Show at Aggie Grey's

September 16

Got away at 0600 with no wind. Didn't fill in until 8 NM south of Upolu after motoring for six hours, then has been 17 to 20 on the beam. Anthem is romping along at better than 7 knots in 3 meter beam sea. With continued conditions, could arrive in Niuatoputapu much earlier than anticipated tomorrow, before noon. Wind vane is steering the boat like it's on rails, albeit somewhat lumpy ones.

Show and buffet dinner last night were at Aggie Grey's Hotel, an institution in Apia for 60 or 70 years and now run by Aggie's granddaughter. Traditional dancing and music were performed by volunteers from the staff who were excellent as was the food and cheaper than Tisa's on Tutuilla. Beach Boys could have written one of the songs, but would have needed help with Samoan lyrics. Got some video, but sound didn't seem to record. Too bad as it was terrific. Typically, for all-you-can-eat, ate all I could before waddling home late.

Expect to spend only two nights at New Potatoes, maybe one. It's suppose to be beautiful, but otherwise not much there. The 1300 Potatans...um, Taters (are the kids tater tots?) are Tongan and live on the north end of the 13 square kilometer island. Between Samoa and Vava'u, the place is somewhat isolated except for now when a deluge of boats seems to be invading. Hope the natives are friendly.

Jack