After a quick check in with Customs in Pangai we moved the boat about a mile north to an anchorage off the Ha’apai Beach Resort where we enjoyed a lovely meal and the hospitality of Matt and his wife, ex-cruisers who literally dropped the hook in this beautiful spot. The next day we moved north to have a look at Nukunamo and Foa Islands. On the charts, both of these anchorages looked very tricky and littered with reefs. If not for the advice of other cruisers I might not have even tried to get in, but once we ziggity zagged our way through the reefs with Wendy on the bow pointing out shoals, it was well worth it. We anchored in a big sandy spot about 20 ft deep and water so clear you could make out every detail on the bottom. First up on the day’s agenda was the dinghy tour, scouting out the anchorage, possible snorkel spots and beach landings. We then crossed the little channel between Foa and Nukunamo and went ashore for a walk on Nukunamo (see pict). The beach was so soft it was like quicksand in places. Later we snorkeled on the reefs that we dodged coming in and scouted our exit strategy. It’s best not to try getting in or out of here unless the sun is good and high to show the reefs clearly. The next day we had a leisurely sail back to Pangai to clear out with customs and prepare for our next passage north to Va’vau.