Graveyard Shrift
12 September 2014 | Suwarrow, Cook Islands
Friday 12 September 2014
We never tire of watching marine critters, especially the bigger ones like sharks, whales, turtles, porpoises and rays. Arose this morning at the ungodly hour of... well OK, so we're not really early birds, but even so got on the reef at 0730 for a spectacular dance with the big mantas. Pretty sure it would have been great had there been any. Maybe they'll come by tomorrow.. or is this one of those things where it only happens if you're not there to see?
As related to good friends and former close neighbors Fitz & Angela from beautiful Tierra Verde Island near St. Petersburg, Florida (adjectives 'good' and 'close' may be interchanged at will), Suwarrow (originally named Suvarov by a Russian explorer named Lazarev on a ship named Suvarov.. TMI?) has achieved near mythic status from Kiwi Tom Neale's book, "An Island to Oneself", about his life as a hermit here over 26 years, the large number of vessels lost on its reefs (including recently, a 53 foot Amel Super Maramu, "Amiable", on a bommie not far from us when his anchor chain broke in a blow) and for the wonderful experience it's been for cruisers who have stopped by (you may have noticed at least one possible caveat). Jury's still out for us, so may blow (minor snicker) out of here Sunday morning when wind has promised to not only reappear, but from a proper direction. We're feeling lucky.
Despite baking last afternoon, overnight sleepage was pleasant with a smidgen of breeze and comfortable temps. It was even cool this morning, so have decided to skip midday and proceed straight on to evening. Will let you know how that works out.
Apparently the Vava'u Regatta committee has not been very committed (minor snicker) this year. Greg at the Tropicana Bar/Restaurant (SSCA cruising station in Neiafu) is trying to scrape up something in October, so time pressure reduced vis-a-vis September. Glad we didn't short shrift any cool spots in a rush to get there.
Jack