This was not the best day to provision as the weekly supply ship does not call until Wednesday, but I am anxious to sail to some of the outlying islands for a few days so I decided to load up today. The outdoor produce market is good for a few tropical fruits and some vegetables such as lettuce (a real treat), cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, cabbage, carrots, and, of course, taro, breadfruit and yams. There are several small bakeries in town so fresh bread is no problem. Eggs are available but dairy products are hard to find except, perhaps, just after the ship arrives. The fish market only has snapper. I have seen no chicken but there are cuts of frozen beef in 5 kilo bags along with ground beef. There are plenty of chickens and pigs wandering around so I know they are eaten but do not seem to be available at the market. Beer, wine and liquor are available but the selection is limited and the price high. At any rate, my food locker is sufficiently full so that I can head out and not worry.

All else is well onboard. Sand Dollar will depart Nieafu tomorrow for a short cruise to a more secluded anchorage in the island group.