After an uneventful sail last Sunday (May 8th), we completed our 75 mile passage to the picturesque atoll of Apataki. From the moment we entered the entrance pass, we immediately knew this place was special. Bright sun reflecting off the brightly painted structures in the village that lined the pass contrasting against the backdrop of brooding dark clouds in the background made for a stunning views! After an hour of motoring carefully thru the bommies (coral mounds) that are scattered throughout the atoll, we arrive at a small motu (small sand & coral islands that rim the atoll) named Tamaro. Interestingly, as we approached the anchorage, we could see sailboats masts in the trees and realized this small village has a boat yard! Nothing else is available (no food, fuel, etc.), but it has a boat yard with ~15 medium to large cruising boats on the hard here. Apataki is a strikingly beautiful place that we only discovered through a referral from fellow cruisers Walter & Meryl aboard Flying Cloud. There are six boats anchored here currently, all well-traveled cruisers. Since our three cruising guides don't say much about anchorages or popular cruiser hangouts, we now realize the value of relationships and networking with the cruising community. And the cruisers are a community. We had originally planned to arrive on Saturday, so the local cruisers had organized a potluck dinner for the occasion. But we were delayed for our baguettes' order, and missed out. Even so, upon dropping anchor on the following day, Flying Cloud was at our boat to invite us over for dinner! We've been sharing (mostly gaining) knowledge and information with folks here since. The weather has been a bit challenging for the past week due to a stubborn front that refuses to move on, so we get periodic rain showers and a lots of looming black rain clouds on the horizon. We haven't seen a sunset in a week, but like everything else, this will change. Best wishes to all from Huzzah!