited us to a blow-out Sunday lunch.
We reciprocated by bringing meet, some childrens books, tennis
rackets, a few child toys, fishing hooks, chocolate, the remains of
the pink spinnaker (Edward is making some sails for some optimists
they have), and some rope!
After lunch we had a little stroll through town again - Edwards
family's first house is in the foreground on the left.
It is now used as their "beach house"
but originally slept a family of 15 - including Edward.
The view from the porch was amazing...
and then, with some sadness to be leaving so soon, it was time to get
back on the boat and continue onwards to Niue...
