Beckoning Baby Bear Breeze
28 October 2010 | Nuku Alofa, Tongatapu Group, Tonga
October 28
Today was an unusually fruitful day (no fruit of any kind were harmed during this process). Don't know what went wrong. Was drifting along in pleasant complacency when suddenly it was 1730 and productive activity had transpired. Took 0800 water taxi to clear into Nuku Alofa, clear out of Tonga, acquire duty free fuel fuel form (in duplicate, stamped, after hour wait for customs agent to materialize) and shop for groceries. Returned to take Anthem into downtown harbor for fuel, motor back to anchor same spot, change engine oil and hang paper towel holder. Even celebratory evening sojourn at Big Mama's for libation, socializing and teriyaki chicken burger ended with pickup of laundry. It was a beautiful character building experience. Hate it when that happens. After a lifetime of striving for improvement, have decided it's more fun going the other way.
Bar/restaurant owned by Big Mama (she is) which is called.. well, you know.. off which a great melange of old and new cruising friends has congregated awaiting jump-off for New Zealand is on Pangaimotu Island one NM northeast of town. This is a wonderful location and great cruiser bar with sand floor, darts, billiards, table tennis and multiple services including aforementioned shuttle. Friendly people, good food, cold beer. Enhanced by today's clear sky, this last view of Tonga doesn't suck, a lot.
Despite above and barring some odd circumstance such as weather forecast not being accurate... ummm... anyway, plan and hope to commence next passage shortly. Calendarized agendaration as follows: Friday (tomorrow)- final shopping, final boat prep and big Rally party; Saturday - recovery; Sun - weigh anchor (expect something rather close to previously determined 45 pounds plus chain); Monday - lament hasty departure due too much wind... or too little.
Jack