21: 08.3 S

175: 10.9 W

 

Distance last 24 hours:             0     nm

Distance since Nuku’alofa:       0     nm 

Distance still to go:                1124    nm                                                 (All distances are in nautical miles:  1nm = 1.8km)

 

 

The waiting game continues..... while we take shelter from the ragged edges of the tropical low that caused us to abort our departure.

 

We had a wonderful, (and needed) two day holiday from Pangimotu and Allone. We cycled a good extent of the main island, Tongatapu, to get to the little hidden, paradise of O’holei Beach, on the south east coast of the island. Being just at the end of the season, we were lucky to get one of the rustic cottages, built into the huge coral, Hina cave. The deal included a Tongan feast, with traditional band and dancing. Sounds all very touristy, but we both really enjoyed the experience.

 

Back to the sailing plans.....

 

Yesterday we ended up moving ALLONE from the small Pangamotu island, into the protection of the port of Nukualofa. With the passing of the tropical low, the wind was forecast to switch through 210 degrees, and strengthen up to 30 knots. I wasn’t happy staying on anchor with a lee shore, so we moved into the relatively protected waters of the harbour. We were the only boat to do this, which always makes one wonder why others don’t see the same picture! Anyway, the wind did come through at 30+ knots, and even though we had a fairly restless night on the wharf, it felt good not to have the anchor stresses and strains.

 

The weather ahead now looks confused, with lots of light stuff and going through 360 degree shifts a few times over the week. Not good stuff for fast, sailing passage making. We are still looking at the Minerva Reef option, but more important is whether we opt for a slow, motoring sailing option, with lots of uncertainty, or hang around more for a better sailing window? I hate motoring, and yet we are both starting to feel the stress of waiting...... We will give it another day r so, and see what new weather forecasts show. So for now:  STILL WAITING!

 

On the positive side, apparently the ocean dTonga is more than 1 degree centigrade colder than it normally is, and so the chances of early season cyclones is more remote than usual.

 

It is Sunday today, so all is very quiet in town, but we have had lots or curious visits from locals visiting the harbour on their rest day, and a Dutch solo sailor joined us for afternoon coffee and Ruth’s lovely freshly baked cake.  Sounds all very suburban.....

 

More when we have more clarity...

 

Cheers for now

 

H