We left Nuku'alofa a week ago, making a slow overnight passage to the Ha'apai group. This is the middle group of islands in the Kingdom of Tonga and comprises many small islands and reefs strewn across a large stretch of ocean between Tonga'tapu in the south and the Va'vau group in the north. Due to the marginal charting and the abundance of unmarked reefs it is most prudent to travel only in the daytime with the sun high enough to make the submerged reefs easier to see. Despite these challenges this is a beautiful group of islands with numerous good anchorages, pristine beaches and very friendly people.

The main town for these islands is Pangai, a sprawling township of about 3000 people; third largest in all of Tonga. This area was hit pretty hard by cyclone Ian which destroyed many homes and commercial buildings. Nevertheless, the people are resilient and the government has numerous reconstruction projects underway which are replacing the older buildings with newer, "environmental resistant" structures. The picture above shows the old Ministry of Justice relocated by Ian right off its foundations.
Still, Pangai has been an interesting stop. We saw the church of the immaculate cross where in 1977 a large 30 ft cross shape miraculously appeared in the lawn outside the church. They've since etched it out in concrete. I think it could have been some kids with a big jug of Roundup, but who can say? I also found a case of diet coke (my final vice). After scouring the capital of Nuku'alofa with no luck, this turned out to be quite a find in a little shop here in Pangai. Funny the things you learn to take for granted in the land of plenty.

Anyway, we're parked here off the Ha'apai Beach Resort (great stop by the way - very cruiser friendly) waiting for the wind to veer a little south before setting out on another overnight passage up to Nei'afu in the Vavau group. It's only about 75 miles, but we will probably sail at night to ensure good light on our arrival. Looking forward to the best pizza in the entire south pacific at the Aquarium Café! At least it was last season when we stopped there.