This little town is certainly set up for the cruisers. It is somewhat touristy but in a low-key way. There are no tee-shirt shops and trinket stores but lots of cafes and restaurants situated over the water with views of the harbor. Each morning there is a produce market where I found locally grown lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. There are at least six internet cafes although the service is painfully slow. The airport has several flights per week to the capital of Nuklualofa so this is a decent place for crew changes. Several sailboat charter companies have operations here but their business has been slow, apparently because of a general drop in tourism following a bout of civil unrest after the King died recently. I believe Tonga has the only surviving true monarchy in the world and many would like that to change.

The social life here rivals that of Zihuatanejo, Mex. At this point on the "coconut milk run" most of the boats know each other or at least have heard of one another so there are many group activities and parties. Last night 18 of us went to an all-you-can-eat barbecue at a local restaurant. On Saturday 13 of us are renting dune buggies to go on an off-road tour of the interior of the island. If one gets tired of all the amenities and activity there are 30 secluded and idyllic anchorages just a few hours away by sail.

All else is well onboard. Last night there was no wind so I got eight hours of continuous sleep, the first time in weeks.