September 26

Perfect weather, big 'yeller' moon shining down through a canopy of trees, dancing black-lighted skeletons on a ship's bow sticking out of a steep, close hillside, movie projections onto stretched boat sails either side, DJ with good, loud, thumping music, cheap food, strong drink and four or five hundred people - great Full Moon Party marred by atrocious logistics for getting bodies back and forth to island. Some waited three hours to arrive and late attendance was undoubtedly winnowed by fear of forced stay past fun threshold. Some intrepid souls dragged home around 0400. Personal training ameliorated morning aftereffects.

Scheduled potluck lunch on nearby beach was not well organized, advertised or attended, but an ambulatory few had fun anyway.

Magnificent sail back to town in 12 to 15 knots with calm sea. Short-tacking isn't the gnawing desire of most heavy displacement, full keel cruiser owners, but enjoyed honing technique through narrow upwind channel into Neiafu. Return today was necessitated by Chinese restaurant. It alone is open on Sunday and personal chefage - not an option. Besides, Tridecagon-athon (don't know, but signed up) is at 1030 tomorrow. Notice indicated water and dirt would be involved. Sounds like fun if personal humiliation is not a distressing concept. Plan to leave, however, at first sign of Maury Povitch.

Jack