September already! Can’t believe we have been away since January! We have covered so many nautic miles and seen some many islands! It feels surreal sometimes.

We are still in Neiafu, main town (if you can call it that!) of the Vava’u group of islands (North) of the Kingdom of Tonga. Nothing much is happening here and there is nothing much to visit on the island. The landscape is gently hilly, very lush and green, a few villages scattered around, very poor, a few nice beaches. In Neiafu all the bars, cafes and restaurants are owned by expat. Mainly Australians and New Zealanders. The food they served is very average and all are too expensive for what you get. Even drinks are stupidly expensive so going ashore fun a sundowner to meet other sailors costs a fortune! There are a few shops in town selling the bare minimum. There is also a fresh fruit and vegetable market which is not too bad I guess. One good thing, you can find very good bread. Tongans are nice but not always very honest unfortunately.

We have met some very nice new people, particularly a couple from New Zealand, John and Wendy, who recently arrived in Neiafu. I went for a couple of nice long walks with Wendy. Lots of laughs and chats. Last night we had a farewell party on Stuart’s boat, BEYOND. He is leaving today for New Zealand stopping on the way in Tonga Tapu (the Southern group of islands where the capital of Tonga is). It was a very funny evening. We will miss him.

The Vava’u Regatta starts next Wednesday until the following Tuesday. We have registered. It should be good fun and an opportunity to meet more people.

The boys are still asleep as I am writing this. We intend to go sailing round the islands today and find a good snorkelling spot. There are quite a few clouds in the sky. Let’s hope they will blow away.

All good onboard.

Love

Mike and Catherine