Position 24/4/19. 7 20' 9"N, 134 27' 13"E . We arrived at Commercial Dock in Palau yesterday morning at 1030. We entered through the 'easier' wider western channel called Taogel Mlingui. The currents and width make that entry manageable. I had forgotten how extraordinarily beautiful Palau was. The north islands and reefs present the typical and lovely lagoon colour that only occurs near reefs and sandy bottoms. The green/blue would be difficult to replicate. Those little islands are also fringed with white beaches and coconut palms. We were driven north by a very strong current so decided to go through the Kayangel Channel in the north of Palau. instead of the southern channels, and then come south again to the western entrance. We needed daylight to come in through the reef so we 'hove to' about 8 miles offshore and sat with nose just off the wind. We took turns to get up and check our position every hour or so. We had little sleep. There was quite a breeze however, and a strong current which overnight took us almost 8 NM further to the NW. All good as we didn't want to come closer to the reefs east of us anyway .

The channel in is quite dramatic. On both sides of it are reefs and they run parallel to the hilly shore. The land is rugged and covered in green trees and lush tropical plants. The hills look like rugged volcanic creations with wild steep sides and sharp peaks. Everywhere are 'rock islands' which are mostly old reefs , which are eroded at their bases and have become mushroom shaped. The tops are covered in lush vegetation. Today John and I were caught in a heavy downpour while out with Hunter in the dinghy and we sought shelter under the base of one of the rock islands. We were kept dry there until the rain eased up. Photos will be posted when I get wifi reception tomorrow.

Take a look at Palau if you can find information on internet. The whole of Palau has now been made a Marine Sanctuary by their courageous Government which hasn't bowed to pressure from some very big nations to the east and north.

Until tomorrow. John and Ginni