We arrived yesterday morning at about 7:30 am. On our way into Flying Fish Cove (aptly named), we called Christmas Island Police on 16 and they contacted Customs and Quarantine for us. We were directed to a mooring and told that the authorities would come at 9am to check us in. Even though it was Sunday, they did not charge overtime, which is nearly unheard of. The authorities are Australian and very friendly and we enjoyed a chat over a cup of coffee.

After getting cleaned up we went ashore to "settlement" to the Visitors Center and then to Golden Bosun Tavern for "big brekky", although most of the patrons seemed to be drinking, rather than eating, their breakfasts! We had some brekky and a beer to celebrate a safe passage, and also the longest one that the two of us alone have done yet. The rest of the day was pretty much spent catching up on sleep.

It is a beautiful volcanic island with steep, lush green hills. The anchorage is a small bay with absolutely clear water and great snorkeling. Interestingly, we are the only sailboat here at the moment, although they are expecting a couple more this week. The island's main industry is phosphate mining, which there is evidence of everywhere. Most of the island is unsettled, but we hope to rent a 4WD to explore the remote areas where there are some ruins, caves, hikes, etc.