Three more boats arrived this morning with flags from the U.S., Canada, and Finland. The Finnish boat I don't know but will meet the crew tomorrow evening at a pig roast arranged by a local family. There are now seven of us in the anchorage. I expect one or two more boats to arrive today while the weather holds. It is expected to blow hard starting tonight.

The inhabitants of this island have by far the most primitive lifestyle of any island I have visited so far in my ocean travels. It is in sharp contrast to the relative affluence of French Polynesia and American Samoa. The economy is one of subsistence with the people growing or collecting almost all of their food. There is no central source of power. A few homes have solar panels or generators but fuel is in short supply and very expensive. Most families use kerosene for cooking and lighting. There are a few vehicles but horses or bicycles provide most of the transportation. Everyone wants to trade with visitors just like they have for a thousand years. Today I traded a tee shirt for some papayas, mangoes and bananas. Tomorrow a fisherman is bringing tomatoes and cucumbers for some fishhooks. Despite the simple way of life everyone seems happy and content. The ambitious ones leave for the main island or go abroad to work.

All else is well onboard. I am looking forward to the pig roast tomorrow.