August 13

Despite this being the tropical South Pacific, it is, after all, the austral dead of winter and Avarua is deepest penetration south until departing Tonga for New Zealand. Cold showers that were so delightfully refreshing when temperatures were... well, tropical have, during this cold snap, substantially lost their charm. With no hot water for the jacuzzi, may again resort to two gallon bug sprayer and kettle heated water.

First day out of Rarotonga en route to Palmerston, with predicted easing wind, has provided 20 to 25 knots and highest seas yet at four meters plus with barely enough frequency to avoid ugly. It's not really, really uncomfortable (a condition that may be corrected for awhile as stabilizing force 6 decreases ahead of destabilizing waves), but with double reefed main and staysail placing center of effort relatively low, a difference in wind force can be detected between troughs and peaks.

Sorry about not keeping up with photos. Primary causes can be distilled down to: cheap and lazy. (Being cuddly and lovable, while undoubtedly positive attributes, have not proven to be of significant help) First, free wifi has been non-existent and paid service is dear. The second reason, of course, requires no elucidation.

Jack