September 15

Although Apia is at 171 degrees 46 minutes west, the international date line takes a jog east, so it's cheek by jowl with tomorrow. This is of no moment, except that proceeding to Neiafu, Tonga from here makes one 24 hours older (not 23 as one would expect) and, more importantly, causes loss of a travel day for desired arrival next Tuesday. Hadn't previously focused on that, so expect to leave for halfway point, Niuatoputapu, tomorrow, Thursday, which is actually Friday even though at 173 degrees 47 minutes west it should be Thursday, but it's not. Does that clear it up for you? Well then, how about this - time of day is the same as Samoa, so no time zone is crossed. There's a bureaucrat involved here somewhere.

Looks like a mass exodus tomorrow for Tonga as at least five boats decided today to join the parade. Departing crows will have about 171 NM. Waterborne transport may go a touch farther as Niuatoputapu is t'other side of Upolu. Wind is forecast at 12 to 18 with 10 foot, 11 second sea. Looking for a good sail (this assumes one can trust a weatherman a day ahead).

As O dark thirty departure is necessary to assure reasonable ETA in New Potatoes, will relate details of tonight's show and buffet at Aggie Grey's in some future blatherage.

By the way, with additional sampling data, have reconfirmed that rain never stops, ever.



Jack