The Cook Islanders today celebrated their independence from I don't know whom. They say they are self-governing but they are all citizens of New Zealand and carry New Zealand passports. There are only 10,000 of them living in the 15 islands but over 250,000 living in N.Z. There is very little economic opportunity in the Cook Islands so many of them just pack up and move to Auckland, especially the kids.

There was a parade today in Omoka, the main settlement on Penrhyn. I think there were two floats entered in a contest and some young kids marching. We missed the parade but showed up for the barbecue and hung around for about an hour waiting for the food to be cooked but no one was in a hurry so we packed up and returned to the pearl farm.

Another boat arrived this morning, my friends Larry and Trinda of "Katie Lee" out of Seattle. They remained anchored outside of the pass because of high winds in the lagoon. Let's hope the weather settles tomorrow as I would like to do a little more bonefishing.