We drifted into Vava'u in the early hours, losing a day when we changed time zones. In flat calm, we enjoyed the dawn chorus as we floated in Talau bay waiting for enough light to see our way into the anchorage. Heavy rain (enough to completely fill the side decks to the top of our bulwark!) had enhanced the scent of the vegetation around us, and the bird song seemed particularly lovely. It's been a while since we were steeped in this sort of lush tropical jungle at such close range, with the cliffs rising straight up out of the sea. We were unable to clear customs over the weekend, and are still waiting to locate someone to do this for us although it is almost noon on Monday. Since we have not been able to go ashore until then, friends who are already here have come by bringing us fresh produce and bread. Now we hunkered down as a storm front passes over us - Welcome to Tonga.

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